19 Anime Soldier Characters

Be mindful! Mikasa Ackerman, the powerful character from the popular anime “Attack on Titan,” embodies the strength and courage of female soldiers. With a compassionate heart and fearlessness, she redefines the traditional role of a sniper.

Mikasa embodies the traits of agility, quickness, and precision, making her the epitome of a powerful soldier. Her emotional depth, combined with her impressive abilities, makes for an unforgettable character.

Roy Mustang, also known as the “Flame Alchemist” from “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood,” adds a fiery presence to anime’s male military soldier category. His charming personality is just the beginning of what he has to offer.

Roy Mustang stands out with his flame alchemy expertise and unwavering commitment to justice. He combines his strength with a sense of responsibility, making him a remarkable military force.

Meet Jonah Mar from “Jormungand,” a character who brings an unexpected and impactful twist to the child soldier anime trope.

Jonah’s journey from a ruthless killer to a protective ally showcases warfare’s traumatic yet transformative nature. Despite his young age, Jonah exhibits profound maturity, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

Enter the “Gurren Lagann” world and discover Yoko Littner, a unique anime soldier girl. Yoko’s fierce determination and exceptional marksmanship make her a formidable opponent.

Yoko is a powerful anime character who breaks stereotypes by fearlessly showing her feminine side while defeating massive enemies. She has inspired many fans and quickly become a beloved figure in the anime world. Once you discover Yoko, you won’t be able to imagine life without her.

In the realm of anime warfare, there exists a character named Tanya Degurechaff from “Youjo Senki: The Saga of Tanya the Evil” who is quite extraordinary. Tanya is not your average soldier girl; she is a former businessman who has been reincarnated as a ruthless military officer in an alternate universe that resembles World War I.

She is an anime soldier girl with unmatched strategic skills and relentless determination, making her one of the strongest and most impressive characters on screen.

Here’s a unique addition to our list – Gasai Yuno from “Mirai Nikki” (Future Diary), a character in an anime series who wears a gas mask and has an air of enigmatic and formidable energy.

Despite her cute appearance, she has a fiercely protective and somewhat unpredictable personality, ready to defend her loved ones from any threat. Her resourcefulness and unpredictability make her a captivating character, keeping viewers engaged from beginning to end.

Explore the world of Vikings through the eyes of Thorfinn in “Vinland Saga.” He embodies the child soldier anime trope with his upbringing on the battlefield. Thorfinn’s story is a poignant tale of seeking revenge, complete with intense combat and powerful emotions.

The individual’s tough demeanor and exceptional fighting abilities exhibit the warrior ethos of their era while also exposing warfare’s brutal truths.

Guren is a character that many people can’t help but fall for. Although he holds a position of authority as a commander, he often seems disinterested during meetings or when explaining strategies.

He may resort to violence if his subordinates don’t listen, but he genuinely cares for them. He’s not afraid to speak the truth, even if it means calling out Yuu for a foolish mistake. Plus, he has an irresistibly smug face.

If you’re searching for a small but powerful character, Len from “Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online” is your answer. Len may appear cute and harmless as an anime soldier-girl sniper, but she’s a lethal presence on the digital battleground.

Her quick thinking and exceptional sharpshooting skills demonstrate that physical stature isn’t a determining factor when you possess the toughness of Len.

Captain Levi Ackerman from Attack on Titan is the perfect example of an anime soldier who believes in “actions speak louder than words.” He is the leader of the elite Special Operations Squad and is known for his impressive combat skills, which help him become a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.

Despite his tough exterior, he is committed to ensuring humanity’s survival in the face of the Titan threat. Levi’s unwavering discipline, stoic dedication, and ruthless effectiveness give him a captivating edge.

We want to commend Major Motoko Kusanagi, the cybernetic soldier featured in Ghost in the Shell. Her exceptional intelligence and cybernetic abilities enable her to lead Public Security Section 9 while balancing her human and machine components effortlessly.

She embodies a futuristic perspective of what a soldier can achieve, displaying fearlessness, capability, and unwavering dedication to her mission. Her strength and strategic prowess make her a true example of excellence.

Legend of the Galactic Heroes would not be complete without the remarkable Reinhard von Lohengramm. He is not only a soldier but also a skilled tactician and a true leader. His legendary journey from a lower noble to becoming the Emperor of the Galactic Empire is truly remarkable.

Reinhard’s strategic brilliance shines through, unlike other soldiers who rely on their physical prowess. He has an exceptional ability to understand the intricacies of interstellar warfare, making him a master strategist on the cosmic battlefield.

In “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood,” Edward Elric offers a distinctive perspective on the common anime theme of child soldiers. Following a forbidden alchemical practice, he loses his arm and leg, yet still manages to become the youngest State Alchemist ever and gains the nickname “Fullmetal Alchemist.”

His unwavering determination to find a way to reclaim what he and his brother Alphonse have lost exemplifies his incredible grit and resiliency.

The Soul Society guard squad commander, Yamamoto, is considered the strongest warrior in all of Soul Society. Despite being over 2,000 years old, he shows no signs of weakness in combat. His immense physical strength and remarkable agility make him a formidable opponent against almost any enemy.

Moreover, he becomes an unstoppable force when he wields his fire-based Zanpakuto, Ryuujin Jakka. When he activates his Bankai, his sword can summon flames of such intense heat that they can incinerate anything they touch to nothingness.

In the Phantom Bullet arc of Sword Art Online, we are introduced to Sinon, a skilled sharpshooter who joins the ranks of our virtual soldiers. Although she faces challenges personally, Sinon is highly respected for her combat abilities in the virtual world.

Her precise aim, unwavering determination, and bravery in confronting her fears demonstrate her remarkable soldier-like qualities. Sinon’s character delves into what it means to be a soldier beyond physical strength, examining the complexities of psychological warfare.

Before adopting his identity as Kenshin Himura, the friendly wandering samurai dearly loved by his companions, he went by another name: Hitokiri Battosai. Kenshin earned this nickname due to his unwavering attitude as a soldier during the Meiji Revolution. However, after the war, he vowed never to retake another life.

Now, Kenshin only uses his sword to protect the vulnerable. To prevent causing fatal harm to his enemies, he carries a Sakabato – a sword with a reversed blade unsuitable for delivering a deadly blow.

Maes provides a delightful touch of humor to the show and executes it perfectly. Nevertheless, he is not inexperienced. When faced with difficulty, Maes rises to the occasion.

Maes’ unbreakable love and dedication to his family is the first thing you’ll notice about him. Seeing how he constantly thinks of his wife and daughter is endearing. It’s impossible not to like Maes.

Chisato, a member of the Lycoris, started her career as a government agent and covert operative. Since a young age, she received combat training and has gained a reputation among her peers as unmatched in her skill.

Chisato is particularly skilled in close-quarters combat, where she can dodge bullets by analyzing the trajectory of her opponent’s gun. Although she currently works as an independent contractor, her time in the military has influenced her preference for incapacitating targets without killing them.

In the anime series Berserk, the main character Guts challenges the traditional definition of a soldier. Having grown up amid war, he faces incredible challenges with bravery and never gives up. Guts was once the leader of the Band of the Hawk and fought under the command of Griffith.

He earned the nickname “The 100 Man Slayer” for defeating 100 enemy soldiers, using only his determination and strength of will. Later, he dons the Berserker Armor, further enhancing his battle abilities.

Best War-Based Anime That Heavily Features Soldiers

Good Anime Soldier Characters

Believability: The character should be believable as a soldier. They should possess skills, knowledge, and attitudes that align with military training and lifestyle. This includes strategic thinking, physical endurance, discipline, and courage.

Backstory: A well-developed backstory gives the character depth. Their past can explain why they chose to become a soldier, how they feel about it, and how it has shaped their personality. This backstory should tie in with the overall narrative of the anime.

Conflict: Soldiers often grapple with moral dilemmas and personal struggles. This might involve questioning orders, dealing with war trauma, or reconciling their beliefs with the necessity of violence.

Growth: Characters should develop throughout the series. A good soldier character might learn to cope with their experiences, develop as a leader, or discover new ways to serve their cause.

Relationships: Relationships with other characters are crucial. Soldiers often form deep bonds with their comrades, leading to interesting dynamics. They might also have complex relationships with their superiors, enemies, or civilians.

Uniqueness: Even within the military structure, there’s room for individuality. A good soldier’s character should have unique traits, quirks, or perspectives that set them apart from others.

Soldier Characters Are Important

Tension and stakes: Soldiers often operate in life-or-death situations, creating tension and high stakes.

Exploration of themes: Soldier characters can help explore themes like duty, sacrifice, honor, patriotism, and the horrors of war. This can lend depth and complexity to the story.

Action: Soldiers can bring much action to the plot, whether in training sequences, strategic planning, or actual combat.

World-building: Military ranks, structure, and culture can contribute to the world-building of anime. Different nations’ military might reflect their societal values, technology level, or political situation.

Character interaction: A military group’s camaraderie, rivalries, and hierarchies can lead to compelling character interactions.

Army/Military Anime 2023