Dere “デレ”
What is dere? In anime, often the protagonist’s love interest or surrounding characters have very distinctive personalities and behaviors that makes audiences and the protagonist like them. These character archetypes categorized in different “Dere”. This week we look at some of the most common dere types seen in manga and anime.
Tsundere
A combination of Tsuntsun, the sound used for disagreement or disgust and Deredere, lovestruck. Treats their love interest poorly in public at first, over time develops feelings for the love interest and attitude changes.
Hajidere
Characters that become incredibly nervous/embarrassed around their love interest/crush.
Kuudere
Cool type characters who show little to no emotion. Rei Ayanami – Neon Genesis Evangelion
Yandere
Characters appear to be normal but will do anything to keep the love interest safe and to keep them theirs, even if it means someone has to die.
Dandere
Silent type characters that don’t usually say a lot. Over time opens up to the love interest. Example Urara Shiraishi from Yamada & 7 witches
Deredere
The lovey-dovey type character who is friendly to almost everyone. Typically these characters will show their love for their love interest without reservations. An example of a Deredere character would be To Love-Ru’s
Bakadere
Innocent and ignorant almost in an adorable way. This type of characters usually has no clue as to what is going on around them. Astrea – Sora no Otoshimono
Undere
A combination between “Un” the sound of agreement and Dere. These types of characters will agree to anything their love interest suggests. Example: Misa Amane – Death Note
Mayodere
A character who is initially introduced as an Antagonist. Over time develops feelings for the protagonist. Note that this does not necessarily mean they will change sides. An example of Mayodere will be Esdeath from Akame Ga Kill!
Kamidere
God complex. Kamidere characters are typically arrogant and proud. They believe themselves to be better than everyone else.
Himedere
Princess Syndrome. Not necessarily a character with a royal upbringing but a character with a wealthy or powerful upbringing. Usually, high pride creatures that see a majority of the other characters as their lessers but there have been exceptions. Erina Nakiri – Shokugeki no Soma
Kanedare
Gold diggers. Money > everything. Nami – One Piece
What’s your favorite type of dere and why? If you have any other term you want to learn more about, let us know in the comments!