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Some anime characters are so well-written that even after death, they remain as important figures who influence their world and leave tales of inspiration for the living to follow. However, not every character's influence is positive, as some powerful individuals continue to terrify the world long after their death. Regardless, the sheer presence these characters hold proves that death isn’t the end of their story, but a new way for their legacy to continue changing the lives of many people.
The most fascinating thing about these characters is how, despite their absence and limited screen time, they become central to the overall narrative. This can be achieved through great execution involving key flashbacks and stories carried on by living characters. As such, these characters end up becoming fan favorites due to their lasting impact.
Thors Helped Thorfinn Grow As A Human Even While Dead In Vinland Saga
Thors is by far the strongest character in Vinland Saga, being able to overpower even the likes of Thorkell. Despite having such overwhelming strength, Thors chose the path of peace. Unfortunately, Thors' death drove his son, Thorfinn, to seek revenge. He killed many innocent people, which he later regretted.
It's here that Thors appears in Thorfinn's dream and plays a major part in helping him move forward. Had it not been for Thors, Thorfinn's guilt might have overcome everything and led to his death. Thorfinn also ended up saving many people by persuading King Canute, which is all thanks to Thors' influence and desire for Thorfinn to become a true warrior.
Yoichi Is Responsible For Almost All Major Events In My Hero Academia
Yoichi is the very first One For All user who kick-started the story of My Hero Academia. Not only did his memory and actions help One For All move on to worthy successors, but his ability to communicate with Deku through One For All changed the course of many major storylines. Had it not been for Yoichi's influence, All For One would've likely defeated the heroes and taken over the world.
Yoichi also helped convince two One For All holders to trust Deku, allowing him to wield their quirks that played major roles in winning crucial battles. Additionally, Yoichi's strong will that still lingers inside Deku prevented All For One from stealing One For All. This single intervention gave the heroes another chance of defeating All For One.
Kite Influcned Gon To Sacrifice His Nen And Kill Pitou In Hunter x Hunter
Kite is one of Ging's best students and a powerful hunter who helped mentor Gon throughout the Chimera Ant Arc. Gon's relationship with Kite started much earlier in the series, as he met Gon when he was a child. This helped Gon quickly grow fond of Kite, building a unique bond that made Gon see Kite as a father figure.
As such, Kite's death affected Gon deeply. From here on out, saving Kite becomes a major goal for Gon to achieve. Kite's memory helps him train and harbor a deep hatred for Pitou that eventually leads to her death. Seeing Kite’s corpse manipulated by Pitou like a puppet also broke Gon, pushing him past grief and into an obsession that ultimately transforms him into a monster. Kite's influence not only led to one of the Royal Guard's deaths but also made the main character lose his Nen abilities forever.
Ai Hoshino Continues Influencing Her Children Even While Dead In Oshi No Ko
Ai is a once-in-a-lifetime idol who demanded the attention of every fan. She also gave birth to two reincarnated children who were die-hard fans of Ai in their previous lives. After Ai dies, her child, Aqua, makes it his life's goal to track her killer down and get revenge. The entire narrative revolves around Ai's background, with the story changing as Aqua discovers more information about the dead Ai.
Even Ruby is constantly influenced by Ai's old performances, wanting to become an idol just like her mother. As Oshi No Ko progresses, Ai's impact only becomes stronger. Few characters in anime influence their series this much after death, as Ai's presence shapes both the personal goals of her children and the larger mystery driving the story forward.
Shoyo Yoshida Lives On In The Hearts Of His Students In Gintama
Shoyo remained a massive mystery throughout Gintama, with his past involving Gintoki and his old Joui War friends only being revealed during the last few arcs of the anime. Later, Utsuro revives in Shoyo's body, which only creates more conflict for his students. Not to mention that the major antagonist, Takasugi, is mainly motivated to destroy everything due to Shoyo's death.
Had it not been for Utsuro's identity also including Shoyo, Takasugi would likely not have involved himself as much in the final battles of Gintama. Oboro is also another one of Shoyo's students who ended up serving Utsuro due to his memories. Needless to say, Shoyo's influence is found in almost every major plot point of Gintama.
Ymir Fritz Manipulates Events Thousands Of Years After Her Death In Attack On Titan
Ymir was a common slave who became the founder of the Titan powers after coming into contact with a strange creature. Despite becoming almost omnipotent, she continued serving under King Fritz. She soon died protecting Fritz, only for him to force her own daughters to eat her flesh and take on the power of the Titans.
Even after her death, Ymir continued to serve the royal family, working like a slave for thousands of years within the Paths. Without Ymir, none of the Royal Family members would be able to use the Founding Titan's powers. She also pulled strings from behind the scenes, guiding Eren and Mikasa toward the future she desired.
Rengoku Drives Tanjiro Forward Even After His Death In Demon Slayer
Rengoku is the flame Hashira from Demon Slayer, loved and respected by everyone around him. His death marked a major turning point in the anime, giving a harsh reminder to the Demon Slayer Corps that even one of their strongest Hashira was no match for an upper-rank demon. While the message was terrifying, it also motivated the characters to give it their all.
Even Tengen saw a vision involving Rengoku, as Rengoku tells him to take care of Tanjiro and the others. This allows Tengen to fight through the poison and not let a single person die, just like how Rengoku kept everyone safe. Of course, Rengoku’s greatest influence is on Tanjiro, who carries his sword hilt and continues to honor his legacy. Tanjiro even begins to use Rengoku's famous lines, showing just how much impact Rengoku has even after his death.
Goku Communicates With Living People Even While Dead In Dragon Ball Z
Goku is a notorious example of a character dying and still maintaining their influence, except he does it directly rather than through legacy or memory. Most anime fans realize that death is largely meaningless in Dragon Ball Z, but Goku takes it a step further by talking with living people through King Kai even before waiting for his revival.
A great example of Goku's influence is during the final battle between Perfect Cell and Teen Gohan, as he motivated Gohan to give it his all. Before Goku intervened, Gohan was ready to give up and die. As a result, Goku ended up saving the entire solar system while staying dead.
Madara Uchiha's Name Alone Drives The Entire World To War In Naruto Shippuden
Madara is a popular anime villain whose influence in Naruto Shippuden is so strong that entire nations end up going to war due to an impostor using Madara's name. His stories of battle with the First Hokage, Hashirama, are notorious across the ninja world.
Due to his reputation and the sheer terror he spread across the lands during his lifetime, Madara is both respected and feared by even the strongest ninjas. Of course, he also planned to control things after his death through Obito.
Himmel's Memories Inspire Countless People To Do Good Deeds In Frieren: Beyond Journey's End
Despite mainly appearing in flashbacks, Himmel the Hero continues to change the lives of several characters in Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. His influence extends beyond those who traveled with him, touching even people who only know him through stories passed down from their elders.
Himmel's ideals and kindness serve as a source of inspiration that others aspire to achieve, with characters like Wirbel embodying his will. Himmel's legacy is not only remembered but continues to change the world for the better.
