'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAAGAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFQABAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAb/xAAhEAABAgYCAwAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMABAUGERIVMSJRgf/EABQBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP/xAAYEQEAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAAIhcf/aAAwDAQACEQMRAD8AhqvcdBlbrpK0yc6ZSWSUPtAIG4VkAAZx37itFUs90BzhHxv5Y0Qe/sIQhZ2DYEOT/9k='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
In terms of power relations in anime, a manipulative character is perhaps the most dangerous force on screen. A great example is Makima of Chainsaw Man, who employs psychological control, contracts, and fear to coerce people to her own purposes. But in the world of anime, we have just as many intelligent characters who use manipulation as a viable and, perhaps even more, powerful tool. This list discusses ten of these characters, in order from those closest to the subtle strategies Makima uses, to the most manipulative anime character of all time.
Manipulative characters in anime who rival Makima
10. Sosuke Aizen (Bleach)
Aizen of Bleach is known for his composed attitude and manipulative intellect. He lies to the Soul Society for decades while maintaining the pretense of a dedicated captain. His command of the Kyoka Suigetsu, which controls all five senses, guarantees total control over perception.
The most typical example is his betrayal at Soul Society, when he reveals his lies and crushes both comrades and enemies. Similar to Makima, Aizen plays with people through a combination of psychological fear and overwhelming power. He can manipulate perceptions in ways that make him nearly unbeatable.
9. Lelouch Lamperouge (Code Geass)
Another character who can compete with Makima is Lelouch of Code Geass. He can command unquestioning obedience with his Geass, and his tactical genius makes him formidable. Lelouch manipulates through well-planned strategic foresight, unlike Makima, who primarily feeds on fear.
One of the most well-known examples is the Zero Requiem, in which Lelouch plans his self-demise to bring the world together in peace. He uses friends, foes, and even ordinary people to demonstrate that power may be wielded for both personal and honorable purposes. Emotional and political manipulation have made him one of the most complex tacticians in anime.
8. Light Yagami (Death Note)
Light Yagami in Death Note is an intellectual manipulator. He takes advantage of the Death Note to kill his enemies and make people believe he is a god. Leading a dual life as Kira and a model student exemplifies his genius in deception.
One example is how he dupes Misa Amane into serving his interests blindly, all while avoiding personal harm. Like Makima, Light treats people as chess pieces, but his emphasis on intellectual superiority sets him apart. He is so calm in executing psychological schemes that he maintains control over both allies and enemies until the very end.
7. Johan Liebert (Monster)
Johan of Monster is one of the darkest and most manipulative characters ever. In contrast to Makima, who relies on contracts, Johan dominates purely through psychological skills, often without supernatural powers. He makes people commit heinous acts without lifting a finger.
The most chilling aspect is how he manipulates a child into committing murder, showing his terrifying control over human nature. His manipulative depth is concealed by a calm and soft voice. Johan demonstrates that psychological fear can rival supernatural power.
6. Griffith (Berserk)
Griffith of Berserk is one of the most prominent manipulative characters in anime. He elicits the undying loyalty of the Band of the Hawk while hiding his real intentions. He promises dreams and glory, presenting himself as a savior, but his decisions reveal he is ruthless in his desire to sacrifice anyone.
A prime example is the Eclipse event, where Griffith betrays his comrades to ascend to the position of Femto. Like Makima, he can emotionally and psychologically manipulate people, using devotion as his weapon. Griffith demonstrates that charisma and ambition, when used manipulatively, can ruin entire armies.
5. Naraku (Inuyasha)
Naraku of Inuyasha is an expert manipulator who thrives on duplicity and betrayal. He pits friends against each other and exploits feelings such as hatred and jealousy to undermine his opponents. His constant use of illusions and trickery ensures that nothing can ever be fully trusted.
An example is how Naraku manipulates Sango through her brother Kohaku, forcing her into impossible choices that further his agenda. Like Makima, Naraku preys on emotional weaknesses, but his longevity and perseverance allow his manipulation to span generations.
4. Kyubey (Puella Magi Madoka Magica)
Kyubey is a prime example of cold, logical manipulation in anime. In its alien form, it lures young girls into magical contracts without revealing the deadly consequences. Kyubey relies on omission of truth and calculated falsehoods, unlike Makima, who uses fear.
A well-known example is how Kyubey influences Sayaka to make a wish, which eventually leads to her death. Its emotionless voice reinforces the manipulative nature, showing that human suffering is irrelevant. Kyubey embodies the danger of being manipulated under the guise of rationality.
3. Dio Brando (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure)
Dio Brando is infamous as one of the most manipulative anime characters of all time. He is charismatic, cunning, and cruel, enabling him to conquer both friends and foes. Since childhood, Dio has plotted his way to the throne and corrupted everyone along the way.
A case in point is how he uses Enrico Pucci, a religious priest, to execute his plans even after his death. Dio survives by twisting the beliefs of people to serve his interests, as Makima does with loyalty and fear. His manipulative charisma influences two generations of JoJo protagonists.
2. Shogo Makishima (Psycho-Pass)
Makishima of Psycho-Pass represents intellectual and ideological control. The Sibyl System cannot detect him, leaving him free to exploit the loopholes of society. His skill in manipulating criminals to achieve his objectives demonstrates his deep understanding of human psychology.
One vivid example is how he controls Rikako Oryo to commit heinous acts, transforming her into a tool of destruction. Unlike Makima, Makishima can manipulate not only individuals but the entire ideological order of his world. He is dangerously effective through his combination of philosophy and psychology.
1. Shou Tucker (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)
Shou Tucker may be the most manipulative anime character ever, even crueler than Makima. Although he is a skilled alchemist, his true nature is revealed when he sacrifices his own family for research. His manipulative actions toward his daughter Nina, and the trust of Edward and Alphonse, illustrate how misguided and warped he is.
The most infamous example is the chimera incident, in which Tucker fuses Nina with her dog Alexander, exploiting her innocence and trust for his own gain. Compared to Makima’s larger-scale plots, Tucker’s manipulation is intimate, personal, and terribly cruel. These actions make him arguably the most manipulative character in anime.
Trending
Some of the most perverse and captivating anime stories feature manipulative characters. From Griffith’s charm and deceit to Shou Tucker’s intimate cruelty, every character on this list demonstrates that power is not always vested in brute force. Makima from Chainsaw Man is a classic manipulative figure. Yet, anime history is full of competitors who demonstrate how intellect, charm, and cruelty can combine into dangerous manipulation.
Reply
