Death Note: Does Misa Amane love Light? 

Death Note is a series known for its psychological thriller plot, where every move decides a character’s life or death. However, even in the middle of all the intensity, there is a character who left her old life and supported Light Yagami, the main character of this show, more than anyone else.

Misa Amane was initially a gothic model who also got her hands on another Death Note and became the second Kira. While she kept saying she loved Light throughout the story, fans have been wondering if it was love or did she see him in a different light. Yes, Misa Amane loved Light, but it not in a romantic way. It was more of devotional love, felt for a higher energy.

Before her paths crossed with Light Yagami, her life was quite tragic. Misa’s parents were murdered, but the killer went free because of a legal loophole. When Kira (Light Yagami) killed the criminal, Misa's perspective on Kira changed — she saw him as her savior. Soon, the feeling of gratefulness turned into obsession, and Misa started worshiping him.

At the fateful moment when they met in real time, her obsession went off the charts. Given her emotional vulnerability, her feelings might be better understood as emotional realization rather than traditional love.

On the other hand, Light Yagami has never shown any interest in romance and does not reciprocate her feelings. In his eyes, her existence is a useful tool to him. While Misa offers genuine affection, Light dangles affection like a carrot on a string. For him, she is never a girlfriend — she is a pawn in his larger plan to eliminate L and rule the world.

Misa, though, would shockingly sacrifice everything if Light asked her to. For instance, she has given up half her life twice to obtain and re-obtain the Shinigami Eyes. Moreover, Misa has also gotten accustomed to being constantly manipulated, ignored, and used.

Her actions can be labeled as noble, but if we take a closer look, it could be considered as co-dependency and a lack of self-worth. Misa believes her only value is in being useful to Light. Her identity becomes entirely defined by him.

Light sees himself as a god. Misa sees herself as his worshipper. In most relationships, love is built on mutual respect and equality. In this case, however, one person sees the other as divine, and the other sees their partner as disposable.

Did Light Yagami ever care about Misa Amane in Death Note?

From Misa’s point of view, there were times Light showed concern, but we know it was just an act to make sure she didn't leave him. Every time he showed interest, the act was heavily laced with self-interest. He protects her because she is useful, not because she matters to him.

Interestingly, Misa’s Shinigami Rem in Death Note shows signs of care and affection towards her. It is ironic because she is supposed to be a Shinigami, and yet has genuine motives towards her. Rem’s love is unconditional. She gains nothing from protecting Misa, but does so anyway. In contrast, Light’s relationship with Misa is transactional — he gives nothing he doesn’t expect a return on.

Final thoughts

Trending

Yes, Misa Amane in Death Note was in love with Light, but it was not the healthy kind. The relationship she had with him lacked genuineness, mutual respect, growth, and emotional safety. While it was love, it was the kind that hurts more than it heals. Even at the end of the story, Misa’s love was real but, unfortunately, never reciprocated.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback