Anime Bites 3: We're Deres, duh!

...And its time for another installment of our Anime Bites series!
*applause* (A wonderful delusion)

If you would like to read previous entries in the series, see below:

Anime Bites 1: Appreciating Slice of Life
Anime Bites 2: Otakus United

This time, we shall be venturing into a very common character archetype found in almost every anime out there. This archetype is so prevalent, and you probably think you know about it. However, you will soon see that there is no greater fallacy then that. And this character archetypes are the 'deres'.

Just a nice script. What the hell was I thinking...?

What the heck are deres?

Basically, dere is derived from the Japanese term deredere which means lovey-dovey or lovestruck and is used to describe a variety of different sub-archetypes of moe. Since its inception, it has become a significant part of the otaku moe phenomenon and has become so widespread and synonymous with anime that almost every anime has at least one character which is a dere.

What do you mean you haven't seen this!? Hmph!

While dere characters usually apply exclusively for females, male dere characters – while rare – do exist.

There are four main types of deres: tsundere, kuudere, dandere and yandere. Each has their own dynamic personality and character traits, and they share many similarities and differences.

Basically, a dere usually have the following traits:

• The main character, usually the romantic interest of the dere character, cannot be a dere himself
• The dere should be a person very close to the main character, integral to the plot and interacts a lot with the main character.
• The switch: the essential point of the dere. Around the main character, the dere will show their affectionate side whereas among other characters, they will show their normally cold and indifferent demeanour.

Tsundere 

The original dere. The tsun from tsundere comes from tsuntsun which means to have a superiority complex, being aloof and high and mighty. Usually involves a girl who initially treats everyone, especially the main character with scorn and sarcasm, but eventually opens up and become affectionate.

'nuff said

The most common reason why a tsundere acts they way they do is because they are inexperienced in love and have no idea how to express their romantic feelings and are very embarrassed when they try to display acts of affection, covering them up by acting belligerent, egoistical and even becoming violent. They are extremely prone to blushing and have a constant inner struggle, with their affection for their romantic interest contradicting with their pride and need to keep up appearances. A surefire way to identify a tsundere is when the use the cliché phrase:

“I-It’s not like I l-l-l-l-like you or anything! Get it!?”

or

“I-Idiot! It's not like I meant to do that! Stupid... d-don't get any funny ideas!”

Yup. You've definitely heard something along those lines, haven't you? Its often followed by a slap or a violent outburst. 

You better get ready for a real beating...

Examples: Katsura Hinagiku (Hayate), Taiga (Toradora), anything Kugimiya Rie

Kuudere

Kuudere is much simpler to figure out. ‘kuu’ actually comes from the Japanese pronunciation of the English word ‘cool’, and is hence a clever wordplay. Usually involves a girl who is calm, collected and is very indifferent towards almost anything. They never panic and are always in control. Underneath the façade of indifferent hides an emotional and affectionate side, and will only be revealed under the influence of the romantic interest – the main character.

Come on. How cool is that?!

Kuuderes have a variety of reasons why they do not express their feelings, perhaps they have been hurt in the past, or perhaps they need to keep up appearances or maybe they just genuinely unemotional. Either way, they usually appear cold and interacts coldly with most people until a certain main character penetrates her icy outer shell.

Examples: Saber (Fate/Stay Night), Tachibana Kanade (Angel Beats) 

Not gonna lie. This is just an excuse to put a cute girl here.

Dandere

Commonly confused with kuudere, the dandere is in fact a completely different character altogether, though it does share similar traits with the kuudere. The ‘dan’ from dandere comes from the Japanese word ‘danmari’ which means silence. As the name suggests, a dandere is a very silent person who comes off as antisocial as she avoids speaking or contact with anybody.

Yuki is a kuudere in the original Suzumiya
Yuki is a dandere in the Disappearance movies.
Yuki is also a dandere in her own TV series.

Danderes in fact might want to be sociable, but are genuinely shy and too embarassed to initiate a conversation with any person. They often keep to themselves and are usually socially awkward. Of course, as with other deres, when the special someone arrives, he ultimately removes her inhibitions and makes her able to look beyond her shell, and with his protection, she will begin to becomes more sociable.

Examples: Yuki Nagato (Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya), Yuki Sohma (Fruits Basket)

Yandere

Oh yes. There is also the yandere. The stuff of Nightmares.“Yan” comes from the Japanese term “yanderu” which means to be sick or mentally ill. Yanderes are recently becoming more and more popular, even in mainstream anime and it seems like it is a continuing trend. Yanderes are in short, insane. Yanderes are almost always bishoujos and initially comes across a cute and sweet, until someone or something flips her switch. 

Uh-oh. Run away. Fast. Now.

Obsession of a love interest is the trademark of a yandere, and anything that tries to separate her from her romantic interest will cause her to become dangerously violent, to the point of even being bloodthirsty and murderous. The yandere appears psychotic and mentally unstable – capable of doing just about anything when it comes to making sure her loved one is hers alone.

There are other types of yandere, but the most dangerous of all is the possessive yandere. This sort of yandere believe that by eating their lover, they will be one forever. Forgive my harsh language, but that is just plain disgusting. Period. Fortunately, they are particularly rare… probably... hopefully...

Examples: Lucy (Elfen Lied), Kotonoha (School Days), Gasai Yuuno (Mirai Nikki)

Holy shit! That's batshit crazy!

And that's it. Bet you didn't everything there is to know about the deres, did you? Many people can commonly refer and relate to tsundere or yandere, but the kuudere and dandere seems to constantly elude them... but now you know better. Well... its looks like that's all I have. Until next time!