When talking about anime, there are only a few series that have captured the hearts of their audience quite like Naruto. This story, created by Masashi Kishimoto, is an exciting journey through a world of adventures, ninjas and jutsu that has become one of the most popular anime of all time. At its core, Naruto tells a story of growth, resilience, and friendship. And what’s at the heart of this whole narrative? Its characters.
10 Rock Lee
When it comes to character development in Naruto, Rock Lee is one of the shining stars deserving of a spot. From the start, he’s an underdog living in a world of supernatural powers. He can’t use ninjutsu or genjutsu, but what he lacks in those areas, he makes up for with his determination and hard work. His journey from someone with no innate talent in jutsu, to a formidable martial artist in taijutsu (hand-to-hand combat) is a testament to his greatness as a character. Rock Lee is the perfect example, as he teaches us that with enough effort, you can overcome your limitations.
As we see him train relentlessly, growing both as a fighter and as a person, it’s impossible not to root for him. But this is not the only reason for him to be so endearing, he also has a golden heart, and he’s loyal to his friends and to his mentor, Guy Sensei, showcasing the importance and power of camaraderie. This combination of optimism and unyielding belief in the value of effort is what makes Rock Lee an incredible character in this show.
9 Tsunade
Tsunade is considered one of the most beloved characters of Naruto. And one of the reasons behind that lies in her incredible development throughout the story. She’s not only an incredibly talented ninja, but she’s also part of a trio of legendary ninjas known as the Sannin. But her life wasn’t easy, she has experienced a lot of pain and loss after the deaths of people she loved, such as her brother and her lover. Because of this, she gave up being a ninja and became a hermit addicted to gambling and drinking. These struggles and personal losses added depth to her story.
However, her arc of transformation is what earned her a spot on this list. She was famous for her medical-nin, and she’s the world’s strongest female ninja. But because of her fears and doubts, she was reluctant to move forward. Eventually, she does embrace her responsibilities and uses her incredible abilities to protect her village once she goes back. Even becoming the Fifth Hokage, the leader of the village, carrying on the legacy of her grandfather, the First Hokage. This whole journey from a hermit to a powerful and caring leader is what makes her a symbol of resilience and strength.
8 Hinata
Being presented as a shy, introverted girl with an unrequited crush on Naruto, Hinata’s transformation is one that’s worth talking about. At the beginning, she is a character that’s constantly struggling to find her voice and place. Even though she’s part of the Hyuga clan and the heiress, she’s presented as unsuited to lead the clan. But throughout the series, there are key moments in which we can see her flourish and become a strong and confident individual.
Undoubtedly, Hinata exemplifies that love can be a powerful source of strength and motivation. We can see that, throughout the series, her love for Naruto acts as a driving force behind her personal growth, a love that made them a beautiful and iconic couple in anime. And even if some may argue that her actions are driven by her emotions, that doesn’t need to diminish the significance of her character development. Her actions serve as a reminder that incredible and enduring transformation can come from the heart.
7 Jiraiya
In the world of Naruto, Jiraiya is one of those characters with remarkable development, as he goes from a perverted and carefree individual to a wise and responsible mentor. An evolution that is not just about his personal growth, but it also provides a great impact to the story. After all, his ultimate life mission is to train the Child of Prophecy (Naruto), and this is a defining aspect of his character.
He’s the kind of character that’s so endearing and loved by the fans because of his strength, but mostly his sense of humor and how it’s perfectly balanced with Naruto’s goofiness. In that way, Jiraiya becomes a needed figure for our protagonist, with his guidance and mentorship, he equips Naruto to evolve into a formidable ninja.
This kind of responsibility, his backstory and experiences are the elements that add layers of depth to his persona. After facing his own demons, his failures and embracing his role as a legendary ninja, his position as one of the most brilliantly developed characters in this anime is solidified. And even after his death, his legacy continues to inspire.
6 Sasuke
Sasuke Uchiha is the rival and best friend of our protagonist, Naruto. He’s an elite ninja whose character development is nothing but impressive. Considering his past, he begins as a young, brooding ninja consumed by vengeance against his brother, Itachi, who was responsible for the slaughter of their clan. His character growth is also physical, as he unlocks new abilities and skills. Besides, his interactions with Naruto, Sakura, and other characters in the series play a significant role in his development.
However, his desire to become stronger and his search for revenge start to shift as he goes through intense challenges, causing him to question his purpose and the path he’s taken. It’s because of this that he evolves as a character. He wasn’t a one-dimensional seeker of vengeance anymore; he became a complex individual who faces internal struggles and seeks redemption and reconciliation. All this intricate development keeps fans engaged and invested in his story, solidifying his place as one of the most well-developed characters in Naruto.
5 Kakashi
From a mysterious, masked ninja, to a wise and respected mentor, is the journey of Kakashi Hatake. At first, he appears as an enigmatic figure with a calm demeanor that’s haunted by his past, always adhering to a strict code and a strong sense of responsibility. However, as the story progresses, we learn more about his past and how he struggles to come to terms with it. All the hardships he faced, the sacrifices he’s made, it’s an insight that humanizes his character and adds more depth and connection to him.
His story is one of resilience and personal growth that was shaped by his willingness to change. He goes through a heartwarming transformation as he becomes the mentor and father figure of the young ninjas of Team 7, but especially to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura. He teaches not only ninja skills, but also valuable life lessons about perseverance and teamwork. Undoubtedly, Kakashi Hatake stands out as one of Naruto’s most brilliantly developed characters.
4 Gaara
The first impression we have of Gaara is of an isolated and menacing figure who’s consumed by his hatred. Like Naruto, Gaara’s life was marked by loneliness, bearing the weight of his demon, the One-Tail Shukaku, as an outcast. This struggle with his own inner darkness is what made him the target of hatred and fear in his village.
However, as the series unfolds, we can witness his incredible transformation. From a merciless adversary, he becomes a trusted ally who can connect with others and can find comfort in friendship. The pain of his past starts to be replaced by compassion and understanding. He’s the kind of character that embodies the central theme of this anime – The ability to break the cycle of hatred to forge a better and brighter future. Gaara’s journey, just like Naruto’s, is a testament to the power of change and redemption, inspiring us all to overcome our inner demons and find the path to a brighter future.
3 Shikamaru
At first glance, we can think that Shikamaru is nothing more than a lazy and disinterested person, but as we delve more into the story, we can see his true hidden potential. Shikamaru is considered one of the most intelligent characters in this universe. He transforms from a carefree teenager to a responsible and strategic leader. Taking on important roles within his village.
The best way to exemplify Shikamaru’s character development is the journey he must face to deal with the loss of Asuma, his mentor. This is a tragic moment that forces him to confront the harsh reality that is life and death. All this pushes him to become a stronger, more determined ninja, someone who can protect his friends and village as a true hero. Such is his capability that some fans even consider Shikamaru as someone who would make a great Hokage.
2 Naruto
Being considered one of the best Shonen protagonists, it’s impossible for Naruto to not be on this list. He starts as a misunderstood troublemaker that dreams of becoming the Hokage of his village. A hot-headed, impulsive young ninja who has struggled with loneliness, rejection, and the demon fox within him, all these elements added depth to his character.
Throughout the series, Naruto must face multiple challenges, including not only intense battles, but also self-doubt and personal loss. Through these experiences, and because of the bonds he created with the people around him, his character was shaped. His journey goes beyond acquiring strength, but he also gains wisdom, compassion, and a sense of responsibility on the way. In this way is how he matures into a powerful, thoughtful, strategic, and wise hero and leader. Undoubtedly, his unwavering determination, despite the numerous tragedies he had to endure, is what makes him an inspiration for viewers of all ages.
1 Itachi
Finally, at the heart of Naruto’s best-developed characters is Itachi Uchiha. He stands as the pinnacle of complexity and evolution. We first see him portrayed as the cold-hearted murderer of his parents and the entire Uchiha clan, except for his brother, Sasuke. An event that generates a lot of hatred in Sasuke’s heart toward his sibling.
However, as the story goes on, we find out that Itachi had a deep and selfless love for his village, Konoha. And after he finds out that his clan is planning a rebellion that could harm the village, he decides to take the mission to eliminate the clan. So, he chose to protect Konoha even when it meant he would become a traitor. But, as we delve deeper into his motivations, these actions were also driven by a profound sense of love and sacrifice for his younger brother. This complexity sheds light on how gray the areas of morality are, and it leads the audience to question their judgments and values on what they consider to be good or bad in the Naruto world.
