Yuuichi Katagiri, Kiyotaka Ayanokoji & More

There is a fair share of manipulators in anime. They’re portrayed in a ton of different ways, ranging from antagonists to protagonists. It is common in anime series where the hero, the love interest, or even the narrator reveals themselves to control everything in the plot. 

These characters share some similar personality traits, such as possessing great charisma. While some are shown as outright evil-doers, others pull the strings from behind the scenes. They’re intelligent and great planners, so they’re always a step or two ahead of their targets. They consider every possible outcome and factor affecting their plans and act accordingly.

With that being said, here are some manipulating characters from different anime series who are well-known in the community because of their cynical and scheming nature.

Yuuichi Katagiri

One of the most intelligent characters in the Tomodachi Game is Yuuichi Katagiri. He is extremely good at manipulating those around him and forming favorable situations according to his needs. He overwhelms Kei Shinomiya in the series but states that the latter is way better than him regarding cognitive skills. 

Yuuichi isn’t academically brilliant, as his marks are lower than Makoto Shibe’s. However, Yuuichi might be the most dangerous for weaving plots around exploiting people. He often allows himself to be underestimated by his adversaries to deceive them.

Kiyotaka Ayanokoji

The protagonist of Classroom of the Elite and Class D’s “most defective” student, Kiyotaka Ayanokoji, is mostly nonchalant, wearing a poker face that makes it difficult for others to read him. However, behind this aloof nature lies an excellent manipulator adept at getting whatever he wants. 

His monologue at the end of the first season made the audience question his actual motives. He is intelligent to the extent that he scored average in his exams to convince the school administration that he was an ordinary kid. 

Johan Liebert

A true Monster, Johan Liebert serves justice to the series title. From a young age, he has been highly skilled at pulling others’ strings. He has caused a fair share of destruction and chaos among people, which is why audiences often perceive him as a psychopath and manipulator.

Johan can easily seep into his targets’ minds and make them do the dirty work for him. Several people have died because of his actions, and Johan isn’t bothered by the consequences. He rarely shows any remorse and wants to control others.

Aizen Sousoke

A manipulative man with an underlying sadistic nature, Sousuke Aizen is easily one of anime’s most manipulative characters. He significantly affected the plot of Bleach by convincing the protagonist, Ichigo, to become stronger. He deceived him, sparked a rebellion in Renji, and even faked his death at one point, complete with an illusionary body.

Aizen tricks the protagonist several times, making him one of the most threatening antagonists in Bleach. He is willing to do anything to achieve what he wants, disregarding how his schemes affect others.

Eren Jaeger

A young kid with dreams of exploring the world turns into a cold-hearted maniac. Eren Jaeger is the protagonist of Attack on Titan, and he undergoes significant character development.In his world, the cup of cold and bitter truth dissolves his ambitions, dreams, and delight.

His actions in the later part of the series can’t be justified, and they show how cynical Eren grows. He was manipulating the entire plot from the start. He convinces his father to eat Frieda Reiss so that he can inherit the Founding Titan.