Seasoned anime fans are familiar with the family of character archetypes known as “-dere&#8221,” each describing how a character feels and expresses affection for others. The word “-dere&#8221” comes from Japanese and means something like “in love&#8221”, and the prefix determines which archetype is being used. An example is the kuudere archetype, one of the most subtle of the -dere, without the temperament of a tsundere or the aggressiveness of a yandere. Kuuderes are among the coldest and most distant lovers and friends in anime, providing a necessary contrast to the more energetic archetypes such as himbos, genki girls, and of course, tsunderes.

Even new anime fans have probably seen a few kuuderes without recognizing them, so it's helpful to learn more about what defines this archetype, why it's so beloved by fans, and examples of how anime characters can get creative with it. The term kuudere evidently comes from the English word “cool&#8221”, which aptly describes how a kuudere character typically behaves: cool, calm and detached in a story.

In general, a kuudere acts detached and almost emotionless towards most people, and almost everyone around them believes this to be their true nature. These characters are often seen as unapproachable or even slightly intimidating, or they may be popular for acting like mature, superior people who don't mind messing with others. This can lead to an “ice queen” reputation, positive or negative, which some kuuderes may accept as yet another excuse not to talk to people.

While some anime characters are actually cold and detached, such as certain villains, a kuudere is only partially cold and detached, as they still have the “dere” side to their personality. Like all -dere types, kuudere are capable of feeling and expressing affection, and this is often an important part of their story arc. In the best romance series, for example, the protagonist may be challenged to break through a kuudere's icy barriers in order to connect with them and begin a real romance. In shonen action anime, kuudere tend to behave this way in terms of close friendships rather than romance, showing the power of friendship only when they are ready.

A fundamental aspect of the kuudere archetype is confidence and self-knowledge. A kuudere chooses to be cold and detached in their daily life, often as an expression of their true personality and/or chosen lifestyle. A kuudere wants to be detached and hide their true affection from most people, and in most cases, they feel comfortable doing so. This means that the kuudere is generally mature, introverted and patient, characteristics that are essential for the functioning of this archetype.

Notable examples of kuudere characters:

• Hirotaka Nifuji from the romantic josei series “Wotakoi: Love is hard for otakusis a distinct example of the kuudere archetype. With his fixation on video games, Hirotaka loses himself in single-player games with incredible skill, demonstrating the confidence characteristic of this archetype.
• Queen Aharen of “Aharen-San is indecipherableputs a charming twist on the kuudere archetype with its focus on the language of love through food and arcade games, rather than words, to demonstrate her affection for her friend Raido.
• Some characters take their cold exterior to the literal extreme, like. Shoto Todoroki's “My Hero Academia” and Esdeath by “Akame Ga Kill!-, both users of ice powers that symbolize their kuudere nature.
• Finally, Rin Shima's “Relaxed campingis a kuudere who shows her -dere side by sharing camping tips and beautiful photos of her camping trips, although she prefers solitude in her outdoor adventures.

Source: ComicBook Features

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