Zenitsu Agatsuma, a protagonist of the Demon Slayer show, is one of a kind. Unlike Tanjiro, who is a brave and focused character or Inosuke, and whose impulsive behavior is partly motivated by aggression, Zenitsu frequently relapses to panic, self-doubt, and profound fear of any kind of danger. Instead of being vices, these are features that made him an original and rather believable hero.
As narrated by the series, most protagonists in the action-filled stories are confident while Zenitsu follows the ridiculous human characteristic of facing and struggling with fear and doubting one’s value. His personal struggles are probably the most interesting and believable aspects of his personality in the entire series.
Zenitsu’s anxiety issues are close to reality struggles that most people go through. His first refusal of accepting the offer of becoming a Demon Slayer and his occasional bursts of fear make him quite different from the typical anime protagonists.
Zenitsu’s fear: A relatable strength in the face of darkness
Zenitsu’s fear is not just a trope but a vital component that highlights his human vulnerability and need for protection. Being alive means that one has to expect the Demon Realm where the creatures of the darkness are a part of everyday life. Zenitsu does not attempt to mask his fear; he actively displays it which can annoy those around him.
Although it erases the strict and decisive man from the romantic heroes’ picture, this honesty in his feelings is rather endearing. While Tanjiro faces every problem head-on and Inosuke who jumps into whatever danger headfirst, Zenitsu being fearful is a weakness yet interesting to the group.
His fear also provides for his episodes of bravery or at least attempts at bravery. To have Zenitsu even move despite the terror that he feels adds humor to bravery in the series. These moments indicate that courage is not the lack of fear, and is indeed strength in the face of it.
Zenitsu, once again thank you for being a relatable character that shows fear is something human and that we have to face it at some point.
Zenitsu’s journey: From insecurity to strength in the face of adversity
Another interesting element of the anime is the character development of Zenitsu. He began in this series as weak-willed demon slayer with dreams of quitting the job. Although he is a character in the story, his excessive feelings of insecurity and demand for affirmation create the feeling of being undeserving of the title – Demon Slayer. Despite this, Zenitsu transitions as a character when he accompanies Tanjiro, Nezuko, and the entire Demon Slayer Corps.
Zenitsu fights his fears as the anime series goes on giving the best of him that he probably didn’t know he had in him. He transforms from a man who always wants to run away into a man who will fight for what and who he loves. You see, this journey that hits a nerve to viewers who know about the feelings associated with coming out of one’s insecurity. His story also shows that even those who are usually weak, will be able to step up when that courage is needed.
Zenitsu Agatsuma, while not stereotypically heroic, is still a very effective protagonist. He is just a man who embodies everyone’s fight against our own adversities and search for a strength to continue fighting. Thanks to the jokes, internal conflict, and personal development, Zenitsu is a perfect example of how even the dimmest characters can glow in the darkness.
