For many people, the anime Naruto is both relatable and inspiring. The series often delves into themes involving friendship, loyalty, purpose, and determination, which are all things people struggle with daily to understand.
Part of the reason why Naruto is so relatable is due to the characters within the show. Every character has interesting motivations, personalities, and backgrounds that are easily identifiable to the audience’s own lives. Fans of the show may even realize some things about themselves through the characters they like the most.
Tsunade – Comionate
At the beginning of the series, Tsunade was a jaded character due to the losses of her brother and her lover. This, however, is not wholly representative of her. While she can be a bit cynical, Tsunade mainly wants to better the lives of people. It is partly what pushed her to be medical-nin and why she decided to become the 5th Hokage. Those who like Tsunade likely feel strongly for the needs of other people. They are comionate and desire to make the world a better place despite knowing how hard that task can be.
Rock Lee – An Underdog
Unlike the others on this list, Rock Lee is unable to use Ninjutsu or Genjutsu. For many, this would mean being unable to become a shinobi, but Rock Lee never gave up. He worked twice as hard in his taijutsu skills to become an expert martial artist capable of holding his own against some of the strongest shinobi. Those who like Rock Lee were probably overlooked by their peers growing up and likely found themselves struggling to keep up with others in a certain field of interest. However, instead of giving up, they chose to work twice as hard and subvert everyone's expectations.
Hinata – Insightful
While Hinata is most known for her timid behavior, it is not wholly who she is. From her very first introduction, Hinata has seen something in Naruto that no one else could. Everyone else saw him as a loser or an idiot, but she ired his determination and bravery and strived to be like him. Additionally, Hinata is always focused more on the feelings and considerations of her peers and tries her best to understand and work with them. Those who like Hinata, are likely those who are able to see things others cannot see within themselves. They have a deep level of understanding, and can accurately read people.
Shikamaru – Work Smarter, Not Harder
Initially, Shikamaru is considered to be a lazy and apathetic character. While this personality trait continues throughout his life, it actually has considerable value for him. Shikamaru is essentially too smart to care about things.
Instead of putting in exorbitant amounts of effort in training his body or his ninjutsu, he relies on his brain to accomplish his goals. He can do a lot with very little and is able to direct and utilize his teammates in creative and effective ways. Those who like Shikamaru often think differently. They know the best way to handle a problem is not through brute force, but rather with clever thinking.
Obito – Idealistic
A tragic character, Obito is one of the main antagonists behind a lot of the events that unfold in Naruto. Once a kind child, Obito grew up to be bitter after witnessing the death of his crush and teammate, Rin. Despite his status as a villain, Obito has always been idealistic. As a child, he motivated Kakashi into caring for teammates and others above all else, and even as a villain his ultimate goal was to create a peaceful world. While he never saw his goal through, Obito felt comfortable letting it be ed on to Naruto, resulting in him reforming his ways. Those who like Obito often believe in his ideals of peace. They likely do not agree with his methods, but they too want to strive to make a better world for everybody.
Madara – A Perfectionist
As one of the most legendary ninjas in history, Madara was a powerful antagonist throughout the series. Like Obito, he wanted to make the world a “better” place but was often ruthless in his efforts to achieve this. Madara was typically gifted at everything he tried. His incredible combat prowess, strength, ninjutsu, and intelligence were in the highest levels of power, and he always strived to better himself further.
Those who enjoy Madara are likely perfectionists. They desire their efforts to be the best they can possibly be above all else. This often a gift and a curse, as they sometimes wear themselves out too quickly. On the other hand, they are typically competent and successful in their goals.
Kakashi – Cool-Headed
Kakashi is easily the most exemplary ninja within the anime. He is skilled in every Jutsu category and has shown himself to be capable of stealth, disguise, and espionage. Even though Kakashi’s life has not been easy, he still keeps himself composed. He keeps his cool throughout all his fights even when he is at a disadvantage. Those who like Kakashi are able to keep control of their emotions in stressful situations. They don’t let their problems get the better of them, allowing them to take action in a situation effectively.
Sakura – ive
Often disregarded by fans, Sakura is one of the of Team 7. While she might not be as strong as either Sasuke or Naruto, she is still useful in battle as a medical ninja with her healing skills saving the lives of countless characters. Aside from her expertise as a healer, she is also ive of her friends. She typically backs Naruto up in many situations and is one of the only characters who is continuously ive of Sasuke going rogue. Those who like Sakura are usually ive people willing to help others. They may not do well as individuals, but they are great at lifting others up. Due to this, they are often well-loved and ired by their peers.
Sasuke – Driven By A Purpose
Throughout the course of Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden, Sasuke tended to be driven by purpose. Initially, he wanted to prove himself to his family, then he wanted to kill his brother to avenge the Uchiha clan, then he wanted to destroy Konaha to avenge his brother, then he wanted to become the world’s villain so everyone else would have a person to unite against, and finally he served as protector of Konaha. Whatever Sasuke chose to do, he always did so with all the effort he can put in. People who like Sasuke are often highly motivated towards achieving their goals. To them, their purpose in life matters the most, and that it should be achieved above all else.
Naruto – Seek Acceptance
Being the jinchūriki for the Nine-Tails, Naruto was often an outcast. He didn’t have any family, friends, and many of the other villagers looked at him with contempt. This never deterred Naruto, and instead of being left with resentment, he chose to prove himself to others. Many people at some point in their life feel alone like Naruto did. They may feel isolated or unwanted, but just like Naruto, they will one day find the people in their lives that truly love them.
