Anime Why The Hell Are You Here

Okay, let's talk. You know those anime characters? The ones who just… exist. They're always there.

They're not the heroes. Not the villains. Just...filler. Why are they even here?

The "Just In Case" Crew

Seriously, I'm convinced some anime studios have a "Just In Case" file on their computers. It's filled with character designs. Random powers. Zero backstory.

Need someone to trip and drop the important plot device? BAM! Just In Case character activated. Someone needs to stand in the background and look vaguely concerned? You guessed it. Another JIC.

The Token Childhood Friend

Let’s start with the Childhood Friend archetype. You know them. They've known the main character since diapers.

They pop up every few episodes, offering moral support. They might bake some cookies. Maybe confess their undying love (that's *never* reciprocated).

Then, poof! Gone again, until the plot *conveniently* requires a reminder of the main character’s humble beginnings. Like, why?

The Exceedingly Generic Rival

And then there’s the Rival. The one who's slightly stronger than the protagonist. They have a vaguely defined motivation, like “being the best”.

They show up to challenge the hero every few arcs. The fight ends in a draw, or the hero wins thanks to some ridiculous power-up.

The rival then sulks in a corner for a while. They reappear later, slightly stronger. The cycle continues, ad nauseam. So original.

The Filler Episode King/Queen

Don’t even get me started on the characters introduced solely for filler episodes. Remember that time the hero had to save a village of sentient turnips?

Yeah, me neither (mostly). But I *do* remember that bizarre side character who only existed in that one, completely irrelevant, episode.

They probably had a name. I bet they even had a voice actor. But all they did was scream about turnips for 22 minutes. I will never forgive Sentient Turnip Village Lady.