The rival.

Especially the douchebag Machiavellian type rivals that the main character ends up friends or teaming up with after the main character 'proves their worth' to them by being stronger. No character growth outside of now they work with the protagonist.

I really want this trope to be subverted one day, like the douchey rival shows up and everyone is just like "Wow what a dickhead" and just relentlessly bullies him until he goes away.

  • nohaybanda [he/him]
    ·
    1 year ago

    I'm sure it exists, just don't know if it's common or representative of the trope. Of course, I've not watched anime in a decade so...

    • Owl [he/him]
      ·
      1 year ago

      Decade old anime knowledge vs two decade old anime knowledge trying to guess what the current state of anime is.

      Go team!