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Hunter X Hunter is one of the most popular anime of all time. Most anime have a deuteragonist, but what about Hunter X Hunter?
In Hunter x Hunter, while Gon is clearly the main character, fans often wonder who the second most important character (deuteragonist) is. Looking at the anime, we can see that Killua spends the most time with Gon and is very important to the story. He’s Gon’s best friend and appears in most episodes with him. However, other characters like Kurapika also become very important at different times, especially during certain story arcs where they take center stage.
Each of these characters has their own goals and growth throughout the series, making it interesting to figure out who really counts as the second main character. Let’s look at how these characters fit into the story to see if there’s really a clear second lead. For the purpose of this discussion, we will primarily focus on the anime adaptation.
Killua Zoldyck: The Perfect Counterpart to Gon
Often considered Gon’s deuteragonist, Killua Zoldyck is his closest friend. The story revolves around their friendship, with Gon’s more direct and innocent personality perfectly balanced by Killua’s darker one because of his past as an assassin from the Zoldyck family. Gon represents tenacity and hope, but Killua adds a layer of depth influenced by his background in a murderous family.
Throughout their journey, Killua’s character develops significantly. He struggles with who he is and wants to escape his family’s expectations. His function as Gon’s friend is strengthened by this internal conflict. He frequently opposes Gon’s beliefs while simultaneously standing by him during trying times. Their dynamic showcases how two characters can influence each other’s growth, making Killua an essential part of Gon’s journey.
In many arcs, such as the Hunter Exam and Chimera Ant arcs, Killua proves himself not only as a capable fighter but also as a strategist. His powers enhance Gon’s, enabling the two of them to conquer difficult obstacles. Because he is crucial to Gon’s character growth and the plot as a whole, this collaboration solidifies Killua’s status as a deuteragonist in Hunter x Hunter.
Leorio and Kurapika: Supporting Roles or Co-Leads?
Although Killua is frequently seen as Gon’s main partner, other characters like Kurapika and Leorio also make notable additions to the story. In addition to providing comedic relief, Leorio occasionally shows his resolve to pursue a career in medicine and help people. He might not be a deuteragonist in the regular sense, but his presence gives the group more life.
In contrast, Kurapika’s pursuit of vengeance against the Phantom Troupe for the murder of his clan has a more serious tone. His motivations are deeply personal and provide a clear contrast to Gon’s more carefree attitude. Gon and Killua’s journey and Kurapika’s path cross over during their time together, particularly in arcs like the Greed Island arc.
Though they both contribute significantly to Gon and Killua’s adventure, Leorio and Kurapika do not always act as deuteragonists the same way Killua does. Though they sometimes feel more like supporting characters than co-leads, their contributions are important. In essence, while they add richness to the narrative, it is Killua who remains at the forefront alongside Gon throughout most of Hunter x Hunter.
Story Transformation in the Dark Continent
As we enter later arcs in Hunter x Hunter, like those found in the manga, such as the Dark Continent Expedition arc, things begin to change. The focus on Gon and Killua takes a backseat as new story plots come out that introduce different themes and ideas.
Because of his special skills and objectives, Kurapika takes a more significant role in this storyline. In the Hunter’s world, his quest for vengeance against the Phantom Troupe becomes mixed up with more significant political conflicts. As Kurapika overcomes these obstacles, he begins to take on characteristics typically associated with protagonists rather than serving as a side character.
This transformation raises questions about whether Kurapika can be considered a deuteragonist during this arc. As he encounters ethical dilemmas that contradict his views on justice, his character growth becomes more and more important. The way that the focus switches from Gon and Killua to Kurapika demonstrates how Hunter x Hunter changes over time, letting other characters take center stage based on the needs of the plot.
Kurapika as the Protagonist
One may argue that Kurapika takes on a protagonist-like position in this Hunter x Hunter story given his increasing significance during arcs such as the Dark Continent Expedition arc. His personal objective serves as a source of motivation, pushing him to face more powerful enemies and struggle with moral decisions around the pursuit of vengeance.
Themes of justice, sacrifice, and loss are frequent in Kurapika’s journey; these are aspects that appeal greatly to viewers looking for a more distinct shonen show. As he faces off against enemies like the members of the Phantom Troupe or explores the complex political territory of Hunter society, it becomes evident that Kurapika’s character arc carries significant weight within this context.
However, despite these developments, it is essential to recognize that Kurapika does not completely overshadow Gon or Killua’s contributions throughout Hunter x Hunter. Instead, he complements their stories by adding layers of complexity that add to the overall experience.
Any Deuteragonist for This Arc?
As we analyze whether there is any clear deuteragonist during arcs like the Dark Continent Expedition or even later developments within Hunter x Hunter, it becomes clear that while Kurapika has many characteristics associated with protagonists, he does not fully replace either Gon or Killua in terms of overall significance across all arcs.
This lack of a single deuteragonist illustrates how dynamic the character roles are in Hunter x Hunter. The series thrives on its ability to shift focus between various characters depending on what the story is focusing on at the moment. This allows for multiple perspectives without strictly sticking to traditional roles found in other shows.
This far into its story, Hunter x Hunter demonstrates a balance between multiple protagonists who each bring unique strengths and weaknesses. This ultimately results in interesting plots throughout various arcs. While there may not be one definitive deuteragonist for every arc, it is clear that characters such as Killua and Kurapika play pivotal roles in shaping events unfolding around them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Hunter x Hunter primarily revolves around Gon Freecss as its main protagonist, it features several characters who contribute significantly to its depth. Among them are potential deuteragonists like Killua Zoldyck and Kurapika. Through their interactions and growth alongside one another, these characters create compelling relationships that enrich the experiences throughout various arcs. This has been evident from early adventures all the way through darker themes explored later on.
Ultimately, whether discussing friendship bonds between Gon and Killua or examining moral complexities faced by Kurapika, Hunter x Hunter showcases how fluidity exists within character roles across arcs. This complexity makes it difficult to pinpoint one definitive answer regarding who serves specifically as “the” deuteragonist. But it certainly highlights how diverse the story can get when multiple strong personalities come together.
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