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Discover why Obito Uchiha is one of the most well-written characters in Naruto, and what makes his character arc so captivating.
Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto series is a treasure trove for some of the most compelling and well-written characters in anime. From iconic villains like Madara Uchiha and Pain to tragic antiheroes like Itachi Uchiha, the series certainly has no shortage of unforgettable characters.
Among them, however, few have led to as much debate, sympathy, and intrigue as Obito Uchiha. Fans have spent several years arguing about whether he was a villain, a hero, or just a victim. What makes Obito so fascinating and well-written is how multidimensional he is, as there is simply no way of telling if he’s just a product of a cruel world or a man who made selfish choices out of revenge.
That being said, let us explore why Obito Uchiha is one of Naruto‘s most well-written characters.
Obito Uchiha’s Journey From a Hero Turned Villain in Naruto
At the beginning of his journey in the series, Obito’s character mirrored Naruto Uzumaki in more ways than one. Like Naruto, he was a bright-eyed boy who dreamt of becoming the Hokage of Konohagakure. He used to be cheerful, kind, and full of unwavering determination, which are the traits that made us fall in love with Naruto’s character. What’s more, he had a crush on his fellow team member, Rin Nohara, and even had a one-sided rivalry with Kakashi Hatake.
Throughout the series, Naruto had people like Iruka, Kakashi, and Jiraiya to guide and support him through his pain and loneliness. Obito, on the other hand, had no one. In fact, his entire world turned dark when he was crushed, both literally and emotionally, by the loss of his body, his dreams, and most painfully, Rin, during the events of the Third Shinobi World War.
Obito was thought to have died during the war, with his only surviving legacy being the Sharingan he gave to Kakashi in his dying moments. However, Madara Uchiha saved his life, following which he became disillusioned with reality and inherited Madara’s plan to reshape and create an ideal world. Therefore, after resurfacing as Tobi and taking control of Akatsuki, Obito eventually went public and started the Fourth Shinobi World War.
This shift in Obito’s character, from an innocent and hopeful hero to a vengeful villain, is one of the most compelling aspects of his character. His story forces the viewers to ask themselves – how much can a person endure before they eventually lose themselves? All in all, Obito’s story is undeniable proof that even the kindest souls can be consumed by despair and hatred if they are left all alone in their suffering.
Was Obito’s Relationship With Rin a Catalyst for His Downfall?
While talking about Obito’s character, it’s important to address Rin Nohara’s impact on him as well. His love for her was the emotional anchor of his childhood. As such, her death was the one event that completely broke him and shattered his resolve. But here’s the thing: while Rin’s death was undoubtedly traumatic, it may not have been the catalyst for Obito’s descent into darkness.
Some may argue that it would feel a bit reductive to boil down Obito’s motivations to a love-struck boy who couldn’t cope with rejection. The reality about his descent is certainly more complicated than that. If we look deeper into his character, Rin wasn’t simply a crush for Obito. In fact, she represented everything that Obito wanted to protect as the Hokage – a world where people could live without fear.
Aside from being a personal loss, Rin’s death felt like a crushing blow to his hopes and dreams. It was a cruel reminder of the harsh reality he lives in. Moreover, learning that Rin was forced into becoming a weapon for destroying Konohagakure is what caused a fundamental shift in his perspective and subsequently led him down a path of extremism.
Obito as a Reflection of Naruto and Sasuke
Arguably one of the most brilliant aspects of Obito’s character is how closely he mirrors Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha. In many ways, he is the “what if” scenario for both characters. He perfectly represents what Naruto could have become if he didn’t have his friends and mentors to pull him back from the brink. He also embodies what Sasuke would have become if he had completely given in to his hatred.
In all, Obito represents both the dark and darker path that Naruto and Sasuke could have taken – a path of bitterness, vengeance, and hopelessness, where there was no coming back from. Obito’s interactions with Naruto in the series are particularly interesting. This is because they feel like conversations between a man who gave up and a boy who refuses to. Fortunately, towards the war’s conclusion, Obito realized the errors of his ways and had a change of heart. As atonement, he sacrificed himself to save the same world that he had set out to destroy and recreate.
Obito’s Redemption in Naruto
Obito Uchiha’s redemption in Naruto is an example of a redemption story done right. Redemption in general can be a bit tricky, especially for characters who have committed unforgivable atrocities, like Eren Yeager from Attack on Titan. However, Obito’s redemption felt earned. It didn’t come out of nowhere; on the contrary, it was messy and filled with self-doubt.
Even as he fought alongside Naruto and Kakashi in the war after having a change of heart, Obito struggled to forgive himself for all the pain and devastation he had caused. What makes his redemption stand out is the fact that it doesn’t erase his past mistakes. He doesn’t get a happy ending and a life alongside the same people he committed atrocities against – he dies knowing that he can never undo the harm he has done.
However, in his final moments, he chose to protect the world he once sought to destroy, thereby proving that it’s never too late to make the right choice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Obito Uchiha in Naruto is a tragic yet beautifully written character. In fact, fans worldwide consider him to be a masterclass in character writing. His character arc had three stages: a young and hopeful boy, a broken villain, and finally, a man seeking redemption for his wrongdoings. Overall, it showcases Masashi Kishimoto’s unrivalled ability to create brilliant characters who have a lasting impact on both the fans and the overarching narrative.
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