Introduction
Purple characters are some of the coolest in anime, and typically have purple hair and other features (like eyes and outfits). They often have a regal and sophisticated vibe, or just stand out from the crowd due to their unique look! If you’re curious who these cool characters are, we’ve got you covered. We partnered with an anime expert to help us compile a list of the top purple characters in anime!
1. Shinobu Kocho (Demon Slayer)
Shinobu is the strong Insect Hashira from Demon Slayer, who definitely has a purple theme going on. She has purple eyes, purple-tipped black hair (which she accessorizes with a purple butterfly clip), and a purple outfit. Her character is a complex one, as she appears sweet and friendly, but she really harbors an intense hatred for demons and is motivated by revenge.
2. Jinshi (The Apothecary Diaries)
Jinshi is the purple-haired male protagonist of The Apothecary Diaries, whose long, silky hair reflects his regal status in the Emperor’s court. While he’s certainly known for his beauty and charm, he’s actually quite intelligent and helps Maomao solve mysteries around the palace. Plus, his composed demeanor actually masks his curious and slightly childish personality.
3. Fern (Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End)
Fern is one of the main characters in Frieren and, notably, Frieren’s apprentice. Anime expert Dianté Richard says Fern is a popular purple anime character right now. She has long, eggplant-purple hair and blunt bangs that match her serious and composed personality. And despite being a mage-in-training and younger than Frieren, she takes on a mother-like role over the elf and is often responsible for ensuring that she makes practical and mature choices.
Recommended For You
4. Trunks (Dragon Ball Z)
Trunks is the son of Prince Vegeta and Bulma in Dragon Ball Z, and while he’s sometimes depicted as having blue hair in later series, he first shows up rocking lavender locks. He’s a complex character, as he’s featured as a child and his future self in the anime. While present Trunks is silly, competitive, and confident, Future Trunks is serious, cautious, and respectful.
5. Sailor Saturn (Sailor Moon)
Hotaru Tomoe, aka Sailor Saturn, is one of the Outer Sailor Guardians in the magical girl anime. She has a black bob with a dark purple sheen and dons a purple costume when she transforms into Sailor Saturn. Hotaru is a rather shy, reserved, and somber character, as others are wary of her immense destructive powers.
6. Touka Kirishima (Tokyo Ghoul)
Touka is the female protagonist of this horror/supernatural anime. She has purple eyes and hair that’s technically indigo colored, but it looks purple enough to us! As a ghoul working at the Anteiku cafe, she’s responsible for helping Ken Kaneki adapt to his new half-ghoul life (though their relationship starts pretty rocky). She’s powerful, impulsive, and reckless, but also very warm and kind.
7. Hinata Hyuga (Naruto)
Hinata is a main character in Naruto who has unique lavender-colored eyes and indigo-purple hair, and typically wears lavender-colored clothing. She’s a kind and gentle character who begins the series rather timid and reserved, but she’s motivated by Naruto’s bravery and openness, and becomes mentally and physically stronger.
8. Kyoka Jiro (My Hero Academia)
Kyoka is a hero in Class-1A in My Hero Academia who seriously rocks a dark purple asymmetrical bob. And it makes sense why—her Quirk allows her to generate soundwaves and she wears a chic rock-and-roll hero costume. She’s also just a cool person who’s blunt and aloof, and has amazing musical skills.
9. Reo Mikage (Blue Lock)
Reo is a secondary character in the Blue Lock soccer anime who, like the rest of the characters, is competing to join Japan’s national team. He has long, plum colored hair (which he usually ties back) and matching purple eyes, which definitely help him stand out from the crowd. However, he grabs attention just with his charming and outgoing personality and his powerful ability to copy other players’ skills.
10. Sheele (Akame ga Kill!)
Sheele is a purple character through and through: she has dark purple hair and eyes and wears a lilac outfit. She’s a main character in Akame ga Kill! and one of the assassins in the Night Raid group. Despite her skills as a ruthless killer, she’s kind and caring, and a bit of an airhead!
11. Atsushi Murasakibara (Kuroko no Basuke)
Atsushi is one of the super-skilled basketball players from Kuroko no Basuke who faces off against his former junior high team in high school. He has violet eyes and matching long, shaggy hair. In contrast with his talent on the court, Atsushi is childish, absent-minded, and a bit lazy.
12. James (Pokémon)
James is a member of the villainous Team Rocket organization in the Pokémon anime series and part of the iconic trio (along with Jessie and Meowth) that aims to steal Ash’s Pikachu. His long bob rides the line between purple and blue, as it’s technically periwinkle, but James himself has said he has lavender-colored hair! He’s dramatic, quirky, and sensitive, and actually very loving and loyal to his Pokémon and team.
13. Yoruichi Shihoin (Bleach)
Yoruichi is a main character in Bleach, who has dark purple hair in the original anime (though it appears black in the manga and The Thousand-Year Blood War anime). She’s a seriously strong character who’s a master of various combat techniques. She’s also beloved for her playful personality, wit, and intelligence.
14. Mephisto Pheles (Blue Exorcist)
Mephisto is the purple-haired and bearded chairman of True Cross Academy in Blue Exorcist, and the one responsible for getting Rin, a son of Satan, into the school to train as an Exorcist. Like his unique colored hair, Mephisto is flamboyant and eccentric, though it’s clear he has a darker and more calculating side.
15. Makoto Kusanagi (Ghost in the Shell)
Makoto is the protagonist of the iconic cyberpunk anime, and while she has black hair in the manga and original movie, she has dark purple hair in the later series. She’s a seriously cool and complex female character who fights cybercrime as a cyborg while also dealing with the questions of her own humanity. She’s strong, intelligent, independent, and caring.
16. Sinbad (Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic)
Sinbad is a major supporting character in this fantasy-adventure series, and his long, spiky purple hair reflects his role as the King of Sindria. He’s also one of the strongest characters in the anime, who can manipulate magic and control several Djinn. And while he’s an honorable king, he has a reputation for being laid-back, flirty, and arrogant.
17. Misato (Neon Genesis Evangelion)
Misato is one of the major characters in Neon Genesis Evangelion, who has long, violet colored hair. She works at NERV, where she commands the Evangelion pilots against the Angels, and is responsible for taking in Shinji and convincing him to pilot Unit-01. She’s a capable leader, but is less composed in her personal life and has trouble truly connecting with others.
18. Shorter Wong (Banana Fish)
Shorter is a supporting character in Banana Fish and the leader of Chinatown’s mafia. And he rocks a super cool look: he has a purple mohawk with shaved sides, an eyebrow piercing, and black shades. He’s one of Ash’s allies and is beloved for his friendly and extroverted personality, as well as his deep loyalty.
19. Yuzuriha (Hell’s Paradise)
Yuzuriha is one of the main characters in Hell’s Paradise who has long, dark purple hair that she usually ties up into a bun. She’s a ninja and renowned criminal who joins Gabimaru and the expedition team to find the Elixir of Life and receive a full pardon. She’s pretty selfish and carefree, but develops a true bond with some of her comrades.
20. Shinsuke Takasugi (Gintama)
Shinsuke is one of the major antagonists in Gintama, who has long, shaggy dark purple hair and a distinct bandage over one eye. He was previously close friends with Gintoki, but the two grew apart after a traumatic incident in their past. He’s a strong fighter and a charming and determined person, which makes his mission to destroy the world pretty threatening.
21. Faye Valentine (Cowboy Bebop)
Faye is one of the protagonists of this classic anime, who sports a dark violet chin-length bob that she usually styles with a yellow headband. She’s a bounty hunter and crew member on the Bebop who initially comes across as pretty arrogant, aggressive, and lazy. But, over the course of the story, her trauma is uncovered, and she grows close to her crew.
22. Aren Kuboyasu (The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.)
The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. is full of characters with unique hair colors, and Aren is notable for his dark, plum-colored hair and sleek glasses, which help mask his delinquent past. After he transferred to PK Academy, he tried to maintain a calm demeanor, but his short temper couldn’t help but flare up. He mostly puts his fighting spirit and strength to good use, though.
23. Shion (That Time I Got Reincarnated As a Slime)
Shion is a major character in this popular isekai anime, who has purple eyes and long lavender hair that she wears in a ponytail. What perhaps makes her even more eye-catching is the horn that grows out of the center of her forehead, as she’s an ogre! She serves as Rimuru’s bodyguard and is well known for her strength, passion, and impulsivity.
24. Ai Hoshino (Oshi No Ko)
Ai is the star of Oshi No Ko, who has long, dark purple hair and glistening purple eyes. She’s a popular idol, though she maintains a huge secret: she’s a mother to twins. She’s famous for a reason, as she’s super charming, but underneath her facade, she’s shrewd and hides a dark past, though she loves her children.
25. Lelouch Lamperouge (Code Geass)
Lelouch is the popular protagonist of Code Geass, and while he might have black hair, he has distinct purple eyes and often wears purple clothing. He was supposed to be the successor of the Holy Britannian Empire, but gets exiled. When he gains the power of Geass, or the ability to control others, he decides to start a rebellion to take down the empire. He’s cold, calculated, and driven by revenge, which makes him an interesting character.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does purple hair symbolize in anime?
In anime, purple hair often symbolizes mystery, royalty, sophistication, or a character’s unique and powerful nature. It can also represent a character’s dual nature or hidden depths, as seen with characters like Shinobu or Lelouch.
Are purple-haired characters usually villains?
Not necessarily. While some purple-haired characters like Shinsuke Takasugi or Mahito are antagonists, many are heroes or neutral characters. The color purple is often used to make a character stand out, regardless of their alignment.
Which anime has the most purple-haired characters?
Several anime feature multiple purple-haired characters, such as Fairy Tail, My Hero Academia, and Gintama. However, the number varies, and this list highlights some of the most iconic ones across different series.
