The Unforgettable Sad Stories of Fictional Characters in Literature and Anime

Choosing the fictional character with the saddest story is subjective and can vary based on personal interpretation. However, several characters are often cited for their particularly tragic narratives, resonating deeply with audiences. Here, we explore characters from various sources, including literature and anime, and the emotional depth of their stories.

Tragic Narratives in Literature

Both Anna Karenina and Hamlet stand out as characters whose narratives highlight profound themes of despair and loss.

Anna Karenina, a character from Leo Tolstoy's classic novel, struggles with the conflict between love and societal norms. Her tragic fate, arising from this conflict, resonates with deep themes of despair and loss. Anna's life is filled with the harsh realities of marriage, society, and ultimately, her tragic end.

Hamlet from Hamlet, authored by William Shakespeare, embarks on a journey through grief, betrayal, and madness. His story culminates in a tragic end, reflecting profound existential despair. Hamlet's character is complex, filled with internal conflicts and external pressures that push him towards a tragic conclusion.

Holmes describes another character, Heathcliff, from Wuthering Heights by Emily Bront?, whose unrequited love for Catherine leads to a path of vengeance and loneliness. Heathcliff's story is rife with emotional pain and loss, making his narrative a poignant reminder of the impact of unfulfilled love.

Elliot Alderson from Mr. Robot battles with mental illness, isolation, and a complex relationship with his father, creating a deeply poignant narrative. Elliot's journey is marked by his inner turmoil and external struggles, reflecting the hardships of living with mental health issues.

Maudlin from The Road by Cormac McCarthy embodies a deep sense of despair and alienation. His story reflects the harsh realities of survival and the ever-present sense of loneliness. Maudlin's narrative is a bleak but haunting tale of a world left shattered and the struggle to endure.

Gollum from The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien illustrates the themes of addiction, loss, and identity. Gollum's transformation from Sméagol to Gollum due to the corrupting influence of the One Ring is a tragic narrative. His story is etched with the pain of loss and the search for identity.

Sailor Saturn in Sailor Moon Crystal

The character of Hotaru Tomoe, commonly known as Sailor Saturn, from Sailor Moon Crystal presents a different kind of tragedy. Unlike the other Sailor Senshi, Sailor Saturn's life is fraught with severe consequences if society cannot be saved. In the Crystal version, if humanity's world is destroyed beyond repair, she is destined to continue sleeping for eternity, only to wake and destroy the universe for rebirth.

Hotaru's backstory is particularly poignant. Her mother died when she was six, and she was heavily injured. Her father experimented on her to save her life, but other dark forces intervened, forcing him to choose between two forms: the Daimon egg or Sailor Saturn. This decision led to an existence filled with frequent painful seizures and the threat of an early death.

Hotaru's father did not know she carried the slumbering Sailor Saturn within her, leading to a life of conflicting thoughts and uncertainty. Her early life, marked by parental neglect and evil forces, left her further isolated and without emotional support. She had no friends to talk to, leading to emotional trauma.

Despite these challenges, Hotaru remains a character dearly loved by fans due to her tragic yet impactful backstory and her deep emotional depth.

These characters from literature and anime, with Hotaru Saturn as a poignant example, showcase the profound sadness and complexity often found in fictional narratives. Each character's story resonates with audiences, offering a glimpse into the human condition and the deep emotional struggles that can define our lives.