10 anime characters who prefer to stay detached from reality

Some anime characters become noticeable because they experience reality differently than most. These characters develop complex illusions about their identities or claim mystical powers, making them prime examples of "chuunibyou." The depth of their personalities emerges because their escape from reality stems from entertainment needs or psychological factors.

The contrast between fantasy and reality examines themes related to social isolation and imaginative creation while investigating how people search for meaning in their lives. Anime utilizes these characters to provide insightful reflections on how individuals perceive themselves and the merging of fantasy with real life.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the opinions of the writer.

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Arthur Boyle, Kaido Shun, and 8 other anime characters who are detached from reality

1) Arthur Boyle from Fire Force

Arthur Boyle (Image via David Production)

Arthur Boyle from Fire Force is a unique anime character because he channels the chuunibyou archetype through his conviction that he is King Arthur reborn. His self-chosen knightly code guides him as he fights with a fire sword he calls Excalibur.

The supernatural world of the series allows his delusions to boost his abilities because they become stronger when he pictures himself standing at his "royal castle." Despite their frustration with his antics, his teammates accept his unique personality. Arthur's absolute conviction in who he is provides Company 8 with a reliable partner who also serves as an unpredictable element.

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2) Kaido Shun from The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.

Kaido Shun (Image via J.C.Staff)

Kaido Shun from The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. stands out as one of anime's most entertaining delusional characters who believes he wields the "Jet-Black Wings" while battling the fictitious "Dark Reunion." He shows true bravery when facing threats, even though he lacks power beneath his chuunibyou persona.

The comedic effect of Kaido Shun's bandaged arm and cosmic speeches emerges strongly against Saiki's concealed psychic abilities since the supernatural elements exist only outside of Kaido's reality. Through a combination of comedic elements and unexpected loyalty and heart, he emerges as a standout character.

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3) Rikka Takanashi from Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions!

Rikka Takanashi (Image via Kyoto Animation)

Rikka Takanashi from Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions! stands as one of anime's most iconic characters who exist outside of reality. Her imaginary "Tyrant's Eye" world demonstrates typical chuunibyou behavior yet holds profound significance as a way to handle her father's passing. Rikka's magical reimagining of reality serves as an outlet for her emotional suffering and creative endeavors.

Her connection with Yuuta represents the ongoing conflict between imaginary worlds and real-world expectations as he transitions from chuunibyou to normalcy. Rather than mocking her, the anime thoughtfully questions whether letting go of imagination is always the healthier path.

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4) Rintaro Okabe from Steins;Gate

Rintaro Okabe (Image via White Fox)

The anime character Rintaro Okabe from Steins;Gate stands out due to his complex nature while he performs as the "mad scientist" Hououin Kyouma in a dramatically expressive manner.

Initially resembling typical chuunibyou behavior, his exaggerated identity is later revealed as a conscious coping tool, adding fun to life, forming social bonds, and distancing himself from the emotional weight of time travel.

As trauma builds, Okabe’s gradual shedding of this persona marks deep character growth. His self-aware detachment from reality highlights how chosen fantasy can be both armor and burden in the face of overwhelming responsibility.

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5) Cid Kagenou from The Eminence in Shadow

Cid Kagenou (Image via Studio Nexus)

Cid Kagenou from The Eminence in Shadow is one of the most extreme reality-detached anime characters. Obsessed with playing a shadowy mastermind, he invents a fake cult and forms "Shadow Garden"—only to accidentally uncover a real conspiracy mirroring his fantasies.

Believing it’s all make-believe, Cid unknowingly earns devoted magical followers and becomes a true hero, all while thinking he's roleplaying. The show’s brilliance lies in this layered disconnect: Cid crafts fiction that becomes reality, yet he remains oblivious. The comedy thrives on his unwavering chuunibyou delusion amid everyone else's belief in his legend.

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6) Megumin from KonoSuba

Megumin (Image via Studio Deen)

Megumin from KonoSuba is one of the most eccentric anime characters, entirely devoted to explosion magic. She refuses to learn any other spells, casting one massive explosion daily—even though it leaves her drained and useless afterward. Her dramatic poses and incantations reflect a reality shaped by aesthetic obsession over practicality.

Uniquely, Megumin is fully aware of her choices yet embraces them with pride. Her genuine magical power, paired with her theatrical self-expression, makes her both a liability and a powerhouse, showcasing a self-aware, emotionally driven form of reality detachment.

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7) Yoshiko Tsushima from Love Live! Sunshine!!

Yoshiko Tsushima (Image via Sunrise)

Yoshiko Tsushima from Love Live! Sunshine!! stands out among anime characters for her dual identity as the "fallen angel" Yohane. While pursuing the real-world goal of being a school idol, she slips into her supernatural persona, calling performances "rituals" and fans "little demons." Uniquely, Yoshiko shows semi-awareness of her detachment, often embarrassed when Yohane surfaces.

Her persona serves as a confidence-boosting alter ego rather than a true delusion. Eventually, Aqours embraces her theatrics, turning her fantasy into artistic expression, highlighting how reality detachment can evolve into empowering, creative self-acceptance.

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8) Omoharu Nakanaka from Komi Can't Communicate

Omoharu Nakanaka (Image via OLM)

Nakanaka from Komi Can’t Communicate is one of the more relatable reality-detached anime characters, adopting a chuunibyou persona with "sealed demonic powers" to navigate social life. Her fantasy framework recasts friendships as "alliances," helping her manage the emotional complexities of adolescence.

Unlike Komi, who struggles with communication due to anxiety, Nakanaka uses her imagined world as social armor, allowing connection while maintaining distance. As she gradually forms real bonds, her reliance on the persona softens, revealing that her detachment was a protective layer until genuine relationships felt safe and achievable.

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9) Ranko Kanzaki from THE IDOLM@STER: Cinderella Girls

Ranko Kanzaki (image via Zero-G)

Ranko Kanzaki from THE IDOLM@STER: Cinderella Girls is one of the few anime characters whose reality detachment becomes a professional asset. Fully embracing a gothic occult persona, she uses archaic speech and mystical themes to stand out as an idol. Unlike typical chuunibyou characters, Ranko’s fantasy enhances her popularity, accepted and supported by peers and producers alike.

Her consistent commitment blurs the line between persona and self, raising questions about identity in performance. In her case, reality reinterpretation becomes not just survival, but a celebrated, empowering form of self-expression within the entertainment world.

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10) Erio Touwa from Ground Control to Psychoelectric Girl

Erio Touwa (Image via SHAFT)

Erio Touwa is one of the more psychologically nuanced anime characters, believing she's an alien and isolating herself in a futon as a response to trauma. Her reality detachment goes beyond playful fantasy, deeply affecting her daily life.

The series treats her condition with empathy, showing how supportive family, especially cousin Makoto, uses gentle, practical approaches rather than ridicule to guide her back. Erio’s story explores the line between imagination as coping and delusion as dysfunction, emphasizing that healing requires understanding the emotional needs behind fantasy, not simply forcing a return to reality.

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Conclusion

These ten anime characters showcase the many ways Japanese animation explores detachment from reality, from intentional performances to genuine delusions. Whether as responses to trauma, creative expression, or emotional protection, their alternative realities serve distinct purposes.

These characters reveal much about human psychology and social dynamics, offering commentary on the human need to shape reality through perception and imagination.

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