Who is the saddest character in Demon Slayer?

The saddest character in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is often considered to be Nezuko Kamado, although there are several characters in the series who have tragic backstories. Here’s why Nezuko stands out, along with a look at other characters with deeply emotional stories:

1. Nezuko Kamado

• Tragic Transformation: Nezuko’s transformation into a demon after the massacre of her family is one of the saddest moments in the series. Not only does she lose her family, but she also loses her humanity and must fight against her demon nature to protect her brother, Tanjiro.
• Sacrificial Love: Nezuko’s entire journey revolves around protecting her brother while maintaining a constant battle against her bloodlust. She never loses her love for her family, and her determination to stay by Tanjiro's side despite the burden of being a demon is heart-wrenching.
• Isolation: Nezuko’s demon form forces her into isolation, as she can’t interact with others normally without the risk of harming them. This loneliness and separation from the world add to the sadness of her character.

2. Tanjiro Kamado

• Family Tragedy: Tanjiro's life is forever altered when his entire family is slaughtered by demons, with the exception of Nezuko. His journey is driven by his desire for revenge against the demons who took his loved ones and to find a way to turn Nezuko back into a human.
• Unyielding Hope: Despite the overwhelming grief, Tanjiro maintains his optimism and kindness. His ability to push forward and help others, even after everything he’s lost, speaks to his deep sorrow and resilience.

3. Shinobu Kocho

• Losing Her Sister: Shinobu’s tragic story revolves around the death of her sister, Kanao, who was a demon slayer. Shinobu's hatred for demons is rooted in her desire for revenge after her sister was killed by a demon. Shinobu's pain comes from her inability to save her sister, and this regret haunts her throughout the series.
• Emotional Burden: She wears a facade of happiness and kindness to cover the deep pain inside her, often acting as a source of emotional strength for others. However, her internal struggles are a constant reminder of her sad reality.

4. Kanao Tsuyuri

• Abusive Childhood: Kanao’s past is marked by severe abuse, both physically and emotionally. She was **forced to live a harsh life under the care of Kagaya Ubuyashiki, who helped her grow, but her traumatic upbringing shaped her into a quiet and emotionally reserved person.
• Emotional Struggle: Kanao struggles with making decisions for herself due to her upbringing, where she was forced to obey orders without question. She eventually learns to break free from this emotional prison, but her sadness stems from her lack of agency in her early years.

5. Rengoku Kyojuro

• Sacrifice and Death: Rengoku’s tragic fate comes at the hands of Akaza, a powerful demon who kills him in the Mugen Train arc. His sacrifice in the face of overwhelming odds is devastating, especially since he dies trying to protect others without regret. His final words to Tanjiro and his mother’s dreams for him add to the profound sadness of his character.
• Family Pressure: Rengoku also carries the burden of family expectations, especially the complex relationship with his father, who was a former Hashira. Despite this, he strives to live up to his mother’s legacy, which adds layers of emotional depth to his story.

6. Rui (Upper Moon 5)

• Abusive Past: Although Rui is a demon, his tragic backstory as a human child is one of the saddest in Demon Slayer. He was abused by his parents, who rejected him because of his physical weakness, causing him to transform into a demon to seek strength. His need for a family led him to create one from the demons he turned, resulting in a twisted and heartbreaking existence.
• Loss of Humanity: Rui’s desperation to maintain control over his "family" and his tragic relationship with his parents make his story deeply emotional. His death at the hands of Tanjiro and Nezuko is a bittersweet moment, as he ultimately failed to find the warmth he sought in life.

Conclusion

While Nezuko Kamado is often seen as the saddest character due to her transformation into a demon and the emotional struggle she faces, Demon Slayer is filled with characters who experience profound pain and loss. Tanjiro’s journey of grief, Shinobu’s sorrow over her sister’s death, Kanao’s tragic childhood, Rengoku’s sacrifice, and Rui’s painful past all add to the emotional weight of the series, making each character’s story poignant in its own way.