Kamidere

Kamidere is a term used in anime, manga, and related media to describe a character who embodies a god complex and behaves as though they are a deity. The word blends kami, meaning "god" in Japanese, with dere, a suffix used for affectionately rendered character types. Kamidere characters typically frame interactions in divine terms, address others as mortals, and expect worship or deference. They may speak in formal, archaic, or grandiose diction and employ religious or ceremonial imagery to assert authority over others.

Core traits include self-perceived superiority, a desire to be revered, and a tendency to treat companions as pawns or subordinates. Their affection, when shown, is often conditional or wrapped in condescension, though some variants present a softer, protective form of deification. The appeal of kamidere lies in the tension between their coercive demeanor and moments of vulnerability or genuine care.

Kamidere appears across genres but is especially common in romance-focused anime, light novels, and visual novels. They can function as lead characters, rivals, or complex love interests, driving both conflict and humor through dramatic irony as other characters navigate their divine pretensions. Subtypes include more ruthless, authoritarian kamidere and milder, protective variants that still insist on a ritual of worship, distinguishing them from other dere archetypes such as tsundere or kuudere.

Related concepts include other "dere" archetypes and the broader study of character tropes in fan communities and media criticism.