kuudere

Kuudere is a character archetype in Japanese media, particularly anime, manga, and video games, describing a character who remains cool, calm, and emotionally restrained on the outside while concealing warmth and affection beneath a stoic demeanor.

Etymology and origins: The term kuudere is a portmanteau of “cool” and “deredere” (a term for a character who is loving and affectionate). It emerged within fan communities in the late 1990s and early 2000s as part of the broader “dere” family used to categorize how characters express romantic interest.

Characteristics and dynamics: Kuudere characters typically have a calm, even monotone presentation, limited facial expressions, and terse or minimal dialogue. They may speak in a restrained or matter-of-fact way and avoid overt displays of emotion. The warmth they feel is usually revealed only to trusted individuals or in private, sometimes through small acts of care or protective behavior.

Notable examples: Rei Ayanami from Neon Genesis Evangelion is commonly described as kuudere, as is Kanade Tachibana from Angel Beats!. The archetype is often contrasted with other “dere” types, such as tsundere or yandere.

Cultural note: Kuudere is a fictional character trope used in fan discussions, wikis, and marketing materials; it is not a clinical diagnosis. Interpretations can vary by creator and fan community.