Are you wondering who is Durararas Main Protagonist? Check out this article to find out more about the main character and their role in the story.
Durarara!! has many protagonists who play a crucial role in taking the story forward. Mikado Ryuugamine is the first person we come across. We are introduced to Tokyo’s Ikebukuro neighborhood through his eyes.
While there are many arcs that highlight different characters, Mikado appears most prominently throughout the 1st season of the series.
Mikado is an interesting character because he goes through some major changes throughout the series. At one point he seems like the protagonist who can do no wrong, on the other hand, he becomes a borderline villain.
- Related: Is Durarara Worth Watching?
- Related: Who Is The Love Interest In Durarara?
- Related: Who Is The Best Character In Durarara?
Who Is Durararas Main Protagonist?
Protagonist’s Introduction
Mikado’s introduction has us believing that he is a sweet and naïve boy who is overwhelmed with the bustling town and its habitants when he first sets foot in Ikebukuro.
He comes to the town on the insistence of his friend Masaomi and attends the same school as him. They eventually hang out with Anri too and the trio is inseparable which is heart-warming to see.
We can see his struggle to adjust initially because he has moved from the countryside. In the initial episodes, we also see his fascination and curiosity about Celty as he sees her the first day he comes to the neighborhood.
Mikado has a keen interest in ensuring the safety of the city which is why he creates the Dollars. He wants to do something bigger and better because he feels like he is not enough as he is.
Dollars is essentially a gang. Mikado has only good intentions with the gang at the beginning at least.
Mikado is a determined person because, after an incident where Anri has to save his life, he realizes how useless he is because he had to depend on someone else to save his life. This is the turning point for him and this is when things begin to change for Mikado.
Personality Transformation
Mikado means well from the beginning but things begin to go awry after he thinks and starts to believe that he is weak.
This realistic approach to storytelling was appreciated by many including us as at times we compare ourselves to one another and feel bad in the process.
Mikado’s transformation into somewhat of a villain begins when he meets Izaya. Then the encounter with Blue Squares makes it worse as we see him unravel.
At this point, looking at Mikado, fans suspected that perhaps he has a split personality and there was an ongoing debate about whether Mikado is the protagonist or not.
Mikado doesn’t have control anymore and the worst thing is that he doesn’t have remorse for what he gets into once Izaya manipulates him.
Mikado is shown to be vulnerable but he soon lets Izaya get the better of him because Mikado chooses what is clearly the wrong choice. And he doesn’t just make one wrong choice.
He keeps making wrong choices and doing things we really wouldn’t expect a lead to do but that makes him more human as humans always make mistakes.
He eventually reaches a tipping point where he tries to commit suicide but Celty saves him and this is when the truth kicks in. He isn’t the antagonist as Izaya made him believe.
The transformation isn’t dramatic but it occurs over a period. We are on a journey with Mikado as we see how he gets on the wrong side and does things that he eventually regrets.
Thankfully, Mikado is saved and he chooses to become a better person after that. We see this right after he is saved by Celty.
He saves Anri’s life and that is when we, his fans, start to cheer for our protagonist again because he is back! He has a good circle of friends though who forgive him despite him being bad for such a long time.
Once he comes back to his normal self and free of torment, he is the good guy everyone always vouched for from the start.
Analysis of Mikado Ryūgamine’s character in durarara
Mikado Ryūgamine is the main protagonist of the renowned anime, Durarara!! and one of the series most beloved and relatable characters.
He is a humble, intelligent, and level-headed character whose decisions, goals, and dreams often reflect those of the viewers.
Mikado is a natural leader, a trait that leads him to become the director of the Dollars, an underground organization that is run anonymously.
His leadership helps to maintain a sense of order and justice in Ikebukuro, the city in which the series takes place.
He is optimistic, loyal, and determined by nature, and his ambition and tenacity drive him to do almost anything in order to reach his goals.
He is a strong believer in justice and holds a strong desire to protect the people of Ikebukuro. These qualities also make him one of the few characters who do not use violence or political gains to achieve what they want.
Mikado is also a very intelligent person, having achieved top scores in school and able to reason through even the most complex of problems and situations.
While his intelligence is often overshadowed by his friends’ and comrades’ abilities, it does not make him any less skilled.
The most prominent trait of Mikado, however, is his compassion. He is able to empathize with all of the characters, understanding their pain and striving to make things better for them.
He is often the voice of reason, offering solutions to conflicts between friends and allies. Mikado is also willing to take a step back in order to understand others’ situations and provide solutions with minimal bloodshed.
Overall, Mikado Ryūgamine is an excellent protagonist and one who deserves to be acknowledged and appreciated.
His intelligence, optimism, and loyalty make him an admirable character, who sets an example for many out there to follow. He is driven, positive, and compassionate, making him an excellent role model and leader.
Love Interest
He is friends with Anri, whom he has a crush on but cannot seem to get the courage to tell her how he truly feels. He likes her and we see how he keeps trying to tell her but just ends up not telling her, especially after Masaomi leaves.
He is fearful of losing Anri before Masaomi gets back and so thinks he should stay friends just like they were from the beginning.
Anri is shown to be a timid girl who prefers to be in the background always. Their love progresses and eventually, they end up together as they are shown to be dating each other.
Durarara!! is filled to the brim with interesting characters. While it may seem like a lot at the beginning, the story becomes unique because of this.
Mikado is undoubtedly one of the major protagonists in the story as we see his complete transformation from start to end.
Mikado is a layered character which makes him intriguing and hooked to the show. In the light novels, certain parts of his personality are highlighted more such as when he is making the wrong choices.
Either way, it is nice to see that in a series, perfection isn’t endorsed such as the case with Mikado.
What is the main plot of the anime Durarara?
Durarara!! is an action-filled anime series with an expansive plot, revolving around a small populated area of Tokyo called Ikebukuro.
Taking place in 2023, the show follows the lives of an eclectic group of individuals who all have unique and twisted backgrounds that intertwine as the series progresses.
The main protagonist of Durarara!! is Mikado Ryuugamine, a timid young man with a dark secret. After growing up in the sheltered countryside of Saitama, Mikado decides to move to Ikebukuro to experience the world beyond his hometown and to explore more of life.
He meets a variety of people including the mysterious, grey-haired hothead Masaomi Kida, the chatty and inquisitive Anri Sonohara, and the oddball pair of siblings named Shizuo Heiwajima and Izaya Orihara.
Ultimately, Mikado’s journey meshes with the other characters as he finds himself embroiled in a shady web of conspiracy and crime. Ikebukuro is populated with a world of gangs and thugs, dangerous secrets and supernatural powers.
One of the biggest threats is the Yellow Scarves gang, who are criminals driven by their own mysterious agenda of taking over the town.
The powerful wielders of the “Dollars” and “Yellow Scarves” gangs cause chaos and terror through the town as Mikado and his friends are caught in a battle for control.
It is up to Mikado to figure out how to stop the battling gangs before their activities spread beyond the town. Faced with these difficult situations, Mikado must lead the charge to find out the mysterious truths of Ikebukuro and its characters.
All these secrets and the ever-increasing tensions draw the characters closer together, even as they struggle against seemingly unstoppable foes.
Conspiracies, information wars and secret organizations reveal themselves as the story continues to progress. What binds them all together? That’s the main question posed by the show and it is up to the main characters to discover the answers.
Filled with dark intrigue, fascinating characters, and a captivating story, Durarara!! is a truly unique foray into the world of anime. Mikado is the heart of the narrative and leads the charge to discover the mysteries of Ikebukuro and its dangerous inhabitants.
With its thrilling action and intense plot, the show continues to excite and surprise viewers, even going on to spawn a number of manga and video game adaptations.
Also Read:
English (US) · 