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Exploring wasted potential in character development

Fans Share Frustrations Over Character Development | Wasted Potential Speculations

By

Sofia Martins

Oct 21, 2025, 06:29 PM

Edited By

Aditi Sharma

3 minutes (approx.)

A collage of iconic film and TV characters looking disappointed or confused, symbolizing wasted potential.
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A lively discussion among fans highlights dissatisfaction with certain characters in popular anime. Commenters claimed that several key figures didnโ€™t reach their expected potential, igniting debates on whom the stories could better utilize.

Prominent Characters in the Spotlight

Several names emerged as top picks for wasted potential:

  • Portgas D. Ace: His untimely death sparked outrage, with many noting he had the capability to surpass his father, Gol D. Roger. "He could and would have become next Roger to reach Laughtale to claim the One Piece if he didnโ€™t get himself a donut in Marineford," one commenter stated.

  • Shiki: Critiques centered on his limited presence during critical arcs, with one fan suggesting that his involvement in the God Valley Flashback would have been more impactful if he fought against Imu, rather than Big Mom or Kaido.

  • Brook: Many voiced that Brookโ€™s character could offer more than just comic relief, lamenting a lack of serious developments despite his long tenure in the crew. "He should have haki and be getting 1v1s with more screentime," a fan remarked.

Mixed Reviews on Other Characters

The conversation also touched on other characters:

  • Sanji: While some appreciated his upgrades like the exoskeleton, many fans believe his character development is hindered by ongoing simping behavior. "This feels like a step back after his training during the timeskip," said a user.

  • Smoker and Sengoku were also mentioned. Fans called for Sengoku to receive more significant roles and epic fights instead of merely existing, with some speculating potential confrontations against major rivals.

Sentiment Patterns Emerge

Overall, the commentary showcased a blend of frustration and longing for better character arcs:

"Gotta be Hody. Man lost himself. ๐Ÿ˜ž"

This indicates a general desire among fans to see deeper narratives for these characters rather than just surface-level portrayals.

Key Takeaways:

  • โ—‰ Fans want greater character depth for Ace, Shiki, and Brook.

  • โ—‰ Mixed feelings on Sanjiโ€™s growth and ongoing traits.

  • โ—‰ There's a call for more action and epic struggles from Sengoku and Smoker.

As discussions continue into October 2025, fans are eager to see how developers respond to these concerns. Will these characters finally get the development they've been craving?

Paths Forward for Character Chronicles

As fans continue to express their desires for richer character arcs, itโ€™s likely that upcoming storylines will showcase deeper developments for characters like Ace, Shiki, and Brook. Given the strong community feedback, creators may start to shift away from surface-level portrayals, emphasizing more meaningful interactions and epic confrontations. Thereโ€™s about a 70% chance that Aceโ€™s backstory will be explored further, aligning with fan wishes for closure. The possibility of Shiki taking a more vital role in future battles seems plausible as well, possibly around 60%. Brook may also be given more serious challenges, reflecting about a 50% likelihood as creators might recognize the need for balance in humor and depth in storytelling.

Echoes from Historyโ€™s Script

In the world of comic books, the characters of Jim Gordon and Harvey Dent serve as a striking parallel to the situation fans are grappling with now. In the 1980s, both characters were crucial to Batmanโ€™s narratives yet received little development compared to the caped crusader. Fans vocalized their desire for deeper arcs, leading to the acclaimed "The Long Halloween". Similarly, todayโ€™s fervor for characters like Ace and Brook exhibits a comparable thirst for richer storytelling, underscoring that attentive listening can transform even the simplest character into a vibrant part of the narrative tapestry.