Though we have only met Glass in a brief fight during the Wave, it is already evident how strong and intelligent she is, especially when compared to the other three Heroes. She bypasses all of their attacks and chooses to focus on Naofumi Iwatani, who recognizes her as too strong for him to take on alone.

Malty Melromarc has been a rather annoying and frustrating villain for Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari. In contrast, Glass was a refreshing enemy to face, even if only for a moment. We’re sure we will see more of her in the future, and learn why she is entering the world along with Waves!

Ren Amaki is summoned into the world as the Sword Hero and often ends up on the opposite side of Naofumi’s issues. He may not be the best hero or the most interesting character in the world, but he has grown a bit and become more mature over the course of the series thus far.

Ren initially stood against the Shield Hero’s actions, but even he is able to recognize injustice when he sees it. While the other Heroes seem too blind or focused on their own exploits to pay much mind to Naofumi, Ren actually listens to his arguments and even stands up for him a few times. He apologizes for slaying the dragon and thanks Naofumi for taking care of its corpse, and he is one of the only ones to question Malty Melromarc’s actions against Naofumi and, later, her sister Melty. Ren seems to be the only one of the three “beloved” Heroes who is using his head, even if he does make mistakes.

Melty is the younger princess of the Melromarc Kingdom, though she is much kinder and more responsible than her older sister. Melty was raised with her mother, the Queen, and due to this, she has very little knowledge of how the Shield Hero has been treated when she first meets him. She eventually travels along with the group after her sister starts trying to assassinate her to gain the throne.

Despite her young age, Melty is far more fit to rule than her older sister, often suppressing her more childish tendencies to appear more mature. She also has a calming effect on her father, allowing him to show a slightly better side than he had been with only Malty around.

Raphtalia is Naofumi’s closest friend and companion in the new world! She was bought by him as a slave but grew stronger and more confident over time thanks to Naofumi’s care and guidance. She is truly one of the best characters, not only from Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari, but also from any anime this past season!

We particularly love Raphtalia’s fighting spirit. After Naofumi helped her grow stronger and learn to fight, she has the courage to engage in any battle as long as he is by her side. She is loyal and dedicated to Naofumi, refusing to leave him even after she is freed from his ownership, or when Naofumi says horrible things to her. Raphtalia is truly the most kindhearted character in the series and a companion that Naofumi is lucky to have!

Despite being one of the most hated characters in the world he has come to inhabit, Naofumi is the best isekai protagonist we have seen in a long time! Every time his enemies think they have beaten him, he finds a way around it, a way to keep going! Even when the Melromarc kingdom strips him of every advantage he has, he figures out how he can use this bias to his advantage. Malty may be clever in how she tries to entrap him, but Naofumi is far better, as he outdoes her at every turn.

Naofumi is the face of Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari for a reason, as he works hard to get everything that he has. He is limited in the abilities he can use, with only a shield, but he studies up thoroughly on the new abilities he unlocks with that shield. He also practices in areas of study outside of battle, focusing on making medicine or other useful items to sell. He is practical in his approach to everything, yet kind in dealing with people. Naofumi thinks his actions through, something none of the other Heroes seem to care much about.