Demon Slayer Characters Who Were Done Dirty by the Story

Shonen anime like Demon Slayer are often praised for giving their characters poetic justice — rewarding the virtuous with growth or redemption and punishing villains with satisfying downfall. And for the most part, Demon Slayer lives up to that reputation. Nezuko Kamado overcame her demonic curse to walk in the sunlight again, while Muichiro Tokito blossomed from a tragic prodigy into a meaningful ally, bonded by friendship with Tanjiro.

But not every character was given that grace. Some were cut down before their arcs could fully bloom, others were sidelined into obscurity, and a few were simply victims of harsh writing choices that left fans unsatisfied. For all the praise Demon Slayer receives, it undeniably “did dirty” several of its most compelling characters.

Tengen Uzui’s Glorious Exit Came Too Early

The flashy Sound Hashira made an unforgettable mark during the Entertainment District Arc. His battle alongside Tanjiro, Inosuke, and Zenitsu against the sibling demons Daki and Gyutaro was one of the anime’s highlights, filled with jaw-dropping animation and incredible teamwork.

Yet, despite surviving the deadly clash, Tengen’s fate was sealed. Gravely wounded and poisoned, he was forced into early retirement. Fans mourned the loss of his potential in later arcs — especially during the climactic battles against Muzan, where his strength could have made a difference. Though he returned as a mentor during Hashira Training, the story sidelined him far too soon, leaving many wishing he had been part of the final war.

Kyojuro Rengoku’s Death Was Both Glorious and Cruel

The Flame Hashira stole the show in the Mugen Train Arc, embodying courage, compassion, and unwavering spirit. His battle against Akaza remains one of the most iconic and emotionally devastating moments in modern anime.

However, Rengoku’s fate still feels unfair. He never had a chance to triumph over an Upper Moon, despite his incredible skill. His death elevated Tanjiro’s resolve and cemented Akaza’s menace, but at the cost of reducing Rengoku to a narrative sacrifice. Fans continue to celebrate him as a beloved hero, but his arc deserved more than a single, tragic crescendo.

The Spider Mother’s Potential Was Cut Short

Among Rui’s eerie “family” on Mt. Natagumo, the Spider Mother stood out as a villain with tragic undertones. Abused and manipulated by her “husband” and son, she was a victim as much as a monster. Her thread-based abilities hinted at clever and sinister strategies, but her arc was over almost as soon as it began.

Instead of being a truly terrifying test for Tanjiro and the Hashira, she was dispatched quickly, with her combat style never reaching its full potential. She remains one of the most underutilized antagonists in Demon Slayer.

Murata: The Everyman Who Faded Into the Background

Murata, the earnest but unremarkable Demon Slayer who survived Natagumo Mountain, could have represented the spirit of ordinary soldiers in the Corps — resilient, flawed, but determined.

Instead, he became a background player, often used to highlight Tanjiro’s growth or to show the gap between average slayers and the Hashira. Fans argue he deserved at least one moment to shine against a mid-tier demon, proving that survival and grit have their own kind of heroism.

Amane Ubuyashiki: The Silent Partner Overshadowed

Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the ailing but wise leader of the Demon Slayer Corps, is celebrated as one of the most dignified and noble characters in the story. His wife, Amane, however, was left almost voiceless and invisible.

Her quiet devotion was admirable, but it robbed her of depth. As the matriarch of a family bound by tragedy and sacrifice, Amane could have been portrayed as a guiding maternal presence or even a secret strategist. Instead, she became another character relegated to the shadows.

Kanae Kocho: A Memory Instead of a Warrior

Kanae Kocho, Shinobu’s older sister and a former Flower Hashira, only appeared in brief flashbacks. Known for her kind demeanor and unique combat style, Kanae had the potential to stand alongside Shinobu and Mitsuri as another iconic female warrior.

But the story reduced her to a plot device — a source of grief and motivation for Shinobu and Kanao. Fans were left wishing they had seen Kanae alive, in action, rather than just remembered.

Giyu Tomioka: The Reluctant Hashira

As the Water Hashira, Giyu was the first Hashira introduced, and his aloof demeanor made him mysterious. But instead of growing into his role, he spent much of the series consumed by survivor’s guilt and self-doubt, even suggesting Tanjiro replace him.

Though he fought valiantly in the Infinity Castle arc, Giyu’s self-image never quite matched his strength. The writing left him as a character defined more by his misery than by his triumphs.

Gyokko: A Forgettable Upper Moon

Upper Moon Five, Gyokko, should have been terrifying. His grotesque design was pure nightmare fuel, and his vase-based abilities had limitless potential.

But his duel with Muichiro quickly turned him into a stepping stone. Without backstory or depth, Gyokko became one of the weakest links among Muzan’s elite demons. Compared to the chilling performances of Daki, Gyutaro, and Akaza, Gyokko felt like wasted potential.

Shinobu Kocho: Denied Her Revenge

The Insect Hashira, beloved for her cunning and grace, suffered one of the most brutal fates. She lived only to one day avenge her sister by killing Doma, the Upper Moon 2. Yet when that fight came, Shinobu’s strength wasn’t enough — she was consumed by the very demon she hated most.

While her sacrifice ultimately paved the way for Doma’s defeat by Kanao and Inosuke, it left many fans bitter. Shinobu’s brilliance deserved more than being reduced to a martyr.

Sabito: A Spirit More Useful in Death

Sabito, Giyu’s childhood friend, embodied the tragedy of lost potential. Killed during Final Selection by the Hand Demon, he was later remembered as a ghostly mentor figure for Tanjiro.

Though his guidance was vital for Tanjiro’s training, it reinforced the idea that Sabito was more valuable as a memory than as a living character. Fans still wonder what role he could have played had he survived to fight alongside the Hashira.

Final Thoughts

Demon Slayer is one of the most beautifully crafted anime of its generation, filled with unforgettable battles, heart-wrenching losses, and inspiring triumphs. But for every Nezuko who overcame the odds, there was a Rengoku, Shinobu, or Kanae — characters whose stories felt cut short or unfairly handled.

It’s a reminder that even in a series defined by spectacle, some of the most impactful moments come from the characters we lost too soon, or the ones we never got to know well enough.

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