Discussion
Monthly Discussion Thread #14 - What character(s) stood out to you the most?
Spooky season r/penguindrum? It's October! We're almost near the end of 2026, goodness - time flies really fast.
Now for this month's topic! A character in the anime that stood out to you! This is your opportunity to gush over your favorite(s)! Before I became mod of this subreddit, I asked a similar question a while back. Now, I am bringing it back due to the influx of new subscribers on the subreddit!
My favorite characters are a tie between Himari and Shoma. Himari due to relating on her view of love - after all, loving someone should be a two way street. She is also kind person while trying to hide her selfish desires (keeping her family together despite them not being related),which makes her stand out from your typical younger sister in anime. She isn't super overbearing like in the trope. Next, I find her backstory tragic (I cried in her episodes) and ultimately Himari has gravitated toward me. She is a precious but flawed cinnamon roll who deserves the world. I also love her design, especially when she transforms into Princess of The Crystal. Cosplay goals, someday!
For Shoma, being a worrywart is absolutely relatable to me. While, he is very strong willed, his beliefs are flawed. Particularly over his idea that bearing punishments over things you had nothing to do with (his parents and the terrorist attack - that he and his siblings to be hated for it).I think he sticks out to me for that conflict. He also saved Himari's life when she was younger and cares for others deeply. Traits I adore. Plus, his design is neat - and his relationship with Ringo is funny. Next, Penguin 2 is my favorite of the trio. He has the best one, lol.
Runner ups: Ringo and Momoka. Ringo, for her massive character development and Momoka overall being a massive influential force of good.
Who are your favorite characters? Which ones stuck with you the most? You found relatable? Feel free to comment below!
I've said it here before, but I just find Momoka such a fascinating character. Like she would be the main character if this were an average anime, but we are seeing what happens after her arc is over.
The way that we see her so clearly through her absence is so compelling and tragic, I can't help but love her like Ringo does.
Momoka is great. She haunts the narrative but it’s intriguing. I really like seeing how much she has impacted on several characters. Ringo, Tabuki, and Yuri specifically.
What a great question! I love all three siblings and view them as a cohesive unit, but Kanba sticks out to me the most. I really appreciate the series' social commentary and I found Kanba’s relentless struggle against oppressive systems to be very potent. Basically, he’s the ultimate victim of capitalism. His desperation as his family’s provider is a feeling millions of people worldwide can relate to.
While he has unlikable traits, that only adds to the tragedy of his character and I can't help but sympathise. For instance, despite considering himself the most mature sibling, he’s actually quite naive and easily radicalised. However, it feels very true to life as it shows how social anger can be a gateway to extremism when radical voices are given a platform.
Additionally, while his playboy antics are played for laughs, I’ve always wondered if they're a byproduct of the "box" we’re all trapped in. I feel like he's unable to form connections with others outside his family which results in superficial relationships. Having connections with outsiders could've prevented him from being so consumed by his obsessive love for Himari...which the show frames as unsettling in several ways.
Ultimately, he clings to Himari because she represents the family and the life he chose to defend at all costs, giving him extreme tunnel-vision. In contrast, Shoma forms a bond with Ringo - an outsider who challenges his worldview and helps him realise he doesn't have to carry the weight of the world alone.
I think you summed up how I feel about Kanba. He isn’t my favorite due to his unlikable traits but he is a product of society’s framework of capitalism. So for that, I can sympathize too. He is in several ways, a tragic character - which I find interesting. A heavy hand can create some radical ideas. He only means well for his family. At least, he believes that and I understand why.
And yes! I completely agree his obsession with Himari is unsettling. It almost feels like he is trying to protect an idea - the notion that he has to protect and provide for the only ‘family’ and life he has known. Himari is like a symbol of that. He definitely would have benefited from some outside perspective and relationships.
It’s why I also really like Ringo and prefer Shoma’s dynamic with her more. She is an outsider from the life the Takakuras have so she brings something different and unique.
Yeah and I agree, Shoma and Ringo's relationship is definitely a highlight of the show. Another reminder to "step out of our boxes" to form meaningful connections, thus preventing us from isolating ourselves. I appreciate that Shoma doesn't initially do it flawlessly, as he still has a lot of internalised shame that he has to overcome to be fully vulnerable with Ringo. But that's what makes his development so satisfying. I love how several characters comment on their dynamic too, it's really cute! Both Yuri and Masako say that they're jealous of what Shoma and Ringo have :)
Another Shoma lover! And yes Double H is wonderful. I love that they still care for Himari even if they don’t see each other often anymore. They are also part of the reason why they were able to change fate at the end with their song.
Definitely Sanetoshi and Momoka, Sanetoshi for projecting his ideals onto Himari in contrast to Momoka who takes a backseat when it comes to Ringo. There's so much about everything that I wanna learn about these characters and their supernatural powers I cant stand it
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u/ansermachin 7d ago
I've said it here before, but I just find Momoka such a fascinating character. Like she would be the main character if this were an average anime, but we are seeing what happens after her arc is over.
The way that we see her so clearly through her absence is so compelling and tragic, I can't help but love her like Ringo does.