Tag: ensemble cast

A show with an ensemble cast focuses on a larger group of main characters in a single plot narrative; anime containing several segmented plot narratives (such as episodic or arc-based plots) are excluded. As such, it doesn't really have a "main" or "lead" character; instead, every member of the central main character group plays an important part in the show's grander scheme; no single character is more important or prominent than the others (equality of importance). Further, subplots (if any) lead by each character in the ensemble have equal weighting in importance (or lack of weight).

1. In a show where no single main character is more important or prominent than the others, 4+ main characters is almost always an ensemble cast.
2. A show with 3 main characters of equal importance is likely also an ensemble cast; equality of importance must be considered carefully.
3. A show with 2 main characters of equal importance is generally not an ensemble cast situation; however, on an exception basis where neither main character is considered an antagonist, a 2-main-character anime may be considered an ensemble (e.g. Kimi no Na wa.).

Pictured: K (anime)