Shojo anime is known for certain character types in love interests and male characters. Everyone loves a tsundere love interest, but gentlemanly characters have a sweet and thoughtful nature that endures in fans’ hearts. These gentlemen are careful and considerate; they put other people before themselves.
A character with a gentlemanly personality and values is someone who thinks before they speak and who will be self-sacrificing rather than hurtful to someone else. They bear in mind the space they take up in the world and how it can affect others. Gentlemen characters aren’t boring — they’re quality people with subtle natures. They tend to make for healthy and charming love interests, especially in shojo romance anime.
10 Kyoya (Ouran High School Host Club)
Gentlemen characters tend to be associated with a sense of responsibility and sometimes a well-to-do background, which Kyoya exemplifies in Ouran High School Host Club. Coming from a well-to-do family doesn’t inherently instill a person with a good nature or an extra level of worthiness, but they tend to grow up surrounded by a certain level of politeness. It depends on the individual whether that politeness comes from a genuine place or not.
Kyoya is a genuine person, even with his flaws. Tamaki may have more of a naive, Golden Retriever sort of personality, but his influence on Kyoya encourages a kinder and more considerate personality. Not only is Kyoya smart and responsible, but he’s also highly conscientious.
9 Hijikata (Hakuoki: Demon Of The Fleeting Blossom)
Hijikata is more than just a strict military leader in Hakuouki: Demon of the Fleeting Blossom. He takes careful consideration with every decision he makes, big and small. A gentleman will always consider the duties he owes to his work, family, and allies, which is Hijikata personified.
Ideally, gentlemen know how to treat women properly and bear in mind how certain situations can affect women in a patriarchal world. Hijikata is more than a good protector; he’s a good advocate who sees others for their humanity. His decisions inspire respect from his troops and beyond.
8 Claude (I’m The Villainess, So I’m Taming The Final Boss)
Claude is immediately painted as the biggest threat to the kingdom in I’m the Villainess, So I’m Taming the Final Boss because he’s a powerful demon lord. As it turns out, his reputation with humans has nothing to do with who he really is. Aileen finds that Claude is a careful and compassionate leader.
Claude always considers how his decisions will affect other people, especially the demon realm he protects. And though Aileen barges into his life, he’s incredibly open and respectful of her thoughts and choices. He is powerful, yet he’s dutiful and isn’t a servant to his ego, as many would be.
7 Yamada (My Love Story With Yamada-kun At Lv999)
Yamada seems a bit cold and judgmental at first in My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999. It doesn’t take long for Akane and the audience to understand that his cold, reserved exterior covers hidden depths. Yamada is incredibly cerebral, and he’s careful about who he surrounds himself with.
Though Yamada can sometimes misapprehend the situation, he never fails to step up and act with compassion. Yamada is great in emergency situations; he knows how to be careful yet decisive. He may play as a wizard, but he’s a modern-day chivalrous knight.
6 Tuxedo Mask (Sailor Moon)
The ’90s Sailor Moon anime paints Mamoru as a bit of a jerk in the beginning, while his Tuxedo Mask persona is unflaggingly polite and kind. His characterization in Sailor Moon Crystal is a bit more consistent, however, and he’s a pure gentleman from the start. Mamoru and Usagi are young when they start dating, but Mamoru only grows more compassionate and responsible as the relationship progresses.
Tuxedo Mask is very protective but doesn’t infringe on Sailor Moon’s autonomy as a warrior and leader. Mamoru has a naturally nurturing, caretaking side, too. He’s the most adept babysitter in “Mamoru and Usagi’s Babysitting Mayhem.” Tuxedo Mask and his civilian side are gentlemanly from start to finish.
5 Takeo Gouda (My Love Story!!)
Takeo Gouda prides himself on being a do-gooder in My Love Story!! It’s to the point where he can’t help himself when his sense of justice gets triggered. He cannot bear to see someone being bullied or taken advantage of, and he must intervene.
It’s Takeo’s virtuous nature that makes his future girlfriend Rinko adore him so much. When she first meets him, she deems him to be brave and good-intentioned. Takeo always puts others before himself, too, even if it puts him at a disadvantage.
4 Prince Zen (Snow White With The Red Hair)
Not all princes and male royalty are inherently good in Snow White with the Red Hair. Shirayuki’s initial run-in with a royal man sends her running into the night. Prince Zen is the complete opposite in every way.
Zen Wistaria is kind and gentle, which makes him the perfect counterpart to Shirayuki. He could never be presumptuous or inconsiderate. And though he isn’t the crown prince, he isn’t dissatisfied or ambitious. What he cares more about is questing and leading by example, like a true dutiful gentleman.
3 Yuki (Fruits Basket)
Yuki is absolutely the most honorable guy in the Sohma family. Kyo is also kind, compassionate, and dutiful to the people he loves, but Yuki has a more controlled and genteel personality. Kyo may be chivalrous, but Yuki is that and more.
Yuki notices the small things that most people miss. When his girlfriend battles with anxiety and perfectionism in school, he finds small but crucial ways to support her. He knows how to intervene on someone’s behalf without treading over their autonomy.
2 Hotohori (Fushigi Yuugi)
Hotohori is the Emperor in Fushigi Yuugi, but he’s an honorable gentleman because of his personal growth rather than his proximity to power. Though it’s obvious that Miaka will end up with Tamahome, Hotohori still makes a compelling third in the love triangle because he has such a winning personality.
Most gentlemen aren’t narcissistic like Hotohori is, but not everyone is perfect, and he doesn’t let valuing his looks overpower his sense of right and wrong. He’s an honorable man, but his personality is complex. He’s more of a kuudere — cold on the surface but warm upon further acquaintance.
1 Albert Hawke (The Saint’s Magic Power Is Omnipotent)
Albert Hawke is the eternal knight in shining armor in The Saint’s Magic Power Is Omnipotent. His personality may be frosty enough to earn him the moniker “The Ice Knight,” but his actions show his values. He’s a reliable ally, especially to Sei, and he’s not afraid to take a lady’s help, even in a historical setting.
Albert Hawke is incredibly respectful of Sei’s abilities, and his icy demeanor comes from his strong sense of responsibility. He’s the opposite of flippant; he takes everything incredibly seriously, as a true gentleman would. Even his flirtation with Sei is incredibly polite.