Kenshin Himura (Hitokiri Battousai) is one of the best protagonists in anime. My favorite anime character. He is just so bad ass yet kind. If you have seen the amazing prequel to Rurouni Kenshin, Tsuikohen, you'd agree. Tragic bg
"I told you. My name's not Kaka anyone."
"I am the hope of the universe. I am the answer to all living things that cry out for peace. I am protector of the innocent. I am the light in the darkness. I am truth. Ally to good, nightmare to you!"
Also, I read Berserk last week and I have to mention the great characters in there. It has the greatest villain in manga of all time. I don't know what your argument could be against that. Griffith, you hate that dude. When you're reading Berserk you want him to be tortured the worst way possible but you have to acknowledge his greatness.
Some serious respect, empathy and sympathy for Guts, his fighting style is amazing also. One of the best protagonists in anything ever with a tragic and hate-filled history that makes you angry too. Once you see the source of his anger...
"I told you. My name's not Kaka anyone."
"I am the hope of the universe. I am the answer to all living things that cry out for peace. I am protector of the innocent. I am the light in the darkness. I am truth. Ally to good, nightmare to you!"
Yeah too many! But Akemi Homura is pure badass.
And someone up there mentioned Sabrac, he's awesome too.
I'm more into the emotionless characters, so haha there's a lot
My favorite characters are Asuka (from NGE) and Seta Soujiro (from Rurouni Kenshin). I can't choose one of them. It seems to me they both have the same mental problems and look good)
My favorite character has to be Kirito (Kazuto Kirigaya), but there's always the moments when he does/says something stupid and I just have to hit myself in the head...