The 11 most intelligent protagonists in fiction!

Monumental intelligence is something that most people would be delighted to have, in addition to making life easier for those who possess it, it also creates stories and generates admiration. Several series and anime can only exist due to the intellectual capacity of their protagonists. Either because the story depends entirely on the character's intelligence as a pillar of the narrative, or because if it weren't for her, he would be dozens of chapters away.

That said, let's continue with the list of characters so smart that it's difficult to understand!

As usual, the characters are not arranged in any particular order. Another important point is that we chose to focus only on the protagonists, otherwise, several other characters that are not easily found here would have their place saved among the “most intelligent”.

Kira, Light Yagami

Anime: Death Note

MAL score: 8.63

It's practically impossible to make a list of intelligent characters and not include Light Yagami. He's a must-include when we narrow down the list to just protagonists. For many anime fans, this is the first character that comes to mind when smart protagonists are mentioned.

His ability to think quickly and devise traps against his rival, L, who is considered the best detective in the world in the Death Note universe, guarantees his place in the hall of the most intelligent protagonists. The way Light manipulates situations and people to maintain his secret identity as Kira is simply brilliant.

Senku Ishigami

Anime: Dr. Stone

MAL score: 8.34

Senku is the MacGyver of anime. In a desert world without technology, he alone discovers the cure for the “stone disease”, using nothing more than primitive tools and natural resources. In less than five years after his awakening in a savage land, Senku was able to lead humanity back into the scientific age, creating everything from gunpowder to steam engines.

Bonus points for the anime because apparently the science used by Senku is extremely close to the real thing, which further solidifies his status as one of the most intelligent.

Sherlock Holmes

My publisher would probably kill me if I made another list including only anime characters, so Sherlock Holmes has carved out a little space for himself on this one. Jokes aside, Sherlock Holmes is one of the most relevant fictional characters in all literature, and it shouldn't be shocking to anyone that he is considered intelligent.

The biggest problem we find with Sherlock is the fact that he has several different interactions, some where he is just a good detective and smart, and others where he is practically superhuman, making it difficult to consider him just a character. Even so, our beloved and influential Holmes finds a place on this list.

Rick Sanchez

Drawing: Rick and Morty

Rick Sanchez, from Rick and Morty. What to say about this character? The whole idea behind the cartoon is that Rick is the smartest man in the multiverse, at least in “his” universes. With his ability to create technologies that defy the laws of physics and solve seemingly insoluble problems in a matter of seconds, which, in fact, became a problem for the narrative because after all, if every conflict can be resolved without any difficulty, there is no tension.

Still, Rick is a clear example of a character whose monumental intelligence is the cornerstone of the narrative. His cynicism and lack of scruples often land him in difficult situations, but his brilliant mind always finds a way out, usually in an incredibly creative (and chaotic) way.

Lelouch Vi Britannia

Anime: Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion

MAL score: 8.71

For a long time, one of the fiercest arguments among anime fans was: “Who is smarter? Lelouch or Light?” And we can't blame them, the two animes have several similarities that make the comparison inevitable.

Lelouch, with his Geass power that allows him to control people's wills, combines his unique skill with a brilliant strategic mind to lead a rebellion against an oppressive empire. His battle tactics and his ability to manipulate allies and enemies to achieve his goals, as well as how he easily discovered all the limitations of his Geass, make him an incredibly intelligent and fascinating protagonist.

Kiyotaka Ayanokoji

Anime: Classroom of the Elite

MAL rating: 7.84

Kiyotaka Ayanokoji is a character who hides his true intelligence behind a facade of mediocrity and a cold, disinterested look, as Sun Tzu said: “When you are strong, appear weak and when you are weak, appear strong”.

In Classroom of the Elite, he uses his sharp mind to manipulate all the events and people around him to achieve his goals, all while maintaining a low profile. Her ability to analyze situations and predict the actions of others, combined with a mysterious past in an institution that trained children to be prodigies, make Ayanokoji a protagonist whose intelligence is both a tool and a weapon.

Sora and Shiro

Anime: No Game No Life

MAL rating: 8.17

The two brothers from No Game No Life are absolute geniuses when it comes to games and strategy. Sora and Shiro, known as [ ] (read "Blank"), are unbeatable in any type of game, from chess to video games, and when we say unbeatable, we really mean it.

Their mind reading, probability calculation, and teamwork skills are so advanced that they are capable of beating gods at their own game. The synergy between the two brothers and their calculated approaches to overcoming any challenge they encounter is simply mesmerizing to watch.

Norman

Anime: The Promised Neverland

MAL score: 8.59

Perhaps it's unfair to include Norman on this list—after all, his status as a protagonist is questionable—but he deserves to be mentioned, if only so we don't have to write about Emma. In The Promised Neverland, Norman is the brains and light of hope for the group of children trying to escape a farm where they are raised like cattle to be eaten by demons.

His ability to plan elaborate escapes, predict the movements of his “mothers” who, by the way, are also personally geniuses, and sacrifice his own desires for the good of others makes him one of the most intelligent and strategic characters in anime.

Elliot Alderson

Series: Mr. Robot

The second 3D character on this list, which means that both Elliot and Sherlock are really notable for being included here.

Elliot Alderson, the protagonist of Mr. Robot, is a brilliant hacker whose intelligence and technical skills are the central pillar of the series. Their ability to infiltrate highly protected security systems, manipulate information and execute complex cyberattacks are key elements that drive the plot.

Elliot's inclusion on this list is justified by the depth of his intelligence and the way it impacts the narrative.

Killua Zoldyck

Anime: Hunter x Hunter

MAL rating: 8.72

Without Killua, not only Gon, but all professional hunters would be dead during the Chimera Ants arc. Killua is an assassin prodigy with a sharp strategic mind and an innate ability for combat. His intelligence goes beyond mere physical strength, allowing him to quickly analyze combat situations and formulate effective strategies using minuscule amounts of incomplete information, whether facing formidable enemies or helping his friends escape dangerous situations.

Kaiji Itou

Anime: Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor

MAL rating: 8.31

We could have included another protagonist from another gambling-centric anime, but considering her smarter than Kaiji would be an insult. Kaiji Itou is a character whose intelligence shines through in the most desperate situations. In Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor, he is often placed in life-or-death games of chance, where his ability to think outside the box and make quick, calculated decisions is the only thing keeping him alive.

The series highlights your ability to manipulate probabilities, think quickly and outwit opponents, showing how intelligence can be a crucial tool for survival.

These characters demonstrate that intelligence can go much further than the simple ability to defeat enemies with brute force, completely dominate your opponents or survive complicated situations that depend on cunning that muscles alone cannot provide. Their sharp minds, strategic skills, and complex personalities make them fascinating protagonists who elevate the narrative of their respective anime and series.

Through their actions and decisions, they show us that true strength lies in intelligence and the ability to overcome challenges with ingenuity and creativity.

But what about you, what did you think of our choices? Was there a protagonist missing? Which ones do you disagree with us? Tell us in the comments!