Obviously inspired by the other thread comparing the MCs of the franchises. Now let's compare the deuteragonists of the franchises?
Who is better character?
Roronoa Zoro
OR
Sasuke Uchiha
Who is better character?
Roronoa Zoro
OR
Sasuke Uchiha
I love Zolo. Zolo is a phenomenal character but...
Let’s not kid ourselves. We all love a good try-hard, and Zolo—sorry, Zoro—is the most glorified gym bro with a sword in all of anime. But if we’re talking about actual character, about depth, about nuance, development, and relevance in the story he inhabits, then I’m sorry to break it to you: Sasuke Uchiha clears him so hard it’s almost rude to compare them. This isn’t even a fair fight. It's like comparing a steak to a rice cake. One is rich in flavor, layered, and complex; the other just... exists.
Let’s just address the elephant in the room: Zoro fans love to pretend he has depth because he mumbles something edgy about "becoming the greatest swordsman" every 500 episodes while lifting boulders shirtless in the background like some extra in a protein powder commercial. Meanwhile, Sasuke’s entire existence is a philosophical exploration of revenge, trauma, ideology, legacy, redemption, and the moral ambiguity of justice. But yeah, Zoro has three swords. One goes in his mouth. Incredible depth. Pulitzer-worthy stuff.
Zoro’s entire character arc, if you can call it that, is basically a straight line drawn with a broken crayon. He wants to be the best swordsman. Cool. So do a million other shonen characters. What distinguishes him? His loyalty? Congrats, he knows how to say "I trust my captain" and not cry about it. What a legend. Meanwhile, Sasuke has gone from traumatized child to revenge-driven prodigy, to rogue ninja, to revolutionary terrorist, to reluctant ally, to philosophical wanderer. The man has had more internal conflict in one arc than Zoro’s had thoughts in the entire series.
Now let’s talk writing. Sasuke’s decisions—though controversial—are character-driven. He questions the system that destroyed his clan. He challenges the moral failings of Konoha. He fights Naruto not just because he can, but because ideologically, they’re fundamentally at odds. It’s layered. It’s complicated. You can agree or disagree, but you understand. With Zoro? He just swings harder. Bleeds harder. Yells louder. It’s like watching a battle-shouting simulator in green pants. He has the personality range of a gym locker.
Let’s not even pretend Oda has done anything remotely meaningful with Zoro since pre-Enies Lobby. After the time skip, he’s just a walking tank with zero emotional stakes. Wano was supposed to be “his arc.” You know, the place where his sword is from? The land where his heritage is vaguely connected? And what did we get? A guy staring intensely, cutting stuff, and giving stoic one-liners like he’s auditioning to be the seventh Fast & Furious lead. “I’ll protect Luffy’s dream.” Bro. That’s literally your entire character at this point. You’re a glorified bodyguard with abs.
Compare that to Sasuke, who literally embodies the cycle of hatred and the question of how to break it. Who’s forced to reckon with the fact that his revenge was manipulated by greater forces. Who has to come to terms with his own capacity for destruction and choose to wander the world seeking understanding instead of domination. That’s a story. That’s an arc. That’s writing. Zoro would probably slice the Hokage Monument in half and call it a personality trait.
Let’s also look at emotional range, shall we? Sasuke has felt grief, hatred, jealousy, guilt, love, loss, and even a broken sense of identity. The guy watched his entire family die, got manipulated by a war criminal, fought his best friend to the death twice, and still ended up doing his best to atone. Zoro? He got lost. A lot. Occasionally says something about “not losing again.” His backstory is literally “my friend died and I got upset and started slicing things.” We’ve seen NPCs with deeper motivations. At least Sasuke’s trauma doesn’t rely on a childhood game of stairs gone wrong.
Now, for all the Zoro stans about to cry “but he’s cool,” let me grant you that. Yes. Zoro is cool. He’s cool like a Michael Bay explosion. Cool like a car with spoilers and no engine. Cool in that empty, aesthetic-only way that appeals to middle schoolers who think “badass” equals “no emotional intelligence.” But being cool doesn’t make you a good character. If that were the bar, Vegeta would be the pinnacle of storytelling and Escanor would be Shakespearean.
And since we’re here, can we talk about how Zoro stans act like he solos entire universes? The man struggled against Kamazo the Manslayer and had to be rescued by a child with a bowl haircut. Meanwhile, Sasuke was fighting gods. Plural. He was going toe-to-toe with aliens that shoot moons out of their hands while bleeding from both eyes. And you're telling me Zoro cutting a fireball makes them equals? I beg your pardon?
Oh, and the eye thing? Zoro loses one eye and it’s never explained. Not even hinted at. Oda was just like, “He needs to look edgy now,” and never circled back. Meanwhile, Sasuke loses an eye and it’s the culmination of a massive battle of ideals, power, and sacrifice. Zoro fans hype up that scar like it’s some great mystery when the answer is probably just "he tripped on a training dummy." Truly elite storytelling.
Also, let’s not pretend Zoro has relationships that matter. His entire interaction pool is Luffy (who he listens to), Sanji (who he yells at), and random enemies he cuts. Sasuke? His bond with Naruto is the emotional backbone of the entire series. His relationship with Itachi is one of the most gut-wrenching twists in anime. His dynamic with Sakura, while controversial, at least exists in a narrative context. Zoro couldn’t emotionally connect with a cactus.
In conclusion, comparing Zoro to Sasuke is like comparing a coloring book to Dostoevsky. Sure, one looks nice on your coffee table, but the other actually says something. Sasuke is a character with substance, themes, and growth. Zoro is a protein shake with swords. One is the tragic anti-hero of a generation, the other is a loud man with no GPS and a strict chest day routine.
So yes, I love Zolo. Zolo is phenomenal. But only if your definition of phenomenal is “growls, swings, and occasionally cries about Mihawk like he's an ex that never texted back.” Sasuke, on the other hand, is what happens when you give a character actual narrative purpose. He clears Zoro in every way that matters—story, emotion, philosophy, and yes, even fight choreography.
Stay mad, sword bros.
Let’s not kid ourselves. We all love a good try-hard, and Zolo—sorry, Zoro—is the most glorified gym bro with a sword in all of anime. But if we’re talking about actual character, about depth, about nuance, development, and relevance in the story he inhabits, then I’m sorry to break it to you: Sasuke Uchiha clears him so hard it’s almost rude to compare them. This isn’t even a fair fight. It's like comparing a steak to a rice cake. One is rich in flavor, layered, and complex; the other just... exists.
Let’s just address the elephant in the room: Zoro fans love to pretend he has depth because he mumbles something edgy about "becoming the greatest swordsman" every 500 episodes while lifting boulders shirtless in the background like some extra in a protein powder commercial. Meanwhile, Sasuke’s entire existence is a philosophical exploration of revenge, trauma, ideology, legacy, redemption, and the moral ambiguity of justice. But yeah, Zoro has three swords. One goes in his mouth. Incredible depth. Pulitzer-worthy stuff.
Zoro’s entire character arc, if you can call it that, is basically a straight line drawn with a broken crayon. He wants to be the best swordsman. Cool. So do a million other shonen characters. What distinguishes him? His loyalty? Congrats, he knows how to say "I trust my captain" and not cry about it. What a legend. Meanwhile, Sasuke has gone from traumatized child to revenge-driven prodigy, to rogue ninja, to revolutionary terrorist, to reluctant ally, to philosophical wanderer. The man has had more internal conflict in one arc than Zoro’s had thoughts in the entire series.
Now let’s talk writing. Sasuke’s decisions—though controversial—are character-driven. He questions the system that destroyed his clan. He challenges the moral failings of Konoha. He fights Naruto not just because he can, but because ideologically, they’re fundamentally at odds. It’s layered. It’s complicated. You can agree or disagree, but you understand. With Zoro? He just swings harder. Bleeds harder. Yells louder. It’s like watching a battle-shouting simulator in green pants. He has the personality range of a gym locker.
Let’s not even pretend Oda has done anything remotely meaningful with Zoro since pre-Enies Lobby. After the time skip, he’s just a walking tank with zero emotional stakes. Wano was supposed to be “his arc.” You know, the place where his sword is from? The land where his heritage is vaguely connected? And what did we get? A guy staring intensely, cutting stuff, and giving stoic one-liners like he’s auditioning to be the seventh Fast & Furious lead. “I’ll protect Luffy’s dream.” Bro. That’s literally your entire character at this point. You’re a glorified bodyguard with abs.
Compare that to Sasuke, who literally embodies the cycle of hatred and the question of how to break it. Who’s forced to reckon with the fact that his revenge was manipulated by greater forces. Who has to come to terms with his own capacity for destruction and choose to wander the world seeking understanding instead of domination. That’s a story. That’s an arc. That’s writing. Zoro would probably slice the Hokage Monument in half and call it a personality trait.
Let’s also look at emotional range, shall we? Sasuke has felt grief, hatred, jealousy, guilt, love, loss, and even a broken sense of identity. The guy watched his entire family die, got manipulated by a war criminal, fought his best friend to the death twice, and still ended up doing his best to atone. Zoro? He got lost. A lot. Occasionally says something about “not losing again.” His backstory is literally “my friend died and I got upset and started slicing things.” We’ve seen NPCs with deeper motivations. At least Sasuke’s trauma doesn’t rely on a childhood game of stairs gone wrong.
Now, for all the Zoro stans about to cry “but he’s cool,” let me grant you that. Yes. Zoro is cool. He’s cool like a Michael Bay explosion. Cool like a car with spoilers and no engine. Cool in that empty, aesthetic-only way that appeals to middle schoolers who think “badass” equals “no emotional intelligence.” But being cool doesn’t make you a good character. If that were the bar, Vegeta would be the pinnacle of storytelling and Escanor would be Shakespearean.
And since we’re here, can we talk about how Zoro stans act like he solos entire universes? The man struggled against Kamazo the Manslayer and had to be rescued by a child with a bowl haircut. Meanwhile, Sasuke was fighting gods. Plural. He was going toe-to-toe with aliens that shoot moons out of their hands while bleeding from both eyes. And you're telling me Zoro cutting a fireball makes them equals? I beg your pardon?
Oh, and the eye thing? Zoro loses one eye and it’s never explained. Not even hinted at. Oda was just like, “He needs to look edgy now,” and never circled back. Meanwhile, Sasuke loses an eye and it’s the culmination of a massive battle of ideals, power, and sacrifice. Zoro fans hype up that scar like it’s some great mystery when the answer is probably just "he tripped on a training dummy." Truly elite storytelling.
Also, let’s not pretend Zoro has relationships that matter. His entire interaction pool is Luffy (who he listens to), Sanji (who he yells at), and random enemies he cuts. Sasuke? His bond with Naruto is the emotional backbone of the entire series. His relationship with Itachi is one of the most gut-wrenching twists in anime. His dynamic with Sakura, while controversial, at least exists in a narrative context. Zoro couldn’t emotionally connect with a cactus.
In conclusion, comparing Zoro to Sasuke is like comparing a coloring book to Dostoevsky. Sure, one looks nice on your coffee table, but the other actually says something. Sasuke is a character with substance, themes, and growth. Zoro is a protein shake with swords. One is the tragic anti-hero of a generation, the other is a loud man with no GPS and a strict chest day routine.
So yes, I love Zolo. Zolo is phenomenal. But only if your definition of phenomenal is “growls, swings, and occasionally cries about Mihawk like he's an ex that never texted back.” Sasuke, on the other hand, is what happens when you give a character actual narrative purpose. He clears Zoro in every way that matters—story, emotion, philosophy, and yes, even fight choreography.
Stay mad, sword bros.
@Tyki_Mikk @SakazOuki @Roo @Peroroncino @Elder Lee Hung @NikaInParis @Mr. Reloaded @CoC: Color of Clowns @Apollo @TheAncientCenturion @AL sama @Doggo @Natalija @MonsterKaido @Cross_Marian @Bisoromi Bear @ConquistadoR @Toby D. Dog @Indigo @Fujishiro @Seatonnes @Rej @Flower @Indigo @Kerkovian @Pringles @Kurozumi Wiwi @MarineHQ @Natalija @Sentinel @TheKnightOfTheSea @Blackbeard @Bepo D. Bear @MonochromeYoru @Owl Ki @Sir Yasheen @Monster Zoro's Tesla Supplier @Pot Goblin @Rottkins @Jaguark101 @Owl Ki
@Alexis2282AE @Monkey D Monkey @kenedyfake @Topi Jerami @Sentinel @comrade @Den_Den_Mushi @trav @Demongodzolo @Marimo_420 @Aknolagon @Cyrus the Cactus @Rivaille @Monet @Garp the Fist @Gol D. Roger @Afroking @ImmaIvanoM @MarineHQ @Luffy bin Dragon @Luffy is the mc @Rmstorm @Fleet Leader Fenaker @yj @Fiji @Playa4321 @Guan Yu @Ice devil slayer @Sword God Ryuma @Zenos7 @Akai2 @MasterD @RayanOO @Haoshoku @Dark Hound @Camie @Thabeast @style @zorojurou @RyumaZoro @Gon’s Missing Arm @Yo Tan Wa @Orojackson Refugee @Sunita @IceWitch @ShadyOjiro @LolonoisZolo @Grumpy Zoro @HA001 OF THE RAIN @Natalija @Enma @Rukusho @Sade @Sadistic Senpai @stormylife @Geo @Reborn @Cinera @ShishioIsBack @Shishi @Nidai_Kitetsu @Mikail @mly90 @The White Crane @Gauntlet @Kuro Ashi @sanjikun @Extravlad @Lion of Olympus @Buusatan94 @AL sama @Patryipe @Kiwipom @Owl Ki @Salah WG @stairs-kun @BOCCHI @EtenBoby @Fujishiro @Bogard @Punpun @Seth @Elder Lee Hung @I'mTired @Gensui Sazid @Marco @Erkan12 @Blackbeard @Alpha @matt245 @God D usopp @Shanal @ConquistadoR @Jet Pistol @Captain Luffy @Brendan Schaub @park_min young @Daikenki @WesMidnight @Echizen_Jo_Ndule @serialwinnerv7 @Malick the last Light @yorosenpai @Shinsekai @King of the world @ShadowStyle369 @Daikenki @Seth @LadyVados @BornInAbyss @Fuckthis3 @ShiNoGekai @hayze moya @Meeyori @Franosuke @wys @Lor D. Coast @Kerkovian @wordy @Psychiatrist @kumae @Mr. Reloaded @Taylor_ @ChefboiiFuego @Blazing Lion @grey matter @Owari Da @Malio @OGshine @HAJI @Kurozumi Giggio @Mr.Baj1o @Red Admiral @Mr.9000 @Vanlax @Bt7207. @Croco boy @Herrera95 @JayKitetsu @LilPanda @hedera__helix @Redboy776 @Cruxroux @JoNdule @Veku @Monster Zoro's Tesla Supplier @Garps tekkai @Gari @HA001 @Foul Legacy @Moegara @ZenZu @kyejames316 @Kōri no kokyū @L57 @Chrono
@Alexis2282AE @Monkey D Monkey @kenedyfake @Topi Jerami @Sentinel @comrade @Den_Den_Mushi @trav @Demongodzolo @Marimo_420 @Aknolagon @Cyrus the Cactus @Rivaille @Monet @Garp the Fist @Gol D. Roger @Afroking @ImmaIvanoM @MarineHQ @Luffy bin Dragon @Luffy is the mc @Rmstorm @Fleet Leader Fenaker @yj @Fiji @Playa4321 @Guan Yu @Ice devil slayer @Sword God Ryuma @Zenos7 @Akai2 @MasterD @RayanOO @Haoshoku @Dark Hound @Camie @Thabeast @style @zorojurou @RyumaZoro @Gon’s Missing Arm @Yo Tan Wa @Orojackson Refugee @Sunita @IceWitch @ShadyOjiro @LolonoisZolo @Grumpy Zoro @HA001 OF THE RAIN @Natalija @Enma @Rukusho @Sade @Sadistic Senpai @stormylife @Geo @Reborn @Cinera @ShishioIsBack @Shishi @Nidai_Kitetsu @Mikail @mly90 @The White Crane @Gauntlet @Kuro Ashi @sanjikun @Extravlad @Lion of Olympus @Buusatan94 @AL sama @Patryipe @Kiwipom @Owl Ki @Salah WG @stairs-kun @BOCCHI @EtenBoby @Fujishiro @Bogard @Punpun @Seth @Elder Lee Hung @I'mTired @Gensui Sazid @Marco @Erkan12 @Blackbeard @Alpha @matt245 @God D usopp @Shanal @ConquistadoR @Jet Pistol @Captain Luffy @Brendan Schaub @park_min young @Daikenki @WesMidnight @Echizen_Jo_Ndule @serialwinnerv7 @Malick the last Light @yorosenpai @Shinsekai @King of the world @ShadowStyle369 @Daikenki @Seth @LadyVados @BornInAbyss @Fuckthis3 @ShiNoGekai @hayze moya @Meeyori @Franosuke @wys @Lor D. Coast @Kerkovian @wordy @Psychiatrist @kumae @Mr. Reloaded @Taylor_ @ChefboiiFuego @Blazing Lion @grey matter @Owari Da @Malio @OGshine @HAJI @Kurozumi Giggio @Mr.Baj1o @Red Admiral @Mr.9000 @Vanlax @Bt7207. @Croco boy @Herrera95 @JayKitetsu @LilPanda @hedera__helix @Redboy776 @Cruxroux @JoNdule @Veku @Monster Zoro's Tesla Supplier @Garps tekkai @Gari @HA001 @Foul Legacy @Moegara @ZenZu @kyejames316 @Kōri no kokyū @L57 @Chrono
