In anime and manga, there is a myriad of character personalities.  The more common personalities are recurring throughout many titles, and as a result, fans have come up with names for these tropes, known as -dere archetypes. These terms typically end with -dere, short for “deredere,” which translates to “lovey-dovey” in English. Many of these tropes are loved by fans across the world and can be found in many fan-favorite titles. 

Tsundere (ツンデレ) 

     Tsundere is a compound word of tsun- (blunt) and -dere (lovey-dovey). Tsunderes are perhaps the most iconic type of -dere due to their distinct behavior. Known to be rude to their love interest, they often act harshly out of embarrassment. Sometimes, this behavior stems from a love-hate relationship, and other times, the tsundere reacts impulsively because they don’t know how to respond. Either way, tsunderes have become a popular archetype and can be seen throughout several titles. Some examples of these characters include Taiga from Toradora, Vegeta from Dragon Ball, and Asuka from Evangelion.

Kuudere (クーデレ)

     Kuudere is a compound word of kuu- (cool) and -dere (lovey-dovey). Known to be silent and aloof, kuuderes often appear emotionless and distant. They are often misunderstood and reveal a gentle and caring side underneath their cold exterior. Their cool characteristics make them a popular personality throughout many series. Some examples of kuuderes include Yuuki Nagato from Haruhi Suzumiya, Homura Akemi from Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica, and Mikasa Ackerman from Attack on Titan.

Dandere (だんデレ)

     Dandere is a compound of the word dan- from danmari (silence), and -dere (lovey-dovey). Like kuuderes, danderes are known for their quiet behavior. However, while kuuderes are withdrawn, danderes tend to be openly clumsy and shy. Because of their withdrawn personalities, danderes have stolen the hearts of several fans. Popular examples of danderes include Tsukasa Hiragi from Lucky Star, Ami Mizuno from Sailor Moon, and Hinata Hyuga from Naruto.

Yandere (ヤンデレ)

     Yandere is a compound of the word yan- from yanderu (to be mentally sick) and -dere (lovey-dovey). Perhaps the most unusual archetype of them all, yanderes are known to have a sweet exterior with a hidden dark and possessive side. Their obsession with their love interests leads yanderes to commit extreme acts, such as stalking and murder, to prevent others from getting closer to whom they love. Despite their scary personalities, yanderes continue to be popular as they recur in multiple series, especially psychological horrors. Famous examples of yanderes include Gasai Yuno from Future Diary, Himiko Toga from My Hero Academia, and Yuri from the horror dating sim, Doki doki Literature Club.

     While these are the most distinctive and common -dere archetypes, fans have come up with other countless personalities ending with -dere. It is nearly impossible to compile a list of every archetype because the list is constantly evolving.