- "They laugh at the law. The rich ones who buy it and twist it to their whims. The other ones, who have nothing to lose, who don't care about themselves, or other people. All the ones who think they're above the law, or outside it, or beyond it. They know all the law is good for is to keep good people in line. And they all laugh. They laugh at the law. But they don't laugh at me. "
- ― Frank Castle/The Punisher (Marvel Comics)
- "I can't die yet! Not until I find him, and then kill him by my own hand! "
- ― Aquamarine "Aqua" Hoshino/Goro Amamiya (Oshi No Ko)
The archetype of the Avenger.
Also Called[]
- Punisher
- The Breaker
Properties[]
The character is an avenger, meaning that they have devoted themselves completely to getting revenge on someone or something that has wronged them.
The character will stop at nothing of fulfilling their desire for retribution, and resort to unsavory tactics to assure it. The user is someone who has a one-track mind when it comes to this, usually manifesting into their lives as the only thing they do, and the only thing that gives them purpose.
Associations[]
- Anger Empowerment
- Discern Target
- Exaggeration
- Hatred Empowerment
- Indomitable Emotions
- Inhibition Release
- Killing Instinct
- Obsession Empowerment
- Revenge Empowerment
- Self-Sufficiency
- Training Regimen
Relationships[]
- Anti-Hero
- Many avengers may be Anti-Heroes who are tired of their environment's corruption or were victim to it.
- (Example: Red Hood, Guts, Team Dark)
- Many avengers may be Anti-Heroes who are tired of their environment's corruption or were victim to it.
- Assailant
- Many avengers are maledicted individuals corrupted by a foul power, driven further and further off the brink of sanity by a taunting reminder of what they lost. Compelling them to commit atrocities in the possessing forces name.
- (Example: John Jaspers/Faust, Faust: Love of the Damned)
- Many avengers are maledicted individuals corrupted by a foul power, driven further and further off the brink of sanity by a taunting reminder of what they lost. Compelling them to commit atrocities in the possessing forces name.
- Barbarian
- In the most primeval sense, an avenger can be a vicious brigand with a weary guile yet not lacking a semblance of honor.
- (Example: Tien, Ong Bak 2)
- In the most primeval sense, an avenger can be a vicious brigand with a weary guile yet not lacking a semblance of honor.
- Rebel
- Usually, their desire for vengeance manifest as jumpstarting an insurrection or a revolution, to get back to a bureaucracy or system that personally wronged them.
- (Example: Lelouch vi Britannia, Code Geass)
- Usually, their desire for vengeance manifest as jumpstarting an insurrection or a revolution, to get back to a bureaucracy or system that personally wronged them.
- Ronin
- The Samurai version of the Avenger archetype.
- (Example: Afro, Afro Samurai)
- The Samurai version of the Avenger archetype.
- Vigilante
- A typically outside the law type knowledgeable in a number of fields, starting out with nothing until they gain access to resources and contacts when a devastating travesty drove them to work beyond faulty legal systems after they let them down.
- (Example: La Muerta, Ajay Mehra, Ninjak)
- A typically outside the law type knowledgeable in a number of fields, starting out with nothing until they gain access to resources and contacts when a devastating travesty drove them to work beyond faulty legal systems after they let them down.
Variations[]
- Afterlife Border
- Black Ops Mastery
- Confession Inducement
- Discern Motivation
- Indomitable Nature
- Indomitable Love; rare cases.
- Karma Manipulation
- Pedagogy Mastery
- Revenant Physiology
- Supreme Monopoly; rare cases
- Tormentor
- Undead Pulse
- Vengeance Deity
- Vengeance Spirit Physiology
Limitations[]
- Could be blinded by their desire for revenge.
- May deny help that they are offered.
- May betray allies in the quest for revenge.
- May end up killing the wrong person.
- May make things worse for everyone around them.
- May inadvertently begin or continue a cycle of revenge.
- Upon succeeding in revenge, the user may be left with no further purpose.
Example Characters[]
Anime/Manga/Manhwa
- Afro (Afro Samurai)
- Nami Kusunoki (Alive: The Final Evolution)
- Tenzen Yakushiji (Basilisk)
- Guts (Berserk)
- Gin Ichimaru (Bleach)
- Ginjō Kūgo (Bleach)
- Kōga Kuchiki (Bleach)
- Ōko Yushima (Bleach)
- Chunwoo Han (The Breaker series)
- Clare (Claymore)
- Ophelia (Claymore)
- The One Being Sought (Code:Breaker)
- Aoba Takatsu (Code:Breaker)
- Lelouch vi Britannia (Code Geass)
- Akira Fudo (Devilman); after Miki’s death
- Baby (Dragon Ball series)
- Dr. Gero (Dragon Ball series)
- Garlic Jr. (Dragon Ball series)
- Piccolo Jr. (Dragon Ball series)
- Kenshiro (Fist of the North Star)
- Rei (Fist of the North Star)
- Chrome Walker (Fixed Damage)
- Jin Ja Gang (Legend of Asura – The Venom Dragon)
- Jagi (Fist of the North Star)
- Shinsuke Takasugi (Gintama)
- Enshou (Gintama)
- Goblin Slayer (Goblin Slayer)
- Ihwa/Hero Killer (Hero Killer)
- Kurapika (Hunter X Hunter)
- Jean Pierre Polnareff (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Part III: Stardust Crusaders)
- Ermes Costello (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Part III: Stone Ocean)
- Kyou Kai (Kingdom); formerly
- Oyuki (Lady Snowblood)
- Toya Todoroki (My Hero Academia)
- Nagato (Naruto)
- Sasuke Uchiha (Naruto)
- Donquixote Doflamingo (One Piece)
- Trafalgar D. Water Law (One Piece)
- New Fishmen Pirates (One Piece)
- Pyo Wol (Reaper of the Drifting Moon)
- Lady Oyakata (Rosario + Vampire)
- Hokuto Kaneshiro (Rosario + Vampire)
- Gyokuro Shuzen (Rosario + Vampire)
- Alucard (Rosario + Vampire)
- Enishi Yukishiro (Rurouni Kenshin)
- Tokagero (Shaman King)
- Kihara Yuiitsu (Toaru Majutsu no Index)
- Raul Evans (The Strongest Brave Who Craves for Revenge, Extinguish with the Power of Darkness)
- Köinzell (Übel Blatt)
- Thorfinn (Vinland Saga); formerly
- Heidi (Vinland Saga)
- Thief King Bakura (Yu-Gi-Oh!)
- Tragoedia (Yu-Gi-Oh! GX)
Cartoons/Comics
- Issac (Castlevania)
- Maria Diaz/La Muerta (Coffin Comics)
- The Crow (Crow Franchise)
- Alex Corvus
- Ashe Corven
- Eric Draven
- Jimmy Cuervo
- Black Manta (DC Comics)
- Jason Todd/Red Hood (DC Comics)
- The Specter (DC Comics)
- The Phantom Blot (Ducktales 2017)
- Albert Simmons/Spawn (Image Comics)
- Frank Castle/Punisher (Marvel Comics)
- Ghost Riders (Marvel Comics)
- Saint of Killers (Preacher)
- Robert Underdunk Terwilliger Jr./Sideshow Bob (The Simpsons)
Folklore/Mythology
- Gawain (Arthurian Legends)
- Nemesis (Greek Mythology)
- Sekmhet (Egyptian Mythology)
- Vidar (Norse Mythology)
Live Television/Movies
- Connor MacManus (Boondock Saints)
- Murphy MacManus (Boondock Saints)
- Paul Kersey (Death Wish franchise)
- John Jaspers/Faust (Faust: Love of the Damned)
- Aditya Singh Rajput (Gabbar)
- Britt Reid/Green Hornet (The Green Hornet)
- Ajey Mera (Ghayal)
- Jennifer Hills/Angela Jitrenka (I Spit On Your Grave)
- John Wick (John Wick)
- Rohan Bhatnagar (Kaabil)
- Beatrix Kiddo/The Bride (Kill Bill)
- John Reed/Lone Ranger (Lone Ranger)
- Officer Matthew Cordell (Manic Cop)
- Tien (Ong Bak 2)
- Riley North (Peppermint)
- Dean Winchester (Supernatural)
- Sam Winchester (Supernatural)
Video Games
- Asura (Asura's Wrath)
- Ragna the Bloodedge (Blazblue)
- Vlad "Dracula" Tepes (Castlevania)
- Doom Slayer (Doom franchise)
- Kratos (God of War)
- Hisako (Killer Instinct)
- Caleb (Monolith Production's Blood)
- Hanzo Hasashi/Scorpion (Mortal Kombat)
- Gerald Robotnik (Sonic the Hedgehog)
- Count Bleck (Super Paper Mario)
- Avenger-class Servants (TYPE-MOON)
- Alcides
- Aŋgra Mainyu
- Antonio Salieri
- Edmond Dantès
- Gorgon
- Jeanne D’Arc Alter
Gallery[]
Anime/Manga/Manhwa[]
Nami Kusunoki (Alive: The Final Evolution) sought revenge against Mitachi for killing her brother, and that evolved into a hatred for all "Comrades" (ability users).
Tenzen Yakushiji (Basilisk) seeks revenge against Kouga Manjidani for how his mother was betrayed by his father, which is compounded by said mother's spirit living within him.
Guts (Berserk) as the Black Swordsman sought revenge against Griffith, his former commander and best friend, for betraying him and all his friends during the horrific Eclipse ceremony to become a demon god. Branded for sacrifice, Guts fights demons that actively hunt him down wherever he goes.
Gin Ichimaru (Bleach) dedicated the rest of his life in avenging Rangiku when Aizen nearly killed her by extracting the Soul King's nail from her to the point of appearing to betray Soul Society and everyone else simply to create that opening.
Ginjō Kūgo(Bleach) desires revenge against Soul Society, particularly Tokinada, for killing his comrades, and was willing to make use of Ichigo to achieve that.
After being framed for murder, Kōga Kuchiki (Bleach) had a mental breakdown, leading him to perceive everyone as against him. He then sought revenge against the entire Soul Society for their perceived betrayl.
Ōko Yushima (Bleach) sought revenge against Soul Society for shunning his hard work, even turning himself into an enhanced Mod Soul to exact it.
Goomoonryong (The Breaker) bears an immeasurable hatred of the Murim world. So much so that he blew through his disciple to murder one of its societal pillars.
Clare (Claymore) swore vengeance against Priscilla for killing Teresa that she became the only person who willingly joined the Organization to gain power.
Ophelia (Claymore) swore vengeance against Priscilla for killing her brother, in which the accompanying hatred twisted her mind.
The One Being Sought (Code:Breaker) sought revenge against Eden for betraying him by labeling him as a potential danger despite his loyalty to them.
Aoba Takatsu (Code:Breaker) became "Code: Revenger" to take vengeance against Rei Ogami for killing the nun who took care of her.
Lelouch vi Britannia (Code Geass) swore revenge against his father for abandoning him and his little sister.
After the death of his love, Miki, Akira Fudo (Devilman) swears revenge on his former best friend Ryo.
Baby (Dragon Ball series) was created for the sole purpose of getting revenge against the Saiyans who destroyed his people, the Tuffles.
Dr. Gero (Dragon Ball series) sought revenge against Son Goku for destroying the Red Ribbon Army, creating many Androids and even converting himself into a cyborg for that purpose.
For the first three years of his life, Piccolo Jr. (Dragon Ball series) sought revenge against Son Goku for killing his father, which he accomplished (to an extent) by killing him and Raditz.
Kenshiro (Fist of the North Star) sought revenge against Jagi for the pain he caused, who in turn sought revenge against Kenshiro for scarring his face.
Goblin Slayer (Goblin Slayer) seeks to exterminate all goblins for destroying his village and murdering his family, including his beloved sister.
Kurapika (Hunter X Hunter) swore revenge against the Phantom Troupe, the group that slaughtered his clan.
Jean Pierre Polnareff (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Part III: Stardust Crusaders) sought revenge against the man who murdered his little sister, even went as far as swearing loyalty to Dio.
.gif "Dabi's Fire Beam (My Hero Academia).gif (3.3 MB)")
Toya Todoroki (My Hero Academia) sought nothing short of revenge against his father for abandoning him.
Nagato (Naruto) sought revenge against Hanzō for killing Yahiko and Konohagakure for killing his parents.
After being traumatized by the death of his entire clan, Sasuke Uchiha (Naruto) swore absolute vengeance against his older brother Itachi for his crimes,…
…abandoning his home village and friends to search for more power as Orochimaru's student…
...however, after finally killing his brother and discovering the actual truth behind his betrayal and the death of his clan, it only furthered his hatred.
Donquixote Doflamingo (One Piece) sought revenge against the World Nobles who rejected his attempt to return to their society, by destroying everything.
Hody Jones (One Piece) and his New Fish-men Pirates are avengers who sought to destroy humanity because they were taught by the previous generation in racism, thus making them willing to give up their lives for empty revenge.
Trafalgar Law (One Piece) sought revenge against the world for leaving his homeland to destroy, and then later against Doflamingo for killing Rosinate.
Alucard (Rosario + Vampire) sought revenge against all of humanity for the destruction of his kingdom and people.
Gyokuro Shuzen (Rosario + Vampire) sought revenge against Akasha Bloodriver for taking away her husband's attention, which meant destroying all of humanity simply to spite Akasha.
Hokuto Kaneshiro (Rosario + Vampire) sought revenge against Yokai Academy for making him suffer for so long and turning him into a monster.
Lady Oyakata (Rosario + Vampire) sought revenge against all of humanity for their crimes against monster-kind.
Enishi Yukishiro (Rurouni Kenshin) seeks revenge against Kenshin for killing his sister that his nerves never rested.
Tokagero (Shaman King) sought revenge against Amidamaru for 600 years that his spirit lingered until he possessed Wooden Sword Ryu in an attempt to exact it.
Due to being betrayed and executed by his allies, as well as seeing the atrocities committed by corrupt nobility, Raul Evans (The Strongest Brave Who Craves for Revenge, Extinguish with the Power of Darkness) came back from the dead to seek revenge against everyone who wronged him.
Kihara Yuiitsu (Toaru Majutsu no Index) has desired revenge against Kamisato Kakeru for nearly killing her mentor Kihara Noukan, and swore that she would take everything from him, to the point of endangering the entire Academy City to with Elements to draw him out.
After Ai's death, Aqua (Oshi No Ko) sought revenge against his father Hikaru Kamiki. Who he believe sent Ryosuke to kill both him and Ai...
.webp "Ruby Hoshino (Oshi no Ko).webp (44 KB)")
...With Ruby later also following suit after finding Aqua's former incarnation's dead body.
Cartoons/Comics[]
Crows (The Crow) are revenants brought back by a crow to seek vengeance against those who murdered them and those they loved.
After the death of his entire family who was killed in front of him after witnessing the scene of a mob killing, Frank Castle (Marvel Comics) would go on to become one of fictional history greatest forms of an avenger, the Punisher as he wages endless war on all forms of crime.
Folklore/Mythology[]
After Lancelot killed his brothers, Gawain (Arthurian Legends) swears revenge against him, pulling King Arthur into war and killing several fellow knights to that end.
Live Television/Movies[]
After the son of a gang boss kills his dog and steals his car, John Wick (John Wick) tracks him down, killing dozens of people to get his revenge.
After a brutal mob hit put out on her family, Riley North (Peppermint) became an effective and deadly vigilante after crooked courts let her assailants off the hook while condemning her to a mental asylum.
Video Games[]
Asura (Asura' Wrath) took revenge on the entire pantheon of Demigods who betrayed him.
.png "Ragna the Bloodedge (Centralfiction, Character Select Artwork).png (1.26 MB)")
Ragna the Bloodedge (Blazblue) swore revenge on Yuuki Terumi and the N.O.L. for taking his family from him, training for nearly a decade and going on a one-man crusade against the world government as the SS-Class Criminal known occasionally as "The Grim Reaper".
After his wife was wrongfully burned at the stake, Vlad "Dracula" Tepes (Castlevania) swore revenge against all of humanity, beginning his centuries long quest for the genocide of the human race.
Kratos (God of War) slew nearly the entire Greek pantheon and destroyed the world in his quest for revenge.
Hanzo Hasashi/Scorpion (Mortal Kombat) swore revenge for not only his death, but those of his family and ninja clan. He initially blamed Sub-Zero for the loss of his family, but eventually learned that Quan Chi, the one who brought him back from the dead as a revenant, was the true author of the tragedy.
Gerald Robotnik (Sonic the Hedgehog) went insane when his beloved granddaughter Maria was killed, and he swore revenge against all of humanity by planning genocide of the entire planet Earth.
Those summoned under the “Avenger” class (TYPE-MOON) are bound by resentment and desire for vengeance that lasts even after death.
After being blackened by the mud of the grail, Alcides (TYPE-MOON) swore vengeance against the gods who had ruined his life.
Angra Mainyu (TYPE-MOON)
Jeanne D’Arc Alter (TYPE-MOON) swore revenge against all of France for her wrongful execution.
After being betrayed, falsely imprisoned, and left for dead, as well as having his loved one stolen, Edmond Dantès (TYPE-MOON) spent many years tracking down and getting revenge on those who wronged him.
Videos[]
Scorpion Vs Lin Kuei Clan - Mortal Kombat Legends- Scorpion's Revenge-2
Hanzo Hasashi Becomes Scorpion - Mortal Kombat Legends- Scorpion's Revenge-2
Scorpion Finds Sub-Zero (Scorpion Vs Sub-Zero) - Mortal Kombat Legends- Scorpion's Revenge-2
Scorpion Gets His Revenge (Scorpion vs Quan Chi) - Mortal Kombat Legends- Scorpion's Revenge-2
The Punisher- Garth Ennis's Impact - NowThis Nerd-2