A Silent Voice: The Movie - Characters & Cast

His primary motivation is to atone for bullying Shouko and to alleviate the crippling guilt that has led him to social isolation and suicidal thoughts. He seeks not just her forgiveness, but a way to make things right, to give her the happiness he stole, and ultimately, to find a reason to keep living himself.

Shouya transforms from an arrogant, attention-seeking bully into a deeply remorseful and socially anxious outcast. His arc is a quest for redemption, driven by immense guilt. He learns to move past his self-loathing by forming a genuine connection with Shouko and others. His journey culminates in him learning to forgive himself, signified by the 'X's falling from people's faces, allowing him to finally connect with the world around him.

Shouko's motivation is driven by a profound desire for connection and acceptance. Despite the pain she endures, she continually tries to reach out to others. She blames herself for the discord around her, and her actions, including her suicide attempt, stem from a misguided belief that her disappearance would make things better for everyone else.

Shouko begins as a kind-hearted girl who wants only to make friends, but is met with cruel bullying due to her deafness. This experience fosters a deep-seated self-hatred, causing her to constantly apologize and believe she is a burden to others. Through her renewed connection with Shouya, she slowly begins to find her voice and understand her own worth. Her arc involves learning that she doesn't have to blame herself for the cruelty of others and that her life has value.

Her sole motivation at the start is to protect Shouko from any further pain, especially from Shouya. She documents dead animals with her camera to try and dissuade Shouko from suicidal thoughts. Her motivation evolves to wanting genuine happiness for her sister, which she realizes can include a reformed Shouya.

Initially, Yuzuru is fiercely protective of her older sister, Shouko, and deeply distrustful of Shouya. She presents as a rebellious boy to deter bullies. Her arc is about learning to trust and seeing the genuine change in Shouya. As she witnesses his sincere efforts to make amends, her hostility softens, and she becomes a crucial bridge between him and her sister, eventually becoming a supportive friend to Shouya as well.

His motivation is simple and pure: friendship. Feeling indebted to Shouya for standing up for him, he declares himself Shouya's best friend and remains fiercely loyal throughout the film, often trying to protect Shouya's interests and encourage his social reintegration.

Tomohiro is a lonely outcast who becomes Shouya's first and most loyal friend after Shouya saves him from a bully. He is socially awkward but has a heart of gold. His arc involves finding a true friend in Shouya and providing unwavering support, helping to pull Shouya out of his isolation. He offers comic relief but also profound loyalty, defining friendship as something beyond rules or logic.