My Hero Academia - Characters & Cast

His core motivation is an unwavering, almost reckless desire to save everyone, stemming from his childhood dream of being a hero like All Might. He wants to become a hero who not only wins battles but saves people's hearts and brings them hope with a smile. This evolves into a deeper understanding of his responsibility as the 9th user of One For All, with the added motivation of stopping All For One and saving even the villains from themselves, as seen with his desire to save Tomura Shigaraki.

Izuku begins as a timid, Quirkless boy who is bullied for his heroic aspirations. After inheriting One For All from his idol, All Might, his journey is one of immense struggle to control a power that constantly threatens to destroy his body. He evolves from an insecure and analytical hero-fanboy into a confident and powerful leader. A major turning point is the "Dark Hero" arc, where he attempts to shoulder the entire burden of fighting villains alone, demonstrating a flawed hero complex. He ultimately learns the importance of relying on his friends, solidifying his transformation into a true symbol of hope who understands that saving others also means allowing others to help him.

His initial motivation is a simple and explosive desire to be the undisputed #1 hero, surpassing even All Might through overwhelming victory. He is driven by a need to prove he is the strongest. This motivation evolves as he matures; while he still aims for the top, he learns that true strength isn't just about winning, but also about protecting others and acknowledging the strength of his comrades. He develops a sense of responsibility for All Might's downfall, which fuels his desire to become a hero who wins to save others.

Bakugo starts as an arrogant, aggressive, and supremely talented bully who looks down on Izuku for being Quirkless. His arc is one of the most significant in the series, focusing on humility and deconstructing his superiority complex. Key moments like his kidnapping by the League of Villains, his loss to Izuku, and witnessing All Might's retirement force him to confront his own weaknesses and insecurities. This culminates in him genuinely apologizing to Izuku for years of bullying, acknowledging his own wrongdoing and finally becoming a true rival and partner who values teamwork and recognizes Izuku's strength.

As a hero, his motivation was to be a pillar of hope that society could rely on, a Symbol of Peace who saves everyone with a smile to counteract the fear and chaos caused by villains. After passing on his power, his motivation shifts to ensuring Izuku can master One For All and become a worthy successor. He is driven by a deep-seated desire to protect the world from All For One and to make up for his past failures, particularly concerning the family of his predecessor, Nana Shimura.

All Might is introduced as the seemingly invincible #1 Hero and the "Symbol of Peace." His arc is about the decline of a legend and the transition into a mentor role. He is forced to confront his own mortality and limitations after passing his Quirk, One For All, to Izuku. His final, devastating battle with his arch-nemesis, All For One, publicly exposes his weakened state and forces him into retirement. His journey then becomes about guiding the next generation, placing his faith in Izuku and learning that his legacy can continue not through his own strength, but through the hero he inspires Izuku to become.