Real Girl - Characters & Cast

Initially, his motivation is simply to survive the six-month relationship he stumbles into. This evolves into a genuine desire to understand and protect Iroha. His ultimate motivation becomes proving that their love is real and lasting, strong enough to overcome social stigma, personal failings, and even fate itself.

Hikari begins as a deeply cynical and isolated otaku who distrusts the real world, particularly "3D girls." His relationship with Iroha forces him out of his comfort zone. Throughout Season 1, he struggles with profound social anxiety and insecurity, often misinterpreting situations and lashing out due to his lack of experience. In Season 2, he matures significantly, becoming more confident and learning to fight for his relationship. His arc culminates in his decision to wait for Iroha and his eventual acceptance of himself, transitioning from a boy who hides in a 2D world to a man who fully embraces the complexities of 3D love and life.

Her primary motivation is to experience a genuine, meaningful relationship before she has to leave for her high-risk surgery. She seeks authenticity and emotional connection, which she finds in Hikari's unpolished but sincere personality. She wants to create lasting, happy memories in the limited time she believes she has.

Iroha is introduced as a beautiful but notorious girl, infamous for being blunt and promiscuous. Her arc is about revealing the vulnerable, lonely, and kind person beneath the rumors. She is drawn to Hikari's earnestness, which contrasts with the superficiality she has experienced in past relationships. Her development involves learning to trust someone completely and open up about her fears, especially concerning her secret illness. Despite her outward confidence, she is deeply insecure. Her journey through surgery and subsequent amnesia, and her eventual recovery of her memories, solidifies her belief in a love that transcends memory and hardship.

Yuuto is motivated by his deep loyalty to Hikari and a desire to see his friend happy. He also yearns for his own romantic connection, hoping to find a relationship as meaningful as the one he witnesses between Hikari and Iroha.

Yuuto is Hikari's only friend at the start of the series, a fellow otaku who is slightly more optimistic and socially aware. His arc focuses on supporting Hikari while also embarking on his own romantic journey. He develops feelings for Sumie Ayado, another otaku, and his story explores the anxieties of confessing one's feelings and dealing with rejection. He remains a steadfastly loyal and supportive friend to Hikari throughout, acting as a voice of reason and encouragement. His arc shows growth in his own confidence and his ability to form meaningful connections outside of his friendship with Hikari.

Arisa is motivated by a desire to see her friends happy and to prevent them from making the same mistakes she has in her own love life. She is fiercely protective of Iroha and, despite her teasing, of Hikari as well. She seeks a stable and honest relationship for herself and for those she cares about.

Initially annoyed by Hikari, Arisa quickly becomes an indispensable friend and relationship advisor to both him and Iroha. Her own romantic life is messy; she starts the series dating a boy who takes advantage of her. Her arc involves her learning to value herself and seek a healthier relationship, which she eventually finds with the reformed Mitsuya Takanashi. She evolves from a somewhat cynical observer into a core member of the friend group, offering blunt but necessary advice and fierce loyalty.