Highlights
- Hinata’s lack of character development is evident throughout the Naruto series, with minimal screen time and little growth.
- The romantic pairing between Hinata and Naruto lacks coherence and lacks substantial moments compared to other couples in the series.
- Hinata’s role in the plot is insignificant, and removing her from the narrative would hardly impact the story, making her a poorly developed character.
The Naruto franchise is one of the most popular shōnen series in the anime landscape, yet an acclaimed status doesn’t equate to being a flawless show. In fact, the series is riddled with faults, though the most glaring one of all revolves around its female characters. Author Kishimoto has constantly reiterated his inability to write profound female characters, and this fact becomes quite apparent throughout the story.
Some female characters are somewhat fleshed out, yet others are entirely useless and insignificant to the plot. The community has unanimously deemed Sakura as the worst out of the bunch, though the truth couldn’t be further from that as one other character takes this role by a long shot – Hinata Hyuga. With no significant role in the narrative, little to no screen time, and an underdeveloped love interest, Hinata arguably sits at the bottom of Naruto’s line-up of half-baked female characters.
Hinata’s Lack of Character Development
It’s a common predicament for long-running anime to focus on each character, even more so as their character rosters begin to expand as the storyline progresses. Hinata suffered a similar fate, being relegated to the sidelines after the Chunin Exams and receiving no screen time afterwards until Shippuden. Failing to develop a character isn’t that uncommon, yet it’s certainly odd if that character is supposed to become the protagonist’s main love interest.
Hinata’s case becomes even more bizarre considering her character might have regressed after the two-year timeskip. Hinata maintained the same shy disposition, and couldn’t speak to Naruto without almost passing out. Her overall development was so minimal that viewers could hardly tell the difference between post and pre-timeskip Hinata. Sakura, on the other hand, underwent monumental development as she took on a more fierce persona and gained strength that was visibly evident. While she still lagged behind in other aspects, the difference between Hinata and Sakura’s development post-timeskip was as clear as day.
Her Romance With Naruto Always Seemed Forced
Hinata and Naruto’s relationship is one of the most celebrated pairings in the entire series, yet it also makes the least sense out of all the couples. While Hinata’s sentiments have been rather pronounced and apparent from the beginning of the series, Naruto never seemed to reciprocate his feelings, nor did he ever acknowledge her as a potential love interest. The two never shared any scenes other than the Chunin Exams in part 1, and they only received two heartfelt moments in Shippuden.
Hinata confessed her feelings while she defended Naruto from Pain’s offense, yet he never followed up on her courageous act. It almost seemed like the scene never took place, with Hinata and Naruto receiving little to no screen time together afterward. The other moment that cemented their relationship was Neji’s death, yet even that moment centered more around Neji for Naruto, with Hinata’s support becoming a secondary aspect of that scene.
There’s no denying that Sakura and Sasuke’s pairing is highly problematic, but the two shared some moments at the very least. Sakura had been vying for Sasuke’s interest since the very beginning, and both sides were aware of these sentiments. In Hinata’s case, Naruto was never aware of these feelings, nor did he reciprocate any interest. Even Ino and Sai’s relationship made more sense as the two bore feelings for each other, yet Naruto and Hinata were devoid of any intimate moment that could cement the two as a proper couple.
No Significance in the Plot
The protagonist’s love interest usually has a somewhat major role in the show, yet Hinata was treated just like any other ancillary character. Even within Konoha 11, Hinata’s screen time and role remained minimal, just slightly above Tenten. If the show were to take Hinata out of the equation, the narrative would hardly change, making her extremely insignificant to the plot.
Hinata received a development arc in part 1 during the Chunin Exams, yet the entire Hyuga Clan ordeal centered more around Neji and the clan’s injustice towards him. Hinata became secondary to the premise, a mere side-piece to Neji’s tragic story. Her role in Shippuden slightly improved as she risked her life to save Naruto, yet she was immediately cast away, and the entire scene lasted less than a couple of minutes.
Her Lack of Personal Motives
Naruto’s women have a glaring issue of lacking personal motives, an aspect of a character that makes the difference between a fleshed-out character and a half-baked one. Every single female character’s motives are tied to the men around them, and Hinata is no different. Her motivation for becoming stronger was fueled by Naruto, and her goal was to become strong enough for him to acknowledge her.
While Sakura initially had no motives of her own (other than impressing Sasuke), she was able to find a purpose behind becoming a skilled kunoichi. Tsunade also played a major role in motivating her to become a medical-nin, serving as a major source of inspiration. Eventually, her motives went beyond the shallow acknowledgment of a man, and the Fourth Great Ninja War showcased this very resolve. With these glaring differences apparent between the two, it’s obvious that Sakura, despite all her faults, is a much better character, deeming Hinata the worst female character in the Naruto franchise.
Naruto is available to stream on Prime Video.
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