Top 5 Anime Characters Like Ayanokoji Kiyotaka from Classroom of Elite

If you've watched Classroom of the Elite, you already know how much Ayanokoji Kiyotaka differs from your typical anime character. He doesn't say much, doesn't express feelings, and seems not to care for anything.. But deep inside, he’s a straight-up genius. The calm way he handles everything, even when things get intense, shows just how sharp his mind really is. You never see him panic, and yet, he somehow always controls the situation.

But Ayanokoji isn’t the only one with this kind of vibe. Anime has a few more characters who give off the same energy. They don’t speak much, and they don’t show off, but they always make an impact. These are the quiet minds that shape the story without needing the spotlight. If you enjoy characters who use brains over brute force, who stay calm and calculated no matter what, then you’ll love what’s coming next. Here are five anime characters who feel just like Ayanokoji.

Popular Games

View All

Lelouch Lamperouge (Code Geass)

Lelouch was one of the first anime characters who gave me that same cold genius vibe I got from Ayanokoji. In Code Geass, he becomes the masked leader Zero and leads a rebellion against the empire. One scene that stuck with me was when he let himself get caught, only to flip the entire situation and trap his enemies instead. Like Ayanokoji, Lelouch doesn’t act on impulse. Every move is part of a bigger plan. He hides behind a calm face, always thinking two or three steps ahead. Watching him reminded me of how Ayanokoji controls his classmates without them even realizing it.

Shigeo “Mob” Kageyama (Mob Psycho 100)

Mob is a quiet kid with insane psychic power, but there's this one scene in Mob Psycho 100 where he's pushed to his breaking point, but rather than going wild, he remains composed until someone does something to his brother. That's when everything comes apart. I couldn't help but remember how Ayanokoji only reveals his true strength when he's absolutely compelled to. Both Mob and Ayanokoji are aware of what they can do, but they prefer peace over it. And that self-control? That is a strength.

Houtarou Oreki (Hyouka)

Houtarou reminded me of Ayanokoji the moment I saw him. He’s the kind of person who avoids effort whenever he can. But in Hyouka, when a mystery shows up, his mind switches on like a machine. One time, during the school festival, he solved a string of thefts by quietly observing what everyone else missed. It’s the same way Ayanokoji works, hidden in the background but always watching. I loved how Houtarou never brags. He solves things because he can, not because he wants credit. That quiet intelligence really hit the same note for me.

Sosuke Aizen (Bleach)

Aizen shocked me the first time I watched Bleach. He was calm, polite, and respectful, then suddenly, he turned out to be the mastermind behind everything. The scene where he fakes his death and later reveals he planned it all? Chills. That level of manipulation, that cold patience—it screamed Ayanokoji. Both characters act harmless, but they’re always thinking way ahead. I remember rewatching some of Aizen’s scenes just to catch all the small hints I missed. Like Ayanokoji, he’s not just playing the game. He’s the one making the rules.

Izumi Shinichi (Parasyte: The Maxim)

Shinichi goes through a huge transformation in Parasyte. At first, he’s a scared and regular student, but after merging with the alien Migi, he starts changing. One turning point is when his mother is killed by a parasite. Instead of breaking down, Shinichi becomes cold and focused. His thinking becomes logical, almost emotionless, which helps him survive. Like Ayanokoji, Shinichi hides his emotions to stay sharp. They both learn to keep a calm face even when everything inside is falling apart.

Also Read: Resident Evil 9: Capcom Reboots Open-World Plans for Classic Horror Comeback

These characters may come from very different worlds, but they all share something with Ayanokoji. They stay calm in chaos, think more than they speak, and never reveal their full strength until it really matters.

Written By: Ashish Jha, India Today Gaming