Persona 5 falls on my list as one my favorite RPGs of all time. It has amazing graphics, an awesome storyline and soundtrack, and very strong, loveable characters. However, some characters stood out more than others which led us here! Here are who I think are the worst and best characters of the game. This only includes the main cast and the confidants.
Winning first place as the worst character in the game is:
21. Chihaya Mifune
The fortune teller that really does rip you off and take your money.
Character intro: Chihaya is a tarot fortune teller who runs a fortune telling stand in Shinjuku. She is rumored to be a “real fortune teller” and that her divinations are never wrong. But even so, she recommended these overpriced stones which the player has no choice but to buy in order to be able to utilize her. Later, it’s revealed that she’s forced to sell these lovely trinkets by a group called New Age.
Why she’s ranked the worst character on the list: Chihaya earned this spot solely because you have no choice but to pay 100,000 yen just to even talk to her. Sure, you find out the full story later and yes, her skills are quite useful – however you’ll never get reimbursed for that yen, and I will never get over that.
My opinion/advice: I want my money back Chihaya!
Character Rating: 30/100
20. Ichiko Ohya
The report who is all about “fake news”.
Character intro: Ohya is a paparazzi reporter who writes stories articles that aren’t always legit. She often twists information and does whatever it takes to get attention and ratings. Earlier in her career, she was a much more serious and dedicated reporter until her story was heavily edited over one of the villains of the game- Masayoshi Shido. She was reassigned to entertainment and shortly after, her partner Kayo Murakami, mysteriously disappeared.
Why she’s ranked the second worst character on the list: Although she was nice and funny, she really didn’t really get past being the “drunk friend at the bar”. Even as a romantic option, she was just dull and made you rethink about life choices.
My opinion/advice: I found her to be not only one of the weakest confidants in the game but also my least favorite romantic option. Even though her perk is lowering a Palace’s alert level-it’s not really needed as the player has several ways to do that.
Character Rating: 31/100
19. Tornosuke Yoshida
The politician with a heart of gold.
Character intro: Yoshida is a politician who has good intentions to build a positive future for his country. Unfortunately, he lost several elections after being framed for embezzlement and other political scandals. Still, he still stands strong and continues to give speeches outside of Shibuya Station.
Why he’s ranked one of the worst characters on the list: There are a few reasons why he’s made it to this position. He didn’t really interest me enough to play him. Even though his character strengthens the more you spend with him, with all the power and potential he does have as a wealthy politician isn’t really used enough.
My opinion/advice: I will admit that he was one of the confidants I didn’t really spend a lot of time with playing. However, I heard he was the “Bernie Sanders” of the game and I will play the game again just to max him out and play his storyline.
Character Rating: 35/100
18. Munehisa Iwai
The local gun dealer a bus ride away.
Character intro: Munehisa Iwai is the owner of the airsoft shop. Because he had a rough childhood, he joined the Yakuza gang and became sworn brothers with Tsuda. Several years later, a woman attempted to sell her baby son to him for drug money. When he refused, she simply left the baby behind and disappeared. This led Iwai to adopt him and leave the Yakuza.
Why he's ranked one of the worst characters on the list: Even though he does make a very great confidant, you can’t really create a bond with him until you have enough guts. This wouldn’t be so bad if you weren’t constantly reminded not having of enough of them throughout the game.
My opinion/advice: Despite the issues I listed above, I enjoyed his storyline and the bond that the player gets to have with him. I really wished though, I was able to unlock him earlier instead of not being able to until towards mid game.
Character Rating: 40/100
17. Haru Okumura
The overhyped friend in the group.
Character intro: Haru is a wealthy girl who attends Shujin Academy and is the only daughter of Kunikazu Okumura, one of the Thieves’ targets. She is also the final person to join the Phantom Thieves as a permanent member.
Why she’s ranked one of the worst characters on the list: By the time she’s acquired, the game is close to being over -which doesn’t leave the player enough time to bond with her. Also, it didn't really help that Morgana totally took her spotlight when she finally made her big debut or the fact that her persona wasn’t fully awakened until later on. And by the time it was, she didn't really add anything special to the group.
My opinion/advice: In my opinion, I feel that other female characters outshone her throughout the game -even Sae who wasn't really officially a part of the team. The only thing that really helps her is her helping the team get through her father's palace.
16. Goro Akechi
The Psychopathic Frenemy you can live without.
Character intro: Known as the “Detective Prince”, he spent most of the game investigating the Phantom Thieves. He was very popular throughout Japan and tried several times to get close to the protagonist.
Why he’s ranked one of the worst characters on the list: For the most part, Akechi’s character just screamed out poser while he was playing the hero and the villain. Even though he has some elements of a few Persona 4 characters(Naoto Shirogane and Tohru Adachi), he doesn’t carry the same magic.
My opinion/advice: I was a bit disappointed with Akechi. Many of his actions were very predictable and from the start he gave a vibe not to be trusted. As a “hero”, he was very mediocre and as the psychopath serial killer -he’s just dark. And his background story later does not redeem him at all.
Character Rating: 52/100
15. Justine and Caroline
The Velvet Room Twins.
Character intro: Igor’s new Velvet Room assistants, they also act as your correction officers. They aide you in managing your personas and specializes in persona fusion – execution style.
Why they’re ranked one of the worst characters on the list: They’re cute. Tiny. And a little twisted as they show their delight in executing your personas to make new ones. They’re quite useful and super cute while they call you “slave” and “inmate”. However, what’s not cute is trying to level up their bond which turned out to be a huge challenge in a game as you can only do it by fusing complicated personas.
My opinion/advice: I chose not to try to level up my bond with the twins, but I still enjoyed their presence in the game. Did I make the right choice? Who knows but I don’t regret my decision.
Character Rating: 60/100
Now that I’m done with the worst characters. Let’s get to the best characters.
14. Sojiro Sakura
The guardian I never had.
Character intro: Sojiro is the manager of Café Leblanc in Yongen-Jaya. He is also Futaba Sakura’s adoptive father and your caretaker while he’s on probation.
Why he's ranked one of the best characters on the list: Sojiro isn’t a bad character. At the beginning of the game, he's very harsh to the point where I just didn't like him for awhile. He eventually warms up to the protagonist and in the end treats you like the son he’s never had. As a confidant though, it takes forever for him to level up and there’s just not enough time for that. He does teach you to make a mean cup of coffee though!
My opinion/advice: Sojiro is like the uncle I’ve never had. I just wish he did a better job looking out for me on Valentine’s Day.
Character Rating: 65/100
13. Shinya Oda
The Ultimate Shooter Master.
Character intro: Shinya is a grade school kid who plays at the Gigolo arcade at Akihabara and is known as the gaming genius called “The King”. As a confidant, he teaches you shooting techniques that can be quite useful in the palaces.
Why he's ranked one of the best characters on the list: Although he’s useful as a confidant, his personality is just so bratty and arrogant. However, the more time the player spends with him, the more he softens and grows to be like a little brother you never had.
My opinion/advice: Although I admit he is one of the most useful confidants, he’s not one of my favorites.
Character Rating: 70/100
12. Ryuji Sakamoto
The Worst Best Friend That Anybody Can Ever Have.
Character intro: Ryuji is a student at Shujin Academy and a member of the Phantom Thieves.
Why he's ranked one of the best characters on the list: As your “best friend” or “right-hand man” he fell short. His big mouth is what puts the group in trouble often and eventually it gets tiring. However, what saves him is the fact that he does make a great fighter in the group and that he’s had your back since day one -more or less.
My opinion/advice: To be honest, he wasn’t really one of my favorites. I found his personality brash and loud mouth which created problems that didn’t need to be created. He doesn’t really hold a candle to “best friend characters” like Yosuke and Kanji (from Persona 4).
Character Rating: 74/100
11. Ann Takamaki
That one friend that’s a model.
Character intro: Ann is one of the members of Phantom Thieves and one of the characters that you start off with in Persona 5 (along with Ryuji and Morgana).
Why she’s ranked one of the best characters on the list: Ann is one of the most stunning female characters in Persona 5 and in the group. She also has a charming personality and is very likeable. Even though her storyline was okay, she was very easy to max out, fight with in the battlefield and romance.
My opinion/advice: I loved that she was fierce in her own way and yet still charming and sweet. However, throughout the game she was in danger in being just a pretty face. I hate to say this but Makoto and even Futaba overpowered her when having to determine who were the strongest female influences in the group. I still love you though Ann!
Character ranking: 79/100
10. Hifumi Togo
The Shoji Mistress.
Character intro: Hifumi is a high school student at Kosei High School and is also the champion of the Female Shogi League. Although she does hold exceptional skill in the game, she is widely disliked for the rumors of her playing fixed matches.
Why she's ranked one of the best characters on the list: She proved to be a great confidant. The power to swap teammates in and out during a battle was crucial to the gameplay and I appreciated it greatly.
My opinion/advice: She wasn’t really a character that grabbed my interest story wise. However, the skills the group acquires through bonding with her definitely made up for it.
Character Rating: 80/100
9. Sae Niijima
The Fiercest prosecutor on the block.
Character intro: Sae is a Public Prosecutor of the Tokyo District Special Investigation Department at the Public Prosecutors Office. She is also the older sister and legal guardian of Makoto Niijima.
Why she's ranked one of the best characters on the list: Sae is beautiful, fierce and intelligent like her sister Makoto. I loved that the game allows you to level up Sae as you play the game. You can tell that she is trying to do what’s right and justified for the Phantom Thieves and the law. She is also one of those characters that has a dark side even though she’s one of the good guys.
My opinion/advice: Sae is another one of my favorite female characters. She’s not just a pretty face, she’s smart and doesn’t take no for an answer. She takes crap from no one. She also has my favorite palace.
Character Rating: 82/100
8. Yusuke Kitagawa
The Beautiful Fox.
Character intro: An art student from Kosei High School and a member of the Phantom Thieves. He was a victim of Madarame who used and abused him, often taking credit for the painting he created.
Why he's ranked one of the best characters on the list: He was one of my go-to players while I played the game and I loved his skill that created skill cards. Although he was naïve when he came to the world, he made a great friend. Weird. Creepy. But still a great friend. I would even say a better friend than Ryuji.
My opinion/advice: I liked Yusuke. He had the right kind of weirdness and I loved his backstory. He deserves a lot of love after the treatment he received from his previous legal guardian.
Character Rating: 83/100
7. Yuuki Mishima
The Friend that maes you cheer for the underdog.
Character intro: Student at Shujin and the number one fan of the Phantom Thieves.
Why he's ranked one of the best characters on the list: Although he is the fanboy who runs the fan website for the Phantom Thieves on the surface, going deeper you’ll find that he secretly wants the fame and excitement as they have. His hunger is so strong that the Phantom Thieves had to go to Mementos to break him free from it.
My opinion/advice: He’s surprisingly one of my favorite characters in the game. It may be because I have a weak spot for the underdogs of games and stories. He was an ordinary guy who just wanted to be a hero and I felt that. I also enjoyed seeing him become a much more confident character after being rescued in Mementos.
Character Rating: 84 /100
6. Tae Takemi
The Best Worst Doctor ever.
Character intro: Tae is the owner of Takemi Medical Clinic in Yongen-Jaya. She originally worked for a university and was a promising doctor but was the scapegoat for a medical scandal gone wrong-tarnishing her reputation. This led her to open her clinic in Yongen-Jaya and selling barely legal prescriptions to the protagonist and other patients.
Why she's ranked one of the best characters on the list: Even though she treated you like a guinea pig, she didn’t kill him which was great. Her prescriptions and other services were quite useful throughout the game.
My opinion/advice: She will always be my favorite gothy doctor of all time. Her character is also unique like Sadayo and I loved her story.
Character Rating: 85/100
5. Sadayo Kawakami
The bad teacher you just have to love.
Character intro: One of the Protagonist’s teachers at Shujin academy. She holds a second job as a maid and eventually becomes one of the protagonist’s confidants.
Why she's ranked one of the best characters on the list: Sadayo’s character is one of the most useful confidants in the game – giving you more time to do other things in class like study or make some handy dandy weapons to fight shadows with. She also dresses up like a maid for awhile (because of her second job) and takes care of your chores.
My opinion/advice: I loved how useful Sadayo was. Also, the whole teacher by day, maid by night was definitely something I wasn’t expecting at all. I also admired how much verbal abuse and blackmail she withstands throughout the game as well. However, choosing the option to date her later in the game felt so wrong but so right.
Character Rating: 86/100
4. Igor
“Igor".
Character intro: He is the Master of the Velvet Room.
Why he's ranked one of the best characters on the list: Without giving too much away, I thought Igor was going to be the same ole Igor like in the other Persona games but-there’s a plot twist that I didn’t see coming and I loved it.
My opinion/advice: The only thing that creeped me out/turned me off was his new voice. Also, I'm afraid of facing his wrath if I ranked him any higher.
Character Rating: 87/100
3. Futaba Sakura
The Hacker Queen that is my spirit animal.
Character intro: Futaba is one of the members of the Phantom Thieves. She is also the adopted daughter of Sojiro Sakura, and the biological daughter of Wakaba Isshiki.
Why she's ranked one of the best characters on the list: She served as one of the most vital members of the group with her hacking abilities inside the palaces, Mementos and the outside world. There were plenty of times that her skills alone saved me from a few game overs.
My opinion/advice: I loved Futaba. As a fellow introvert and a nerd, I felt her pain as she tried to become social in her own special way. I also loved her palace and her search in finding the truth about her mother’s murder. The only flaw she really had was that at times she could be a bit annoying when she tried to do anything normal.
Character Rating: 90/100
2. Makoto Niijima
The Queen that didn't hide behind the King.
Character intro: Makoto is a member of the Phantom Thieves of Hearts. She is also the little sister of Sae Niijima.
Why she's ranked one of the best characters on the list: So much grace! So much beauty! Not only is she the strongest female in the group with her intelligence, her healing abilities and brutal combat skills, she just looks amazing in leather on a motorcycle!
My opinion/advice: Makoto is my favorite female character in the game hands down. I love her self-confidence and awareness. She was also one of my go-to characters in the game.
Character Rating: 97/100
1. Morgana
The very best friend that anybody could ever have.
Character intro: Morgana is a member of the Phantom Thieves. Insisting that he was once human, he spends most of the game trying to find out the mystery behind his identity.
Why he's ranked the best character on the list: Even though Morgana at times can be rude and arrogant, he served to be the most vital member in the group. Without him, there wouldn’t be any Phantom Thieves. He is more than just your right-hand man, he’s also your sensei, your roommate, and the one who has your back the most. It’s also safe to say that he has the best healing skills with Makoto not too far behind.
My opinion/advice: Morgana is by far one of my favorite characters, not just in the game but out of the whole Persona collections. I loved playing until the end to find out his true secret behind his identity. He was sassy, brilliant and adorable. Morgana, thank you for helping me become the Phantom Thief I'm meant to be.
Character Rating: 98/100
There you have it folks! Care to agree or disagree with my list? Tell me what's on your mind in the "comments" section.
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