The Unassuming Princess Trope
With a multitude of new anime shows coming out every season, it's easy to spot trends in Eastern culture and observe how they differ from Western tropes. One trend that has been popular in anime for many years is the unassuming hero or heroine. This is a character who came from a life of emotional abuse, and is unexpectedly thrust into a supportive environment that they don't think they are worthy of. This is one of my favorite tropes because it often includes sweet and supportive romantic leads that blend well with the classic "Cinderella" story. It also adds more meaning to the glitz and glamour of royal life. The latest example of this trope is Betrothed to My Sister's Ex, which premiered as part of the Summer 2025 anime season.
Betrothed to My Sister's Ex is the story of a mistreated noblewoman named Marie who was brushed aside by her parents in favor of her sister, Anastasia. When Anastasia dies in a freak accident, Marie is sent to marry Anastasia's fiancé, Kyros, who is already in love with Marie and is aware of her previous abuse. When he asks her if she was abused, she tells him no in a way that clearly demonstrates her family's toxic positivity toward her sister. In the very first episode, she is given the princess treatment with a rose petal bubble bath and a full head-to-toe makeover, until she no longer even recognizes herself when she looks in the mirror. The show is reminiscent of my favorite anime of the past decade, I'm Giving the Disgraced Noble Lady I Rescued a Crash Course in Nauhtiness, in which a sorcerer takes in a renegade noblewoman who was framed for a crime she didn't commit and spoils her rotten.
Betrothed to My Sister's Ex premiered right on the heels of last season's series, The Too-Perfect Saint: Tossed Aside by My Fiancé and Sold to Another Kingdom, which followed the popular anime trend of broken engagements, which usually coincides with the "unassuming princess" trope. Philia from The Too-Perfect Saint came from an abusive family that valued her sister, Mia, over her. However, this series is unique in that it focuses equally on Mia and how her eyes are opened up to her sister's abuse when a wicked prince dumps Philia and tries to get with Mia instead. Mia chooses to be a supportive sister, plots revenge against the prince, and swears off her loyalty to her parents in favor of Philia. By the end of the show, Philia is not only celebrated as the powerful and talented saint she is, but also earns the love of a prince and the respect of her beloved sister.
One reason I think this trope works so well is that characters who don't see themselves as worthy of being princesses are more appreciative of this treatment than those who are spoiled and entitled. Every glamorous gown is a precious gift to bring out their inner beauty, and the romance they share is more meaningful because their love interests see something in them that they don't see in themselves. This allows more opportunity for growth as they gain confidence, and in some cases, such as Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts, transition from abuse victims to beloved leaders. This isn't something we see anymore in Western media, as modern feminism has completely taken over Hollywood. Today, female characters in the West must be seen as capable and confident from birth and will never allow anyone to treat them as anything less than a queen. This is in direct contrast to Eastern standards of humility and personal growth.
The unassuming heroine trope in anime offers a refreshing and poignant exploration of characters who, having faced emotional abuse, blossom in supportive environments. Shows like Betrothed to My Sister's Ex and The Too-Perfect Saint showcase the beauty of romance and emotional growth, highlighting the value of being seen and loved for who one truly is. This trope's popularity thrives in modern times, offering Eastern audiences a compelling narrative of transformation and empowerment. What are your thoughts on the unassuming princess? Do you have a favorite anime that follows this trope? Let me know in the comments!
Betrothed to My Sister's Ex is the story of a mistreated noblewoman named Marie who was brushed aside by her parents in favor of her sister, Anastasia. When Anastasia dies in a freak accident, Marie is sent to marry Anastasia's fiancé, Kyros, who is already in love with Marie and is aware of her previous abuse. When he asks her if she was abused, she tells him no in a way that clearly demonstrates her family's toxic positivity toward her sister. In the very first episode, she is given the princess treatment with a rose petal bubble bath and a full head-to-toe makeover, until she no longer even recognizes herself when she looks in the mirror. The show is reminiscent of my favorite anime of the past decade, I'm Giving the Disgraced Noble Lady I Rescued a Crash Course in Nauhtiness, in which a sorcerer takes in a renegade noblewoman who was framed for a crime she didn't commit and spoils her rotten.
One reason I think this trope works so well is that characters who don't see themselves as worthy of being princesses are more appreciative of this treatment than those who are spoiled and entitled. Every glamorous gown is a precious gift to bring out their inner beauty, and the romance they share is more meaningful because their love interests see something in them that they don't see in themselves. This allows more opportunity for growth as they gain confidence, and in some cases, such as Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts, transition from abuse victims to beloved leaders. This isn't something we see anymore in Western media, as modern feminism has completely taken over Hollywood. Today, female characters in the West must be seen as capable and confident from birth and will never allow anyone to treat them as anything less than a queen. This is in direct contrast to Eastern standards of humility and personal growth.
The unassuming heroine trope in anime offers a refreshing and poignant exploration of characters who, having faced emotional abuse, blossom in supportive environments. Shows like Betrothed to My Sister's Ex and The Too-Perfect Saint showcase the beauty of romance and emotional growth, highlighting the value of being seen and loved for who one truly is. This trope's popularity thrives in modern times, offering Eastern audiences a compelling narrative of transformation and empowerment. What are your thoughts on the unassuming princess? Do you have a favorite anime that follows this trope? Let me know in the comments!
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