The 'Dere' Dictionary: A Complete Guide to Giving Your OC a Soul

You’ve spent hours perfecting the hair. You’ve scrolled through Pinterest to find the perfect Jirai Kei outfit. You’ve even written a backstory about their tragic childhood. But when you step back and look at your Original Character (OC), do they feel alive? Or do they just look like a mannequin wearing cool clothes?

Introduction: The "Software" of Your Character

In the anime and manga industry, the difference between a flat sketch and a fan-favorite character often comes down to one simple suffix: "Dere."

Coming from the Japanese word deredere (meaning "lovestruck" or "lovey-dovey"), a "Dere" type isn’t just a romance trope. It is your character’s operating system. It dictates how they react to stress, how they hold a coffee cup, how they stand in a room, and how they interact with others.

As a studio that looks at thousands of character drawings, we notice one thing: the best designs, the ones that look like they could jump off the page and stand on your desk, are never just kawaii; they always have a clear personality. If you are feeling stuck, or if your character feels a little "stiff," you might be missing their Dere type. Here is the ultimate guide to the "Big Four," and how to use them to fix your art.

The Tsundere (ツンデレ)

Pronounced: Tsoon-deh-reh

The Psychology: The heavyweight champion of anime personalities. The term combines Tsuntsun (to turn away in disgust or anger) and Deredere (to become affectionate). A Tsundere is defined by emotional conflict. They have soft feelings, but they are too proud, embarrassed, or scared to show them. So, they put up a wall of spikes. They attack before they can be attacked.

Famous Examples: Asuka Langley (Neon Genesis Evangelion), Taiga Aisaka (Toradora!), Kyo Sohma (Fruits Basket), Rin Tohsaka (Fate/stay night).

The Core Conflict: They aren't just "mean." They are defensive. Their anger is usually a mask for embarrassment. The more they blush, the louder they yell.

How to Design a Tsundere

(The Visuals): If your OC is a Tsundere, their body language should be defensive.

• The Pose: They rarely let their guard down. Sketch them with hands on their hips, arms crossed over their chest, or pointing a finger. They take up space to look bigger than they feel.

• The Eyes: Sharp, angled eyebrows. They are always analyzing the threat (or the crush).

The "OstanesKids" Observation: When we see great Tsundere art, it usually features "angular" silhouettes. Elbows out, chin up. It creates a dynamic shape that looks incredible from every angle, not just the front.

The Yandere (ヤンデレ)

Pronounced: Yahn-deh-reh

The Psychology: Derived from Yanderu (to be mentally or emotionally sick). On the surface, the Yandere is the perfect partner: sweet, gentle, loyal, and cute. But underneath, their love is an obsession. They don't just love you; they want to consume you. If anyone else gets close? Game over.

Famous Examples: Yuno Gasai (Future Diary), Satou Matsuzaka (Happy Sugar Life), Himiko Toga (My Hero Academia), Misa Amane (Death Note).

The Aesthetic Connection: This archetype has evolved massively in recent years. Today, the Yandere is almost inseparable from Jirai Kei Fashion. The contrast of wearing "Sickly Cute" frills, ribbons, and pinks while harboring dark, violent thoughts is a staple of modern character design.

How to Design a Yandere

(The Visuals): The key to a Yandere isn't the knife; it's the contrast.

• The Pose: Unlike the sharp Tsundere, a Yandere moves fluidly. Draw them leaning in too close, tilting their head (the famous "Shaft Head Tilt"), or clutching an object tightly to their chest.

• The Eyes: This is the most critical detail. The "Yandere Trance" involves removing the highlights (the white shine) from the eyes, making them look dead or focused on something far away.

The "OstanesKids" Observation: The most chilling Yandere designs we see are the ones that look 99% cute. It’s that 1% "off" detail, a hidden weapon, a bloodstain on a ribbon, or a terrifying smile, that tells the real story.

The Kuudere (クーデレ)

Pronounced: Koo-deh-reh

The Psychology: Derived from the English word "Cool." The Kuudere is the stoic, cynical, and logical one. They are the snipers, the scientists, the student council presidents. They aren't "emotionless" robots (though they might seem like it); they just have complete control over their expressions. They express love through trust and reliability, not blushing.

Famous Examples: Rei Ayanami (Neon Genesis Evangelion), Shoto Todoroki (My Hero Academia), Violet Evergarden (Violet Evergarden), Mikasa Ackerman (Attack on Titan).

The Secret Weapon: Because they are so cool, when they do finally break character, maybe they sneeze, or smile at a cat, or blush for one second, it creates a massive impact. This is the textbook definition of Gap Moe.

How to Design a Kuudere

(The Visuals): For a Kuudere, stability is everything.

• The Pose: Perfect posture. A Kuudere stands like a statue. Stick-straight back, hands by their sides or adjusting their glasses. They don't fidget.

• The Face: Neutral. Small mouth. Relaxed eyelids.

The "OstanesKids" Observation: In 3D space, Kuudere characters have a "Regal" presence. They don't need big action poses to look cool; their stillness is the action.

The Dandere (ダンデレ)

Pronounced: Dahn-deh-reh

The Psychology: Often confused with the Kuudere, but totally different inside. Derived from Danmari (meaning "silence"). A Dandere is quiet not because they are cool, but because they are panicking. They are socially anxious, shy, and afraid of saying the wrong thing. They have a rich inner world and lots of feelings, but they struggle to let them out.

Famous Examples: Hinata Hyuga (Naruto), Shoko Komi (Komi Can't Communicate), Sawako Kuronuma (Kimi ni Todoke), Bocchi (Bocchi the Rock!).

The Hidden Depth: Unlike the others, a Dandere needs a "Safety Blanket." They usually have one specific person or object they cling to. They only blossom and speak when they feel safe with that specific person.

How to Design a Dandere

(The Visuals): A Dandere tries to make themselves physically smaller.

• The Pose: "Turtle" mode. Draw their shoulders shrugged up toward their ears. Sketch them holding a bag, a book, or a plushie in front of their torso as a "shield."

• The Feet: A classic anime trick is to draw them "Pigeon-toed" (toes pointing inward). It instantly makes a character look innocent and unsure.

The "OstanesKids" Observation: When artists send us Dandere OCs, they often bury the character in oversized hoodies or scarves. This "hiding" behavior adds so much cuteness and depth to the physical design.

Conclusion: Breaking the Mold

Now that you have the dictionary, you can start writing your own definitions.

The best Original Characters often mix these traits.

• What if you designed a scary-looking punk rocker who is actually a shy Dandere?

• What if your cute Jirai Kei girl is actually a cool, logical Kuudere instead of a Yandere?

That collision of traits is what makes an OC feel human. When you are sketching today, try this exercise: Draw your OC in the "Tsundere Pose" (hands on hips), then draw them in the "Dandere Pose" (hiding behind a bag). Which one feels "right"?

Once you find that pose, you’ve found their soul. And once you have their soul captured on paper, you’re one step closer to bringing them into the real world.

Happy creating!