One characteristic is complex character relationships. In these anime, there are often many characters with different backstories that intersect. For example, in 'Clannad', the various characters' stories are intertwined, and their individual sorrows and joys affect one another. Another characteristic is the exploration of different themes in each story arc. In 'Your Lie in April', there are themes of love, loss, and the power of music in different parts of the story.
Sad anime with multiple stories tend to have a diverse range of emotions within them. It's not just pure sadness. There can be moments of hope, friendship, and love as well. For instance, in 'Clannad', even though there are many sad parts, there are also heartwarming moments of family and friendship. The multiple stories allow for a more comprehensive exploration of the human condition, with all its joys and sorrows.
They usually have a strong emotional impact. The multiple stories build up to create a cumulative effect of sadness. In 'Angel Beats!', each character's past story of regret and unfulfilled dreams adds to the overall melancholy of the anime. Also, these anime often use flashbacks effectively. In 'Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day', the flashbacks to the time when Menma was alive are crucial in showing the depth of the characters' relationships and their subsequent grief.
Well, they typically have a lot of sub - plots. For instance, in 'Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood', there are sub - plots about the military, the homunculi, and the various characters' pasts. They also allow for more exploration of different genres within one anime. 'Black Lagoon' combines action, crime, and some elements of drama in its different stories. And they can create a sense of a larger universe. In 'xxxHolic', the multiple stories build up a world full of magic and mystery, with each story adding a new layer to this world.
Well, one characteristic is diversity in characters. Since there are multiple stories, new characters are often introduced in each arc, which makes the anime's character roster rich and varied. For example, in 'Naruto', as the story progresses through different arcs, we meet many new ninjas from different villages.
One characteristic is complex relationships. In anime like 'Nisekoi', there are multiple characters with intertwined love interests. It creates a lot of drama and comedic moments as the characters try to figure out their true feelings.
One such anime is 'Clannad'. It has multiple story arcs that are deeply emotional and sad. The relationship between the main characters, especially Tomoya and Nagisa, is heart - wrenching at times. Another is 'Your Lie in April', which tells a sad love story among the musical and school - life stories. The story of Kousei and Kaori is full of bittersweet moments.
It can be very atmospheric. In 'Angel Beats!', the piano music creates a sense of otherworldliness. The sad story is enhanced by the piano's ability to create a mood that is both dreamy and melancholic, making the viewers feel the characters' pain and unfulfilled desires.
Often, these anime have a lot of emotional depth. They make you feel for the characters deeply. For example, in 'Clannad', the relationships between the characters are so complex and real that when bad things happen, it really hits you hard. The music and the art style also play a big role in enhancing the sadness. Darker color palettes and melancholic music are common in such anime.
The characters usually face insurmountable obstacles. In 'A Silent Voice', Shoya and Shoko have a complex relationship. Shoko's deafness and the bullying she endures are obstacles that make their love story sad and full of challenges. Their journey towards understanding and forgiveness is filled with heartache.
Another characteristic is the use of symbolism. Similar to novels, anime uses symbols to enhance the sad atmosphere. In '5 Centimeters per Second', the cherry blossoms are a symbol of the fleeting nature of love and time. The protagonist's repeated encounters with the cherry blossoms as his relationships change add to the overall sense of melancholy.
A good 'sad anime visual novel' usually has well - developed characters. When the readers or players can really connect with the characters, their sad stories have a greater impact. For example, if a character has a tragic backstory that is well - written, it makes the audience feel for them.
One characteristic is variety. For example, in 'The Decameron', different narrators tell different types of stories, including love stories, tragic tales, and comical ones. This gives readers a diverse reading experience.