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.
The development of characters through hardship is also common. In sad anime, as in sad novels, characters often face difficult situations that shape them. In 'Wolf Children', the single mother has to face many challenges in raising her two half - wolf children alone. This journey of hers is filled with sadness, self - discovery, and growth.
Anime like novels usually have fast - paced plots. They keep the readers hooked with continuous action and new developments, much like how an anime keeps viewers engaged. Take 'Tokyo Ghoul' novels for example. There are constant battles between ghouls and humans, and the plot twists keep coming. Also, the use of visual descriptions in anime like novels is important. They help the reader picture the scenes as vividly as they would see them in an anime, like detailed descriptions of magical battles in 'Fate/Zero' novels.
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.
One such anime is 'Your Lie in April'. It has a melancholic undertone similar to sad novels. The story revolves around a young pianist who has lost his ability to hear the sound of his own piano playing after the death of his mother. His encounter with a violinist girl brings both beauty and heartbreak into his life.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Anime like a detective story often has a strong mystery element. There's usually a crime or a strange event that needs to be solved. For example, in 'Case Closed', there are various murders and thefts that the protagonist has to figure out.
The MMOs like in anime novel usually have a strong visual style. The graphics may be inspired by the vivid and colorful art in anime, with detailed character designs and beautiful sceneries. In terms of gameplay, there could be a focus on social interaction, much like how characters in anime and novels form relationships. Players can team up, join guilds, and interact with others in a way that mimics the social dynamics in anime. Moreover, the leveling and progression systems might be designed in a way that feels like the growth of characters in a novel, with clear milestones and increasing abilities.
Often, they have a spooky or eerie atmosphere. For example, the use of dim lighting, spooky music, and strange noises in the background to create a sense of unease.