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.
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.
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.
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.
A great sad anime story often has strong character development. For example, in 'A Silent Voice', Shoya's journey from a bully to someone seeking redemption is really moving. His relationship with Shoko, a deaf girl he once bullied, is full of complex emotions. When you see how they both grow and the pain they go through, it makes the story very sad and also very powerful.
Another great one is 'Clannad: After Story'. It shows the life of Tomoya Okazaki after high school. He has to face many difficulties in life, including the loss of his wife Nagisa during childbirth. The story is extremely sad as it portrays the harshness of life and the importance of family. It really tugs at your heartstrings.
Another is 'Clannad'. Tomoya Okazaki meets Nagisa Furukawa, and as their relationship develops, we see the story of her family, including her relationship with her parents and her sister. There are many sad elements, especially when dealing with family hardships and the challenges of sibling relationships in the face of illness and difficult family dynamics.
Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day' is also a sad anime. Menma has died, but her spirit lingers. Her friends are haunted by her death and their past actions. They gradually come to terms with their feelings of guilt and grief as they try to help Menma move on.
They often deal with themes of loss. This could be the loss of a loved one, like in 'Bridge to Terabithia' where the main character experiences the sudden death of her friend. It's a very sad event that shapes the whole story.