Kaede Kayano (Assassination Classroom)

"Not even your closest friends get to see your true blade." (Assassination Classroom, "Secret Identity Time")

Spoilers for Assassination Classroom! I try not to spoil with my posts, but it is impossible to talk about this character without using heavy spoilers.

Kaede Kayano is one of the three main students of Assassination Classroom, alongside Nagisa and Karma. Despite these three characters being showcased as the three protagonists of the series, Kayano gets significantly less development and screen time than the others throughout the first season, being overshadowed by even some tertiary characters. Originally this appears to be an interesting decision that borders on strange characterisation and poor writing. However, it is revealed that Kayano intentionally embraces the role of a background character to keep her true identity and intentions out of the spotlight.

Kaede's position as an actor makes her aware of the role she has to play within the show, without breaking the fourth wall. "Whether I stand out or not, I'll be watched. That's why I have to play around with the casting. To create a main character who stands out more than me, and devote myself to being a side character." This quote is in regard to how Kayano intentionally groomed Nagisa to act as the main character of the story. This is a fascinating story-telling technique, coupled with rapid character development. Author Yūsei Matsui has a character intentionally manipulate the story-telling and roles of the narrative without being an omnipotent being aware of the story she herself is in.