10 Best Ascendance of a Bookworm Characters (Seasons 1-3)

Ascendance of a Bookworm has plenty of fantastic characters, but which of them are the best? Since I’m an avid Ascendance of a Bookworm fan who loves the novels and the anime (which I’ve watched many times), a list of the best characters was necessary. I only chose ten characters, although there are so many awesome ones who definitely could’ve made the cut.

Since this list covers characters from the first three seasons of the anime (which are encompassed by the first two parts of the light novels), there will be some spoilers, but we will try to avoid any major, earth-shattering ones. And, if you don’t recognize a character, it wouldn’t hurt to skip over the description if you’re concerned about spoilers.

Here are the 10 best Ascendance of a Bookworm characters:

1. Myne

It would be difficult to create an Ascendance of a Bookworm character list without ranking Myne near the top. She’s not just the chaotic and rather self-seeking main character. She’s dynamic, a quick learner, and extremely intelligent. She’s beyond determined to make books no matter the cost, even if it means changing the entire country for her own personal gain. However, over time, Myne learns that books aren’t everything and that family is life’s biggest treasure. Myne’s character teaches us that, although it’s fun to achieve our goals, family is much more important.

2. Lutz

Ascendance of a Bookworm would be nothing without Lutz, who is one of my favorite characters by far. Without his help, Myne would have never made paper. He is determined to help her achieve her goals and cares more about her than himself. He’s her best friend and business partner, and he cares about her as if she were family. His careful awareness of Myne’s health is what keeps her from constantly passing out. Lutz shows us how to help others achieve their goals and to put others before yourself.

3. Benno

Benno may be a bit rough around the edges, but it’s his finances and his backing that allow Myne and Lutz to achieve their paper-making goals. He believes in Myne’s inventions, and he pays her not just because she’s profitable, but because he truly cares about her. Without Benno, Myne wouldn’t have met Frieda and the Guildmaster, two people who save her life. And she wouldn’t have been able to pay them for helping her without Benno, either. Benno teaches us to take chances on other people and to treat business partners well.

4. Ferdinand

Ferdinand is the second most important character in the story. I’m ranking him #4 because even though he’s essential to Myne’s growth, he’s not as likable as some of the other characters on this list. Ferdinand is a very reasonable noble; he allows Myne to enter the temple as a blue-robed priestess despite her status as a commoner, and he continues to protect her even when she makes mistakes. Ferdinand teaches us that there’s more to someone’s value than “noble birth.”

5. Tuuli

Other than Lutz, Myne’s older sister, Tuuli, is one of her biggest supporters. Tuuli helps collect and prepare the materials Myne needs for her inventions even though Myne’s ideas often seem crazy. Tuuli is kind, patient, responsible, and caring, and immensely dedicated to her family (much like her father, Gunther). Tuuli demonstrates kindness, helpfulness, and patience, even towards irritating and chaotic little sisters.

6. Fran

Fran is Myne’s retainer at the cathedral. He’s sweet, formal, and wise. Without him, Myne wouldn’t know how to act in noble society. When Ferdinand first assigns Fran to serve Myne, he thinks he’s been demoted. However, Fran quickly realizes that’s not the case. Fran and Myne become solid allies, and he becomes a reliable protector. He also learns to care for Myne’s health, making it easier for her to survive at the cathedral. Fran teaches us that unwelcome change can sometimes alter your life for the better.

7. Gunther

Gunther is Myne and Tuuli’s father. In Ascendance of a Bookworm, he is extremely devoted to his family and even willing to die for them. One of the hardest things he ever has to do is let Myne go and achieve her goals, but her health and happiness are more important to him than his own. He’s also a soldier, so his tendency towards sacrificial love makes total sense. Gunther teaches us that family should make sacrifices for each other out of love.

8. Gil

Gil’s relationship with Myne starts rocky, as you can probably tell from the picture above. However, it doesn’t take long for Myne to win him over, and once she does, he becomes one of her most devoted retainers. Gil’s devotion and loyalty to Myne are admirable; he may have been ordered to work for her, but his conduct reveals a true admiration and dedication to Myne that goes beyond a servant/master dynamic. He’s reliable, caring, and hardworking, and he cares immensely about the orphaned children at the cathedral. Gil demonstrates loyalty, hard work, and a sincere caring heart for the least of these.

9. Damuel

First introduced at the end of Season 2, Sir Damuel is a laynoble and Myne’s bodyguard. After he makes a mistake at the end of Season 2, Myne asks for mercy on his behalf. He receives a lenient sentence and afterwards becomes a dependable ally. He may struggle with social status (which is key in the world of Bookworm), but unlike many nobles, he not only interacts with commoners but treats them with kindness. Sir Damuel teaches us that kindness and loyalty shouldn’t depend on social status.

10. Otto

Mr. Otto is a very underrated character in Ascendance of a Bookworm. He’s the one who introduces Myne and Lutz to Mr. Benno, ensuring the success of their papermaking business. Otto is fairly capable in reading, writing, and math, and he teaches Myne how to write. Without him, Myne would have struggled to find a tutor in a world where most people are illiterate. Otto is also extremely dedicated to his family, a trait he shares with his boss and fellow soldier, Gunther. Mr. Otto teaches us that it’s important to help others even if you don’t expect anything in return.

---

There are so many awesome Ascendance of a Bookworm characters, and we didn’t even talk about Sylvester, Effa, or Kardstedt, who definitely deserve to be honorable mentions (at least). Should we have done a Top 20 List instead? Which character is your favorite?

Cover Photo: Ascendance of a Bookworm Characters. Screenshots cited in post.