Summary
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Isekai manhwa features cynical main characters with good intentions, but they often come across as sinister to readers.
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The best protagonists use skepticism as a survival mechanism, with characters like Arthur Leywyn displaying superhuman cynicism.
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Characters like Sun Jin-woo and Jamie Welton show how cynicism can be a powerful tool for survival and victory.
Isekai manhwa is the natural environment of the cynical main characters who do everything they can to overcome the challenges of a fantasy (or sometimes science fiction) world. Most often, these archetypes of irregular MCs are viewed as anti-heroes or scheming villains. However, some heroes can also be cynical and experience certain developments that later turn them into righteous individuals or vice versa.

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Although these characters have the best intentions, they come across as rather sinister to the reader.
These are some of the best cynical protagonists in isekai manhwa, using their skepticism of people and their motivations as a survival mechanism in worlds where only the strongest thrive.
8
Arthur Leywyn (TBATE)
His mistrust has saved his life more than once
- Genre: Isekai, action, drama
- Author: TurtleMe
- Artist: Fuyuki23
Arthur was betrayed and murdered in his previous life, so it's only natural that his attitude toward the world and those who aren't his closest loved ones is a little distant. As general of the Dicathen Army and Lance, he despises those who resort to cowardice and underhanded tactics and harshly punishes both allies and enemies who do so. This attitude has also led him to hatch several plans to kill him or his allies to ensure their survival.
He doesn't care about the soldiers' feelings or the veterans' inferiority complex, he is here for one reason only: to lead Dicathen to victory and kill all invading Vritra. Arthur will not give in and will not be moved by petty thoughts. His cynicism has reached superhuman proportions, giving him an added advantage when dealing with his enemies.
7
Eden (Dark Fantasy Paladin)
Use skepticism to bend the sacred laws
- Genres: Grimdark, Dark Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Drama, Martial Arts, Isekai
- Authors: Jung Jongru, Neimdeu
- artist: sum
The Church of Bacheskar's most cynical holy warrior, Lord Eden, is there due to a transmigration of souls from another world. As a former Soulslike player, he knows that this dark fantasy world will end in fire. Unless he does something to counteract the dark forces that want to drive it to its destruction.

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So he will lie and pretend to be a holy man, even to the saints of the church herself. His distrust comes from the knowledge that no one in the world is truly a good character, and countless playthroughs have taught him that intentions to always be skeptical of others.
6
Sun Jin-woo (Solo Leveling)
Not a single soul is safe from his wrath
- Genre: Dystopia, urban fantasy, dark fantasy
- Author: Chugong
- Artist: Dubu (ReDICE)
Once abandoned to his fate, Jin-woo never trusted a living soul again. His transformation into the Shadow Monarch may have been orchestrated by higher beings, but he accepted his fate and took control of the power of the Shadows like no other before.
His power rests on determination and indomitable will; his cynicism has led him to victory more than once. Never trusting a single person again could be a burden, but Jin-woo is willing to bear it if it means getting to the top of the food chain.
5
Jamie Welton (66666 Advent Of The Dark Wizard)
A man who trusts no one, especially the gods
- Genre: Action, Dark Fantasy, Sword & Sorcery, School Life, Drama
- Author: Hwabong
- Artist: Taru
Diablo Volpir is the world's most powerful dark wizard, a being who defied the gods and forced them into an uneasy alliance in order to banish him to another realm. His cynicism led him to avoid all human contact and lead a solitary life before being reincarnated as Jamie Welton.
Now, as a young noble of the Welton family, he uses his sophisticated manners to hide his true nature as a skeptical, scheming and hateful dark avenger who will do anything to surpass the gods and destroy them once and for all. Even if that means allying himself with one of the goddesses to oust the rest of the pantheon.
He only trusts himself, and that is a big mistake
- Genre: Adventure, drama, dark fantasy, school life, reincarnation, isekai
- Author: Korita
- Artist: GREEN KYRIN
His knowledge of the true ending and all the “bad consequences” is a heavy crown to wear, even more so when it means he can't truly relate to those around him. As he evolves from a trashed figure into an important member of the academy, Ed becomes even more aware of the feelings that others (especially women) have for him.
But his cynicism and suspicious nature keep him away from an actually pleasant school life, despite all the dangerous events he has to go through. He can't take a break or stay connected to anyone for too long, lest they betray him or turn against him in the next important plot point of this evil game.
3
Park Suhoo (The Druid of Seoul Station)
He only trusts animals and plants, the perfect archetype of a druid
- Genres: Action-Adventure, Fantasy, Science Fiction
- author: Jin Sol U
- artist: Mun Sung-Ho, liveBear
As a man who survived for over a thousand years surrounded by wild animals and creatures outside the order of nature, Park Suhoo is the embodiment of cynicism. He doesn't trust a soul around him, although he rewards his followers for sharing his knowledge and helping them gain power to protect themselves.

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Strength is the only language this Archdruid understands, and he speaks volumes by using his brutal power to ensure that his vision of a paradise on Earth where animals roam freely and humans can live and protect nature comes true becomes.
2
Ray (To Hell With Being A Saint. I'm A Doctor)
His cynical attitude caused several international incidents, but also saved the world
- Genres: Isekai, Action, Drama, High Fantasy, Martial Arts, Shounen
- author: Goriff, Lorenzo
- Artist: Hammi
A former surgeon nicknamed “The Hands of God,” Ray was brought into a fantasy world with one goal: to become a saint for Gaia, the goddess of light. Only he has other plans: to spread medicine and healing techniques around the world.
His cynicism has caused many international problems and even triggered wars. Ray isn't a good diplomat, so he lets others fix his machinations as he tries to impose his vision of modern medicine in this regressive world.
1
Nox (limited-time Genius Dark Knight)
His cynicism could be frustrating at times
- Genre: Adventure, drama, dark fantasy, reincarnation, isekai
- Author: Jung seonyul
- Artist: nagi
Nox Von Reinhafer is a young nobleman who has a good reason to be cynical: he is dying and it is not the first time he has gone through this ordeal. As a time-limited character, Nox knows he must do everything he can to extend his lifespan.
If that means murder, betrayal and never trusting a single person, then so be it. He is a no-nonsense main character who wears a mask of politeness and charm to hide his ruthlessness and vicious nature.

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