The Best Cynical Protagonists in Isekai Manhwa

Summary

• Isekai Manhwa features cynical main characters with good intentions but often comes across as creepy to readers.

• The best heroes use skepticism as a survival mechanism, with characters like Arthur Leywyn displaying superhuman cynicism.

• Characters like Sun Jin-woo and Jamie Welton demonstrate how cynicism can be a powerful tool for survival and victory.

Isekai Manhwa is the natural habitat of cynical main characters who do whatever it takes to overcome the challenges of a fantasy (or sometimes sci-fi) world. Most of the time, these irregular MC archetypes are often seen 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.

These are some of the best cynical protagonists in Isekai Manhwa who will use their skepticism of people and their motivations as a survival mechanism in worlds where only the strongest prosper.

8

Arthur Leywyn (TBATE)

His distrust saved his life more than once

• Genre: Isekai, Action, Drama
• Author: TurtleMe
• Artist: Fuyuki23

Arthur was betrayed and murdered in a past life, so it's natural that his attitude towards the world and those outside of his immediate family is somewhat detached. As general of the army of Dicathen and the spear, he despises those who resort to cowardice and cunning tactics, and severely punishes both allies and enemies who do so. This attitude also led him to devise several plots to kill him or his allies and ensure their survival.

He doesn't care about the feelings of the soldiers or the inferiority complex of the veterans, he is there for one purpose: to lead Dicathen to victory and kill all the Vritra invasions. Arthur does not give in, nor is he swayed by petty thoughts. His cynicism has reached superhuman levels, giving him an advantage when dealing with enemies.

7

Eden (Dark Fantasy Paladin)

He uses skepticism to bend holy laws

• Genres: Grimdark, Dark Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Drama, Martial Arts, Isekai
• Authors: Jung Jongru, Neimdeu
• Artist: Sum

The most cynical holy warrior in the Church of Bacheskar, Lord Eden, is there for transmigration from another world. The former soulslike player knows that this dark fantasy world will end in fire. Unless he does something against the sinister forces that seek to lead him to his destruction.

So he will lie and pretend to be a holy man, even to the very saints of the church. His mistrust stems from the knowledge that no one in the world is a truly good character, and countless games have taught him to always be skeptical of the intentions of others.

6

Sun Jin-woo (solo leveling)

Not a single soul is safe from his wrath

• Genre: Dystopian, urban fantasy, dark fantasy
• Author: Chugong
• Artist: Dubu (ReDICE)

Jin-woo, once left to his own devices, never trusted a living soul again. His transformation into the Shadow Monarch may have been controlled by higher beings, but he accepted his destiny and wielded the power of the Shadows like no one before.

His strength comes from determination and unwavering will; his cynicism has more than once led him to victory. Never trusting a single human being again can be a burden, but one Jin-woo is willing to bear if it means becoming the top of the food chain.

5

Jamie Welton (66666 Advent of the Dark Wizard)

A man who doesn't trust anyone, especially the gods

• Genre: Action, Dark Fantasy, Sword & Sorcery, School Life, Drama
• Author: Hwabong
• Artists: Tara

Diablo Volpir is the most powerful dark mage in the world, a being who defied the gods and forced them into an uneasy alliance to banish him to another realm. His cynicism led him to avoid all human contact, and he lived a solitary life before being reincarnated as Jamie Welton.

Now a young nobleman of the Welton family, he uses his refined ways to hide his true nature as a skeptical, scheming and hateful dark avenger who will do anything to outwit the gods and destroy them once and for all. Even if it meant teaming up with one of the goddesses to banish the rest of the pantheon.

He only believes in himself, and that is a huge mistake

• Genre: Adventure, Drama, Dark Fantasy, School Life, Reincarnation, Isekai
• Author: Trough
• Artist: GREEN KYRIN

His knowledge of the true ending and all the “bad outcomes” is a heavy burden, even more so if it means he can't really engage with others around him. As Ed evolves from a trash character to an important member of the Academy, he becomes even more aware of the feelings that others (especially women) have for him.

But his cynicism and mistrustful nature isolate him from what should be an enjoyable school life, despite all the dangerous events he has to go through. He can't catch a breather or stay connected to anyone for too long lest they betray him or turn against him in another major plot point of this evil game.

3

Suhoo Park (Druid of Soul Station)

He only believes in animals and plants, the perfect druid archetype

• Genres: Action adventure, fantasy, science fiction
• Author: Jin Sol U
• Artist: Moon Sung-Ho, liveBear

As a man who has survived for over a thousand years surrounded by wild animals and creatures outside the order of nature, Park Suhoo is cynicism incarnate. He doesn't trust a single soul around him, though he rewards his followers for sharing his knowledge and helping them gain the power to protect themselves.

The Force is the only language the archdruid understands, and he speaks volumes for using his brute force to ensure that his vision of a paradise on Earth, where animals can roam free and humans can live while protecting nature, becomes a reality.

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: Hamm

As 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 caused many international problems and even sparked wars. Not a good diplomat, Ray has others around him to fix his tricks as he tries to advance his vision of modern medicine in this retrograde world.

1

Nox (Time-Limited Genius Dark Knight)

His cynicism can be frustrating at times

• Genre: Adventure, Drama, Dark Fantasy, Reincarnation, Isekai
• Author: Jung seonyul
• Artist: naked

Nox Von Reinhafer is a young nobleman who has strong reason to be cynical: he is dying, and this is not the first time he has passed this test. As a time-limited character, Nox knows he must do whatever it takes to extend his lifespan.

If that means murder, betrayal, and never trusting a single human being, so be it. He is a straightforward protagonist, wearing a mask of politeness and charm to hide his ruthlessness and malicious nature.