Yandere is a character archetype commonly found in anime and manga, characterized by an intense, obsessive love for someone that can lead to violent and unstable behavior. This trope often combines elements of romance with psychological horror, as the yandere character may resort to extreme measures to eliminate perceived threats to their relationship.
The term 'yandere' is a portmanteau of the Japanese words 'yanderu' (meaning to be sick) and 'dere' (indicating affection). These characters are often depicted as sweet and loving on the surface, but their darker tendencies emerge when they feel their love is threatened, making them both fascinating and terrifying.