Anime character design is the creative process of constructing characters or anthropomorphic images in anime works, which needs to integrate plot settings, personality traits, and aesthetic expression. Designers endow characters with unique recognition through appearance (hairstyle, clothing, figure), demeanor (eye expressions, facial looks), and detailed symbols (such as exclusive accessories, iconic actions).

The design must balance the character's adaptability to the story (e.g., the gloomy tones of villains, the bright style of protagonists) with the audience's aesthetics, while incorporating cultural elements or innovative settings. From sketching to refining details, it requires both artistic skills and an understanding of the character's function in the narrative, ultimately making the image serve the plot and arouse emotional resonance among the audience.