Dazai Osamu

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Character
Name: Dazai Osamu
Occupation: ex-mafia, currently member of the Armed Detective Agency
Relationships: ex-mentor to Akutagawa Ryuunosuke; currently mentor to Nakajima Atsushi; ex-partner to Nakahara Chuuya; currently partnered with Kunikida Doppo; friend to Oda Sakunosuke (deceased)
Fandom: Bungou Stray Dogs
Other: Japanese voice by Mamoru Miyano [2]
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Dazai Osamu is a popular character in the Bungou Stray Dogs fandom, as well as a major character in the series.

History

Dazai first appeared in Chapter 1 of the manga, when Nakajima Atsushi rescues him from a suicide attempt by drowning in the river. He became popular among fans for his good looks, ridiculous mannerisms, tragic past, and cunning intellect. He used to be a member of the Port Mafia, a main antagonist group in the series, before defecting after the death of his best friend. Apart from this, his backstory is very mysterious. In canon, Dazai is suicidal, and his suicidal tendencies are frequently played for comedy.

Common Pairings

Fanon and Common Tropes in Fanworks

As a Genius/Master Manipulator

Dazai's intelligence plays a major role in the canon plot, so many fans explore his feelings and self-image through fic and other works. His perspective is also largely absent from the mainline story (perhaps because it would serve as a spoiler for the storyline itself), which leaves much to be explored in fanon.

Suicidal tendencies/Self-harm

Like his real-life counterpart, Dazai's character often attempts suicide. These attempts are often played in a more comedic light in canon, and not without controversy in fandom. His suicidal tendencies are so much a part of this character that Dazai-Typical Suicide References is its own tag on AO3.

Defection from the Port Mafia

Dazai originally joined the Port Mafia in order to find a reason to live. However, after years of bloodshed and violence, he was convinced by his friend Oda Sakunosuke to leave the Mafia. His defection plays a major turning point in the events of canon, and many fans enjoy exploring his headspace before, during, and after his decision to leave. Fanfiction set during Dazai's time in the Port Mafia is also popular, as two of his most popular pairings (Sokoku and Odazai) involve characters who were, or are, members of the Port Mafia.

Death

Many fans speculate that, at the series' end, Dazai will die.[1] Whether that be by an eventual successful suicide attempt or by saving his friends, no one can say (as the series is still ongoing). Regardless, many fanworks explore this possibility.

Other Common Tropes

  • Little Black Dress or Fandom bicycle: Because of Dazai's influence on the lives of many of the characters, he is often shipped with several characters.
  • Angst: Due to his suicidal tendencies, many fan creators explore his mental health struggles.

Example Fanworks

Fanfic

Fanart

Vids

Meta

Other Fanworks

Archives and Communities

Links and Resources

References

  1. ^ [1], meta on what the ending of the manga might look like for Dazai.