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Kuudere (クーデレ, pronounced [kɯːdeɾe]) is a Japanese term for a character who appears to not have emotions. They are often stoic and expressionless, and they remain calm in stressful situations.[1]
In contrast to tsundere and yandere characters, whose archetypes revolve around change in their behavior, kuudere characters often keep the same core traits throughout a narrative. Other kuudere characters traits include being aloof, being level-headed, and serving as the voice of reason during conflict.[1]
The word is derived from the terms kuuru (クール) ('cool, calm') and dere dere (デレデレ) ('to become affectionate').[2] The term refers to one of four popular Japanese character types, the others being tsundere, yandere, and dandere.[3] Rei Ayanami of Neon Genesis Evangelion is thought to have played a major role in the popularization of kuudere.[4]
