A yandere is a character archetype from Japanese fiction (especially anime, manga, visual novels, and games) who appears deeply loving and affectionate at first, but whose love becomes obsessive, possessive, and sometimes violent. The word combines two Japanese terms: * “Yanderu” (病んでる) – meaning “mentally ill” or “emotionally unwell.” * “Dere-dere” (デレデレ) – meaning “lovey-dovey” or affectionate. Together, “yandere” describes someone whose intense romantic feelings become unhealthy. A yandere character may: * Be extremely devoted to one person. * Become jealous of anyone they see as a rival. * Want to control or isolate the person they love. * Ignore boundaries or privacy. * In fictional stories, they may resort to stalking, threats, or even violence to keep their loved one “safe” or to eliminate perceived rivals. Some well-known yandere characters include: * Yuno Gasai from Future Diary (Mirai Nikki), one of the most famous examples. * Kotonoha Katsura from School Days. * Satou