For anyone who follows the story, it’s no surprise that many anime fans mention Kiyotaka Ayanokoji, the main character of Classroom of the Elite, as their all-time favorite anime character. Ayanokoji is very secretive, offering little to no access to his inner thoughts, and this creates an air of mystery about him, piquing viewers’ interest.
Even as more information about Ayanokoji is revealed as the story progresses, her layered personality leaves even more to be discovered. Fans of the light novel series often notice differences in the portrayal of the enigmatic character in the anime series. They are privy to the complex thoughts that run through Ayanokoji’s mind and have a deeper understanding of the story and the character that drives it. Here are ten things the Classroom of the Elite light novels reveal about Ayanokoji.
9 Ayanokoji is not that aloof
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The first difference light novel readers immediately notice between Ayanokoji’s versions is in her facial expressions. In the anime, Ayanokoji is portrayed with a high degree of aloofness, often appearing indifferent to the surges of emotion expressed by others around him.
While at heart, Ayanokoji remains mostly the same, light novels depict him with a less stiff face. He feels his emotions but is unable to express them because of how he was raised. While the anime focuses on his stoic nature, the light novels show both his stoic nature and a brighter version of him.
8 Ayanokoji is a Machiavellian
Viewers often refer to Ayanokoji as a schizoid, psychopath or sociopath due to her cold and dispassionate nature. However, upon in-depth analysis of the characters in light novels, it can be seen that the more appropriate term is Machiavellian.
Ayanokoji sees people as tools and only focuses on winning in any situation. He manipulates people and situations to achieve his goals and does not feel guilty about it. His actions and his mentality are in line with the Machiavellian philosophy which is characterized by astute demeanor and an “the end justifies the means” perspective.
7 Ayanokoji is an unreliable narrator
Light novel readers know that Ayanokoji’s inner thoughts are not in line with her words and deeds. In the early volumes, he portrays himself as genuinely interested in making friends and not standing out, but eventually the story reveals that he is actually a masterful manipulator who just wants to win. Ayanokoji lies, even to readers, so he can hide his true goals and present himself in a certain light.
This shows readers that they are not beyond the reach of Ayanokoji’s manipulation and should ask themselves which information is true and which is false.
6 All Ayanokoji wants is freedom
At the beginning of the story, Ayanokoji says she wants a quiet school life. But as the story unfolds, it becomes obvious that what drives him goes deeper. When he says he wants a quiet school life, he means he wants a life that is disconnected from the White Room and, by extension, from him being his father.
The White Room is what made Ayanokoji who he is, and he associates his trauma with it. It makes sense that he seeks freedom from it all, from the place and ideologies that he was taught, and also freedom from his father.
5 Ayanokoji takes care of some people
Although Ayanokoji can be cruel and concerned only with his own affairs, using people as he wishes and remaining indifferent to their feelings and opinions, at some points in the story he shows sincere care for some friends, protects them and refuses to manipulate them for his own gain.
An example of this is when she defended Kei Karuizawa by attacking Kakeru Ryūen for mistreating her. In another example, Ayanokoji comforted Honami Ichinose after her story came to light and she also prevented Arisu Sakayanagi from falling during their secret meeting.
4 Ayanokoji is Suzune Horikita’s ally
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Ayanokoji and Suzune Horikita have a complex relationship in the light novels. Ayanokoji is the only person she interacts with in their class and someone she considers her first and only friend. Their relationship is often speculated to be romantic, but both ignore such claims.
Ayanokoji pulls strings in the background to ensure Suzune’s success even though he doesn’t tell her much about his plans. He recognizes her as someone he needs to protect from her, even though he doesn’t fully trust her and only sees her as a means to her desired end.
3 Ayanokoji befriends Kohei Katsuragi
Light novel readers often complain about several changes in how scenes from the light novels have been adapted, or in some cases removed entirely. An example of this happened with Kohei Katsuragi. In the second season of the anime, Ayanokoji and Katsuragi are shown to have a warmer relationship which feels unusual to the viewers of the anime.
However, light novel readers are aware of the interaction between Ayanokoji and Katsuragi in volume 4.5 of the light novel series where Ayanokoji does Katsuragi a favor by helping him send a birthday present to his sister.
2 Ayanokoji has more interactions with other girls
Another aspect that surprises light novel readers is how centralized Suzune Horikita is in the anime series. In several scenes in the anime, Suzune replaces other characters who were in the original light novel scenes.
Light novel readers know that Ayanokoji has some of those meaningful interactions with other girls. For example: In the anime, Ayanokoji and Suzune prevent Operation: Delta. But in volume 4.5 of the light novel, it was actually Ayanokoji and Kei Karuizawa who did it together. Another example is Ayanokoji and Horikita threatening students in Class 1-C with a fake surveillance camera. In volume 2 of the light novels, Ayanokoji actually does it with Honami Ichinose.
1 Ayanokoji is in a romantic relationship with Kei Karuizawa
Light novel readers know that Ayanokoji and Kei Karuizawa have a more complex relationship than the anime series shows. Though he has a rocky relationship at first, Kei forms a bond with Ayanokoji as he protects her from bullying.
As the story progresses, they grow closer and develop feelings for each other. Eventually they confess these feelings and become a couple. The anime series has yet to fully explore this part of the light novels and show fans what this unlikely relationship is like.
Ayanokoji doesn’t really hate the White Room
Volume 0 of the light novel series explores Ayanokoji’s complicated relationship with the White Room. While Yandere-chan acknowledges that the White Room violates human rights, it’s not something she regrets. He is grateful for everything the White Room has taught him and simply believes he has more to learn outside of it.
Light novel readers understand that Ayanokoji is inquisitive and inquisitive, and he only joined Advanced Nurturing High School to learn about thrills and freedom, not out of complete hatred for the White Room and its upbringing.
