What is Sadodere (さどデレ) ?

Sadodere is a Japanese character archetype that involves sadism. They are quite malicious like yandere, but they are not the same character archetype. The similarities of yandere and sadodere cause fans to either mix them or become confused with them. Sadodere is commonly found in Japanese novels, manga, anime, and video games. A sadodere would manipulate their love interests’ emotions by situating them in tough moments. From their perspective, their actions are merely playful teasing. They are aware that they inflict pain or humiliate a person, but they take pleasure out of it. The pain they inflict can be either physical or mental anguish. Only the love interests would catch the attention of the yandere. They would remain cold towards other people.

Sadodere has a complementary character archetype: (マゾデレ) Masodere. The masodere loves receiving pain from the sadodere in a dynamic and consensual relationship.

Some examples of sadodere in Japanese popular media are Sakamaki Ayato from Diabolik Lovers, Haruhara Haruko from FLCL, Hisoka Morow from Hunter X Hunter, Suzutsuki Kanade from Mayo Chiki!, Sakuranomiya Maika from Blend S, Takami Minatsuki from Deadman Wonderland, Enoshima Junko from Danganronpa and Sougo Okita from Gintama.

Etymology

Sadodere (さどデレ)  is a wasei-eigo word which combines two words: sadomasochistic (サドマゾヒスト)  and deredere (デレデレ)  or lovestruck. The other writing for sadodere is サドデレ.
According to Psychologist Anywhere Anytime, sadomasochism is a type of paraphilia or irregular sexual pattern. It involves sadism or pleasure from inflicting pain and masochism or the pleasure of receiving pain. It either replaces or enhances the sexual pleasure of a person. Dominance and submission are the main elements that play in sadomasochism. It is more inclined toward power dynamics rather than fixed rituals. Sadomasochism involves a strong desire for either domination or submission. People refer to sadomasochism nowadays as an emotional trait rather than a sexual connotation.

A Brief History

In 1886, the term sadomasochism first appeared in Richard von Krafft-Ebing’s academic article, Psychopathia Sexualis. The word sadomasochism was named after Comte Marquis de Sade and author Leopold von Sacher-Masoch. According to the article, sadomasochism is about achieving pleasure from dominating or submitting from a consensual partner.
An example of an iconic sadodere in modern Japanese media is Tokisaki Kurumi from Date A Live. Date A Live is a light novel series in 2011 by Tachibana Koushi and Tsunako.
Kurumi is a malicious Spirit who took an interest in Itsuka Shidou. Her original plan was to consume Shidou and his power to prolong her lifespan. Throughout the whole series, she would manipulate Shidou in difficult situations, playing at him like cat and mouse. Kurumi eventually helped Shidou in his battles but to take him by herself. Her murderous intent decreased while remaining infatuated for him.

Modern Usage

Sadodere fulfills the fantasy of somebody getting dominated by an attractive person. The relationship is dynamic and personal. At first glance, attraction for sadodere is like another paraphilia. Like yandere, some fans love sadodere characters. They like the concept of somebody toying with them in exchange for a relationship. People have different tastes for fictional characters. Sadodere is one of those special character archetypes.

References:

Understanding Sadomasochism, PsychologistAnywhereAnytime.com, https://www.psychologistanywhereanytime.com/sexual_problems_pyschologist/psychologist_sadomasochism.htm

Jones, Isaiah, 10 “Dere” Anime Types, Explained, CBR, https://www.cbr.com/dere-anime-types-explained/, 07 December 2019, Retrieved 8 February 2021.

Sadomasochism, Encyclopedia.com, https://www.encyclopedia.com/social-sciences/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/sadomasochism

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