Naoka Ueno is a central figure in the emotionally powerful anime film A Silent Voice, and her role leaves a lasting impression on viewers. At first glance, Naoka Ueno comes across as one of the main antagonists during the elementary school years of the story, particularly in how she treats Shoya Ishida, the protagonist. She fits the archetype of the popular “mean girl” — confident, socially dominant, and surrounded by a loyal group of peers who follow her lead. But as the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that Naoka Ueno is far more than just a bully; she’s a layered character shaped by internal struggles and external pressures.

During those early years, Naoka Ueno is often seen being critical, manipulative, and even cruel — not only toward Shoya but also toward her so-called friends. Her behavior stems from deeper insecurities, especially regarding her social standing. When Shoko Nishimiya, a deaf transfer student, enters the class, Naoka Ueno feels threatened. It’s not just about jealousy — it’s fear. Fear of losing control, fear of being replaced, fear of no longer being at the top of the social ladder. And this fear drives much of her hostility. On top of that, hints about her troubled family life suggest that her harsh exterior may be a defense mechanism, masking emotional instability rooted in neglect or dysfunction at home.

But here’s the thing — Naoka Ueno isn’t static. One of the most compelling aspects of her character is her growth over time. As the story progresses into the characters’ teenage years, Naoka Ueno begins to reflect on her past actions. There’s a quiet but significant moment of realization: she understands that what she did to both Shoko and Shoya was wrong. This doesn’t happen overnight, and there’s no grand apology scene, but subtle gestures and changes in behavior show that Naoka Ueno is trying — genuinely trying — to make amends. That journey from cruelty to conscience is what makes her arc so impactful.

In many ways, Naoka Ueno serves as a mirror to the film’s core themes: empathy, redemption, and the complexity of human nature. She reminds us that people aren’t simply good or bad — they’re products of their environment, emotions, and fears. Her transformation underscores the idea that self-awareness can lead to personal growth, even for those who’ve caused harm. And while she never becomes the hero of the story, Naoka Ueno earns a kind of quiet respect through her willingness to confront her mistakes.

Looking at her personality more analytically, Naoka Ueno exhibits strong traits consistent with the ESTJ personality type. She’s organized, decisive, and values structure — classic signs of someone driven by extraverted thinking. Naoka Ueno likes things done the right way, follows rules, and expects others to do the same. Her respect for authority and tradition points to introverted sensing as a secondary function, giving her a sense of stability and order. Yet, she’s not entirely rigid — there are moments where Naoka Ueno shows flashes of extraverted intuition, like when she takes initiative or adapts to shifting social dynamics, even if only to protect her position.

Where things get complicated is in her emotional world. Naoka Ueno struggles with introverted feeling, her inferior function. Expressing vulnerability doesn’t come naturally to her, and understanding the emotional needs of others is a challenge. This disconnect partly explains her lack of empathy earlier in the story. It’s not that she’s incapable of caring — it’s that she doesn’t know how to access or articulate those feelings effectively.

From an Enneagram perspective, Naoka Ueno aligns closely with Type 2, specifically the 2w1 variant — the “Helper” with a “Reformer” wing. This means she has a deep desire to be needed and valued, but also holds herself to high moral standards. Naoka Ueno wants to be seen as dependable, responsible, and supportive, yet this very need leads to inner conflict. She’s hard on herself, often suppressing her own needs while trying to meet the expectations of others. The One wing adds a layer of perfectionism, making her self-criticism even more intense.

Ultimately, Naoka Ueno is more than just a side character defined by her bullying. She represents the messy reality of adolescence, peer pressure, and the long road to accountability. Her presence in A Silent Voice enriches the narrative by showing that even those who cause pain can experience regret, reflection, and change. Through Naoka Ueno, the film delivers a nuanced message about forgiveness — not just receiving it, but earning it through genuine effort. And in the end, that’s what makes Naoka Ueno such a memorable and thought-provoking part of this deeply moving story.