Higurashi When They Cry is a popular work that gradually gained popularity as a doujin game and was then adapted into anime, a live-action film, and more. One of the reasons for its popularity is, of course, its "fear" that is unlike any other work. We've taken a look at who is the scariest character in Higurashi.

Misao Takano: Adult Sexiness and Venom

Misao Takano, the mastermind behind all evil deeds, was a veritable psychopath! Even when she was killed, she was always seen by someone the next day, making her a character full of horror elements. However, deep within his personality lies a difficult childhood and a strong attachment to a benefactor who died before he could achieve his dreams, and in the end, we see that he is not inherently evil. Also, he does not use the facial expressions that are a Higurashi specialty (?), so although he is quite psychopathic, he may not be the most terrifying character in the series.

Runaway, destructive, self-destructive... Shion Sonozaki

Discriminated against as the twin sister, her lover is taken away, and she becomes a murderer. Her terrifying facial expression and creepy laugh likely sent chills down the spine of many viewers.
Additionally, Takano Miyo used poison gas to try to wipe out all the villagers, but it was she who killed the most people with her own hands. The way she brutally inflicts harm on the main characters is truly demonic. Even though she held feelings of resentment, perhaps she had inherent psychopathic tendencies.

School Hostage and Bombing Threat Attack: Rena Ryuugu

Although her murder toll is fewer than that of other characters, Rena Ryuugu is the most daring. She barricades herself in her own school, takes her classmates hostage, and threatens to blow up the school.
And what's more, she threatens an alien invasion! She screams, "I've been infected by a parasite!" and is a veritable psychopath! Her precariousness is evident from the beginning of the story. In particular, one of Higurashi's most famous scenes, in which she opens her eyes wide and screams, "That's a lie!!!", is quite traumatic for first-time viewers. Could she really be the Miss Psychopath of the Higurashi world...?!

Rika Furude: A Girl with Mysterious Powers

Even as she lives through recurring, hopeless days, Rika Furude never gives up and strives for a happy ending. Her efforts are conveyed to the other characters, and ultimately, they achieve an ideal world where no one is lacking. At first glance, she seems like the most sensible person and the furthest thing from a psychopath. However, in the "Saigoroshi-hen" arc, she reveals her hidden darkness. Though she lives in a different timeline and has a twisted personality, she seems like a completely different person when she hits her best friend Satoko with a chair. Ultimately, she commits the gravest sin of all—killing her own mother—and returns to her original world.

It's a rather unsettling ending to a story in which a woman destroys what is best for others for her own happiness. Perhaps Furude Rika is the most self-centered and terrifying psychopath.

Summary

"Higurashi When They Cry" generally lacks sensible characters and is filled with some kind of darkness. This time, we've looked at some particularly scary and psychopathic characters. However, even within their frightening and psychotic aspects, there are also some aspects that we can empathize with and sympathize with, and you'll be moved by the depth of these characters and the story.