The Beginner's Guide to Anime: The Attracting Factors in Characters

Okay, this topic I don't have a tonne of knowledge in, and I don't have any good research to go off of.  Sorry if this is not accurate to the veteran's standards.

As promised in the previous Guide to Anime post, I'm (going to attempt) explaining what a loli is. The explanation is, of course, below.  But before you read there, I should explain this topic a little more.  A loli is one of the many stereotypes put in characters as an attractive factor.  Most anime have a character that has an appealing factor to them, even though a lot of people don't notice that they are stereotypes.  Some of them are agreeable factors, where others take some time to understand.
I should add that there are a lot of them... So this list isn't complete.  Maybe if I feel oddly motivated I'll continue it.  Of course, if I miss any, just tell me in the comment section.

The Childhood Friend: As the title suggests, the main character has a childhood friend and they fall in love later (usually high school).  These are either promises made to each other from a young age, unrequited love that eventually gets recognition, or a relationship that neither character sees coming.  Usually found in the romance genre.
Examples: I actually can't remember any anime I've watched with a big emphasis on this.  I vaguely remember Asura Cryin' having this element, but don't quote me on that.  I haven't watched Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood or Steins;Gate but I heard they stress this element a bit.

Senpai/Kouhai Relationships: A senpai (sometimes spelt sempai) is a senior in position relative to someone else in the same field/discipline.  The most popular use in anime is at school, however, it can be used in dojos, workplaces, etc.  Basically whoever is slightly senior in rank, you call senpai.  And kouhai is the opposite: a senpai would call their underclassmen kouhai.  Senpai is not to be confused with sensei; an authority figure. Senpai is usually reserved for a mentor-type role.
In context, a 2nd year high school student would call the 3rd years senpai, and 1st years kouhai.
And also, as the mentioned above in the title, relationships between the senpai and kouhai may happen. If you don't know already, this element is where the meme "I hope senpai will notice me" comes from.  In some anime, the kouhai might have feelings for the senpai, but not have the ability to say it.
Examples: Strike the Blood,  Ouran Host Club, Dusk Maiden of Amnesia (sorta)

The Sibling Complex:  Closeness with a sibling to the point that it either annoys the charactercoughvictimcough, or makes other people wonder if incest is going to take place.  Usually the character with the complex teases their sibling a little much, and can be jealous people.  If the target character has a girlfriend/boyfriend, it's possible that the complex sibling would try sabotaging the relationship.  In other cases, the complex sibling declares their love (usually in a comedic manner) and tries to keep any other potential competition away.  In general, a sibling complex in a character includes thinking that if they weren't related by blood, they would have a relationship with their sibling.
(Side note: I think I might do a post just about complexes sometime.)
Examples: The Irregular at Magic High School, Oreimo, No Game No Life

Lolicon: "Loli" being the shortened form.  Blatantly put, a lolicon is a pedophile.  But in anime, it's a term used for a type of character.  Lolis are girls that are under the age of consent, the appeal being childish features and innocence.  I say this in the least possible creepy way: lolis are adorable.  They are like the cute internet puppies of anime.  But they can talk, dress adorably, cock their head slightly and say "senpai", and eat food in the cutest possible manner (yeah, I definitely have a weakness).
Now that you know about the sibling complex and lolis, I can share this photo I found a little while back... If you've watched a bit of all three of these series, it is a lot funnier.

Oh, you should also know that "imouto" is a younger sister.  It goes under the "sister complex" category.
Anime used from top to bottom: Black Bullet, The Irregular at Magic High School, No Game No Life

Maid: This one I never really got either.  There's this thing out there for maids, or girls in maid outfits.  I don't see the big attraction, but hey, whatever floats your boat.
Apparently characters in anime are aware maid outfits really exist as fanservice, and realize that having to wear one is potentially very embarrassing.  If you're watching an anime and the character has a maid outfit forced upon them, you now know why their face turns bright red.
The male counterpart of this stereotype is of course, the butler (shitsuji).  Using the most famous anime butler, Sebastian, as an example, the butler always looks good, acts gentlemanly, and does anything in their power for their master.  Not nearly as much as a fanservice as maid outfits, but still a huge attractive factor for girls.
Examples: Black Butler, Nanana's Buried Treasure, Kaichou wa Maid-sama!


Bishoujo/Bishonen: Respectively, these characters are the girls that are considered a beauty by everyone, and the boys that are so pretty that they can pass for girls.

Fan art of Zaizen Hikaru

The bishoujo have slimmer yet appealing figure, long flowing hair, big sparkling eyes, and an innocent face.  And bishonens... Just see for yourself.  These are all the hot guys in anime.  For anyone not familiar with anime, bishonens are often mistaken for girls.
Examples: Black Butler, Nisekoi, Inu x Boku SS, Special A

After spending probably too much time on this post, I have determined that this topic is going to take a lot longer than I thought.  It's late. I'm starting to spend more time editing than researching.  I'm starting to have terrible remembers.  #inexperiencedwriterexcuses
So, I'm splitting this post up.  Look for part two in the coming week!