This post is dedicated to those otaku who spend more time on sites like TV Tropes and 100 Things I Learned than they do on actually watching TV and film.
Some anime characters live forever. Kill them off in one show and their soul respawns in another show like an animated Doctor Who. They might show off a new name, hairdo and art direction, but something is all-too-familiar about their presence.
...They're a stereotype!
There's the emotionally stunted, silent hero with too much talent. The feisty "I want to be the best!" hard-worker. The shy one with an aching crush. The old cynic mentor. The charismatic villain with the hearty laugh.
Here's the week's discussion question: What's your favorite anime stereotype?