Though I Am an Inept Villainess

What is Though I Am an Inept Villainess about?

Though I Am an Inept Villainess is a TV anime series of 11 episodes animated by Doga Kobo, adapted from a light novel. It aired from July 12, 2026 to September 20, 2026. AniList classifies it as drama, fantasy and romance.

Synopsis from AniList, which credits Crunchyroll. The summary above it is written by FreeAnime.xyz from AniList's data.

Themes AniList users associate with it: Female Protagonist, Royal Affairs, Villainess, Ancient China, Historical, Magic.

Main characters

Characters AniList lists in a main role, with spoiler-free notes.

• 

  Reirin Kou 黄玲琳

  Main character

  The Maiden of the Kou clan and niece to the empress. Intelligent and beautiful, she is dubbed "His Highness's favored butterfly" and is loved by all. Physically delicate from a young age makes her seem frail, but has grit to not be disheartened by any obstacle as well as a steel will.

  Japanese voice: Manaka Iwami

• 

  Keigetsu Shu 朱慧月

  Main character

  Maiden of the Shu clan. She has a strong sense of inferiority, dubbed a villainess for her mean behavior and is hated by all. Envies Reirin who is the opposite and is loved by those around her. Using her specialty of forbidden magic, she swaps bodies with Reirin on the night of the Double Sevens Festival.

  Japanese voice: Natsumi Kawaida

Supporting characters

• 

  Gyoumei Ei 詠尭明

  Supporting character

  The crown prince of the kingdom of Ei. Accomplished in both literary and military arts, handsome, sincere, and responsible. Born with dragon's qi. He loves his intelligent cousin Reirin from the bottom of his heart.

  Japanese voice: Makoto Furukawa

• 

  Shin-U 辰宇

  Supporting character

  The Captain of the Eagle Eyes who keeps the morals of the Inner Court in check. Has blue eyes like his mother who was a slave from a foreign country. The half-brother of Gyoumei. Reticent and cold-hearted in nature.

  Japanese voice: Yuuichirou Umehara

• 

  Riri 莉莉

  Supporting character

  She is the lady-in-waiting of Keigetsu. She has red hair inherited from her mother, who was a dancer from the Western Lands.

  Japanese voice: Hana Hishikawa

• 

  Tousetsu Kou 黄冬雪

  Supporting character

  Head lady-in-waiting to Reirin. She also carries the blood of the Gen family and possesses a cool, aloof demeanor.

  Japanese voice: Farahnaz Nikray

• 

  Seika Kin 金清佳

  Supporting character

  The maiden of the Kin clan. She possesses dazzling beauty and takes great pride in her artistic accomplishments.

  Japanese voice: Mai Nakahara

• 

  Houshun Ran 藍芳春

  Supporting character

  A maiden of the Ran clan. She is petite and unassuming, with an air reminiscent of a small animal.

  Japanese voice: Inori Minase

• 

  Kasui Gen 玄歌吹

  Supporting character

  The maiden of the Gen family. She possesses a reticent and mysterious air.

  Japanese voice: Yui Ishikawa

• 

  Kenshuu Kou 黄絹秀

  Supporting character

  She is the Empress of Ei and Reirin's aunt. She possesses a bold and open-hearted personality.

  Japanese voice: Rei Igarashi

• 

  Gabi Shu 朱雅媚

  Supporting character

  She holds the rank of "Noble Consort", a status second only to the empress. A consort from the Shu clan, she serves as Keigetsu guardian. She is dignified and serene, gentle and compassionate.

  Japanese voice: Ai Kayano

• 

  Reiga Kin 金麗雅

  Supporting character

  She holds the rank of "Pure Consort", the second-highest of the four consort ranks. A consort of the Kin clan, she is Seika’s aunt and guardian. She is a beautiful woman who possesses both a voluptuous figure and an arrogant demeanor.

  Japanese voice: Kotono Mitsuishi

• 

  Hourin Ran 藍芳林

  Supporting character

  She holds the rank of "Virtuous Consort", the third-highest among the Four Consorts. A consort from the Ran clan, she serves as the guardian of Houshun. Petite and lovely, she views herself as the "eternal little sister" figure of the inner palace.

  Japanese voice: Aya Hisakawa

• 

  Gousetsu Gen 玄傲雪

  Supporting character

  She holds the rank of "Worthy Consort", the lowest of the Four Consorts. She is a consort of the Gen clan and serves as the guardian of Kasui. She is a woman of few words, and it is often difficult to tell what she is thinking.

  Japanese voice: Takako Honda