Masashi Kishimoto's Naruto series is home to quite a lot of compelling characters who have grown a lot throughout the course of the story. While some stick to their ideals throughout the entire series and don't show much character growth or change, others undergo huge transformations and, sometimes, emerge as completely different characters.
These characters end up following a journey that makes them see their true selves and helps them to grow. Kishimoto is, undoubtedly, one of the greatest authors when it comes to bringing the best out of his characters in that manner and most of his important characters in the story have undergone massive changes.
8 Sakura Haruno
Sakura's introduction in Naruto saw her act like a spoiled kid at times and, out of all the three ninjas under Kakashi, she was quite easily the weakest. However, thanks to Tsunade Senju and the two-year training that she underwent with her, Sakura completely transformed and became quite a capable kunoichi.
Furthermore, as a character, Sakura matured quite a lot and could read even the toughest of situations with great composure and help those around her.
7 Kakashi Hatake
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Although Kakashi changed little throughout Naruto as a ninja, his life was full of ups and downs. Kakashi started off as a cynic and also looked down on everyone around him. Following his father's death, he completely abandoned teamwork and did everything for himself.
To see him become someone who values teamwork the most just goes to show how much of a drastic change he went through. At the very beginning of the series, Kakashi had already established himself as a phenomenal character.
6 Obito Uchiha
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One of the best antagonists in the Naruto series, Obito started as a bright and young kid full of dreams and hopes, just like Naruto Uzumaki. However, the horrors of the Third Great Ninja War changed him completely. Following the death of Rin, Obito became a villain and started working towards the Infinite Tsukuyomi plan, which already shows a great change in character.
Furthermore, Obito then went on to return to the right path when Naruto convinced him to rejoin their side in the Fourth Great Ninja War, and thus, his character arc came full circle. Without a doubt, Obito is one of the most changed characters in Naruto.
5 Gaara
Gaara made his Naruto debut during the Chunin Exams arc as a ninja of Sunagakure. Being one of the most interesting ninjas to be at the Chunin Exams, Gaara had the attention of every fan and his evil and twisted ways made him quite a compelling villain.
Surprisingly, Naruto's kind words somehow got through to him and, since then, Gaara changed his ways for good. Not only did he become a great shinobi but, during the Naruto time skip, he ended up becoming the Kage of his village.
4 Orochimaru
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Orochimaru was introduced in Naruto as a major villain and remained one for quite a while into the series' second part as well. With the power to destroy Konoha, it isn't a surprise to see him be a massive villain throughout the course of the story.
However, with time, Orochimaru's importance in the story dwindled. The change he underwent wasn't a good one and he lost all of his significance to the plot. Furthermore, much like most Naruto villains, Orochimaru was turned into a good guy by the end.
3 Kabuto Yakushi
Kabuto Yakushi worked with Orochimaru for quite a long time and served him well whenever he was called upon. In the second part of Naruto, however, Kabuto stepped up and became one of the biggest antagonists in the story.
He played a major role in the Fourth Great Ninja War and left quite a mark on the story. After his fight with Itachi, Kabuto also ended up having a change of heart and rushed to help the Allied Shinobi Forces. He saved Sasuke Uchiha from death and, thus, played a part in saving the world.
2 Naruto Uzumaki
The core principles of Naruto Uzumaki stayed the same throughout the series and he's a character whose goals were set from the very beginning of the story. However, Naruto still showed great growth when it comes to things such as strength, and even attaining world peace.
Jiraiya had a profound influence on Naruto Uzumaki and helped shape his life in a big way. Naruto ended up becoming the Child of Prophecy and changed the world for good and for someone considered to be a failure, that is a massive change.
1 Sasuke Uchiha
Sasuke Uchiha is a character who went through many changes in the Naruto series. Initially, Sasuke was a cheerful and bright kid who was later traumatized by the murder of his entire clan. This led to him becoming vengeful, yet his time with Team 7 changed him for the better.
Unfortunately, Orochimaru's influence did affect him in a negative manner, as did the manipulation that he underwent with Obito Uchiha. However, Sasuke eventually came around and, thanks to Naruto, finally returned to Konoha for good. His character is, undoubtedly, one of the most changed ones in the story.