Series & First Appearance
Amanda O’Neill is a character from the anime series Little Witch Academia, created by Yoh Yoshinari and produced by Trigger. She makes her first appearance in the film Little Witch Academia: The Enchanted Parade (2015), where she is introduced as an Irish-American witch attending Luna Nova Magical Academy.
Profile at a Glance
Amanda is portrayed as a teenage witch with a lively and carefree demeanor. She is affiliated with Luna Nova Academy, where she is known for her skills in dancing and aerobatics, particularly while riding her broomstick. Her signature weapon is her broomstick, which she uses to perform impressive aerial maneuvers and combat techniques.
Personality & Motivations
Amanda is characterized as a party girl who enjoys living life to the fullest. Her exuberant personality is complemented by her love for dancing and social activities, often making her the life of the party. Despite her rebellious streak and propensity for getting into trouble—most notably her involvement in breaking into the school’s high-security vault—Amanda is depicted as spirited and enthusiastic. Her motivation seems to derive from a desire for freedom and self-expression, often emphasizing the joy of living in the moment. She has no catchphrases per se, but her carefree attitude and exit lines often reflect her spirited nature.
Abilities / Powers
Amanda possesses magical abilities typical of a witch in training, with a particular expertise in aerial aerobatics. Her exceptional skill in gymnastics allows her to perform intricate tricks during broomstick flights, combining her magical prowess with natural agility. While she demonstrates capabilities in flight and some elemental magic, her spells and powers are largely exploratory in nature. Amanda’s combat style is dynamic and flashy, focusing on movement and agility over brute strength. However, her laid-back attitude can sometimes detract from her commitment to developing her magical abilities more seriously.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Amanda is prominently featured in The Enchanted Parade, where she plays a key role in the story’s overarching conflict. Her rebellious act of breaking into the vault reflects her impulsive behavior and serves as a catalyst for her character arc. Throughout the film, Amanda experiences moments of realization about the responsibilities that come with her magical abilities. However, her primary growth revolves around learning to balance her carefree personality with the serious undertones of being a witch. There isn’t an expansive series arc for her, but her time in The Enchanted Parade encapsulates significant moments of self-discovery and maturation.
Notable Relationships
Amanda’s relationships in the series illustrate her vibrant personality. She is often seen with fellow students at Luna Nova, including Akko Kagari, known for her enthusiasm, and Lotte Jansson, adding diversity to her interactions. While Amanda is largely independent, her friendship with her classmates positions her within the broader narrative. Notably, Amanda’s rebellious nature sometimes puts her at odds with the school’s authority figures, which adds an interesting dynamic to her character development.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One memorable scene involves Amanda utilizing her dancing skills during a pivotal moment in The Enchanted Parade, showcasing her talent and bravado as she engages in an extravagant aerial battle against the antagonists. This moment solidifies her as both a skilled witch and a vibrant character who embraces her party girl lifestyle.
Another impactful line, though not scripted as a catchphrase, arises during her interactions with Akko, where she encourages her to embrace her adventurous spirit, reflecting the film’s theme of following one’s dreams despite challenges.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Amanda O’Neill is voiced by Japanese actress Saori Hayami in the original version of Little Witch Academia. In the English dub, her character is brought to life by voice actress and singer, Micah Solusod, whose performance adds a distinct flair to Amanda’s carefree persona. The character has gained significant popularity among fans, reflected in her Member Favorites ranking of 405. While there isn’t extensive lore regarding her background, Amanda’s Irish-American heritage adds a layer of cultural richness to her character design, which is influenced by traditional depictions of witches in folklore.
Amanda O’Neill represents the spirit of youthful exuberance and the quest for identity in the magical world of Little Witch Academia, making her a memorable and cherished character for fans of the series.
