Izuku Midoriya from My Hero Academia is usually associated with his determination and admiration for heroes, but one of his most underrated abilities is his habit of studying other people. From an early stage, he pays close attention to fighting styles, abilities, movement, and weaknesses. His notebook habit is therefore more than a quirky character trait—it reflects a genuine desire to understand how things work.
Another interesting quality is Midoriya's willingness to learn from people who are different from him. Instead of assuming that his own approach is always correct, he watches other heroes and students and incorporates useful ideas into his own development. This makes his growth feel connected to observation and learning rather than simply becoming stronger.
His definition of heroism is also broader than winning fights. Midoriya is particularly interested in the idea of helping people when they are vulnerable or frightened. That perspective explains why he can be so emotionally affected by other people's situations. His empathy, analytical thinking, and persistence combine to create a protagonist whose greatest strength is not just what he can do, but why he wants to do it.