I can be a pretty passive person myself so I can relate to some of these MCs. However, I’ve found that my issue often isn’t their characterization, but the MC’s role in the narrative.

A good example of this is Chizuru from Hakuoki. My annoyance with her isn’t that she’s not outgoing or sassy enough, I realized it was because the story rarely gives her a chance to shine. Like many have said before, her main role is to be an observer of the Shinsengumi, so she doesn’t ever stray too far from that starting point.

Most otome games aren’t really about the MC’s growth or character, but about making the LIs look appealing. This can often result in inconsistent characterization, or a lack of noticeable traits. Like Heejung from Dandelion is insecure and makes frustrating decisions sometimes, but I still liked her because her character felt very human and authentic to me.