Rival

This article is about a/an set of riders in the Kamen Rider Series.

"I'm your only friend"

―Hayato Ichimonji (reboot)^[src]

Often, a major plot point of a Kamen Rider series is the appearance of the rival and being the opposite of the protagonist, usually a Kamen Rider whose motives don't mesh with those of the lead character. These rivals can be anti-heroic but rarely villainous. They serve as both foil and companion to the lead rider. They develop an often begrudged relationship at first which develops into a strong camaraderie.

Rival riders often appear the first time in the episodes that serve the storytelling function of a mid-season premiere.