You know you've been playing too much Persona 5 when...
Ahem...
I am thou... Thou art I
If you've never played a Persona game before, in this JRPG game series, the protagonist interacts, befriends (and possibly romances) a vast array of characters, with each of them having a unique personality that is representative of one of the 21 major card types in a Tarot deck (these types of cards being commonly known as "Arcana"). If you wish to know more, you can follow this link.
As a thought experiment of sorts, I decided to check if the cast of Re:Zero could actually work for a typical Persona game and, as it turns out, I think they actually fit quite nicely, so I decided to share my thoughts on the matter here for discussion and/or suggestions. Be aware tough that in Persona fashion, only character with whom the MC (so, Subaru) has a "bond" of sorts with can have an Arcana, which disqualifies characters with whom Subaru had very little contact on a personal level, like say Kadomon, Rom or Anastasia, with whom he mostly horse traded. Also I restricted myself to characters from Arc 1 through 5 because I know barely anything from arc 6.
0. The Fool
Subaru Natsuki
The Fool represents the beginning of every journey and, much like its number 0, it's empty, yet full of possibility. In Persona games it is also the Arcana of the protagonist, therefore it's a no-brainer that Subaru himself is the Fool of this journey, who grows and nurtures his heart and bonds to others as the story progresses.
I. The Magician
Otto Suwen
Tough there are competing views out there, I went with the typical reading that this Arcana is represented by the first hand man of the protagonist. Although not particularly smart or overly capable, the Magician is always loyal, trustworthy and cheerful, always looking to prove its worth to others, particularly the protagonist, a description that fits Otto-bro quite nicely.
(Technically, Clind also fits nicely within the Magician Arcana, specially as such characters are usually known for having very specific fetishes about women. This is not a problem tough, as Persona does have duos share an Arcana on occasion, like Daisuke and Kou in P4)
II. The Priestess
Emilia, just Emilia
Characters of the Priestess Arcana are generally quiet, reserved and shy, often taking the longest to truly open up to the protagonist, preferring to hide behind the safety of social niceties. They are kind, compassionate, concerned with the well being of others, as well as intelligent and hard-working, but are often held back by their naivete and sheltered upbringing, which makes them not very knowledgeable about worldly affairs. Once she truly opens up tough, the Priestess often has an unexpected side to her character, even if she never loses touch with her ideals and moral compass. Given that description, there is really no one better for the role than our silver haired heroine.
III. The Empress
Crusch Karsten
The Empress Arcana is usually reserved for women of authority. They are often leaders or command respect from others, sometimes coming across as cold hearted, calculated or ruthless, although they can still show a large degree of concern or care for others. Unsurprisingly, the elegant and natural leader Crusch-sama fits this description to a T.
IV. The Emperor
Felix Argyle
Not necessarily the male equivalent of the Empress, the Emperor represents the need to control one's surroundings, often to a degree that causes trouble to themselves and to others. Like Felix, who faced discrimination for his looks, characters of the Empreror Arcana are often troubled by something very personal and their inability to deal with it. Also, the Emperor Arcana is no stranger to characters with less than typical convictions about their sexuality >_>
V. The Hierophant
Lewes Meyer
The Hierophant Arcana is reserved for an older and wiser character, who often serves as an authority figure of sorts for those around it. As such, Lewes (or rather her copies) acts as the ultimate authority and the matriarch within the Sanctuary. Also, in typical Hierophant fashion, despite her front of wisdom and authority, she lives troubled by her past, as shown by her inability to pass the first trial of the Sanctuary.
VI. The Lovers
Priscilla Barielle
Always reserved for the pretty one or the popular one, characters of the Lovers arcana are as adept at winning hearts as they are at breaking them, and often have no real competition in a beauty pageant (at least as far as the in-universe judges go). In typical Lovers fashion, Priscilla is cocky, self-centered and fully aware of her attractive nature, tough characters of this Arcana often hide issues of self-doubt and lack of purpose. While Priscilla has yet to exhibit this last point, who knows what Subaru will find when he strengthens his bond with her...
VII. The Chariot
Garfiel Tinsel
Self-confident and driven, characters of the Chariot Arcana are always the first ones in and last ones out of a fight. More given to physical pursuits than intellectual ones, Chariots can come across as aggressive and short-tempered, but nevertheless, they are often driven by a desire to use their strength to protect others. Yes, Garfiel through and through.
VIII. The Justice
Julius Juukulius
Characters of the Justice Arcana are usually stoic characters, deeply concerned with ideals of justice and the proper order of things. Julius, as a knight and a member of the nobility, takes these ideas to heart, a factor that in true Justice fashion can make him come across as inflexible, overly strict and blunt, often putting him at odds with others over matters of optics rather than substance, in part due to his stubborness.
IX. The Hermit
Al
True to the name, characters of the Hermit Arcana tend to prefer to be away from the limelight, they prefer to have supporting roles, hide away in the shadow of a larger figure and are often uncomfortable when brought into the sunlight. Likewise, Al blocks the rest of the world away with his helmet and feels much more at home when tending to Priscilla's whims then when having to go public and play his part as her "Knight".
X. The Wheel of Fortune
Felt
The Wheel of Fortune represents fate and destiny. More importantly, characters of this Arcana often long to take their destiny into their own hands, despite what was handed to them by Fate. As such, Felt begins the story with a strong drive to lift herself and Rom from the abject poverty that surrounds them. Ultimately, she gets her wish fulfilled, tough certainly not in the manner she envisioned. Whether she can once again take hold of her destiny against this new hand she was dealt remains to be seen.
XI. The Strength
Wilhelm Van Astrea
The Strength Arcana is one of duality, representing both the strength of arms to defeat any opponent or challenge, as well as the strength of heart to know when to use it and when not to. Likewise, Swordmaster Wilhelm is a powerhouse in his own right, but painful and humbling lessons in his life have taught him that not all adversities can be met with a bladed edge, allowing him to show a soft and kind demeanor as well.
XII. The Hanged Man
Ram
The Hanged Man Arcana is one of self-sacrifice and being stuck in life. Characters associated with this Arcana can rarely be considered happy, regardless of whichever facade they play to others. More importantly, The Hanged Man finds himself at a crossroads, often torn between two sides, two camps or two choices. Likewise, Ram sacrifices much of her happiness and self-worth to serve her master Roswall with devotion, a position that places her in a difficult position, torn between is allegiance to Roswall and the acceptance and companionship she receives from Emilia's camp, not to mention her sister,
For
Death you need to read the original post:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Re_Zero/com...f1&sh=54bbfce4
XIV. Temperance
Frederica Baumann
The Temperance Arcana is usually represented by nurturing and caring characters who devote their time, either by calling or necessity, to traditionaly feminine tasks, thus being an Arcana often reserved for teachers, mothers and yes, maids. Frederica fits the bill nicely, tending to the Roswall manor and showing great care for both Garfiel and Petra. More so, characters of the Temperance Arcana often struggle to balance two opposing sides of their personality, as Frederica balances her respectful maid side with her cheeky and more animalistic side.
XV. The Devil
Roswall L. Mathers
The Devil represents being a slave to one's desires and ambitions. Tough their dedication to their cause can be commendable, characters of the Devil Arcana will stop at nothing to achieve their goals, often trampling the needs of others in the process, or using them as pawns to fulfill their objectives. Likewise, Roswall has manipulated the lives of countless people around him, all to continue the pursuit of his one goal.
XVI. The Tower
Beatrice
Know as the odd-man out Arcana, representatives of the Tower are often standoffish and arrogant, often finding themselves is tough situations (and particularly lonely) as a result of their attitude toward towards others. Such is the case of Beatrice, who's reticence to leave her library and attitude towards those that aren't Puck leaves her all alone in the world, starved for friends and unable to fend for herself in times of need.
XVII. The Star
Reinhard Van Astrea
The Star Arcana embodies feelings of hope, self-confidence, faith, altruism, luck, generosity, peace and joy, all feelings that Reinhard expresses in spades as, to quote Subaru, his good guy levels are off the charts. Also relevant to the Star Arcana is the high expectations that are put on such characters by others, which can often be too much to bear, although Mr. Sword Saint seems to be doing fine for the time being.
XVIII. The Moon
Rem
Characters of the Moon Arcana tend to struggle to be at peace with who they really are, and adopt a facade of some idealized version of who they should be, much like Rem adopts the role of the perfect maid and sister to make up for the debt she feels she owes Ram. More so, they often project certain images upon the protagonist, either seeing him/her as a more perfect version than they actually are (when their genders are different) or as an image of who they would like to be (when they share the same gender). Also, these characters often note things about the protagonist that others are unable to, such as the witch's stench.
XIX. The Sun
Petra Leyte
Characters of the Sun Arcana are always joyfull, energetic and positive, often taking great pride and putting more effort than anyone on their work. Like Petra, their naturally positive demeanor makes them attempt, sometimes in vain, to share some of that positivity with those around them. Characters of the Sun Arcana rarely have it easy in life tough and often find themselves in terrible situations that test their underlying positive nature, such as the many hardships that Petra faced so far and which nevertheless didn't manage to dampen her outlook on life.
XX. The Judgement
Echidna
The all-important Judgement Arcana represents a deep understanding of life, as well as the realization and acceptance of important truths in life. Characters of the Judgement Arcana are always smart, inquisitive and view the world with infinite possibilities. Like Echidna, who challenges those who wish to brave the trials of the Sanctuary, the Judgement Arcana is usually associated with a resolve and realization that the main characters must acquire before they are ready to face the true challenge of the story.
XXI. The World
Satella
The World is a triumph card, representing the world's totality, wholeness and harmony. The World also tends to not be represented by a character the protagonist can properly bond with, but rather a source of strength and power he can tap into in their hour of need. As such, The World Arcana is usually associated with the final key to untangle the story in a Persona game and as such, victory is impossible without it. Likewise, whichever problem gripes the world of Re:Zero, it seems clear that summoning Subaru and granting him Return by Death is the solution to it, and as these were granted by Satella herself, it seems clear the illusive Witch of Envy represents the World Arcana.
Bonus Arcana: These are Arcana that are technically not part of a typical Tarot deck but are found on some alternative ones. Regardless, Persona games have used them on occasion and since I could use a couple more Arcana, I decided to include them.
XI. The Hunger
Regulus Corneas
That the Hunger Arcana shares numbers with the Strength is no coincidence. While both represent strength and fortitude, the Strength Arcana also represents restraint and positive strength, while the Hunger represents power through dominance and the true bliss granted by the freedom to abuse such power. Unsurprisingly, the Hunger is unique in that it is reserved for antagonists and as such, it fits well with what we know of good old Gus-Gus. Plus, it'll make /u/Hala0 happy, so yup, he's here too
XX. The Aeon
Puck
The Aeon Arcana is reserved for inhuman, mythological or divine figures who nevertheless exibhit human traits and qualities. This Arcana can often be interpreted as divine judgement or intervention (which is why it shares an Arcana number with Judgement) and their representatives are often key characters in uncovering the big mystery of the storyline. As such, the illusive and not at all forthcoming Great Spirit Puck appears to be the best candidate to represent the Aeon.
So, thoughts? Suggestions? Am I out of my mind in thinking Tappei may have played a Persona game or two at some point, and that may have made an impact? The first thing that tipped me off was the Zero analogy for the Fool, which is always reiterated in Persona games, but running the whole cast through the Persona filter actually works... quite nicely in my opinion. Now I can totally imagine the Social Link Rank Up! screen going off after those heartfelt conversations Subaru has with people.
Regardless, if you made it this far, thanks for reading, it was fun making this _^
2017-04-04, 18:10
