the case study of vanitas characters

the case study of vanitas characters

The Influence of Characters in “The Case Study of Vanitas”

1. Introduction

Considering this, time and place is very relevant to “The Case Study of Vanitas” as it is set in an alternate steampunk style 19th century Paris where humans and vampires coexist. The contrast in mood and atmosphere between scenes can come from the smallest of changes in the circumstances of the characters and village politics can have a wide-ranging effect on the livelihood of its people. An early example of this is how the main protagonist Noé first meets Vanitas who is the title character and a vampire to whom random angry mobs can be a dangerous nuisance. This was the case prior to the meeting where Vanitas was accosted by such a mob and this sour mood was deeply affecting him. When Vanitas and Noé escape the same situation it begins to greatly lift his mood and sets a tone for the rest of this arc that in comparison to the last is far more light-hearted.

In this essay, I will be discussing how the characters and their circumstances in the manga “The Case Study of Vanitas” by Jun Mochizuki have a profound influence on the setting and atmosphere of each scene. I will be dissecting the personalities of the characters in these situations and how they react to them, and most importantly, how that reaction affects their relationships with each other. This is important because the characters in this manga are intentionally diverse and they contrast and clash with each other in interesting ways throughout the story. This kind of interaction can be subtle and complex and is shown just as much through character body language and behaviors than simply through their actual spoken words. This complex play of character interaction and backgrounds can create a rich or stark backdrop to their story that can critically influence the mood and atmosphere of a time and place.

2. Analysis of Main Characters

All characters in the novel carry some importance essentially creating the history of the time and the people involved. This in itself is a concept of New Historicism, insomuch that the characters in a piece of literature create an epoch. The minor characters of Seamstress and Miss Pross hold a twofold relation to one another. Both serve as caretakers of the primary characters Manette/Darnay and Lucie. Lucie’s maniacal, yet intent Speaker of English is contrast to her master, and Miss Pross takes a role of “winning” her charge back. The relationship focused in an arguer and argue serves to exhibit the trial on two different levels of social class. During Darnay’s trial in England, two belligerent revolutionaries showed their want for his death to be swift. Ernest Defarge, the ex-turnkey of Doctor Manette epitomizes this struggle. The trial on Darnay is no more than a furthering of conflict between himself and the Manettes caused by their disapproval his marriage to Lucie. The ensuing relevant struggle comes in Darnay’s daring return to France in attempt to save a serve family servant due an Erroneous Letter. The revolutionaries are often showing upper disdain for the aristocratic, though their want for death is similar in methodicism to two Englishmen.

Charles Darnay’s life seems to have been based upon the concept of dual courts. On trial for his life twice but in different countries, he is constantly being vexed by his depraved uncle’s aristocratic ways. Upon meeting and eventually marrying Lucie, he attains somewhat of a goal for a better lifestyle in the calling of the physician. Sydney Carton exudes despicability in appearance and manner. Always drunk and laying unspoken love for Lucie, he is a witty sarcastic, lazy man, with no real reason to live. His uncaring nature even towards the people he helps is shown saying, “Though it would make me personally more comfortable, it is unacceptable.”

The book contains a rich variety of characters, often shown for plot or comic effect. An analytical character review is focused on what genuinely makes Charles Dickens unique and creates lasting characters. Main character analysis interestingly revolves around the concept of New Historicism. Featuring Dr. Manette, Charles Darnay, and Sydney Carton, this theory is truly embodied. New Historicism explores the historiography of a text and maintains, “Literary texts, for example, are little more than a record of a writer’s own society and time, and the writer is little more than a product of that same society.” The reader experiences a “rebirth” of Dr. Manette from the walls of the Bastille upon his release. His daughter Lucie is worried by what has happened to him saying, “Papa, you are happy in your prison?” The nature of this question expresses concern beyond the mere wording. She sees her long-lost father as unknown and likened to a prisoner. He replies mentally surreal saying, “And I am happy in my return to life.” Upon burning the remaining shoemaker tools, Dr. Manette seals the door to his past life. His resurrection theme, though relatively easily understood, is of significance.

3. Impact of Supporting Characters

One of the most loved aspects of a strong story is a great cast of characters and “The Case Study of Vanitas” has managed to deliver on all fronts. With a wide and varied cast of supporting characters, the cast all have unique and interesting personalities and brilliant designs. One of the first supporting characters that our protagonist, Vanitas, comes across is Noé Archiviste, a vampire hunter. In the early part of the story Noé has a profound encounter with Vanitas that has a deep impact on him, resulting ultimately in Noé deciding to assist Vanitas in his quest. Noé is an honest and earnest character, though stubborn at the best of times due to the fact that he is driven to discover the meaning behind a vampire’s true name. After encountering Vanitas, he is somewhat conflicted due to Vanitas’ accusations directed at himself as a mindless beast due to the fact that he is a vampire. Noé also carries a grim past shrouded in tragedy and disaster, leaving an incurable void in his heart. No doubt this will be expanded upon in future acts of “The Case Study of Vanitas”. As of July 2017, we know Noé is most definitely a central character to the series due to him sharing volume cover appearances with Vanitas. It is a positive sign for those who are fans of character development. Noé is a fan favorite of both male and female Japanese audiences, and it is extremely rare for a male character to be popular for the latter audience. A vital aspect of this is due to Noé’s seiyū (voice actor), Kaji Yuki, a vastly popular voice actor in Japan who has also done voice work for Eren Yeager in Attack on Titan and also Shoto Todoroki in My Hero Academia.

4. Character Development throughout the Series

The characters of Jun Mochizuki’s “The Case Study of Vanitas” serve as the driving force behind the events of the plot. Their interactions and ever-changing emotions provide the audience with a deeper understanding of the story and its history-laden world. In this series, many individuals and each character fills a specific role in the development of the story. They enter as one type of character, but with time gain complexity that takes them well beyond their original form. This development is often symbolized with a change in the character’s expressed emotions through tears. Characters with extremely deep personality changes are placed on the Tears of Vanitas page. ——————————————— Main characters: (To be filled out as the story progresses) Noe (not currently deserving of a character page) Vanitas (not currently deserving of a character page) Jeanne (not currently deserving of a character page) Dominique (not currently deserving of a character page) Characters Returning From the Gray Child Arc: (Characters that were getting no punishment, to characters weep and granted a punishment)

5. Conclusion

Aside from these characters developed specifically in response to Noé, we see his influence on characters like Domi and Veronica. They have known Noé for centuries, but it is his change in attitude starting from Ruthven and ultimately his evolution through interactions with others and his own revelations that cause them to develop a new attitude towards him. A mix of concern and curiosity in why he seems to be breaking old taboos. The progression and development of these characters is only a prologue for Vanitas and Noé’s meeting with “The Amalgam of Vampires and the Users of Forbidden Arts”. These characters, that serve as the primary antagonist, are without a doubt here specifically due to the development of backstory for Noé and Vanitas. Their declaration of war on the human world has only just begun and Noé and Vanitas just happened to stumble into it. From here we can expect extensive development of these characters and it’s contentious it will be Noé and Vanitas that cause such changes.

While the case study of Vanitas presents a range of interesting and unique characters, it is clear that all these characters are used to influence the development of not only the plot but also the development of Noé. The main drive for the development of many of these characters is Noé himself. For example, the “Torture Expert” develops in response to Noé’s revelation of how he does not understand pain, likening him to a plant, not understanding the nature of humans. This serves as a catalyst for Noé who seeks to understand humans further, including himself. It is the spark for him becoming more involved in the society he had abandoned and ultimately leads to him revealing to Vanitas his true intentions.