How Subaru's Flaws Make Him a Better Protagonist

Summary

Subaru challenges typical isekai hero norms with humanity, vulnerabilities, and errors—defying genre expectations.
Subaru’s flaws drive character growth, emphasizing self-awareness, growth, and resilience throughout the series.
Each flaw in Subaru, from delusions to self-destructive tendencies, serve as narrative tools that enhance his depth and authenticity.

As a seasoned connoisseur of isekai narratives, I must say that Subaru Natsuki stands out as a breath of fresh air amidst the sea of generic heroes. His character resonates with me on a deeply personal level, reminding me of my own journey through life’s unforgiving labyrinth.

Subaru’s flaws, which are so prevalent in his character, are what make him truly exceptional. They are not mere plot devices but the very essence of his being. His delusions of grandeur, emotional volatility, idealization of others, and physical weakness all serve to humanize him in a genre that often lacks authenticity.

Each flaw is a mirror reflecting my own struggles, reminding me that growth is not an instantaneous event but a slow, painful process. Yet, it’s Subaru’s unwavering determination that inspires me to keep trying despite my shortcomings. His failures remind me that we all stumble in the dark, and his victories fill me with hope that one day, I too might find my way out of this maze.

In a world where the line between hero and zero is often blurred, Subaru’s character stands as a beacon of hope. He is not a perfect hero but a deeply flawed individual, striving for betterment in an unforgiving world. And isn’t that what life is all about? Stumbling, getting up, and continuing the journey?

As for a joke to lighten the mood, here it goes: You know you’re watching too much Re:Zero when you find yourself muttering “I’m just not good enough” every time things go awry in your own life. But hey, at least we can all agree that Subaru has more lives than a certain feline!

The series “Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World” innovatively explores the isekai genre with Natsuki Subaru as a deeply flawed lead character. Unlike typical isekai heroes who are usually powerful or beyond reproach, Subaru’s human qualities, weaknesses, and mistakes become defining elements of his persona. Instead of weakening the narrative, Subaru’s imperfections make him all the more intriguing, positioning him as one of the most captivating protagonists in anime.

In simpler terms, Subaru’s objectives don’t revolve around turning into the most powerful warrior or mastering magic in his new realm. Rather, it’s about personal growth – admitting his shortcomings, learning from his mistakes, and constantly trying to improve himself. From this perspective, Subaru’s imperfections become crucial storytelling elements that give depth to both his character and the narrative itself.

Subaru’s Main Flaws and How They Enhance the Story

In the narrative, Subaru is portrayed as having five significant shortcomings, although he manages to address some of these issues along the way. However, due to these ongoing deficiencies, he remains perceived as somewhat incomplete overall.

Delusions of Grandeur

As soon as Subaru finds himself in a new realm, he starts thinking that he’s been designated as the “special one.” This inflated self-importance guides his initial behavior, with the assumption that everything centers around him in the cosmos.

Yet, reality swiftly brings him down from his high. Unable to use magic or triumph in battles, the fragility of his illusions is exposed. This forces Subaru to reassess his value and position.

I’ll reveal my vulnerabilities to you, but I’ll always ensure I don’t show signs of giving in.

This imperfection deviates from the common isekai pattern where protagonists are overpowered. Instead, Subaru’s growth demonstrates that heroism comes not by fate but through determination and self-awareness. His humility, forged through hardship, lends authenticity to his later victories.

Emotional Volatility

In my perspective, I’m often swept away by my feelings, resulting in hasty actions and unwarranted disputes. A glaring instance of this is when I lost control at the royal castle, an incident that left me red-faced and Emilia mortified. This moment, though tough to bear, underscores my lack of emotional maturity vividly.

These instances highlight the striking contrast between Subaru and the usual stoic or charismatic lead characters. His emotional openness resonates with viewers, fostering a stronger bond with them. The narrative delves into his emotional collapses to examine themes such as trauma, resilience, and the path that ultimately strengthens him most: redemption.

Self-Destructive Tendencies

Subaru often neglects his own welfare, relying excessively on his “Revive After Death” power to tackle issues. This habit is rooted in feelings of guilt, low self-esteem, and an intense need to safeguard those he cares about. His initial voluntary death, leaping off a cliff to rectify a failed situation, sets a potentially harmful precedent.

In a more passionate manner, I might say: “Is it your intention to not only deprive me of the joy of living, but also the choice in how and when I leave this world?” This version maintains the original sentiment while using first-person perspective and more natural, easy-to-read language.

Subaru’s unique power, “Return by Death,” causes him significant psychological stress instead of being a straightforward advantage like most other isekai characters. This constant struggle leaves a heavy impact on every choice he makes.

Idealization of Others

In the story, Subaru tends to perceive Emilia, Rem, and other characters more as idealized figures or fantasy projections rather than fully-developed individuals. At the start of the series, he admires Emilia as a flawless heroine and even a potential romantic interest, overlooking her individuality in favor of his own ideals. Similarly, he initially views Rem and Ram as stereotypical maid characters instead of real people with unique personalities and qualities.

This imperfection serves as a testament to Subaru’s development. Gradually, he comes to understand and value the intricacies of others, fostering sincere connections instead of shallow ties.

The shortcoming clearly demonstrates Subaru’s progression. As time passes, he gains insight into the nuances of those around him, nurturing authentic relationships rather than casual bonds.

One of the most touching scenes in the show revolve around the evolving relationships between him, Emilia, and Rem, which stem from his desire to achieve emotional growth.

Physical Weakness

In contrast to typical isekai characters, Subaru doesn’t possess the physical power that’s often associated with these stories. Rather than relying on muscle or magic, he has to utilize his intelligence, ingenuity, and determination to tackle obstacles and reach his objectives.

Experiencing Subaru’s triumphs feels incredibly rewarding because every victory seems genuinely earned, not just given. It underscores the belief that genuine power stems from sheer determination and unity among the team.

The fact that he often works with allies such as Rem, Reinhard, and Beatrice underscores the importance of teamwork rather than relying solely on individual bravery.

Subaru’s Character Growth Throughout the Series

Turning Flaws into Strengths

Subaru’s character shines through his developmental journey. Every imperfection serves as a rung on the ladder that elevates him towards personal improvement, such as…

His delusions of grandeur are replaced by a realistic understanding of his limitations and responsibilities.
His emotional volatility transforms into emotional resilience as he learns to cope with failure.
His idealization of others evolves into a deeper respect for their autonomy and struggles.

The transformations aren’t immediate; instead, they resemble the gradual, sometimes difficult process of growing up that we see in real life, with Subaru’s progression. This authentic development adds depth to his accomplishments, making them even more powerful and moving.

A Protagonist Defined by Humanity

The Rest Don’t Even Come Close

Subaru’s imperfections lend authenticity to his role as the protagonist, for they portray him as a real person rather than an idealized hero. He is not perfect but strives hard in a harsh world, reflecting the struggles we all face. This connection is what distinguishes him from other isekai characters. His setbacks serve as a reminder that progress is incremental, and his perseverance encourages us to press on even with our limitations.

In a genre frequently accused of following predictable narratives, the series Re:Zero and its protagonist Subaru Natsuki serve as proof that accepting flaws can lead to something exceptionally unique.

2025-01-01 21:34

How Subaru’s Flaws Make Him a Better Protagonist