Spotlight Character: Judeau (Berserk) MAL Character Information Page: Judeau MAL Favorites: 106 For the next week I would like to have everyone familiar with this character discuss what they think makes it an exceptional character. What attributes make it stand out in the ocean of interesting characters that exist in the realms of anime and manga. Unlike the other two subjects I will not force this conversation to fall into any set structure. Characters that are nominated typically get here because they are adept at breaking the existing character moulds and defying definition. Because of this freedom I encourage everyone to do their very best to stay on topic and keep any and all debate civil. Have fun and I look forward to seeing what everyone has to say about this character. RESULTS OF THE YOU DECIDE POLL Judeau was NOT inducted into the club Character list: 10 Yes - 20.4% 39 No - 79.5% 18 Don't know this character - 24.3% of the total number polled 7 Abstained - 9.4% of the total number polled |
LindleApr 12, 2013 8:56 AM
| You do not beg the sun for mercy. |
| I'm convinced that the anime is not enough material to know about this character, so I'll have to abstain. |
 Waratte Oemashou Sore ha Chiisana Inori |
ladyxzeus said: I'm convinced that the anime is not enough material to know about this character, so I'll have to abstain. I believe Judeau can be judged the same way if you see only the anime as he only appeared at the Golden Age arc, in which the anime quite sufficiently covered. As for the character, I'm not sure. I do like his character but as mentioned, he is rarely seen and almost a reason to even forget his existence. |
 |
| Judeau is, as has been said, though not by this exact word, unobtrusive. Which is exactly why I nominated him. The vast majority of characters nominated in this club are mains. They are dissected and rated on characterisation, development, resonance, psychological makeup and their very humanity. Judeau, on the other hand, is, I feel, literally exemplary as a supporting character, meaning that some of the criteria usually let loose do not apply. A good supporting character appears when he needs to, adds to a scene without dominating it and, at the same time, is given enough personality to be distinguishable without having so much in the way of background that a story line starts to focus on it. Like all the main members of the Hawks, Judeau's graphical design is such that he is easily recognisable yet bland enough to be a face in the crowd when need be; his mannerisms make him into a more observant and, probably, more intelligent member. These same mannerisms - phrasing, little gestures et al. - are enough to provide him with a bit of characterisation. Note, for instance, how his love for Casca is never expressed, not even at the end, but is clear enough. Note also how he often intrudes exactly when necessary to ease tensions or to be the voice of moderation. The very impact of his presence is shown most clearly at the moment of Gutts' leaving, when with but a simple sign of his hand and a 'Walk with me' he transforms the entire scene. Yet, for all this, he never becomes the centre of attention. He is not given an episode or chapter focused on him, he is not the focal point of some spectre from the past or dramatic action or whatnot; his background is given a few minutes only and told in the most cursory manner, his swan song is as much centred on Casca as on him. His own willingness to sacrifice himself for the one he loves drives him into the background. All the while, the story remains squarely focused on Gutts, Griffith and Casca. Still, his presence does influence things and adds to the story. He explains the workings of the Hawks. He acts for the sake of the group before his own. He brings Casca and Gutts together. It is enough to have his appearance in a scene be accompanied by a mixed sense of pity and admiration, which, if one stops to think about it, is a strong reaction for someone who is a second-tier character. In considering Judeau, I would like to have everyone here consider what makes a character a good supporting character, an extra to the main action who does not detract from it, and only then cast their vote. I think few perform their assigned roles better than Judeau does his. |
| You do not beg the sun for mercy. |
| Following Santetjan's post, Even though he's never the center of attention and seems to always work in the background, he's still among the most memorable characters of the series. Even if it's been a long time without him in the manga, I remember him better than any of the new casting. For me, that is a plus point. I think I will vote yes. |
| -Fixing- |
| I was going to vote no, but I'm almost sold here. santetjan said: 'he is not the focal point of some spectre from the past or dramatic action or whatnot' I hold high regard for this point. The complexity of Guts/Griffith relationship was the main focus for Berserk ( at least to me ) and never once was Judeau directly responsible for the turn of events.The thing is I don't have a set of clear parameters for measuring supporting characters, for example, a chapter or an episode devoted to them works both way for me. I will probably vote yes because the characterization for Judeau was extremely consistent, so much so he can even be considered unique in his role. |
idlezeal said: ladyxzeus said: I'm convinced that the anime is not enough material to know about this character, so I'll have to abstain. I believe Judeau can be judged the same way if you see only the anime as he only appeared at the Golden Age arc, in which the anime quite sufficiently covered. Ah. Then I'll vote no. It did not mark me enough and a side character should at least do more than being... Somewhat cute? |
Waratte Oemashou Sore ha Chiisana Inori |
ladyxzeus said: idlezeal said: ladyxzeus said: I'm convinced that the anime is not enough material to know about this character, so I'll have to abstain. I believe Judeau can be judged the same way if you see only the anime as he only appeared at the Golden Age arc, in which the anime quite sufficiently covered. Ah. Then I'll vote no. It did not mark me enough and a side character should at least do more than being... Somewhat cute? Oh, but he did more than that! |
| -Fixing- |
More topics from this board
Sticky: » The End of Critics and ConnoisseursHiroM_ - Dec 31, 2022 |
31 |
by danz
»»
Nov 10, 2023 1:08 AM |
|
» Challenge You Decide: Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion (Anime) (1/1)HiroM_ - Dec 3, 2022 |
44 |
by 25saix
»»
Dec 30, 2022 3:10 PM |
|
» You Decide: Golden Kamuy 2nd Season (Anime) (12/4)HiroM_ - Dec 2, 2022 |
42 |
by 25saix
»»
Dec 30, 2022 3:10 PM |
|
» Resurrected You Decide: Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica (Anime) (12/4)HiroM_ - Dec 2, 2022 |
47 |
by 25saix
»»
Dec 30, 2022 3:09 PM |
|
» Blue N Rescue Mission: Eikoku Koi Monogatari Emma (Anime) (12/4)HiroM_ - Dec 3, 2022 |
24 |
by Dramaddict
»»
Dec 28, 2022 6:02 PM |