"The Requiem of the Rose King" is a fantasy manga serialized in Monthly Princess magazine, based on William Shakespeare's historical drama. It depicts the battle for the throne between two noble families, and is garnering attention due to its upcoming anime adaptation, which will air in January 2022. This time, we'll introduce the main characters, including the protagonist, his family, and those involved!
Introduction: What's the Story?
The story is set in medieval England. The House of York and the House of Lancaster were constantly fighting for the throne. Richard, the third son of the House of York, was called the "Devil's Son" by his mother because he was androgynous. However, he was raised with love from his father, the Duke of York. Richard wanted his father to ascend to the throne, but his wish would lead to war in England. Furthermore, Richard's secret was that he was androgynous, and he himself became embroiled in the conflict. In this article, we'll introduce the characters of the House of York, to which the protagonist Richard comes, and those connected to the House of York!
Richard
He is the protagonist of the story. He was born as the third son of the House of York. He was born as a androgynous person, possessing both male and female characteristics. While he looks relatively masculine, he can only appear female when cross-dressing, which he sometimes uses to overcome challenges. Due to his hermaphrodite nature, his mother, Cecily, calls him the "child of the devil." He keeps his hermaphrodite status a secret, even unaware of it, even to the point of having visions of Joan of Arc. However, his father, the Duke of York, showers him with love. More than anyone, he desires his father, who cares for him, to ascend to the throne. He has heterochromia, but hides it with his hair.
Edward
The eldest son of the House of York and Richard's eldest brother, Edward has a bright and cheerful personality. His exceptional beauty captivates those around him. He loves women and has a weakness for them. At the same time, he struggles to fulfill his role as the eldest son of the House of York, as seen in the battle against the House of Lancaster, where he awakens to his sense of responsibility as the eldest son.
George
He is the second son of the House of York and Richard's second older brother. While his mother, Cecily, treats Richard coldly, he treats him kindly as his older brother. However, he sometimes shows signs of being thoughtless, such as being insufficiently cautious. During the battle between the Houses of York and Lancaster, George finds himself faced with a fate he never anticipated.
Richard, Duke of York
The father of three brothers, Edward, George, and Richard, he is a kind and dignified man. To Richard, unlike his mother, he treats him with love, and he is like a "light in the darkness." After the throne is usurped by the House of Lancaster, he decides to fight alongside the Earl of Warwick to reclaim it.
Earl of Warwick
He served as a strategist for Richard, Duke of York, and played a vital role in supporting the war against the House of Lancaster. He later worked hard to ensure that his eldest son, Edward, became king, and as a kingmaker (a person with great influence over the selection and resignation of the highest authority), he became deeply involved in the war between the Houses of York and Lancaster. He has two daughters, Anne and Isabel.
Catesby
He has been serving the House of York since Richard was born, watching over him from the shadows. Even his own brothers are unaware that Richard possesses both male and female characteristics. However, Catesby is one of the few people who knows the secret of Richard's body.
Cecily
Wife of Richard, Duke of York, and mother of three brothers: Edward, George, and Richard. She detests her youngest son, Richard, calling him the "son of the devil." The dislike shown to her drives Richard mentally ill, causing him to close himself off and build walls around himself.
Summary of the Main Characters in "The Rose King"
We've introduced the protagonist of "The Rose King," members of the House of York, and characters associated with the House of York. The story, in which the protagonist is caught up in the vortex of a battle for the throne and is tossed about, is both dramatic and fascinating. As you'd expect from a historically themed play, it's truly epic. I'm already looking forward to the anime! That's all for today. Thank you for reading.
