Many popular characters appear in "Re:ZERO − Starting Life in Another World", but of all the characters, Roswaal is by far the most mysterious. Not only is he highly skilled, but he also has a unique way of speaking, heavy makeup that makes it hard to tell what he's thinking, and other edgy characteristics that leave an impression on many fans. In this article, we'll be explaining about Roswaal, the most interesting character in "Re:ZERO − Starting Life in Another World". Roswaal is a character who plays a very important role in the story, so this article will include information that will likely be revealed in the second season of the anime, as well as information that will only be revealed in the novel version that follows, so please refrain from reading if you don't want spoilers.
Powerful member of Emilia's camp
In one word, Roswaal's position can be described as "powerful member of Emilia's camp." In the story, he is a character who overcomes many hardships together with Subaru in order to make Emilia the next king. He is quite well-known in Re:Zero, as he appeared quite early on.
I don't know what he's thinking
Among the many characters in Re:ZERO, it can be said that Roswaal is the one who is the most "unclear about what he's thinking." Due to the nature of this anime, where trustworthy characters change frequently, the existence of Roswaal, whose thoughts are always unclear, can be said to be a frightening presence for Subaru and for us as well.
Clown-like appearance
More than his personality or abilities, Roswaal's appearance is edgy. He dresses like a clown on a daily basis, so much so that at first, Subaru mistook him for a clown hired by Emilia. With such a ridiculous appearance, it's hard to believe he's the best magician in the royal palace.
Characteristic way of speaking
In addition to his appearance, many of Roswaal's characteristics are also seen in his way of speaking. He generally has a habit of drawing out the end of his sentences, and there are many scenes where he is mistaken for teasing someone when he is talking seriously (which he may actually be). However, this ending seems to be the tone he uses when he is joking around, and this ending is not seen when he is talking about something serious.
The best magician in the royal palace
In the story, Roswaal is described as "the best magician in the royal palace," and even in the few scenes in which Roswaal is active, all of them show his high level of ability, so there is no doubt that Roswaal is "the best magician in the royal palace."
The Roswaal Family
Here, I would like to explain about the Roswaal family, which is Roswaal's bloodline. The Roswaal family is one of the most historic families in the series, and it can be said that they play an important role in Re:Zero. I would like to explain about the mysterious Roswaal family.
A family with deep ties to the Witch of Greed
When explaining the Roswaal family, there is one character that must be introduced. That is Echidna, the Witch of Greed. In the world of Re:Zero, witches are not seen as good, so much so that the people around them freeze when the words "Witch of Jealousy" are even mentioned, although this is not the same as Echidna the Witch of Greed. However, even in such a worldview, there seems to be a reason why the Roswaal family has a deep connection with Echidna.
The head of the family has inherited his memories! ?
When explaining the relationship between the Roswaal family and Echidna, the most important setting is that "the head of the Roswaal family actually inherited the memories from the first generation." In other words, the current Roswaal also inherited the memories of the first generation Roswaal. From this, we can infer that Roswaal has been alive since 400 years ago, that is, when Echidna was alive, and we also know that he had a connection with Echidna.
He has actually lived for 400 years! !
By using the above methods, the Roswaal family has managed to survive for an incredible 400 years. Echidna's abnormal interest in Subaru also shows that she is interested in eternal life (return by death). In other words, Roswaal took over the research from Echidna, who was researching eternal life for some reason, and obtained his own eternal life (passing on memories to the next generation).
Book of Wisdom
Furthermore, it has been revealed that Roswaal acts according to a book called the "Book of Wisdom." Everything, including Subaru's actions, is written in this "Book of Wisdom," and Roswaal's strange behavior was also written in this book.
He knew about Subaru's Return by Death!!
The "Book of Wisdom" explained above is apparently the original of the "Gospel Book" possessed by the Witch Cult, and according to Beatrice, who is the only one who possesses the "Book of Wisdom" like Roswaal, "I don't want you to lump it in with those imitations." In any case, because of this "Book of Wisdom," Roswaal knew that Subaru was performing "Return by Death."
His strange behavior up until now makes sense
Roswaal has been troubling us with his strange behavior since the beginning, but this shocking truth makes sense.
Sacrificing himself for a purpose! !
However, this leads to an even more shocking truth. Roswaal has sent Subaru back to life and started over for his own purposes. Of course, no one other than Subaru can start over, so Roswaal sacrifices himself and entrusts his purpose to his new self in the next world. Even if it's for his own purposes, he is a frightening person who would sacrifice his own life.
The differences between him and Subaru emerge
Subaru is naturally unable to accept such a shocking truth, and comes into fierce conflict with Roswaal. Roswaal's stance is "I will not hesitate to make any sacrifice, even if it is for my own purposes, even if it is myself," and he is in direct conflict with Subaru's stance of "I will return to death as many times as I can, and save everything I can save."
"I will complete you"
Due to the difference in their stances, Subaru violently attacks Roswaal, but Roswaal remains calm and says things like "You will become like me someday" and "I will complete you."
Is Roswaal the mastermind?!
With all these factors of uncertainty, there is widespread speculation among Re:Zero fans that "Roswaal is the mastermind." Indeed, there are more than enough elements about Roswaal to make one suspect he is the mastermind. We may need to keep a close eye on Roswaal's actions in the future.
The voice actor is Koyasu, which is a cause for concern
And above all, the most suspicious element about Roswaal is that his voice actor is Koyasu. Koyasu has played many villains with his unique voice, and it is no exaggeration to say that he is a specialist in villain voices. His image as a villain is so strong that many fans say, "I can't help but be suspicious of Roswaal because he has Koyasu's voice!"
Subaru declares that he will throw away the "Book of Wisdom" if he can save everyone
Roswaal follows the "Book of Wisdom" in all his actions, but he corners Subaru into a situation where he cannot move forward unless he chooses between Emilia or Rem at the Roswaal Mansion. Subaru could only worry about this hopeless situation, but he approached Roswaal, saying, "If I can save both Emilia and Rem (the maids at the Roswaal Mansion), you will throw away the Book of Wisdom from now on." Naturally, Roswaal, who knew he couldn't move forward without abandoning one of them, readily agreed.
Subaru wins the match
Despite some difficulties, Subaru ultimately succeeds in rescuing both of them and wins the match against Roswaal. This causes Roswaal to throw away the "Book of Wisdom."
Watch out for the two's tactics in the second half of the season!
In the second half of the season, we will see Subaru challenge Roswaal to a challenge and then win the challenge. The portrayal of the psychology of these two characters is one of the most important elements of this season, so it is important to pay special attention to it.
In any case, it seems likely that there will be some kind of conflict
After his negotiations with Subaru, Roswaal is relatively calm, but on the other hand, I am a little worried that there is no longer any cause for concern. In any case, I think it is safe to assume that there will be some kind of conflict.
There is still much mystery surrounding Roswaal
So far we have explained many things that are known about Roswaal, but the reality is that there are still many mysteries that remain. So let's take a look at what specific mysteries remain.
Relationship with Ram
It is set right from the beginning, but it seems that Roswaal and Ram have an extraordinary relationship. We don't know why Ram is so attached to Roswaal, what kind of past does Ram and Roswaal have, and at present, all we know is that Rosewaal is giving mana to Ram without his horns, so we'll have to wait and see how it develops.
The goal of Echidna's revival
And secondly, why is Roswaal so hung up on Echidna's revival? It is now known that Roswaal was Echidna's student, but it is a mystery as to why he is so hungering for the revival of his master.
Echidna's revival and the relationship with Emilia
Obviously, Roswaal's goal is to revive Echidna, so he's supporting Emilia because it's necessary for Echidna's revival. What kind of relationship does Echidna and Emilia have? It hasn't been said yet.
Summary
What did you think? This time we've taken a look at the mysterious character Roswaal. Perhaps it's because he's a mysterious and difficult character to trust that he seems so appealing to us. We're looking forward to seeing what Roswaal does in the future.
