What Defines a Good Antagonist
Often, we tend to think in a way that limits ourselves within a box, assuming that a checklist of requirements must be met before a character can be considered good when considering what makes an effective antagonist. They should be realistic enough to show glimpses of their humanity or have a unique personality. They should even have a broad background. In reality, they are just byproducts of the simpler rule that antagonists should be created to serve the narrative, although characteristics like these often contribute to making an antagonist interesting. We can borrow an example from professional wrestling, which heavily relies on storytelling and character development to entertain and engage the audience.
The most fundamental aspect of wrestling storytelling is the concept of the face character, the good guy, and the heel character, the bad guy. Heels always play the opposite of faces, engaging in morally reprehensible actions, whether displaying arrogance, mocking the audience, or deceiving. Besides serving as the antagonists in the story, they also antagonize the faces, attacking them without provocation. Generally, they act as obstacles that the audience wants to overcome. It aims to create a natural emotional connection between the face and the audience as they support the face in defeating the antagonist. With this goal, they strive to make the face undergo character development during their rivalry with the heel. For example, the face may start as an underdog but gradually become more heroic, determined, and resilient, earning the admiration of fans as they evolve.
Similarly, in other media, an antagonist can be very complex when viewed separately. However, this only sometimes means they are a good antagonist within the context of their story. On the other hand, some antagonists may be straightforward, but if they effectively serve the story, their simplicity is not an issue. In essence, antagonists are good if they are well-written and can help the protagonist or hero perfect the narrative. What enhances the narrative depends on the story itself, and there is unlimited potential. Despite having a deep background and an interesting personality, these qualities alone do not make an antagonist good. They can be well-spent if they contribute to the narrative in a meaningful way.
What might make an amoral antagonist with a monotonous personality and background become one of the most thematically rich characters in the story? Simply put, good writing is the answer. However, such an unconventional character concept takes highly skilled writing and a unique storyline. One of the most notable examples is Chrollo Lucilfer from Hunter × Hunter.
Chrollo’s Enigmatic Persona
Like Lelouch Lamperouge from Code Geass, who often assumed the role of a mysterious and enigmatic character, Chrollo also embodies a sense of intrigue and enigma. When his name is first mentioned or when he is introduced, there is no immediate evidence of his depth or complexity. Instead, he is surrounded by an air of uncertainty that enhances his appeal. He exudes a strong and unsettling presence, concealing an indescribable depth that hints at a hidden complexity. However, uncovering these aspects of his character proves to be a challenge. Essentially, Chrollo is one of the most discussed characters in the series precisely because he is a mystery. Humans are simultaneously fascinated and apprehensive about the unknown. We constantly search for profound truths, yet we also fear what those truths might reveal. When a character embodies this duality, Chrollo represents limitless potential and becomes exceptionally intriguing. However, it is important to note that, despite representing the unknown, Chrollo still needs direction. He is intentionally written to remain enigmatic, with subtle nuances in his actions and behavior allowing us to make accurate conclusions about the type of antagonist or individual he is.
Yoshihiro Togashi skillfully employs moderately significant characters despite criticisms that he may overly indulge in certain aspects of his writing. Togashi recognizes that readers possess an inherent curiosity. With this inclination in mind, he strategically employs specific characters to create intrigue around them. While providing enough clues about their true nature, Chrollo is a prime example of building an aura and gravitas around a character through limited exposure and strategically concealed information.
Indeed, Chrollo does not undergo extensive character development. His personality is not as overt as that of other characters in the series. His impressive character design, tense yet dark demeanor, and combat prowess initially draw people to him. However, the more one delves into Chrollo’s character, the more intriguing he becomes. Initially, he may appear as a typical stoic antagonist with a cool design, but subtle hints throughout his appearances gradually unveil his true essence. Chrollo ultimately represents a masterful characterization. His personality, background information, and narrative role seamlessly align with the overarching themes of The Phantom Troupe and the Yorknew arc.
The most remarkable aspect of Chrollo is how every facet of his character intricately intertwines with the Spider and its members. It reflects exceptional narrative coherence in conveying thematic elements, with moments that subtly, almost subconsciously, reveal precisely who this man is. While we grasp the essence of the Troupe, the true nature of the Spider’s leader remains a mysterious puzzle that demands closer examination.
Challenging Misconceptions About Chrollo
It is essential to establish that Chrollo genuinely cares for his fellow Troupe members. While it might seem evident, some individuals tend to believe that Chrollo is a cold-hearted psychopath who manipulates the Spider members solely for personal gain, showing no true concern for anyone but himself. However, this assumption needs to be revised. Chrollo’s caring nature may not conform to conventional standards, but its intensity is undeniable. There is ample evidence of Chrollo’s deep affection for the Troupe, evident to all. He may have committed ruthless acts without mercy, resulting in numerous deaths. Like the other members of the Spider, it does not mean he lacks emotions. Quite the opposite is true; his fellow Troupe members hold the utmost significance in his life. He genuinely cares for them. For instance, he mourns the loss of Uvogin and contemplates whether Uvogin might be experiencing an afterlife. Initially, it may seem like he is wearing a facade of care to feign mourning, aiming to strengthen the trust of his Troupe members. However, this notion can be easily disproven because, in every scene where Chrollo expresses grief, none of the Troupe members are present.
On the contrary, when he is with other Troupe members, he strives to maintain composure and rationality as it aligns with the expectations of a leader. Hence, it is evident that Chrollo has a deep affection for the Spider members. Nevertheless, whether he loves them out of genuine concern or if there are underlying reasons behind this attachment that can shed light on his true character remains open to interpretation.
One direct perspective on Chrollo is that he loves his Troupe members as he would care for his siblings or friends. Given the elusive nature of his character, this interpretation stands as entirely valid and unchallenged. However, another viewpoint on Chrollo that adds depth to his character and aligns with thematic elements of relationships and identity is to consider him someone who has discovered a sense of belonging within the Troupe.
The Enigma of Chrollo’s Past
His personality and portrayal might appear ordinary despite Chrollo’s evident enthusiasm for combat and occasional emotional detachment. It would not be unjust to view him as an unremarkable individual. However, this is, in reality, the essence of his character. He grapples with an identity crisis, existing without a distinct self, essentially an empty vessel. We possess scant knowledge of his past, except for his origin in Meteor City, a desolate place where its inhabitants have no alternative home. Togashi, a writer known for emphasizing how environmental factors shape character, applies this concept to Chrollo.
Chrollo has wrestled with an unstable self-identity from a young age. As he has grown older, this instability has progressed to a condition bordering on the pathological, to the extent that he has lost the ability to recognize his identity. The reasons behind this remain undisclosed, but they are evident, and even his Nen abilities hint at this truth. Nen, a combat system renowned for its personalized nature, reflects the user’s personality through its elements. But what about Chrollo’s ability? It specializes in pilfering the powers of others because he lacks an identity to comprehend his unique power. It is highly plausible that “Chrollo Lucilfer” is a name he crafted for himself, as he never had one, to begin with. In essence, he is a hollow individual. However, this predicament was even more severe in his past, and this emptiness frequently consumed him.
Living devoid of identity is daunting; it molds our character, behavior, motivation, and, ultimately, our way of life. Chrollo desperately sought an identity, and when one cannot internally construct a sense of self, they seek external concepts to feel whole. It led to the formation of the Phantom Troupe. The primary motive behind establishing the Troupe was to provide purpose to its aimless members. Chrollo, lacking self-identity, recognized that by creating a group where everyone had a family, role, and purpose, he could fulfill the needs of its members. He yearned for human connection and a sense of belonging, enabling him to empathize with the members’ circumstances easily.
Nonetheless, Chrollo’s paramount life goal was to create an identity and understand himself. To compensate for his self-understanding deficiency, Chrollo formed the Troupe, not merely as a creation but as an extension of himself, from his perspective. In Chrollo’s eyes, he is synonymous with the Spider, a man defined by the Spider, seeking personal value through his actions. They are the same. Chrollo’s void is so profound that he equates his identity with the Phantom Troupe itself. His existence validates himself; he evolves and discovers purpose through its prosperity. He places significant importance on tasks, rules, and structure to ensure the Spider’s survival. It is not just because he takes pride in the symbolic resonance of what the Spider represents but because he spiritually regards himself as an integral part of it. It strengthens his identity, and as identity is his most cherished value, he is unwavering in preserving the Spider’s existence.
While Chrollo unquestionably cares for his members, he utilizes them and the Troupe as a collective entity to perpetuate self-recognition for interaction with the world. One of the most unique and significant aspects of Chrollo is that, to some extent, the members serve as facets of his identity, symbolizing the limbs of the Spider. It is a shared collective identity. While the members may not consciously realize this, they likely would not object, considering how the Troupe has enriched their lives.
Therefore, by adhering to this perspective, we understand that Chrollo regards his Troupe members not merely as close friends but as integral components of himself. He appears to mirror another popular Togashi character, Shinobu Sensui from YuYu Hakusho, who also grappled with severe identity issues. However, while Sensui’s identity is fragmented into seven distinct personalities within him, Chrollo may undergo a similar case of collective self-identity, outwardly expressing it by investing his identity in an external concept and a group of people, quite literally.
With this in mind, what characterizes his love for the Troupe members? He mourns their deaths profoundly, but is it because he genuinely loves them and mourns the loss of beloved friends and family members, or does his grief stem from the death of a part of himself, a leg of the Spider, lamenting the destruction of a fragment of his identity? These subtle yet foundational characteristics of Chrollo are vital for adding depth and intrigue to his characterization and provide additional rationale for another facet of Chrollo: his courage in the face of death.
Chrollo’s Fearlessness as a Hostage
As the Yorknew arc neared its conclusion, and Chrollo had been captured as a bargaining chip, Kurapika found himself uncertain when Chrollo claimed he was worthless as a hostage. Kurapika could not convince himself that the leader of the Phantom Troupe genuinely believed his own life had no value; he suspected Chrollo might be bluffing. However, Melody, after listening to Chrollo’s heartbeat, confirmed that he was being truthful because he genuinely believed it and harbored no fear of death. There was even a possibility that he did not perceive the risk of death at that moment. Chrollo, experienced in Nen, had faith in Neon Nostrade’s predictions, and since her prophecy did not mention this kidnapping, he deemed the situation unimportant. His ability to read people also informed him that Kurapika would not take actions endangering Gon Freecss and Killua Zoldyck. These rational perspectives explain why Chrollo lacked fear during that specific moment.
However, despite this unique situation, Melody revealed that she had accepted death and confronted it daily. However, what led her to this acceptance? Why didn’t she harbor a general fear of death? She had grown up in a place where no one belonged to anyone, and nobody cared for us; it was where death perpetually loomed. She likely became intimately acquainted with the risk of death from a young age, surrounded by death throughout her life, which naturally made her unafraid of it. However, considering Chrollo’s intricate character, this explanation may appear oversimplified.
Chrollo’s internal circumstances, especially related to his sense of individuality, made it relatively easy for him to embrace the idea of death. As mentioned earlier, since he founded the Troupe and intertwined his identity with it, Chrollo established rules to ensure the collective entity’s survival took precedence. The Spider itself, rather than any individual member, became his foremost concern, and the roles and principles were designed to complement one another, guaranteeing this survival. Through these standards, Chrollo ensured that the Phantom Troupe would endure even if he were to die. While externally, these actions might seem selfless and honorable, there might be a selfish motive underlying them. If this group were to disband upon their leader’s death, Chrollo’s identity would crumble. However, by securing the Spider’s survival independently of his fate, Chrollo ensured that the closest thing to his identity could persist even in his absence. In a way, he had not truly died, even when his heart ceased to beat. Consequently, not only was he at ease with the prospect of death, but he actively pushed to prioritize the well-being of the Troupe over his own if circumstances required it. He desired this outcome so intensely that it became the most stringent rule within the Troupe, and he hoped it would be upheld above all else.
The Enigmatic Complexity of Chrollo’s Character
Chrollo’s overall philosophy resonates with the convictions held by his followers. While there is limited insight into their sentiments, it is plausible that they also perceive identity intertwined with the Spider. Remarkably, they lack sensitivity towards death, demonstrating a readiness to sacrifice themselves for a higher cause. Nonetheless, it is worth considering that their altruism may originate from feelings of love and loyalty.
Shifting focus back to Chrollo, he epitomizes the self-actualizing philosophy of the Spider. Through the Spider, he grants his members identity and a sense of belonging, and reciprocally, they reinforce what he associates with, bolstering his self-concept and enabling his continued existence. It is a mutually beneficial relationship.
It is essential to reiterate that Chrollo authentically cares for his members, irrespective of his interests. He genuinely values their well-being and contentment. However, circling back to the initial point, Chrollo’s absence of fear in the face of death arises from his identification with the Spider. As an individual, he is merely a fragment of his broader self. Consequently, his demise holds no significance in the larger context. His aspiration persists in dwelling within the Spider, and he believes he has prepared his followers, his metaphorical limbs, to regenerate if one is severed. While his death unquestionably blows his greater identity, he does not grieve because he has not lost a friend or a sibling.
This facet of Chrollo’s character is what renders him so enigmatic. He possesses a distinct and intricate sense of self concealed behind the veil of his mysterious demeanor, making it challenging to decipher his true essence. Nevertheless, when observed through this perspective, many of his actions, personality traits, and attitudes start to coalesce and vigorously reinforce the themes of the Yorknew arc and the Phantom Troupe.
Chrollo subscribes to a nihilistic belief in destiny and causality, and this conviction is intrinsically linked to his identity crisis, serving as the nucleus of his character and propelling numerous of his decisions. He embraces that life’s events are entirely beyond human control, dictated by inscrutable cosmic forces that wield supreme power. He contends that contending with the current of fate is futile and devoid of meaning, rejecting the concept of free will.
This deterministic worldview profoundly shapes Chrollo’s conduct. He contends that, within this deterministic framework, no distinction exists between humans and puppets. Describing a recently unveiled Nen ability, he mentions that the possessor of the ability predates Meteor City. To safeguard the city’s inhabitants from external threats, he transforms his siblings into living bombs to convey a message. This standpoint aligns with Chrollo’s conviction that humans possess no dominion over their destinies. In a world where free will is nonexistent, and existence is simply the product of uncontrollable forces, humans are relegated to mere actors following prescribed roles.
Chrollo’s deterministic beliefs are conspicuously reflected in his attitude toward the individuals he and the Spider dispatch. While he does not derive pleasure from killing, unlike Feitan Portor or Hisoka Morow, he does not harbor remorse for terminating another person’s existence. His stance on taking lives is relatively detached. His distinct apathy stems from his outlook on fate and humanity. Although he holds genuine concern for the lives of his followers, when it comes to strangers, he does not hold their lives in regard and does not grapple with guilt when they meet their end.
In Chrollo’s perspective, humans are puppets leading purposeless lives, and due to the absence of meaning in their lives within his belief system, he does not establish a strong attachment to their existence. On the contrary, he finds certain individuals captivating, often admiring their intriguing nature. Those who act as if the seemingly inevitable fate does not dictate their lives captivate Chrollo. In his view, the sole purpose of humans is to fulfill roles preordained by destiny. However, some individuals behave like this is not the case, resisting the looming destiny. This futile struggle both perplexes and fascinates him.
In summary, Chrollo adheres to a nihilistic philosophy concerning destiny and causality, and this belief is intricately entwined with his identity crisis, forming the core of his character and steering many of his actions. He regards life events as beyond human control, governed by inscrutable cosmic forces, and rebuffs the notion of free will. This deterministic worldview underlies Chrollo’s behavior, causing him to perceive humans as puppets in the grand scheme, and his indifference toward taking lives is a byproduct of this perspective. While he genuinely cares for his followers, his self-identity is inextricably linked with the Spider, rendering his death inconsequential on a larger scale. Chrollo’s multifaceted character and philosophical stance enrich the narrative of Hunter × Hunter.
The Judas Analogy
There is also a subtle allusion to Chrollo’s belief in fate in something he mentioned about Judas, famously known as the one who betrayed Jesus in the Bible. When Uvogin raised the possibility of a traitor, possibly Judas, within the group, Chrollo asserted that Judas was not a traitor. While this statement might appear innocuous initially, it perfectly aligns with Chrollo’s belief system. Because he contends that everything in life is predetermined, he also posits that Judas lacked personal choice or free will to prevent himself from betraying Jesus. In Chrollo’s perspective, it was not a matter of choice; it was beyond Judas’s control, rendering him not a genuine traitor. Chrollo’s views on fate and connection to identity converge, creating an intriguing facet of his character: his intense desire to acquire specific Nen abilities.
During the Yorknew arc, Chrollo veered away from the ongoing concerns of the Troupe to obtain the Nen ability of the mafia boss’s daughter, Neon. Her ability, Lovely Ghostwriter, enabled her to predict the future by foretelling people’s destinies, and Chrollo found this ability immensely captivating, investing substantial effort in acquiring it. While such a power enticed almost everyone, it held distinct significance for Chrollo. Because he believes in the absence of free will and the preordained nature of the future, Chrollo places immense trust in the precision of Lovely Ghostwriter. However, when Chrollo mentioned that the fate described concerning the Troupe represented just one possible outcome, alterable by choosing the right path, it disclosed that, despite adhering to the concepts of fate and destiny, he also recognizes the existence of numerous predetermined paths that individuals can follow, even if they typically remain unaware of the mechanisms capable of redirecting them onto different courses. It does not imply that he now views humans as more than mere puppets. However, it indicates that with Lovely Ghostwriter, he can navigate his insignificance to some extent and select a more favorable destiny, avoiding undesirable outcomes.
However, another substantial allure of Lovely Ghostwriter for Chrollo resides in its capacity to enhance his understanding of his identity. He actively seeks insights into the trajectory of his life, his ultimate destination, and his purpose. This knowledge would enable him to fortify his self-concept in a manner that surpasses what the Spider can offer. Despite the unconventional identity the Spider affords him, he acknowledges that it does not constitute genuine self-understanding. Even with his meticulously crafted unconventional identity, Chrollo yearns for more, aspiring to attain complete self-awareness that has thus far eluded him. He exerts every effort to attain this understanding but concedes to Gon and Killua that he has yet to unravel his identity fully.
Why does the Troupe engage in murder, robbery, and theft? While deriving enjoyment from their actions is an evident reason, Chrollo ponders if there is a deeper motivation. Despite underscoring how material wealth holds little significance for anyone in the Troupe, he queries the underlying motivations behind their deeds.
Spider as Chrollo’s Lifeline
Chrollo has various motivations for his continued existence and involvement in missions with the Spider. As a person lacking a genuine identity, the Spider’s operations serve as his lifeline. He yearns to maintain his existence by engaging with the world through the Spider, primarily through the missions they undertake. It functions as a way to uphold Chrollo’s sense of self-identity. While he may aspire to more, this truly brings Chrollo satisfaction. The Phantom Troupe can be viewed as a distorted expression of Chrollo’s need for existence and self-definition, and activities like theft and murder serve as methods to preserve this identity.
However, articulating the reasons behind these actions may be challenging for Chrollo, as it is a complex concept. By accumulating material wealth, the Troupe aims to benefit their hometown, Meteor City, which has long suffered marginalization and oppressive Spider’s plunder and may serve the purpose of restoring honor to their home and its residents.
Nevertheless, it is evident that Chrollo’s foremost goal, above all else, is to achieve profound self-awareness in this world, a level of understanding he has yet to reach. Three key elements define Chrollo:
- His unique identity crisis leads him to associate himself with the Spider.
- His strong belief in fate and predetermination.
- His ultimate aspiration is to comprehend himself at the most intimate level possible.
When analyzing Chrollo’s actions with these elements in mind, his behavior becomes comprehensible, and he is no longer veiled in mystery. While there may be gaps in the background information and no specific details regarding why Chrollo is so exceptional, it is entirely plausible to grasp the person he has evolved into independently of the reasons behind his transformation. Unlike any other in the series, he is enigmatic, but his actions, motives, and thoughts can be deciphered.
The ongoing conflict between Chrollo and Hisoka is one of the series’ most intriguing dynamics, characterized by two distinct perspectives. Hisoka’s approach is direct; he seeks a deadly confrontation with Chrollo because that is who he is. However, Chrollo’s perspective is more intricate, and his conduct toward Hisoka needs to be more transparent. With the established aspects of Chrollo’s character, we can comprehensively explain his actions concerning the sexually charged, psychopathic clown.
Chrollo’s Unique Perception of Identity and Deterministic Perspective
From the outset, it is clear that Chrollo allows Hisoka an unusual level of freedom to act as he pleases. He displays an uncommon tolerance for Hisoka’s actions, almost showing favoritism, which other Troupe members also notice. While Chrollo may value Hisoka’s skills, this leniency can also be attributed to Chrollo’s unique perception of identity. As mentioned earlier, all Troupe members, including Hisoka, are integral parts of Chrollo’s identity. Consequently, regardless of Hisoka’s behavior, Chrollo continues to regard him as a part of himself. If other members were to behave erratically like Hisoka, Chrollo would likely tolerate it because they are all facets of his identity. This leniency can also be viewed from Chrollo’s deterministic perspective, similar to his view of Judas. Since Chrollo believes that everything is beyond human control and that free will does not exist, he sees Hisoka’s actions as predetermined, making him more forgiving.
Another factor contributing to Chrollo’s leniency in his relationship with Hisoka is his genuine fascination with him. This fascination is evident not only in Chrollo’s demeanor but also in his statements before their battle in Heaven’s Arena. When Chrollo told Hisoka with certainty that he would lose, he could not comprehend Hisoka’s willingness to fight regardless. This fascination stems from Chrollo’s deterministic worldview, where he finds humans interesting for their willingness to fight and struggle even when the outcome is uncertain. However, Hisoka’s unique passion for embracing the prospect of death sets him apart, making Chrollo admire his unconventional intentions.
Despite Chrollo’s leniency, Hisoka may have crossed a line with his constant desire to destroy Chrollo and his killings of Shalnark Ryuseih and Kortopi. Chrollo likely no longer feels the same way, as accepting that a part of himself has caused so much harm is challenging. Hisoka has shifted his focus to Chrollo’s weaknesses: his connection to the Troupe and his sense of identity. Hisoka is now targeting each Troupe member, aiming to dismantle the Spider piece by piece, which is the worst possible outcome for Chrollo. This ongoing conflict complicates Chrollo’s character and promises intriguing developments in the story.
Chrollo’s popularity among fans can be attributed to subtle moments that define his character, such as his melancholic stare, shed tears, and strange quotes. These nuances elevate his character beyond being ordinary, making him enigmatic and intriguing. While the interpretation may seem abstract, it ultimately boils down to a simple core understanding of his character.
Defying Fate
In crafting the character of Chrollo Lucilfer, Togashi has given us a leader who follows a deterministic worldview and leads a group of killers while grappling with a complex and unfamiliar internal struggle related to his identity. This character may seem like it could be more relatable to most of Hunter x Hunter’s audience at first glance. However, the seamless integration of these various elements makes Chrollo surprisingly relatable and comprehensible. Despite his involvement in heinous acts like murder, theft, and cruelty and his use of cryptic language, the true essence of Chrollo remains evident.
At his core, Chrollo is simply a person who finds genuine peace when he is with his loved ones, those who both literally and metaphorically complete him. He wrestles with finding his place in the world, desperately yearning to understand himself and seeking a genuine purpose and identity. However, it is at risk of remaining unanswered, and the people who matter most to Chrollo are in danger of being taken away from him.
To preserve what he loves and desperately needs, how far will Chrollo go? What actions will he take to maintain his sense of completeness? Will he finally attempt to defy his predetermined fate to protect himself? These questions will find answers in the future, adding even more layers to the intricate puzzle of Chrollo.
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