From Zero to Hero Chronicles: The Ascension of Rising of the Shield Hero Season 3

Article Key Points

Naofumi and Raphtalia have experienced steady growth throughout the series, becoming powerful heroes and compassionate individuals.

Ren, Itsuki, and Motoyasu, however, have experienced a decline in their combat skills and are now confronting the repercussions of their imperfections. In contrast, Malty S. Melromarc continues to display an unwavering obstinacy, maintaining her malevolent and merciless demeanor despite facing the fallout from her deeds.

Despite being the fourth episode of the current season, this installment marks the 43rd episode overall in the series. With such an extensive collection of episodes, there is ample material to thoroughly examine the growth and progression of the characters in this captivating series.

Broadly speaking,

A Steady Growth: Naofumi and Raphtalia

can be categorized into three distinct paths of character development in the Rising of the Shield Hero. These paths include individuals experiencing consistent growth, those on a downward spiral, and those who remain stubbornly stagnant. To simplify comprehension, notable characters from the series will be used to represent each category.

When it comes to character development, the typical approach is to depict a gradual and consistent growth for the characters in accordance with the narrative's progression. For example, let's consider a protagonist who begins as a feeble character. As the story unfolds, their strength gradually builds up until they eventually become the most formidable character in the tale. This kind of progression encompasses more than just physical prowess; positive changes can also extend to the character's behavior, outlook, and even mental well-being.

Naofumi and Raphtalia exemplify the remarkable journey of character development. Initially, they were feeble individuals, unable to act independently. Naofumi's trust was shattered at the onset, leading him to adopt a cynical perspective towards others. Similarly, Raphtalia, having been hunted and sold as a slave, endured immense suffering, causing her to fear and distrust humans.

As the series unfolded, both protagonists gradually grew stronger. Naofumi obtained various shields, enhancing his abilities, while Raphtalia honed her swordfighting skills. Today, they stand as formidable forces within the world. Moreover, Naofumi has transcended his bitter outlook on life, blossoming into a compassionate individual. Raphtalia has also matured significantly, fearlessly advocating for herself and protecting her loved ones. They have truly embraced their roles as heroes and saviors of the people.

A Downward Spiral: Ren, Itsuki, and Motoyasu

Not everyone improves over time. Some characters deteriorate as the season progresses. This implies that the character may initially be compassionate or powerful and gradually become weaker or more malicious. When executed effectively, this type of character development can be far more captivating than the more common "steady growth" one. Ultimately, depending on how the author crafted the story, viewers can witness either the fall and redemption of a character or the emergence of a ruthless villain. Both scenarios are intriguing to observe.

The other three legendary heroes serve as the perfect illustration of this type of character development. At the start of the story, Motoyasu, the Spear Hero, Ren, the Sword Hero, and Itsuki, the Bow Hero, are revered as humanity's saviors and the most formidable individuals on the planet. Moreover, due to the nature of their weapons, they excel at attacking enemies rather than solely defending like Naofumi. This perception positions the three of them as superior heroes. They possess unwavering confidence in their combat abilities and are certain that everyone adores them.

Throughout the season, it became evident that none of them were improving their combat skills. Instead, their lack of practice and creativity in devising new strategies rendered them essentially useless during the intense Waves of Calamity battles.

Motoyasu, once confident in his good looks, is now abandoned by his party. Ren, who always looked down on weaker individuals, was defeated by the spirit tortoise, resulting in the complete annihilation of his party. Lastly, Itsuki, who considered himself the embodiment of justice, is forced to acknowledge that he is nothing more than a self-righteous child armed with an overpowering weapon. As if their situation couldn't get any worse, the people of Melromarc now harbor absolute disdain for them. How the mighty have indeed fallen!

Stubbornly Stagnant: Malty S. Melromarc

Character development does not always follow a linear path, with improvement or deterioration. There are instances where a character can be so stubborn that they refuse change, despite the obstacles and life lessons they face. This applies to both good and evil characters. A righteous individual can uphold their principles despite witnessing injustices and evil along their journey. Similarly, an evil character can remain cruel and despicable, even with opportunities to change for the better. When executed well, this stubbornly static character can be fascinating to follow.

The embodiment of this type of character development is none other than Malty S. Melromarc, the first princess of the Melromarc Kingdom. At the beginning of the series, she was a despicable woman who deceived and betrayed Naofumi. To make matters worse, she falsely accused him of sexual assault, damaging his reputation and turning him into a bitter and resentful person. Fortunately, justice prevailed and Malty was disowned by her mother, the Queen of Melromarc. She was banished from the Kingdom and forced to bear a degrading name.

Now, after three seasons and more than 40 episodes, Malty remains unchanged as the wicked and merciless woman she was from the beginning. She abandons Motoyasu, seeing no worth in him, and proceeds to exploit the vulnerable Ren while continuing to fabricate lies without remorse. With her core filled with hatred and contempt, it is difficult to envision her having a change of heart any time soon. This story requires a predictable antagonist, and Malty effortlessly and gleefully fulfills that role.

Editor's P/S

In the world of "The Rising of the Shield Hero," the characters' journeys are captivating and diverse. Naofumi and Raphtalia's growth from vulnerable individuals to powerful heroes is inspiring. Their ability to overcome their traumatic pasts and become compassionate leaders is a testament to their resilience and strength.

On the other hand, Ren, Itsuki, and Motoyasu's downward spiral is a cautionary tale of the dangers of arrogance and self-righteousness. Their inability to accept their flaws and learn from their mistakes has led them down a path of destruction. It serves as a reminder that even the most powerful individuals can fall if they do not remain humble and open to growth.