Unveiling the Enigmatic Heroes of the Fate Universe

In the vast and beloved world of the Fate universe, there exists a multitude of cherished characters. From reimagined historical figures to legendary icons and original creations, these characters have captured the hearts of fans. However, among them, a particular group of protagonists crafted by series creator Kinoko Nasu have managed to shine, despite their deceptively plain appearances.

Back in 2004, Fate/Stay Night, a visual novel, was released on Windows in Japan. It quickly became a sensation, giving birth to numerous spin-offs and adaptations across different media platforms. Yet, this was just a small part of a much larger universe. Prior to Fate, Nasu had already delved into the world of storytelling with his visual novel Tsukihime and its prototype, The Garden of Sinners novel series. Both of these works shared the same intricate worldbuilding as Fate, further expanding the lore of Nasu's creative universe.

On The Surface

The main character in a fiction serves as more than just a central figure; they also serve as a vessel for the audience or author to project themselves onto. In the case of Fate/Stay Night, the protagonist Shirou Emiya was intentionally designed without a face, allowing the audience to imagine themselves in his position.

The concept of a "Featureless Protagonist" is widely used in various forms of media, including visual novels and video games, particularly first-person shooters. However, not all forms of media allow for the same level of audience interaction, and simply having a character with an ambiguous personality doesn't necessarily guarantee that we will feel motivated to identify with them.

Shirou stands out among the legendary heroes and mages due to his plain appearance, aside from his red hair. In comparison to other protagonists created by Nasu, such as Shiki Tohno from Tsukihime and Mikiya Kokutou from Garden of Sinners, Shirou's character design exudes a sense of normalcy that belies the hidden world of modern fantasy. Despite not being the strongest characters, they often find themselves outmatched by their adversaries.

At times, they do possess a latent power, such as Shirou's restricted magic or Shiki's enigmatic Mystic Eyes of Death Perception. However, these abilities have often been a subject of contention among critics when it comes to these characters. Throughout the years, numerous debates have arisen regarding the legitimacy of Shirou's triumphs against certain adversaries.

To some, Shirou's rise as a hero may appear as a fulfillment of desires that disregards established norms, while characters like Mikiya may seem uninteresting due to their lack of combat skills. However, those who have delved deep into these characters perceive such criticisms as an unfair judgment. This is because the captivating aspects of these characters are not dependent on their prowess in battle.

Hidden Depth

Shirou Emiya, despite being dismissed by some as just another harem protagonist or ridiculed for his iconic lines that have circulated as memes over the years, has garnered a devoted fanbase. This is primarily due to the intricate layers of complexity that define his character, some of which may not always be effectively portrayed in the animated adaptations, as we have previously discussed.

Shirou straddles the line between being an ordinary guy and an exceptionally kind-hearted individual. He has an unwavering generosity, even extending help to those who may not necessarily deserve it. While he possesses the strength to engage in combat, he actively avoids causing harm to others. His incredible bravery stems not from a desire for glory, but from a genuine concern for the well-being of those around him.

Deep down, Shirou battles with survivor's guilt and questions his right to continue living. In the visual novel, there are instances where he finds solace in the company of his friends, only to be suddenly overwhelmed by a sense of unworthiness. Through his own determination and the unwavering support of others, he eventually finds self-acceptance and gains a clear understanding of the type of hero he aspires to become.

Shiki Tohno is a seemingly ordinary young man who presents himself as kind and sociable. He possesses an astonishing level of empathy, much like Shirou, which makes him inexplicably likable. However, Shiki's inner darkness constantly torments him with intrusive thoughts of violence and death. His power is incredibly dangerous and can only be controlled by his specially designed glasses. Despite these inner struggles, Shiki strives to be a good person and believes that simply existing is sufficient.

Then, there's Mikiya Kokutou, the weakest of the three, lacking the superpowers possessed by the other two. However, his kindness and empathy are no less remarkable, making him just as captivating and likable as the others. In all honesty, despite Nasu's protagonists being perceived as average, they are the perfect embodiment of an ideal boyfriend, even if Shiki's dark side is undeniably... a lot.

Mikiya's essence lies in his unwavering kindness and his commitment to never harm others, distinguishing him as a compassionate individual. In the narrative of Garden of Sinners, his journey intertwines with Shiki Ryougi, a woman with multiple personalities and a haunting past filled with bloodshed. Their relationship is complex, with Mikiya serving as the moral anchor to someone whose nature cannot be easily defined as either good or bad.

It is true that the allure of these characters may appear cliché to certain viewers, as the creators, including Nasu, gained prominence during a time when dark and gritty narratives were in vogue. However, the fascination with these protagonists extends beyond mere adherence to contemporary tropes. They possess unique qualities that set them apart and contribute to the captivating nature of their respective stories.

A Unique Kind of Strength

Shirou and Shiki engage in their own battles, however, Nasu often places his male protagonists in a secondary role, allowing stronger female heroines like Saber, Arcueid, or Ryougi to take center stage. This initially appears to challenge traditional gender roles, but Nasu himself explains that there is deeper meaning behind it:

When considering strength in terms of physical and mental attributes, I have portrayed women as facing more challenges in acquiring the latter. Physical strength can be achieved simply by wielding a weapon to overpower others, but mental strength is not easily attained. In my works, I bestow physical strength upon female characters, while male characters embody strength of spirit. Recognizing this, I came to realize that certain strong biases had unconsciously formed within me.

Nasu's ability to critique his own writing is admirable, especially considering that many fans adore these characters regardless of any potential biases. While there are numerous stories targeting similar demographics as Fate, very few possess protagonists as unique as Shirou, Shiki, Kokutou, or any of Nasu's other male leads.

Soujyuro Sizuki from Witch on the Holy Night deserves special mention. Although not the sole protagonist, he undeniably holds the essence of the story. He embodies the perspective of someone unfamiliar with magic, thus acting as a representative for the audience. However, as the narrative progresses, he unveils his own remarkable capabilities, a feat that only his unique character could have achieved.

Male protagonists in Kinoko Nasu's narratives are intentionally crafted to be underestimated, serving as surrogates for the audience to explore a multifaceted and intricate world. Rather than conforming to the expectations set by other characters, these protagonists derive their strength from their indomitable spirits. It is through harnessing and weaponizing this unique spirit that they attain greatness, showcasing capabilities that no one else possesses.