Was Jigen/Isshiki ōtsutsuki a Good Written Villain?

When discussing the roster of antagonists in the “Boruto: Naruto Next Generations” series, Jigen/Isshiki ōtsutsuki stands out as a character often criticized for his well-intentioned yet flawed characterization. This article delves into the reasons behind this critique and unpacks the key elements that typically define a strong antagonist.

Defining Characteristics of a Strong Antagonist

According to John Truby’s Anatomy of a Story, a compelling antagonist should possess several distinctive qualities. Let's explore these ideals and compare them to how Jigen/Isshiki measures up.

A Clear Fulfillment of the Antagonist's Role

A successful antagonist should be uniquely qualified to attack the hero's greatest weakness. They should present a challenge that strikes at the core of the hero and compel them to make difficult decisions, testing their true character and motivations.

Mainstream Examples of Success

Consider Uzumaki Naruto’s nemesis, Uchiha Obito. Obito targets the part of Naruto’s psyche that is built on innocence and hope, experiences the despair of a shinobi’s life, and subsequently forces Naruto to comprehend the harsh realities of existence. Another example is the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi’s opponent Orochimaru. Orochimaru not only attacks Hiruzen’s physical limitations but also his sentimental nature, making him fight harder and ultimately leading to a tragic but impactful resolution.

The Flaws That Affect Jigen/Isshiki

Despite possessing a certain degree of power and complexity, Jigen/Isshiki lacks the qualitative factors that make a compelling antagonist. Let’s break down his shortcomings:

Unique Qualification

Though Jigen/Isshiki is powerful and capable of forcing Uzumaki Naruto to use various forms, such as Baryon Mode, and targets Kawaki, his plans and motivations don’t meaningfully intersect with the main cast’s objectives. His goals, while imposing, do not create a significant challenge for the heroes to confront.

Pushing the Hero

A great antagonist should compel the hero to face their true selves and make hard choices. This internal struggle is a critical aspect of the narrative. However, with Jigen/Isshiki, the hero’s journey is more about reacting to his actions rather than being fundamentally challenged.

Shared Goals

The antagonist and protagonist ideally share a common goal, driving the conflict to an inevitable resolution. Obito and Naruto, for instance, share a mutual desire to end the cycle of shinobi violence, leading to an intrinsic conflict. In contrast, Jigen/Isshiki’s goals, no matter how complex, do not align in a way that forces Naruto or the other characters to confront fundamental choices.

Additional Flaws

In addition to the above, Jigen/Isshiki also falls short in other aspects:

Empathetic Traits and Relatable Goals

For a character to resonate with the audience, they must have empathy and relatable goals. Jigen/Isshiki’s motivations, although grand, lack the personal depth that would make his actions more resonant with the characters or the audience.

As a standalone character, Jigen/Isshiki could still be compelling, but as a villain in the context of the larger narrative, he often feels flat and underdeveloped. This lack of development leads to a narrative that is less engaging and dynamic.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Jigen/Isshiki ōtsutsuki may have the physical and strategic capability to be a formidable antagonist, his character lacks the depth and complexity that would make him a truly compelling villain. A great antagonist must align with the hero’s psyche, challenge them internally, and share a common stakes that create a meaningful conflict. Jigen/Isshiki falls short in these areas, resulting in a villain who is more of a plot device than a compelling character.

Related Keywords

Keyword1: Isshiki ōtsutsuki
Keyword2: Jigen
Keyword3: Antagonist Analysis