魔法騎士レイアース
Magic Knight Rayearth - Characters & Cast
Character Analysis
Hikaru Shidou
Hekiru Shiina (JP), Dorothy Elias-Fahn (EN)
Motivation
Initially motivated by a desire to help others and return to her dog, her motivation evolves into a deep commitment to saving the people of Cephiro without resorting to the cycle of sacrifice.
Character Arc
Starts as a naive, energetic tomboy who sees the mission as a simple RPG adventure. After the Season 1 finale, she suffers from intense survivor's guilt and depression. In Season 2, she matures into a selfless leader who eventually attains godhood as the Pillar, only to use that power to end the system forever.
Umi Ryuuzaki
Konami Yoshida (JP), Wendee Lee (EN)
Motivation
Her primary drive is the protection of her friends. By Season 2, she is fully committed to Cephiro, finding a sense of purpose beyond her wealthy life in Tokyo.
Character Arc
Begins as a spoiled, elegant girl who is the most resistant to the quest. Her arc involves moving from self-centeredness to fierce loyalty. She becomes the emotional anchor for the group, often providing the 'voice of reason' when things get dark.
Fuu Hououji
Hiroko Kasahara (JP), Bridget Hoffman (EN)
Motivation
Motivated by the search for truth and the desire to heal others. Her arc focuses on taking responsibility for her actions, especially after the trauma of killing the Pillar.
Character Arc
The polite, analytical member of the trio. Her arc explores the cost of hyper-rationality and selflessness. She eventually learns to balance her logical mind with her feelings, particularly her romantic interest in Ferio.
Princess Emeraude
Megumi Ogata (JP)
Motivation
Driven by the agonizing desire to be with Zagato, which she cannot do while she is the Pillar. She summons the knights specifically to perform an assisted suicide so she can be free.
Character Arc
Appears as the helpless damsel in distress but is revealed to be the world's most powerful being and its secret tormentor. Her transformation from the benevolent Pillar to the vengeful Dark Emeraude is the series' most tragic pivot.