Sun Tzu and Anime: Tales of Wedding Rings Character Analysis Part 2
Thanksgiving is fast approaching, so let's use some of that extra anticipation to apply more of Sun Tzu's exceptional wisdom rating anime's finest.
As a quick refresher, here's how the rating system works. Sun Tzu cited Five Essential Factors to be Mastered for Victory: Morality, Weather, Terrain, Good Leadership, and Preparation. All under consideration can receive 0-10 points in each category. However, he also cited Five Fatal Failings of Leadership: Recklessness, Cowardice, A Hasty Temper (Anger for simplicity), Delicacy of Honor (DOH), and Caring Too Much About the Troops (Over-caring). All under consideration can lose 0-10 points in each category. At the end, the scores are tallied, and the results reveal how effective a character is in Sun Tzu's eyes, with the best aiming for 40 or better.
This time, we're returning to current hit Tales of Wedding Rings for a unique lot: its villains and supporting cast. As always, to keep things fair, we'll analyze them in the order they were formally introduced, plus confine everything to the first season to prevent too many spoilers.
Character Analysis: The Abyss King
Tales of Wedding Rings: The Abyss King
Tales of Wedding Rings: The Abyss King
Victory Factors
Factor
Score
Reasoning
Morality
0
He's a living demon: merciless, cruel, and willing to use any means, including murder and temptation, to win.
Weather
10
Due to his strength and magic, this isn't an issue.
Terrain
3
He's not very observant and easily caught off-guard, like when Satou Haruto ambushed him in the season's final battle.
Good Leadership
0
He's all about power, plus perpetually goes rogue when his knights encounter Satou.
Preparation
3
He's good at manipulation, but mostly wings everything else.
Total
16
Fatal Failings
Failing
Score
Reasoning
Recklessness
-10
Epic red flag. He completely underestimated Satou, gets violently impulsive when he's angry, and is extremely careless, most notably by only relying on sheer numbers in battle, which fatally delayed him in his initial clash against Sluder.
Cowardice
-10
Epic red flag. He's a shameless bully, demeaning and taunting others into turning on each other, plus constantly trying to corrupt Satou.
Anger
-10
Epic red flag. He's got an explosive temper, and is easily triggered, a flaw his knights (who're all linked to him) reveal wherever they appear.
Delicacy of Honor
-10
Epic red flag. He's extremely cocky, something which allowed the original Ring King to defeat him, then nearly destroyed him shortly after he reemerged.
Over-caring
0
He's as selfish as you can get, so no worries here.
Total
-40
Final Assessment
Score: -24 (Nightmare scenario)
Character Analysis: Prince Jade Romka
Tales of Wedding Rings: Prince Jade Romka
Tales of Wedding Rings: Prince Jade Romka
Victory Factors
Factor
Score
Reasoning
Morality
0
He's selfish, highly caustic to outsiders, and content to hide behind Romka's Tempest Wall rather than fight the Abyss King, whom he didn't even think existed until the latter's knight attacked.
Weather
2
He knows the Tempest Wall, yet can't comprehend anything outside of it.
Terrain
2
He's extremely clumsy, and isn't very observant, considering how easily he lost sight of Nephrites Romka.
Good Leadership
0
He's rigidly inflexible and has no strategic sense, namely by restricting Nephrites to the palace to "protect" her.
Preparation
1
He knows some magic, yet never plans anything, and has no improv skills.
Total
5
Fatal Failings
Failing
Score
Reasoning
Recklessness
-10
Epic red flag. He perpetually underestimates others, tends to impulsively lash out at others, and is extremely careless, most infamously by locking up Satou to keep the status quo.
Cowardice
-10
Epic red flag. He's a vicious bully, panicked when Peridot claimed Nephrites eloped with Satou, and lost it when the Tempest Wall was breached.
Anger
-10
Epic red flag. He's got an explosive temper, and is easily triggered, something both Nephrites and Satou experienced when the former tried to reason with him.
Delicacy of Honor
-10
Epic red flag. He's extremely cocky and vain, hence his constantly talking down to others, such as when he accused Peridot of treason for freeing Satou, only to have the former famously respond, "And what about what you've done?"
Over-caring
-10
Epic red flag. He's obsessed with isolating Romka and Nephrites, errors that nearly destroyed both.
Total
-50
Final Assessment
Score: -45 (Nightmare scenario)
Character Analysis: Peridot, the Elven Elder
Tales of Wedding Rings: Peridot, the Elven Elder
Tales of Wedding Rings: Peridot, the Elven Elder
Victory Factors
Factor
Score
Reasoning
Morality
7
She's a great person and a devoted protector of Romka, but can be very mischievous, like when she baited Satou Haruto in the bath.
Weather
10
Due to her cunning, strength, and magic, this isn't an issue.
Terrain
10
Thanks to her wisdom and experience, this isn't an issue either.
Good Leadership
8
She's a brilliant strategist, particularly her willingness to defy Jade to undo his parents' mistakes, yet sometimes goes rogue.
Preparation
7
She's very familiar with Romka's secrets and a skilled improviser, but ended up winging the battle against the Abyss King's knight.
Total
42
Fatal Failings
Failing
Score
Reasoning
Recklessness
-7
Serious red flag. She often underestimates others, and can sometimes be impulsive, like when she told Satou (after leaving him with Nephrites), "Have fun, you two!"
Cowardice
0
She's very bold, so no worries here.
Anger
-4
She's got a slow-burn temper, but never really snaps, despite Jade's nastiness.
Delicacy of Honor
-6
She's very cocky, something she hinted at when freeing Satou, then again while stalling the Abyss King's knight.
Over-caring
-5
She's very concerned for Romka's future, a point she made clear when telling Satou she wanted to save her people, "From the whims of a short-sighted prince."
Total
-22
Final Assessment
Score: 20 (Capable, yet moderately flawed)
Character Analysis: Princess Sumaragdi Romka
Tales of Wedding Rings: Princess Sumaragdi Romka
Tales of Wedding Rings: Princess Sumaragdi Romka
Victory Factors
Factor
Score
Reasoning
Morality
6
She's got a wonderful heart, yet her people's forcefully separating her from The Great Sage Alabaster made her reject her Ring Princess duty and curse her homeland, leaving her dangerously vulnerable to the Abyss King.
Weather
10
Due to her magic, skill, and keen eye, this isn't an issue.
Terrain
10
Thanks to her experience and wilderness knowledge, this isn't an issue either.
Good Leadership
5
She's got some tactical skill, but ultimately is more lone wolf than leader.
Preparation
4
She's good with magic and animals, yet mostly wings everything else.
Total
35
Fatal Failings
Failing
Score
Reasoning
Recklessness
-10
Epic red flag. She badly underestimated the Abyss King, and her carelessness both led to the creation of the Tempest Wall and nearly destroyed Romka.
Cowardice
-2
She was initially very bitter, yet getting freed from the Abyss King's influence healed her heart, hence the much lower rating.
Anger
-2
She was extremely venomous at first, but getting saved tempered most of that, hence another much lower rating.
Delicacy of Honor
-3
She was very pompous initially, yet getting freed (and learning Alabaster was alive) humbled her, hence yet another much lower rating.
Over-caring
-7
Slight red flag. She's devoted to Alabaster, so much so she followed his party after they left Romka.
Total
-24
Final Assessment
Score: 11 (Great potential, yet deeply flawed)
Character Analysis: Prince Sluder Gisaras
Tales of Wedding Rings: Prince Sluder Gisaras
Tales of Wedding Rings: Prince Sluder Gisaras
Victory Factors
Factor
Score
Reasoning
Morality
3
He's good at heart, but his willingness to suppress such in the name of following orders is very disturbing.
Weather
10
Due to his training, experience, and strength, this isn't an issue.
Terrain
4
He's okay, yet isn't very observant and easily caught off-guard, like when Saphir Maasa slipped away to marry Satou.
Good Leadership
3
He's got some tactical skill, but is a poor strategist and nearly ruined the Gisaras Empire's alliance with Maasa by occupying it.
Preparation
3
He's well-trained, yet doesn't plan very well, isn't very diplomatic, and never checked his dad's motives.
Total
23
Fatal Failings
Failing
Score
Reasoning
Recklessness
-10
Epic red flag. He perpetually underestimates foes, and was extremely careless by blindly obeying his dad, an act which left the world dangerously vulnerable to the Abyss King.
Cowardice
-2
He was pretty mean to Marse and Maasa's residents at first, but learning the truth about the Oracle tempered most of that, hence the lower rating.
Anger
-4
He's got a slow-burn temper, yet never really loses his cool, despite Saphir's prodding.
Delicacy of Honor
-4
He was very smug at first, but learning his dad lied about the Oracle greatly humbled him, hence another lower rating.
Over-caring
-4
He cares about the Empire and (although he doesn't really show it) worries about Marse too.
Total
-24
Final Assessment
Score: -1 (Nightmare scenario)
Character Analysis: Emperor Gisaras
Tales of Wedding Rings: Emperor Gisaras
Tales of Wedding Rings: Emperor Gisaras
Victory Factors
Factor
Score
Reasoning
Morality
0
He's greedy, corrupt, and power mad, so much so he willingly let an Abyss King knight torment Maasa's king to justify invasion.
Weather
10
Due to his strength and experience, this isn't an issue.
Terrain
2
He's not very observant, and clumsily overstretched the Empire's resources by conquering more than he can protect.
Good Leadership
0
He's obsessed with control, hence his sending Sluder to annex other nations under the pretense of "protection", as well as trying to force Marmarugias Gisaras to become the Ring King.
Preparation
4
He's good at manipulation, but pretty much wings everything else.
Total
16
Fatal Failings
Failing
Score
Reasoning
Recklessness
-10
Epic red flag. He perpetually underestimates foes, is violently impulsive, and his carelessness nearly killed both his sons in Maasa.
Cowardice
-10
Epic red flag. He's a sadistic bully, especially to Marse, whom he infamously ripped into for refusing to spy on Maasa.
Anger
-10
Epic red flag. He's got an explosive temper, and it's on a hair trigger, something he made clear by declaring he'd destroy anyone in his way, even Satou.
Delicacy of Honor
-10
Epic red flag. He's shockingly arrogant, an issue he unapologetically affirmed when he said, "The age no longer belongs to the Gods but to man."
Over-caring
0
He's extremely selfish, so no worries here.
Total
-40
Final Assessment
Score: -24 (Nightmare scenario)
Character Analysis: Saphira Maasa
Tales of Wedding Rings: Saphira Maasa
Tales of Wedding Rings: Saphira Maasa
Victory Factors
Factor
Score
Reasoning
Morality
6
She's a good person and wonderful sister, but was very caustic to Satou and Marmarugias Gisaras when their party first reached Maasa.
Weather
4
She's okay but, due to her dragon lineage, can't handle extreme temperatures, especially the cold.
Terrain
4
She knows the palace, yet isn't very observant and easily caught off-guard, such as when Marse accidentally walked in on her bathing.
Good Leadership
2
She can motivate Marse, but ultimately is more follower than leader.
Preparation
3
She knows the Ring King legends, yet mostly wings everything else.
Total
19
Fatal Failings
Failing
Score
Reasoning
Recklessness
-10
Epic red flag. She badly underestimated the Empire, is extremely careless, and tends to impulsively overreact under pressure, like when she lost it after reuniting with Marse.
Cowardice
-7
Slight red flag. She's very insecure, freaked out when Saphir married Satou, and panicked when the Oracle's final monster attacked.
Anger
-4
She had a short fuse at first, but reconciling with Marse calmed her, hence the lower rating.
Delicacy of Honor
-5
She's pretty vain, something she revealed when she called Satou "plain-looking", as well as when she denounced Marse for breaking his promise.
Over-caring
-7
Slight red flag. Despite some initial awkwardness, she's in love with Marse, plus is very close to Saphir.
Total
-33
Final Assessment
Score: -14 (Nightmare scenario)
Reviewing the Results
This was another messy cast: great magic and leadership potential, nearly all of which was wasted on pettiness, greed, and ignorance. Thus, it's no surprise their actions consistently backfire, yet that all harkens back to what's been said all along: follow Sun Tzu, and you'll win; ignore him, and you'll lose.
Tales of Wedding Rings Villains and Supporting Cast: Victory Factors Analysis
Character
Morality
Weather
Terrain
Leadership
Preparation
Final Score
The Abyss King
0
10
3
0
3
16
Prince Jade Romka
0
2
2
0
1
5
Peridot, the Elven Elder
7
10
10
8
7
42
Princess Sumaragdi Romka
6
10
10
5
4
35
Prince Sluder Gisaras
3
10
4
3
3
23
Emperor Gisaras
0
10
2
0
4
16
Saphira Maasa
6
4
4
2
3
19
Tales of Wedding Rings Villains and Supporting Cast: Fatal Failings Analysis
Character
Recklessness
Cowardice
Anger
DOH
Over-caring
Final Score
The Abyss King
-10
-10
-10
-10
0
-40
Prince Jade Romka
-10
-10
-10
-10
-10
-50
Peridot, the Elven Elder
-7
0
-4
-6
-5
-22
Princess Sumaragdi Romka
-10
-2
-2
-3
-7
-24
Prince Sluder Gisaras
-10
-2
-4
-4
-4
-24
Emperor Gisaras
-10
-10
-10
-10
0
-40
Saphira Maasa
-10
-7
-4
-5
-7
-33
Tales of Wedding Rings Villains and Supporting Cast: Final Scores
Character
Final Score
Assessment
The Abyss King
-24
Nightmare scenario
Prince Jade Romka
-45
Nightmare scenario
Peridot, the Elven Elder
20
Capable, yet moderately flawed
Princess Sumaragdi Romka
11
Great potential, yet deeply flawed
Prince Sluder Gisaras
-1
Nightmare scenario
Emperor Gisaras
-24
Nightmare scenario
Saphira Maasa
-14
Nightmare scenario
Read Part I, where Sun Tzu rated Satou Haruto and the Ring King's party, to see how the heroes compare to the villains and supporting cast.
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Andrew's originally from Massachusetts, and has studied military history/tactics/strategy for almost 30 years. He has a BA in History (English minor) from UMASS Lowell and JD from Mass. School of Law. He can be found on Twitter (@AndrewNickers19) daily, analyzing characters via Sun Tzu.
Fun Fact
Andrew's a huge fan of anime music. He particularly recommends Crescent Love (Brighter than the Dawning Blue), Dream Riser (Girls Und Panzer), and the fight theme to Zoids: New Century.
