PERSONA
Thou art I... and I am thou... From the sea of thy soul, I cometh..." - A Persona's first words when it awakens
In the video game series Persona, you take on the role of the protagonist in a world where people's personalities are summon-able entities called Personas. These serve as "masks to aid individuals in hardship" - they are manifestations of the summoner's core values, strengths, and weaknesses. In this lesson, we are going to discuss different characters from Persona 3:FES, their Personas, and their destinies, all in regards to the Major Arcana that they are a part of.
Before we begin, it's important to note that while one's Major Arcana will never change, it is possible for one's Persona to change. This only occurs if you have undertaken a life-changing resolution in your heart, and your Persona will closely relate to or resemble your previous Persona - but it is a possibility. While I will mention Persona evolutions in the characters they occur in, I won't be discussing the matter much further in order to avoid plot spoilers for people who might be interested in playing the game.
Since discussing all 20 characters would result in an incredibly long lesson - and again, contain possible spoilers as meeting a large percentage of the Arcana representatives is an optional "quest" - we're only going to talk about the core group of Persona, whom you will always meet in your play-throughs and whom you get to know the best. These people are the members of "S.E.E.S.", a secret school club who all have the Potential to summon Personas. For a reason unknown to them, every night at midnight, the entire world changes. The moon grows to an enormous size and gives off an eerie green glow, and the people of the town morph into standing coffins. Groups of frightening creatures called "Shadows" crawl through the streets, calling to a select few people... those who don't "transmogrify" into coffins are either those with the ability to summon Personas or those whom the Shadows are hunting. This state of the world only lasts for an hour, and most people are unaware that it occurs. Those who experience this hour regularly because of their Personas refer to it as "The Dark Hour". Shadows are a bit like Dementors from the Harry Potter world, in that they feed from people's psyches; someone who has been called into the Dark Hour by the Shadows will hear whisperings to them throughout the day, and at midnight that night, they will find themselves thrust into the Dark Hour. If someone has been attacked by the Shadows, they develop Apathy Syndrome and become one of "The Lost", as the townsfolk call them. They completely lose their personality and are often reduced to just "bodies"; the Lost can be seen all over town, simply sitting on the ground, moaning and drooling. But what are the Shadows? Why are they attacking humans, and what is the Dark Hour? This is what S.E.E.S - the special extracurricular execution squad - was formed for. Only those with Persona are capable of battling the Shadows and discovering the truth. They have one small lead: their own school changes during the night, too, into an incredibly tall tower called Tartarus. The Shadows seem to be emerging from there... and so the Journey begins.
Before we begin, it's important to note that while one's Major Arcana will never change, it is possible for one's Persona to change. This only occurs if you have undertaken a life-changing resolution in your heart, and your Persona will closely relate to or resemble your previous Persona - but it is a possibility. While I will mention Persona evolutions in the characters they occur in, I won't be discussing the matter much further in order to avoid plot spoilers for people who might be interested in playing the game.
Since discussing all 20 characters would result in an incredibly long lesson - and again, contain possible spoilers as meeting a large percentage of the Arcana representatives is an optional "quest" - we're only going to talk about the core group of Persona, whom you will always meet in your play-throughs and whom you get to know the best. These people are the members of "S.E.E.S.", a secret school club who all have the Potential to summon Personas. For a reason unknown to them, every night at midnight, the entire world changes. The moon grows to an enormous size and gives off an eerie green glow, and the people of the town morph into standing coffins. Groups of frightening creatures called "Shadows" crawl through the streets, calling to a select few people... those who don't "transmogrify" into coffins are either those with the ability to summon Personas or those whom the Shadows are hunting. This state of the world only lasts for an hour, and most people are unaware that it occurs. Those who experience this hour regularly because of their Personas refer to it as "The Dark Hour". Shadows are a bit like Dementors from the Harry Potter world, in that they feed from people's psyches; someone who has been called into the Dark Hour by the Shadows will hear whisperings to them throughout the day, and at midnight that night, they will find themselves thrust into the Dark Hour. If someone has been attacked by the Shadows, they develop Apathy Syndrome and become one of "The Lost", as the townsfolk call them. They completely lose their personality and are often reduced to just "bodies"; the Lost can be seen all over town, simply sitting on the ground, moaning and drooling. But what are the Shadows? Why are they attacking humans, and what is the Dark Hour? This is what S.E.E.S - the special extracurricular execution squad - was formed for. Only those with Persona are capable of battling the Shadows and discovering the truth. They have one small lead: their own school changes during the night, too, into an incredibly tall tower called Tartarus. The Shadows seem to be emerging from there... and so the Journey begins.
0. THE FOOL: MINATO ARISATO
More famously referred to as "The Silent Protagonist", Minato is the main character that the player controls in Persona 3. Being a "silent" Protagonist, I'm sure you can guess that it is fairly difficult to discern Minato's personality. The player is given choices to respond to other characters - in which the choices are blatantly kind, neutral/silent, or frankly rude - but the lines are often short.
Obviously, the Fool Arcana is perfect for Minato. The Fool represents infinite possibilities and a fresh start to be molded - the beginning of a great journey. Minato can become anyone the player desires, from a devoted friend and fantastic leader to a grumpy, bitter old man in a teenager's body. As such, Minato is also blessed with the Wild Card ability. The Wild Card ability allows it's user to utilize Personas from any of the other Major Arcana - so long as they have befriended someone of that Arcana. (This is, however, omitting Judgement and the World, because these are seen as "higher Arcana" and require a special bond with yourself and your core group of friends. The Judgement Arcana does possess Personas while the World Arcana is seen as a very powerful version of the Fool, and grants the user direct power rather than Personas).
As is typical with most heroes, Minato is destined for an incredible fate and a difficult journey filled with tough choices. But he is able to write his story his own way - a luxury the other Arcana do not necessarily have. Minato's initial Persona is Orpheus, a poet of Greek Mythology known as the "Master of Strings" in reference to his skills with the lyre.
Obviously, the Fool Arcana is perfect for Minato. The Fool represents infinite possibilities and a fresh start to be molded - the beginning of a great journey. Minato can become anyone the player desires, from a devoted friend and fantastic leader to a grumpy, bitter old man in a teenager's body. As such, Minato is also blessed with the Wild Card ability. The Wild Card ability allows it's user to utilize Personas from any of the other Major Arcana - so long as they have befriended someone of that Arcana. (This is, however, omitting Judgement and the World, because these are seen as "higher Arcana" and require a special bond with yourself and your core group of friends. The Judgement Arcana does possess Personas while the World Arcana is seen as a very powerful version of the Fool, and grants the user direct power rather than Personas).
As is typical with most heroes, Minato is destined for an incredible fate and a difficult journey filled with tough choices. But he is able to write his story his own way - a luxury the other Arcana do not necessarily have. Minato's initial Persona is Orpheus, a poet of Greek Mythology known as the "Master of Strings" in reference to his skills with the lyre.
I. THE MAGICIAN: JUNPEI IORI
Junpei is the class clown. He is extremely goofy and very flirtatious, but he is also an incredibly kind and caring friend when it comes down to it. When Junpei decides to focus or be serious about something, there is little - if anything - that stands in his way. He is prone to jealousy because he is unsure of his place in the world; he sees all of his friends around him with such magnificent achievements and obvious "claims to fame", and he feels as if all he'll ever be is the silly kid everyone laughs at or with. Secretly, Junpei dreams of being a renowned as a hero. He is usually the most light-hearted of the bunch, which leads to an incredible drop in group morale when he is feeling blue. Junpei is unaware that he is the source of positivity and inspiration to his friends.
In battle, Junpei wields a two-handed sword. This is likely due to his desire to appear strong and in control - when handling such a thing, Junpei can imagine that he is the hero he dreams of being. He derives a feeling of importance from fighting in the battle against the Shadows. However, his insecurities often cause him to act recklessly in an attempt to prove himself to his friends.
Junpei's initial Persona is Hermes, the messenger of the Gods in Greek mythology. Later on, Hermes evolves into Trismegistus, the alleged founder of Hermiticism.
People of the Magician Arcana are doomed to undergo an immensely painful tragedy in their love life.
In battle, Junpei wields a two-handed sword. This is likely due to his desire to appear strong and in control - when handling such a thing, Junpei can imagine that he is the hero he dreams of being. He derives a feeling of importance from fighting in the battle against the Shadows. However, his insecurities often cause him to act recklessly in an attempt to prove himself to his friends.
Junpei's initial Persona is Hermes, the messenger of the Gods in Greek mythology. Later on, Hermes evolves into Trismegistus, the alleged founder of Hermiticism.
People of the Magician Arcana are doomed to undergo an immensely painful tragedy in their love life.
II. THE HIGH PRIESTESS: FUUKA YAMAGISHI
Fuuka is incredibly shy and often quite nervous. She is always worried - but never about herself. Fuuka is the kind of girl to put absolutely everyone ahead of herself, no matter how they treat her. She is very intuitive and by far the most sensitive of the group.
Over the course of the group's adventures together, Fuuka becomes far more self-confident; she evolves into a strong-willed and compassionate young woman whose purpose in life, as she states, is to "connect people"; she desires to be the "glue" between her friends. This resolution has a sort of dramatic irony to it, as it is obvious far before she comes to this decision that Fuuka is the one who helps all of her other friends stay connected and "on the same page". Being as introverted as she is, however, this is something that Fuuka must realize and decide on her own; she has never been one to truly accept the words of others in regards to herself.
Fuuka does not engage in battle: instead, she is the intelligence and support member of the team, providing the battle participants with valuable information about their surroundings and enemies via her Persona's telepathic powers. This is, again, a very good match: Fuuka is truly allowed to be the connection between her friends and, like her Arcana represents, use otherwise untapped knowledge to help them gain an advantage in battle.
Fuuka's Persona is initially Lucia, named after Saint Lucia, the Christian patron Saint of the blind. After Fuuka's resolution to herself, Lucia gives way to Juno, the Queen of the Roman Gods and Goddess of marriage.
People of the Priestess Arcana tend to find themselves completely oblivious to their innermost desire or wisdom, and struggle with finding this despite the fact that it is obvious to those around them.
Over the course of the group's adventures together, Fuuka becomes far more self-confident; she evolves into a strong-willed and compassionate young woman whose purpose in life, as she states, is to "connect people"; she desires to be the "glue" between her friends. This resolution has a sort of dramatic irony to it, as it is obvious far before she comes to this decision that Fuuka is the one who helps all of her other friends stay connected and "on the same page". Being as introverted as she is, however, this is something that Fuuka must realize and decide on her own; she has never been one to truly accept the words of others in regards to herself.
Fuuka does not engage in battle: instead, she is the intelligence and support member of the team, providing the battle participants with valuable information about their surroundings and enemies via her Persona's telepathic powers. This is, again, a very good match: Fuuka is truly allowed to be the connection between her friends and, like her Arcana represents, use otherwise untapped knowledge to help them gain an advantage in battle.
Fuuka's Persona is initially Lucia, named after Saint Lucia, the Christian patron Saint of the blind. After Fuuka's resolution to herself, Lucia gives way to Juno, the Queen of the Roman Gods and Goddess of marriage.
People of the Priestess Arcana tend to find themselves completely oblivious to their innermost desire or wisdom, and struggle with finding this despite the fact that it is obvious to those around them.
III. THE EMPRESS: MITSURU KIRIJO
Mitsuru is the pinnacle of sophistication, maturity, and intelligence. She is the daughter of an extremely successful man, who owns a the family company that has been passed down for generations - the Kirijo Group even built the school the S.E.E.S. members attend. Mitsuru is multi-lingual: she speaks Japanese, English, and French. She is also the top of her senior class and president of the Student Council. Mitsuru is very poised and fairly reserved, and as such she sometimes comes off as cool and calculating, but she nurtures and guides the team with a loving hand and seeks the best for everyone around her.
However, Mitsuru feels pressured by the idea that she will one day have to take over the Kirijo Group. Being the leader of such a massive corporation is very different from being the leader of Student Council; no longer will she act in the interest of the general public, and no longer will she be able to truly engage with each of her group's members. She will have little time for friends and true love - she will be expected to marry for business reasons. Mitsuru feels trapped by her destiny and avoids thinking of the future because she feels a great inner pain in knowing that she can't deviate from her destiny. She feels envious of everyone who is allowed the freedom to determine their own path and their own life, but she is bound to the path that has been decided for her. She loves her family and doesn't want to disappoint anyone who is counting on her - and so, much like a mother would, she sets aside her own desires to help fulfill others'.
Mitsuru's initial Persona is Penthesilea, an Amazonian Queen in Greek Mythology. This Persona later gives way to Artemisia, a queen from the ancient west region of Asia Minor, who became queen after the death of her husband. She was famous for her creative battle tactics in the Battle of Salamis, where she evaded capture by sinking her own ship.
People of the Empress Arcana are destined to struggle with the guilt of expectations placed upon them by their families.
However, Mitsuru feels pressured by the idea that she will one day have to take over the Kirijo Group. Being the leader of such a massive corporation is very different from being the leader of Student Council; no longer will she act in the interest of the general public, and no longer will she be able to truly engage with each of her group's members. She will have little time for friends and true love - she will be expected to marry for business reasons. Mitsuru feels trapped by her destiny and avoids thinking of the future because she feels a great inner pain in knowing that she can't deviate from her destiny. She feels envious of everyone who is allowed the freedom to determine their own path and their own life, but she is bound to the path that has been decided for her. She loves her family and doesn't want to disappoint anyone who is counting on her - and so, much like a mother would, she sets aside her own desires to help fulfill others'.
Mitsuru's initial Persona is Penthesilea, an Amazonian Queen in Greek Mythology. This Persona later gives way to Artemisia, a queen from the ancient west region of Asia Minor, who became queen after the death of her husband. She was famous for her creative battle tactics in the Battle of Salamis, where she evaded capture by sinking her own ship.
People of the Empress Arcana are destined to struggle with the guilt of expectations placed upon them by their families.
IV. THE EMPEROR: AKIHIKO SANADA
Akihiko is calm, cool, and collected. He is driven by his incredible determination and displays a very assertive personality. He is serious to a fault - often times when Junpei makes a joke, Akihiko takes him seriously and begins debating whatever idea Junpei has presented. However, he isn't without his soft side - Akihiko is fiercely determined to protect everyone he loves, and it is because of this that he constantly trains to be a better fighter. He is the undefeated boxing champion at his school and is incredibly well-respected throughout the city.
Akihiko is always searching for the next obstacle to overcome. He gets very excited at the idea of a big challenge, since he sees them as ways to prove himself. Akihiko is very prone to guilt; he has lost many people in his life and seen many of his friends get hurt, and he turns this pain inwards. He consistently blames himself for not being strong enough to help or protect others. He acts like an older brother or father figure to the group, always available to give profound, no-nonsense advice. He also possesses an intensely sentimental and compassionate side, which is only revealed when he is worrying about one of his friends. His rough-and-tough exterior is his mask in order to help him move forward in times of need; Akihiko is never one to let life knock him down. He understands that no matter how he may feel, there is still a need for him - he still has a "duty" - and this allows him to keep moving forward in life.
Akihiko's initial Persona is Polydeuces, the immortal twin brother of Castor in Greek Mythology who later begged to share his immortality with his dying brother. The two became the Gemini constellation. After Akihiko's resolve, Polydeuces gives way to Caesar. This name is in reference to Julius Caesar.
People of the Emperor Arcana are fated to struggle internally with an extremely personal burden, and spend most of their lives trying to figure out the best path to take. They feel lost and alone consistently. It is only through an experience similar to the one that initially caused them grief that they begin to understand that they cannot let their past rule their life.
Akihiko is always searching for the next obstacle to overcome. He gets very excited at the idea of a big challenge, since he sees them as ways to prove himself. Akihiko is very prone to guilt; he has lost many people in his life and seen many of his friends get hurt, and he turns this pain inwards. He consistently blames himself for not being strong enough to help or protect others. He acts like an older brother or father figure to the group, always available to give profound, no-nonsense advice. He also possesses an intensely sentimental and compassionate side, which is only revealed when he is worrying about one of his friends. His rough-and-tough exterior is his mask in order to help him move forward in times of need; Akihiko is never one to let life knock him down. He understands that no matter how he may feel, there is still a need for him - he still has a "duty" - and this allows him to keep moving forward in life.
Akihiko's initial Persona is Polydeuces, the immortal twin brother of Castor in Greek Mythology who later begged to share his immortality with his dying brother. The two became the Gemini constellation. After Akihiko's resolve, Polydeuces gives way to Caesar. This name is in reference to Julius Caesar.
People of the Emperor Arcana are fated to struggle internally with an extremely personal burden, and spend most of their lives trying to figure out the best path to take. They feel lost and alone consistently. It is only through an experience similar to the one that initially caused them grief that they begin to understand that they cannot let their past rule their life.
V. THE HIEROPHANT: SHINJIRO ARAGAKI
Shinjiro rarely smiles and rarely speaks. He has a very no-nonsense personality and a somewhat bleak outlook on life. This icy and serious exterior masks Shinjiro's true self; in very few but key situations, Shinjiro is proven to be extremely compassionate, thoughtful, warm and sensitive. He is the most reliable person of the group. Due to his rough past, Shinjiro innately fears getting close to others and constantly pushes them away through his "tough guy" exterior. Unlike Akihiko, he is not verbally expressive of his appreciation for his friends. He seems to never enjoy their company, much less helping them... but Shinjiro's highest priority in life is those close to him, as much as he hates to admit it to himself. He wishes he could live life detached so that he could avoid the pain of loss, and so he smothers his affection for others - but his efforts can only be so successful.
In battle, Shinjiro confidently wields a large battleaxe. This is a direct reflection of how he sees himself; a destructive, difficult-to-master force. Shinjiro's Persona is Castor, Polydeuces' brother. This link between he and Akihiko is a perfect example of how deeply our friendships shape us - the two boys grew up together, and though they had grown apart when Shinjiro initially left S.E.E.S, they were still very close friends (though one listening to them talk with each other certainly wouldn't know it!) Close enough, apparently, to consider themselves brothers and for this love of each other to be so central to them that it manifested in their Personas. It's worth noting that this isn't the only link between Personas that has been shown; Akihiko's Persona excels in lightning-based attacks and is weak to ice - Mitsuru's Persona is strong in ice (though weak to fire). The two were also very close throughout their childhoods and now into their adult lives, and Akihiko comments on this weakness in-game, mentioning that he's always wondered what it meant. The two are never involved or even hinted at being involved romantically, thus proving that someone's involvement in our life would have to be extremely significant and permanent for it to alter our Persona. Regardless, Akihiko consistently shows a particular concern for Mitsuru's well-being; he looks up to her and feels confused when she falters from the incredibly strong image she portrays.
People of the Hierophant Arcana are doomed to be haunted by their past. They will experience something that they will obsess over no matter what they experience, and it is very rare and difficult for them to let go of this experience.
In battle, Shinjiro confidently wields a large battleaxe. This is a direct reflection of how he sees himself; a destructive, difficult-to-master force. Shinjiro's Persona is Castor, Polydeuces' brother. This link between he and Akihiko is a perfect example of how deeply our friendships shape us - the two boys grew up together, and though they had grown apart when Shinjiro initially left S.E.E.S, they were still very close friends (though one listening to them talk with each other certainly wouldn't know it!) Close enough, apparently, to consider themselves brothers and for this love of each other to be so central to them that it manifested in their Personas. It's worth noting that this isn't the only link between Personas that has been shown; Akihiko's Persona excels in lightning-based attacks and is weak to ice - Mitsuru's Persona is strong in ice (though weak to fire). The two were also very close throughout their childhoods and now into their adult lives, and Akihiko comments on this weakness in-game, mentioning that he's always wondered what it meant. The two are never involved or even hinted at being involved romantically, thus proving that someone's involvement in our life would have to be extremely significant and permanent for it to alter our Persona. Regardless, Akihiko consistently shows a particular concern for Mitsuru's well-being; he looks up to her and feels confused when she falters from the incredibly strong image she portrays.
People of the Hierophant Arcana are doomed to be haunted by their past. They will experience something that they will obsess over no matter what they experience, and it is very rare and difficult for them to let go of this experience.
VI. THE LOVERS: YUKARI TAKEBA
Yukari is the type of girl who gets along with everyone she meets. She is the most popular girl at the school the S.E.E.S. members attend. However, Yukari is frequently prone to mood-swings and childish behaviour. She is careful not to let anyone get close to her because she is terrified of being judged.
Despite her slightly prudish and silly demeanour, Yukari can be very friendly and a beacon of support for others when she wishes to be. She is most often seen caring for her female friends in their time of need, and the advice she gives is usually that of someone well beyond her years - it is unexpected realistic and profound in nature, despite perhaps being worded a bit naively. Yukari chooses to take an optimistic view on life despite the fact that she understands this could lead her to trouble.
In battle, Yukari prefers to act as a support character, though thanks to her membership in the Archery Club, she is also very proficient with a bow and arrow. Her initial Persona is Io, who was a priestess of Hera in Greek mythology. Io later gives way to Isis, an Ancient Egyptian Goddess of nature and magic who was seen as the perfect wife and mother, a friend to all.
People of the Lovers Arcana are destined to be social butterflies, people who feel they need and depend on others and accept this trait willingly - though this may be preceded by a struggle and period of isolation and cold-heartedness.
Despite her slightly prudish and silly demeanour, Yukari can be very friendly and a beacon of support for others when she wishes to be. She is most often seen caring for her female friends in their time of need, and the advice she gives is usually that of someone well beyond her years - it is unexpected realistic and profound in nature, despite perhaps being worded a bit naively. Yukari chooses to take an optimistic view on life despite the fact that she understands this could lead her to trouble.
In battle, Yukari prefers to act as a support character, though thanks to her membership in the Archery Club, she is also very proficient with a bow and arrow. Her initial Persona is Io, who was a priestess of Hera in Greek mythology. Io later gives way to Isis, an Ancient Egyptian Goddess of nature and magic who was seen as the perfect wife and mother, a friend to all.
People of the Lovers Arcana are destined to be social butterflies, people who feel they need and depend on others and accept this trait willingly - though this may be preceded by a struggle and period of isolation and cold-heartedness.
VII. THE CHARIOT: AIGIS
Aigis is an anti-Shadow weapon; a robot designed to destroy all Shadows. Since a Persona is needed to fight Shadows, Aigis was given a personality. Initially, Aigis is extremely serious and goal-oriented; she cares only about her mission. She is also fairly curious, and often all of her interactions are based on gathering information.
As Aigis spends more time around people, her personality develops. She becomes very protective and loyal, and begins to show a deep, compassionate nature. The core of her being still remains being fiercely driven by her personal goals, but she learns to "take time to smell the roses" as well.
Aigis' initial Persona is Palladion, an ancient Greek antiquity that the safety of a city was said to depend on - in modern day times this term is understood to mean anything that offers protection or safety. Palladion later evolves into Pallas Athena; Athena was the Greek Goddess of wisdom, courage, and the arts, among other things.
People of the Chariot Arcana are obsessed with personal goals and will pay any price to achieve them.
As Aigis spends more time around people, her personality develops. She becomes very protective and loyal, and begins to show a deep, compassionate nature. The core of her being still remains being fiercely driven by her personal goals, but she learns to "take time to smell the roses" as well.
Aigis' initial Persona is Palladion, an ancient Greek antiquity that the safety of a city was said to depend on - in modern day times this term is understood to mean anything that offers protection or safety. Palladion later evolves into Pallas Athena; Athena was the Greek Goddess of wisdom, courage, and the arts, among other things.
People of the Chariot Arcana are obsessed with personal goals and will pay any price to achieve them.
XI. JUSTICE: KEN AMADA
Ken is much younger than the other S.E.E.S. members, and yet his maturity is level with - if not well beyond - all of theirs. He is extremely intelligent, honest, and diligent. Ken cares deeply for his peers and isn't afraid to express himself. He is very polite and puts a lot of value on social hierarchies; he has great respect for authority figures and his elders. He is a very humble young boy.
Ken finds a role model in Akihiko, often referring to him as "Sanada-san" as a sign of immense respect. He can still be a bit childish at times, and has trouble letting go of ideas he firmly believed were right once he realizes they may not be so. Ken struggles with the idea that not everything in life is "black and white", i.e. good and evil, right and wrong, etc. He is a fierce believer in morality and justice.
In battle, Ken uses a large spear to make up for his lack of height. His initial Persona is Nemesis, the Ancient Greek Goddess of divine retribution against those who display pride and arrogance. Nemesis later changes into Kala-Nemi, which refers both to the spirit of the Zodiac who encircles the universe like a serpent as well as the rim of the Wheel of Time.
People of the Justice Arcana are fairly stoic individuals who are very concerned with the idea of fairness; often they are driven by a revenge they have not fully thought through.
Ken finds a role model in Akihiko, often referring to him as "Sanada-san" as a sign of immense respect. He can still be a bit childish at times, and has trouble letting go of ideas he firmly believed were right once he realizes they may not be so. Ken struggles with the idea that not everything in life is "black and white", i.e. good and evil, right and wrong, etc. He is a fierce believer in morality and justice.
In battle, Ken uses a large spear to make up for his lack of height. His initial Persona is Nemesis, the Ancient Greek Goddess of divine retribution against those who display pride and arrogance. Nemesis later changes into Kala-Nemi, which refers both to the spirit of the Zodiac who encircles the universe like a serpent as well as the rim of the Wheel of Time.
People of the Justice Arcana are fairly stoic individuals who are very concerned with the idea of fairness; often they are driven by a revenge they have not fully thought through.