Chise Hatori
Chise Hatori |
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| Kanji | 羽鳥 智世 |
| Rōmaji | Hatori Chise |
| Age: | 16 |
| Birthday: | Unknown |
| Height: | Unknown |
| Voice Actor | |
| Japanese | Atsumi Tanezaki |
| English | Dani Chambers |
Chise Hatori (羽鳥 智世, Hatori Chise), is the main protagonist of The Ancient Magus’ Bride. She is a rare magical being known as a Sleigh Beggy, a human with the innate ability to generate and store immense magical energy. Due to her rare nature, she was sold at an underground auction, where she was purchased by Elias Ainsworth, an enigmatic sorcerer who took her as both his apprentice and his future bride. Through her journey, Chise gradually overcomes her troubled past, learning more about magic, herself, and the meaning of family and love.
Background
Appearance in anime
Chise was born with the ability to see supernatural beings, which made her life difficult as she was ostracized and considered strange by those around her. After her mother’s tragic death and her father’s disappearance, Chise was passed between relatives who treated her as a burden. Left feeling unwanted and alone, she eventually sold herself into slavery, hoping to find a place where she belonged.
At an underground auction, Chise was bought for five million pounds by Elias Ainsworth, a powerful and ancient sorcerer. Rather than treating her as a mere tool, Elias sought to teach her magic while also intending for her to become his bride. Under his guidance, Chise slowly learns to embrace her unique abilities and find her own worth beyond being a Sleigh Beggy.
Appearance
Chise is a young girl with shoulder-length red hair, green eyes, and a delicate frame. Her pale complexion and slightly frail appearance are indicative of her physically weak body, which is a side effect of being a Sleigh Beggy, as her body constantly absorbs and releases magic, shortening her lifespan.
She is often seen wearing modest clothing, including sweaters, skirts, and cloaks, reflecting her simple and unassuming nature. A significant accessory she receives later in the series is the dragon’s curse arm, which alters her appearance, giving her an arm covered in dragon scales with immense magical properties.
Personality
Chise is initially introverted, quiet, and deeply self-loathing, struggling with her past trauma and feelings of abandonment. She has a deep-seated belief that she has no value, which makes her accepting of her fate when she is sold at the auction. However, as she spends time with Elias and the various people she meets, she begins to open up, learning to appreciate herself and her abilities.
She is compassionate and self-sacrificing, often putting others’ needs before her own. While this is one of her strengths, it also becomes a weakness, as she is willing to take on great burdens without regard for her well-being. Over time, she gains confidence and agency, becoming more independent and assertive in her decisions.
Role in the Story
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Becoming Elias’ Apprentice and Bride
After being purchased by Elias, Chise is introduced to the world of magic and supernatural beings. While Elias sees her as a curiosity at first, he later grows emotionally attached to her, as she brings warmth and humanity into his life. Their dynamic shifts as Chise becomes more confident, balancing her role as both his student and his partner. -
Learning Magic and Discovering Her Powers
As a Sleigh Beggy, Chise possesses overwhelming magical power but lacks control over it. Under Elias’ tutelage, she learns how to channel her abilities, summon familiars, and cast spells. However, using magic also comes at a cost, as her life force is drained each time she performs it. -
Encountering the Dragons and Receiving the Curse
During her time at the dragon sanctuary, Chise forms a bond with an elderly dragon, which results in her being cursed with his dying essence. This manifests in her dragon-arm, which grants her immense power but also accelerates her life-draining condition. This event marks a turning point in her journey, as she begins to take control of her fate rather than accepting it passively. -
Facing Cartaphilus and Her Own Mortality
Chise crosses paths with Joseph, also known as Cartaphilus, an immortal alchemist who seeks to end his eternal suffering. Through her interactions with him, she gains a deeper understanding of pain, grief, and the nature of existence. Their confrontation ultimately leads her to gain new magical abilities, allowing her to extend her life and stabilize her condition. -
Attending the College
Following her experiences with Cartaphilus, Chise enrolls in the College, a magical institution where she can further her studies and explore the origins of her abilities. Here, she meets new allies and adversaries, deepening her understanding of magic and the supernatural world.
Relationships
Elias Ainsworth
Elias is Chise’s mentor and future husband. Their relationship begins as one of curiosity, with Elias viewing Chise as an enigma. Over time, their bond evolves, as Chise teaches Elias about emotions and human connections, while Elias provides her with stability and a sense of belonging. Their relationship is unconventional, as Elias is still learning how to express emotions, but Chise’s patience and kindness help bridge the gap between them.
Ruth
Ruth is Chise’s loyal familiar, a former church grim who chooses to serve and protect her. He acts as both her guardian and close companion, providing her with emotional support. Their bond is akin to that of siblings, with Ruth being fiercely protective of Chise and always keeping her well-being in mind.
Cartaphilus (Joseph)
Cartaphilus is an immortal alchemist who serves as one of the central antagonists. Chise sympathizes with his suffering despite his cruelty, as she sees parallels between his pain and her own. Their confrontation ultimately allows Chise to gain a better understanding of herself and her mortality.
Angelica Varley
Angelica is a skilled mage who teaches Chise about magic and alchemy. She is strict but caring, treating Chise like a younger sister. She is one of the first people to encourage Chise to value herself and not recklessly sacrifice her life.
Lindel
Lindel, also known as “Echoes,” is a powerful mage who oversees the dragons. He treats Chise with kindness and respect, acting as a wise mentor figure. He is also responsible for crafting Chise’s wand, which becomes an essential tool in her magical journey.