Elizabeth Midford
Elizabeth Midford |
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Kanji: | エリザベス・ミッドフォード |
Rōmaji: | Erizabesu Middofōdo |
Base of Operation: | Midford Manor London |
Species | Human |
Affiliation: | Midford |
Occupation: | Lady of Midford |
Voice Actors | |
Japanese Voice: | Yukari Tamura |
English Voice: | Cherami Leigh |
First appearance | |
Manga Debut: | Volume 1, Chapter 2 |
Anime Debut: | Season 1, Episode 3 |
Lady Elizabeth Midford (エリザベス・ミッドフォード, Erizabesu Middofōdo), often called Lizzy, is a character in the anime and manga series Black Butler (Kuroshitsuji). She is the daughter of Alexis Leon and Francis Midford, the younger sister of Edward Midford, the niece of Vincent and Rachel Phantomhive, and the cousin and fiancée of Ciel Phantomhive. Elizabeth is a prominent figure in Victorian high society and plays a significant role in Ciel’s personal life.
Appearance
Appearance in manga
Elizabeth Midford is a striking teenage girl with bright emerald-green eyes and long, golden-blonde hair that extends to her waist. Her hair is styled in two large drills, adding a youthful and playful flair to her appearance, while a slight cowlick at the front adds a touch of natural imperfection to her otherwise carefully styled look.
As a noblewoman, Elizabeth is often seen dressed in lavish gowns and dresses, emphasizing her high status and refined upbringing. She accessorizes with various pieces of jewelry, such as necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, and is often seen wearing low-heeled shoes that complement her elegant attire. To further enhance her outfits, Elizabeth frequently adorns her hair with headbands, decorated with delicate flowers or ribbons, showcasing her feminine and fashionable sense of style.
Her appearance is not only regal but also reflects her cheerful and outgoing personality, with her fashion choices emphasizing both her noble standing and her warm, approachable character.
Personality
Elizabeth Midford is a strong-willed and cheerful individual who exudes energy and determination. She has a deep love for all things cute, particularly small animals like rabbits, kittens, and squirrels, as well as flowers, especially pink marguerites. Elizabeth’s affection for these simple pleasures adds an endearing and innocent quality to her personality. However, she also has a strong sense of personal style and is quite particular about her clothes and shoes, which she tends to lavishly indulge in. She can be extravagant and fastidious, ensuring that everything she wears meets her high standards.
Elizabeth can be stubborn, especially when it comes to her preferences. She is known to impose her fashion sense on others and can be unyielding when she wants something, as seen in her insistence that Ciel call her “Lizzie” rather than her formal name. Despite her somewhat demanding nature, she maintains a certain ladylike grace, as she was taught by her aunt that women should always act weak and endearing in front of men. This polished exterior hides her true strength, as she is an incredibly skilled and bold swordswoman. Elizabeth is quick to defend Ciel, slaying multiple Bizarre Dolls with ease, and even holds her own against the formidable Sebastian Michaelis, who admires her fighting prowess for a human.
At the core of Elizabeth’s personality is her deep love and devotion to Ciel. She is fiercely protective of him and will go to great lengths to ensure his safety, driven by both her emotions and her strong sense of responsibility. Despite her somewhat traditional upbringing, Elizabeth is far from helpless and has proven to be an exceptional warrior when it comes to defending those she loves.
In terms of likes and dislikes, Elizabeth enjoys indulging in foods like shortcake, strawberries, and cherries, and she loves tea, particularly strawberry and orange-flavored Shalimar tea. While she is fearless in many ways, she does have a fear of ghosts, which adds a touch of vulnerability to her otherwise bold character.
History
Elizabeth Midford was born in 1874 to Francis and Alexis Leon Midford, with an older brother named Edward. From a young age, Elizabeth’s life was shaped by her betrothal to her cousin, Ciel Phantomhive, who would later become the Earl of Phantomhive and Queen’s Watchdog. The Midford family, known for their history of knights, ensured that Elizabeth was trained in swordsmanship and fencing. This training was not just for personal development but also because of her future role as Ciel’s wife, a position that would involve many dangers. Elizabeth proved to be a fencing prodigy, excelling in her lessons.
As children, Elizabeth, Ciel, and his aunt Angelina Dalles often played together at Phantomhive Manor under the supervision of Ciel’s mother, Rachel Phantomhive. Their time together was filled with simple joys, though the shadow of Elizabeth’s future responsibilities loomed. During one occasion, Ciel expressed his fear of strong wives, reassuring himself that Elizabeth would be the one to marry him. In response, Elizabeth was determined to become the kind of wife Ciel could protect, and thus, she considered giving up her fencing lessons. However, her mother forbade this, insisting that she continue for both their sakes.
The course of Elizabeth’s life was forever altered on December 14, 1885, when she received devastating news of the brutal murder of the Phantomhive family. Elizabeth had been finishing a hand-embroidered handkerchief for Ciel when her maid, Paula, rushed into her room with the tragic news. The event left Elizabeth grieving at their graves, while overhearing the insensitivity of some ladies gossiping about trivial matters despite the family’s death.
A month later, Ciel returned, but he was no longer the child she had known. Ciel had grown, and along with him, his new butler, Sebastian Michaelis. Elizabeth was initially relieved to see Ciel, but upon realizing that she had grown taller than him, she felt a shift in their dynamic. From then on, Elizabeth sought to become a wife capable of protecting Ciel. She continued her training, knowing that her strength would be essential in supporting him.
Elizabeth’s growth and maturity were reflected in small details, like when she won a fencing match and received new shoes as a reward. Paula noted that Elizabeth had grown taller, but Elizabeth, not wanting to outshine Ciel, requested a pair of low-heeled shoes instead. She wanted to be able to walk beside Ciel, smiling, without appearing too different from him. This reflected her deep desire to stand by his side, not as someone to be protected, but as an equal partner in their shared future.
Relationships
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Ciel Phantomhive
Elizabeth adores Ciel and is deeply loyal to him, often going to great lengths to cheer him up or support him. While Ciel is often distant, Elizabeth’s unwavering devotion highlights her patience and love for him. -
Francis Midford
Elizabeth’s mother, Francis, is a strict and disciplined woman who instilled in Elizabeth the importance of strength and refinement. Their relationship is marked by both affection and a shared commitment to family honor. -
Edward Midford
Elizabeth shares a close bond with her older brother, Edward, who is protective of her and supportive of her engagement to Ciel. -
Phantomhive Household
Elizabeth interacts warmly with the Phantomhive staff, particularly Sebastian, who often assists her in organizing surprises for Ciel.
Trivia
Legacy
Lady Elizabeth Midford’s character embodies themes of love, loyalty, and strength beneath gentleness in Black Butler. Her relationship with Ciel and her dual nature as both a noble lady and a skilled fighter highlight the complexities of her role in the story. Elizabeth’s unwavering devotion and determination make her a memorable and impactful figure, offering a contrast to the darker tones of the series while showcasing the depth of her character.