
John Steinbeck
John Steinbeck |
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Kanji | ジョン・スタインベック |
Rōmaji | Jon Sutainbekku |
Statistics | |
Ability | The Grapes of Wrath |
Occupation | Surviving Guild Forces interim leader The Guild fellowcraft (former) |
Affiliation | Surviving Guild Forces The Guild (former) |
Reference | The Grapes of Wrath (Novel by John Steinbeck) |
Appearances | |
Manga Debut | Chapter 18 |
Anime Debut | Episode 17 |
Portrayal | |
Japanese Voice | Kengo Kawanishi |
English Voice | Kyle McCarley |
John Ernst Steinbeck (ジョン・スタインベック, Jon Sutainbekku) is a former member of the Guild, an influential organization in the series. Following the Guild’s dissolution after the war, he temporarily assumes leadership of the Surviving Guild Forces, guiding its remnants during a period of uncertainty. Steinbeck’s ability, The Grapes of Wrath, reflects his connection to nature and serves as a powerful extension of his resourceful and determined character.
Personality

Appearance in Anime
Steinbeck is portrayed as a relaxed and easygoing individual, often making casual remarks about the countryside and engaging in conversation with his partner, Howard Phillips Lovecraft, without concern for being overheard. His ability, The Grapes of Wrath, imbues him with a strong sense of confidence, sometimes leading him to spend time talking to his enemies—a trait that can occasionally become his downfall.
While Steinbeck professes a dislike for chores, often attempting to minimize his effort in completing them, this reflects his cunning rather than laziness. He is fully capable of carrying out the missions assigned to him with competence and determination. Despite his polite and kind demeanor, Steinbeck shows little empathy toward his enemies, claiming indifference to their fate. However, he is not inherently malicious; his actions are primarily driven by a deep motivation to support and provide for his family.
Appearance
Steinbeck is a young man of average height and build, characterized by his short blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. His signature look includes a flat cap perched atop his head, a white shirt with slightly rolled-up sleeves, blue overalls secured with a black belt, and dark boots. He is often seen carrying a raw potato and a Buck Model 110 pocket knife, the latter serving as a tool to activate his ability, The Grapes of Wrath.
Following the Guild War, Steinbeck adopts a different appearance, wearing a white top and matching pants. His footwear resembles buckle boots, and he dons an overcoat over his outfit, reflecting a more refined and utilitarian style in the aftermath of the conflict.
Background
Before joining the Guild, Steinbeck lived as a farmer in North America. During this time, it is implied that his family, which was notably large, faced financial hardships and struggled with poverty. This challenging upbringing likely influenced his motivations and shaped his determination to support and provide for his loved ones.
Ability
Steinbeck’s ability, The Grapes of Wrath (怒いかりの葡ぶ萄どう, Ikari no Budō), enables him to grow and manipulate grapevines from any part of his body. By grafting these vines onto other plants, he can extend his influence to the surrounding flora, effectively turning the environment into an extension of his own body.
The vines, including those derived from nearby flora, possess tremendous strength and can be used to capture or restrain individuals or objects. Additionally, they can act as a protective shield, absorbing or deflecting attacks directed at Steinbeck.
Steinbeck’s ability also demonstrates a synergistic potential when combined with Q’s ability, which curses those who harm Q. As part of an emergency plan devised by Fitzgerald, Steinbeck connected his vines directly to Q’s body, thereby transferring the curse’s effects to the surrounding plants. Consequently, anyone who harmed a plant within the affected area would inadvertently harm Q, triggering the curse and inflicting retribution on the attacker.
Role in Bungo Stray Dogs
During his time with the Guild, Steinbeck played a significant role in missions requiring teamwork and strategic planning. His ability, The Grapes of Wrath, made him a versatile asset in both combat and operations requiring environmental manipulation.
Following the Guild’s dissolution, Steinbeck stepped up as a temporary leader for the remaining members, showcasing his resilience and determination to rebuild. His leadership highlights his pragmatic and strategic nature, as he navigates the challenges of maintaining unity among the scattered Guild remnants.
Steinbeck’s role in Bungo Stray Dogs often places him in situations requiring both combat prowess and tactical ingenuity. His ability to manipulate plants gives him a unique advantage in battle, allowing him to turn the environment into a weapon or a tool for defense.
Etymology
The name John is of Hebrew origin, meaning “graced by God.” It is derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan (יוחנן), which combines yo (God) and chanan (grace).
The surname Steinbeck originates from South Germany and is an occupational name. It is derived from the German words stein (stone) and beck (stream or brook), traditionally referring to a mason or someone who worked with stone in areas near waterways.
Trivia
Steinbeck’s siblings are named after characters from The Grapes of Wrath, a novel by John Steinbeck. His sister, Rose of Sharon, is depicted as a pregnant woman, much like her literary counterpart.
Ruthie, his 12-year-old younger sister, is the one Steinbeck spoils the most, while Winfield, another sibling, is described as possibly missing a tooth or two, reflecting the youthful traits of the original character. Steinbeck also has a talent for doing impressions of other people, showcasing his playful side. Similar to Tanizaki, he deeply cherishes his younger sister and is known for constantly spoiling her. Additionally, Steinbeck’s background as a farmer before joining the Guild parallels the story of Tom Joad, the protagonist of The Grapes of Wrath, further tying his character to the themes and narrative of the novel.