Roswaal L. Mathers
Roswaal L. Mathers |
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Kanji: | ロズワール・L・メイザース |
Age: | 29 (Arc 1-4), 30 (Arc 5+) |
Height: | 186 cm (6’1″) |
Weight: | 60 kg (132 lbs) |
Gender: | Male |
Status: | Alive |
Voice Actors | |
Japanese Voice: | Koyasu Takehito |
English Voice: | Ray Chase |
Roswaal L. Mathers (ロズワール・L・メイザース), is a pivotal character in Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu. He is the lord of Roswaal Manor and the Mathers Domain, the current head of House Mathers, and the Head Court Mage of the Dragon Kingdom of Lugunica. As the margrave overseeing the western territories of the kingdom, Roswaal holds significant political and magical influence.
Since the age of 14, Roswaal’s body has been possessed by the soul of his ancestor, Roswaal A. Mathers (originally named Altair Mathers). This possession has allowed him to preserve his soul and ambitions over generations, making him a deeply enigmatic figure. Roswaal plays a key role in various arcs of the series: setting up the events of Arc 1, supporting characters in Arc 2, Arc 3, Arc 7, and Arc 8, and acting as one of the main antagonists of Arc 4.
While Roswaal ostensibly supports Emilia’s quest for the throne, his true motivations revolve around using her, Subaru, and Ram to fulfill his own goals—namely, killing the Divine Dragon and resurrecting his mentor, Echidna. However, after losing a critical bet with Subaru during Arc 4, Roswaal is forced to genuinely support Emilia, though his ambitions remain intact.
Appearance
Roswaal L. Mathers’s Initial Appearance in Anime
Roswaal is an eccentric and flamboyant figure, instantly recognizable by his striking appearance. He has pale skin, heterochromatic eyes (one yellow and one blue), and long, sleek indigo hair styled elegantly. His unique facial markings, resembling clown-like makeup, add to his dramatic persona and highlight his theatrical nature.
Roswaal’s wardrobe is just as extravagant, often featuring brightly colored, flowing robes adorned with intricate patterns and fur accents. His clothing, combined with his distinct mannerisms, conveys his aristocratic status and unusual personality.
Personality
Roswaal is highly intelligent, manipulative, and single-minded in his pursuit of his goals. He is calm and composed, often speaking with a distinctive, slow cadence that emphasizes his enigmatic nature. Despite his theatrical demeanor, Roswaal’s cunning and foresight make him a formidable strategist capable of orchestrating complex plans.
While he appears supportive of Emilia and her allies, Roswaal’s true motives often place him at odds with them. His willingness to use others, even at great cost to their well-being, underscores his ruthless pragmatism. However, Roswaal is not entirely without empathy; his deep admiration and love for Echidna, his former mentor, drive many of his actions, revealing a more vulnerable side to his otherwise calculating character.
After losing his bet with Subaru in Arc 4, Roswaal begins to shift his perspective, gradually learning the value of cooperation and genuine support, though he retains his long-term ambitions.
Role in the Story
Arc 1: Setting the Stage: Roswaal orchestrates the events that bring Subaru to the Mathers Manor, setting the foundation for Subaru’s involvement in Emilia’s Royal Selection campaign. While he appears supportive of Emilia’s goals, his actions subtly manipulate events to further his own interests.
Arc 2 and Arc 3: Supportive Role: In subsequent arcs, Roswaal provides resources, guidance, and magical assistance to Subaru and Emilia. Despite his outward support, he remains enigmatic, hinting at deeper motivations and often ing Subaru’s resolve.
Arc 4: Antagonist: During Arc 4, Roswaal reveals his true colors as one of the primary antagonists. His obsession with resurrecting Echidna and defeating the Divine Dragon leads him to manipulate events, even at the expense of Subaru, Emilia, and Ram. The emotional climax of the arc occurs when Roswaal loses a bet with Subaru, forcing him to genuinely support Emilia’s campaign for the throne, though his ambitions remain intact.
Arc 7 and Arc 8: Rebuilding and Support: In later arcs, Roswaal continues to play a key role as a resourceful and knowledgeable ally. His experience and magical expertise remain invaluable, even as his long-term goals cast a shadow over his actions.
Relationships
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Echidna: Roswaal’s unwavering love and devotion to Echidna drive much of his actions. His ultimate goal is to resurrect her, showcasing the depth of his loyalty and admiration.
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Emilia: While outwardly supportive of Emilia’s campaign, Roswaal initially uses her as a means to achieve his own objectives. His relationship with her evolves after Arc 4, as he genuinely commits to aiding her quest for the throne.
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Subaru Natsuki: Roswaal’s dynamic with Subaru is complex, often marked by manipulation and challenges. While he initially sees Subaru as a pawn, their interactions force Roswaal to confront his own values and beliefs.
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Ram: Roswaal’s relationship with Ram is multifaceted. While Ram is fiercely loyal to him, their bond is complicated by Roswaal’s manipulative tendencies and Ram’s hidden motivations.
Trivia
Legacy
Roswaal L. Mathers is a cornerstone of the Re:Zero narrative, serving as both a mentor and adversary to Subaru and Emilia. His intelligence, magical prowess, and unwavering dedication to his goals make him a formidable presence throughout the series. Roswaal’s evolving character arc—from manipulative mastermind to reluctant ally—adds depth to his role, ensuring his place as one of the most intriguing and enigmatic figures in the world of Re:Zero.