Kaneki Ken's Character Arc: a Hero's Journey Analysis

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Hafiz Priyansyah Kaneki Ken’s Character Arc: A Hero’s Journey Analysis

Kaneki Ken’s Character Arc: A Hero’s Journey Analysis

Hafiz Priyansyah English Language and Literature Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia

ABSTRACT Literature has a trend that has grown its fame across the globe, called manga. They are similar in form with Western comic books, but with a different style and structure of the story’s presentation. One of the key elements of a manga’s story, the characters, pique the interest of the researcher. Kaneki Ken is the protagonist of the Tokyo Ghoul series that possesses this interesting characterization to look into. He goes through a journey that changes his characterization in a certain point in the story. To analyze this characterization, two analysis methods are used; Vogler’s (1996) hero’s journey theory and Sicoe’s (2013) character arc theory. The hero’ journey theory is used to gain an understanding of the events Kaneki goes through in his story, while the character arc theory is used to determine the kind of change he experiences. The result shows that Kaneki’s journey is a tragic hero’s journey, different from the traditional hero’s journey, and that he experiences the fall arc, which is, essentially, a tragedy. Furthermore, analysis of Kaneki’s unorthodox hero’s journey leads to the discovery of how an idolized character can start a serialization of literature, and how a serial literature, especially mangas, tend to be devious towards the hero’s journey theory. Keywords: Kaneki Ken, Hero’s journey, Character Arc

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INTRODUCTION One of the methods to analyze a Manga is a growing trend in the world. character development pattern is the According to Koulikov (2016), character arc theory. Character arc English-language research articles (Sicoe, 2013) is a theory that talks about about manga is increasing all around the change of a character in a story. It the world. In his research, he shows an could be any change, such as increasing amount of English- personality change, physical change, language-research articles in the world emotional change, and behavioral from 1993 to 2015. This trend is change. However, most character arc accompanied by another growing trend analyses tend to study the change of in the genre of mangas. In 2005, Maria characterization of a character. For Lin, a content-writer for a manga example, Wisehart (2015) proposed a magazine, wrote that there is now a character development pattern in the trend among western readers of manga. form of an enneagram, a diagram Western manga-readers now prefer to consisting of nine different patterns for read psychological and dark fantasy a character development. He claims genres, which are arguably the minority that the enneagram follows the theory genres among manga genres. These of a character arc, where a character kinds of genres are popular for their does not remain stagnant. Further into deep thinking and character interaction, his study, Wisehart (2015) analyzed the where they entice readers to pay character arc of Maleficent from the attention to the smallest instances of the famous movie and screenplay character interactions, as they may Maleficent by using this enneagram as signify something important in the a method. The result shows that story. One of the most famous manga Maleficent undergoes a Growth characters of the psychological genre character arc, where she does not who displays a fascinating character necessarily change, but improves her development is Kaneki Ken from the values, such as her morality, empathy, manga Tokyo Ghoul. and ethic. This could be seen in the start

Hafiz Priyansyah Kaneki Ken’s Character Arc: A Hero’s Journey Analysis

of the story, where she was portrayed as as the story brings the notion of two very apathetic towards her own worlds, which is a famous notion of the children, then becomes significantly hero’s journey theory, consisting of the more compassionate and cares deeply ordinary human world and the for them. extraordinary ghoul world. The character arc framework With the use of these two can be used in collaboration with the theories, this research aims to uncover hero’s journey (Vogler, 1992) theory. the character arc of Kaneki Ken, the The hero’s journey is a character protagonist of Tokyo Ghoul. The kind analysis method that studies a character of character arc is determined, and the from event to event. The hero’s journey events are portrayed by the hero’s theory was proposed and popularized journey theory. Afterwards, this by Joseph Campbell (1949) and has research examines in greater detail been used to analyze and become a regarding the events that cause the basic structure for much old and changes, how these events change popular literature thereafter. Several Kaneki Ken, and what prominent examples would include Oedipus, Star meaning can be interpreted from the Wars, and Jane Eyre. changes. The hero’s journey mainly Pertaining to other studies of concerns itself with the journey a characters, numerous other character character experiences in order to analyses using the hero’s journey and change. Therefore, the hero’s journey is character arc theory has been conducted a method that can fit studies related to on various genres of literature. Several character arcs, because the character of said analyses are Bray (2017), Black arc theory determines the kind of (2003), and Lewis (2013). The change a character experiences after a characters being analyzed are Hamlet journey they have experienced. The from the play Hamlet, Harry Potter researcher also considers this theory to from the Harry Potter series, and be able to fit the story of Tokyo Ghoul, Walter White from the television show

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Breaking Bad, respectively. Bray a dark fantasy world, where creatures (2017) used the hero’s journey and who survive by eating human flesh, character arc theory by combining them known as ghouls, take the shape of with one another to determine how ordinary humans and live among Hamlet undergoes the events portrayed human society. In the beginning of the in the hero’s journey, and experiences story, Kaneki is depicted as an innocent the fall character arc, despite having and average college student who is in been through a successful hero’s love with a girl he often saw drinking journey. Black (2003) and Lewis coffee in his favorite café. After asking (2013) used the two theories to analyze her out on a date, which she gracefully their respective characterizations. accepts with a smile, he came under Where Black (2003) proves the point attack by her, who turns out to be a on how the hero’s journey theory used ghoul and is looking to make him her in Harry Potter is a compelling story meal. Surviving the attempt, Kaneki structure to follow, Lewis (2013) wakes up in a hospital room, returns determines that Walter experiences the home, and is then shocked as he is no Fall arc. From these studies, it can then longer able to taste human food, such as be concluded that the hero’s journey bread or hamburger. Much to his and character arc theory has been used dismay, he has been turned into a half- by combining them with one another as ghoul by an unknown party, resulting in an analysis method, and that there is no him being unable to eat human food and study that has been conducted by using being in need of eating humans. these theories on a comic series Noticeably, Kaneki experiences character. This research is expected to a physical change, from a human to a be able to fill the gap and provide more ghoul. Further into the story, Kaneki insight on the two theories. will need to cope with his new nature as As a character, Kaneki has a ghoul. He will also need to find experienced some arguably interesting shelter from the government and variable changes. The story is set in organization and other ghouls. These

Hafiz Priyansyah Kaneki Ken’s Character Arc: A Hero’s Journey Analysis

aspects that become the driving point then fit to each of the phases of the for Kaneki are shown in a hero’s journey (Vogler, 1992) theory. narratological manner, according to the As a comic series, however, theory of narrative events proposed. In there are visual properties and images other words, there will be events in the used as supporting arguments for the story portraying how he come to terms description of the events and characters with his new nature, how he will learn from the research. This is in coherence to live as a ghoul, how he will with Gravett’s (2005) statement communicate with his human friends, regarding visual images as supporting and many more. These events are aspects of a comic book that can be categorized by the hero’s journey used to clarify or amplify the words theory into several specific parts, used, presenting more depth in a comic before being analyzed in order to book story. As these events are determine the change and the cause of primarily focused on the narrative the change in Kaneki’s character arc. elements of the series instead of its The research was conducted by visual properties, the series’ visuals and analyzing these events in detail, where images are not the main concern of the the story is segmented into parts based research, but the supporting data of the on one event to another’s change of research. narrative elements. Referring to As has been mentioned Genette’s (1980) and Meister’s (2011) previously, the purpose of this research theory on narrative events, visual and is to describe the character arc of textual items are made into a single Kaneki Ken. In detail, this paper “event”. The definition of an event here uncovers what kinds of changes Kaneki means a change in the story’s narrative experienced, what events caused these elements, such as character, setting, changes in character arc, how these conflict, and resolution if there are any. events change him, and what prominent After being segmented, these events are meaning can be interpreted from the

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changes. Thus, the following research being too mythical and general, making questions are formulated: the meanings ambiguous and unable to 1. How is the hero’s journey of be used in popular literature. The Kaneki Ken portrayed version used by Vogler (1992) has been throughout the story? praised for being the version that is not 2. What implication can be too mythical; therefore, it can be used derived from the journey? to analyze several movies and popular literature. Vogler’s (1992) 12-phases THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK hero’s journey structure is as follows: The hero’s journey is a theory 1. Act I related to the development of a This is the first act of Vogler’s character arc. It is an event-by-event (1992) hero’s journey. This is where the analysis of the character in the story, hero begins his journey from the starting from the introduction of said ordinary world into the extraordinary character, up until the point of their world. Unlike Campbell’s (1949), in resolution. The hero’s journey gives this version, there will be a portrayal of detailed clarifications on the events the hero living his ordinary life in the between the introduction and the ordinary world. Later on, the hero will resolution of the character (Vogler, then experience the event that makes 1992). him begin his journey. After expressing The hero’s journey theory was his reluctance to begin his journey, a first proposed by Campbell (1949). mentor figure will appear to help and Thereafter, a few versions of the hero’s convince the hero to begin his journey. journey theory were proposed. The Finally, the hero will start his journey version utilized in this research is by crossing the threshold between the Vogler’s (1992) version of the hero’s two worlds. The rite of events of the journey. This is because Campbell’s first act is as follows: (1949) version of the hero’s journey has a. Ordinary World been criticized by any scholars for b. Call to Adventure

Hafiz Priyansyah Kaneki Ken’s Character Arc: A Hero’s Journey Analysis

c. Refusal of the Call The rite of events of the second act is as d. Meeting the Mentor follows: e. Crossing the Threshold a. Tests, Allies, Enemies After crossing the border b. Approaching the Inmost between the two worlds, the hero now Cave takes his first step towards the trials and c. The Supreme Ordeal parties he will have to encounter. The d. Seizing the Reward second act of Vogler’s (1992) hero’s The journey is not yet finished journey shows the actions the hero will after the hero receives his reward. He need to take before, and during his will need to return to his ordinary confrontation with the final ordeal. world. Before returning, he may face 2. Act II another ordeal. The phases of the hero’s This is the second act of journey is finished on the third act. Vogler’s (1992) hero’s journey. In this 3. Act III act, the hero will prepare himself for the This is the third act of Vogler’s ordeal that he must face, and then, face (1992) hero’s journey. This act is about the ordeal. Upon arriving in the the hero’s return to the ordinary world. extraordinary world, the hero will meet After overcoming the ordeal and allies and enemies that will either help seizing the reward, the hero will need to or obstruct him through the tests he resolve himself into returning into the must pass. Through this test, the hero ordinary world. Before returning, the will then receive the power, resolution, hero will face one final ordeal. This or item he requires in order to be able to could be in a form of the enemy’s face the ordeal. Finally, the hero will resurrection, or a ritual required to face the supreme ordeal that awaits return to the ordinary world. At the end him. After overcoming the ordeal, the of the journey, the hero is given the hero will receive a reward that is either freedom to live his life with his reward. given to him or he obtained himself. The rite of events of the third act is as follows:

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a. The Road Back structure is there as an analysis method, b. The Resurrection or as a guideline. The story can always c. Return with the Elixir develop itself organically, and how one Vogler’s (1992) version is analyzes the story does not always need considered to be much more acceptable to focus on the steps of the given by scholars. The terms used in Vogler’s theory, as the steps may be repeated, (1992) version are considered more omitted, or shifted. This means it is detailed and specified compared to possible for the phases of the hero’s Campbell’s (1949) version. journey to be either omitted, shifted, or Furthermore, there are also characters repeated as well. Therefore, since the and roles made clear in Vogler’s (1992) hero’s journey is treated as an analysis version. For example, we learn the method in this research, this research existence of the mentor, ally, and was conducted in said manner. enemy character from Vogler (1992), Another theory that can then be whereas Campbell (1949) makes no used to analyze the events that has been statement of such characters, or segmented in the hero’s journey theory generalize them as the father or the is the character arc theory by Veronica goddess, making Vogler’s (1992) Sicoe (2013). The notion of character version the one to be utilized in this arc has been popular among scholars research. and authors alike. This theory is The use of the hero’s journey in continuously developed until there is this research also considers the now a common ground for its possibility of the story’s structure being definition. The meaning of the term different. On this point, using Voytilla “character arc” have been (1999), Tourhout (2017), and acknowledged as a common term with Bronzite’s (2013) arguments, it can be a dictionary-based meaning. For said that the hero’s journey is a example, Oxford dictionary explains traditional structure and analysis “character arc” as “a strand of narrative method. Their articles argue that dealing with the change and

Hafiz Priyansyah Kaneki Ken’s Character Arc: A Hero’s Journey Analysis

development in the personality of an they manage to become the ideal hero individual character (In a dramatic or they wanted to be. An example of this literary work).” The term itself was kind of character arc is Bilbo Baggins later popularized as a theory by Jeff from The Hobbit. Gerke (2010) in his book, despite the Next is the growth arc. Sicoe fact that it has existed even before his (2013) claims that the growth arc is work was published. when the character decides to stick to In this case, however, a much their belief and not change any aspect more detailed and specific definition is about them at all. The character does required. Sicoe’s (2013) version of not necessarily change themselves; definition is regarded as one of the rather, they overcome an inner struggle clearest definition there is. In her they possess, such as fear, weakness, article, she elaborates the meaning of doubt, etc. Later on, the protagonist will character arc, while also giving come out with a realization and categories of character arcs. She argues stronger resolution in their own belief. that character arc can be categorized An example of this kind of character arc into three; the change arc, growth arc, is Katniss Everdeen from the Hunger and fall arc, also known as the positive Games trilogy. arc, steadfast arc, and negative arc Last, but not least, is the fall arc. when defined by some other scholars The fall arc has many traits often found with, essentially, the same meaning. in a tragedy. In this arc, Sicoe (2013) Below are the definitions of explains that the protagonist makes a these character arc types according to wrong decision or conducts a mistake. Sicoe (2013). Firstly, the change arc is As a result, they condemned the arc where the classic hero’s journey themselves into an inevitable tragedy, succeeds. The protagonist remains a where they die, succumb to insanity, hero. They managed to solve an ordeal fall into immorality, etc. It can be stated by changing their personality, ideology, that they corrupt themselves due to principle, etc. After this drastic change, their alignment of choices. Therefore, it

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can also be stated that this arc is very the beginning of the tragedy, the similar to the characterization of a hero realizes that it was them tragic hero. An example of this kind of that caused said tragedy. This character arc is Cersei Lannister from realization may come during, or the Game of Thrones saga. after the tragedy’s occurrence. Closely related to the fall arc is Should there be a character arc Aristotle’s idea regarding tragedy. This that falls on the fall arc category, and it is considered as an important part of the turns out that the character is also character arc that needs to be discussed considered as a tragic hero, then these during the analysis, especially when the three phases of a tragedy by Aristotle story centers around a tragic hero. As will most likely become useful in the cited by Bywater (2004), a tragedy analysis. Hence, Aristotle’s three occurs in three phases. Aristotle’s three phases of a tragic hero will be used in phases of a tragic hero are as follows. the analysis or the discussion. a. Hamartia is the error of These claims by Sicoe (2013) judgment the hero makes prior were made on several specified to experiencing the tragedy. grounds. They were also placed upon This is often the cause of said detailed explanations and examples. tragedy. Several other scholars also made b. Peripeteia is the reversal of similar explanations and definitions fortune the hero experiences in regarding this theory, albeit they made his life. When the hero’s live it with different terms and wordings, seem to be going well, this much like the term positive arc, instead reversal marks the beginning of of change arc. In essence, though, their the tragedy. claim and elaboration do not differ c. Anagnorisis is the realization much from Sicoe’s (2013). However, that the tragedy happens their claims and explanations can because of the hero’s error in sometimes be ambiguous, making it judgment. After experiencing difficult to set the exact parameter for

Hafiz Priyansyah Kaneki Ken’s Character Arc: A Hero’s Journey Analysis

each of the types of character arc. The data are the English version of the Therefore, Sicoe’s (2013) version is chapters of the manga Tokyo Ghoul, taken to be the one utilized in this written by Ishida Sui and published by research for its detailed and specified Shueisha, whereas the English explanations. translation comes from the version translated by the company RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Mangareader. Tokyo Ghoul is a series Research Design consisting of several related story This research is qualitative, as it aims to segments with a single theme. This describe and uncover Kaneki Ken’s segment of a story is also known as an character arc by using the hero’s arc. journey theory to analyze it. According An arc is a section of a manga to Creswell (2007), qualitative research that will have its own beginning and is best and most often used when the ending, portraying different themes of aim is to explore the issue or problem at the story. A manga may contain only a hand. The research conduct begins with few arc, but in some cases, a manga can inquiry, the data are collected from a contain tens of arcs with different textbook, and the data analysis is themes on each arc. Each and every one inductive while setting a certain pattern of these arcs is interconnected to create or theme in it. The end result of the one whole story of a manga. However, research is in a form which includes in other cases, an arc of a manga may “the voices of the participants, the start fresh without any connection to reflexivity of the researcher, and a the previous arc. For example, in order complex description or interpretation of to understand the current arc discussed the problem, and it extends the in this research, it is not necessary to literature or signals a call for action.” read from the first chapter of Tokyo (Creswell, 2007, p. 37). Ghoul, but it is necessary to read this Data Collection arc in order to understand the next arc of the manga.

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Chapter 50 until 80 of the 6th, According to Genette (1980) as cited by 7th, and 8th volume are the chapters Meister (2011), narrative events here taken in as the research data, since they means a change in the story’s narrative are the chapters concerning most of elements, which refer to a change in Kaneki’s change. Starting from his character, setting, conflict, and ordinary life where he is already a man- resolution. Further into the analysis, made ghoul, up until his presumably Vogler’s (1992) hero’s journey theory drastic change are the chapters between were utilized. The phases of the hero’s the fiftieth and the eightieth, consisting journey are used to define each of the of approximately 300 pages. These segmented events. The events’ title approximate 300 pages portray a single were stated as the matching phase in the arc with the most apparent and drastic hero’s journey theory. Afterwards, the change. However, several excerpts events were described in order to find before and following the selected out whether a development in character chapters are used in order to show and arc has taken place or not. If an event highlight the change that occurs in contains a development in character Kaneki’s character arc. Since the data arc, the development is mentioned and are in the form of digital comic pages, categorized into one of the three they were first downloaded from the character arcs, based on Sicoe’s (2013) company’s website theory. The kind of character arc and http://mangareader.net/ before finally segmented events will then be being analyzed. discussed to discover the reasons and interpretations that can be made from Data Analysis this development in character arc. The Firstly, the fiftieth until the eightieth discussions center on Kaneki, character chapter, and other following chapters elements, and other literary elements are downloaded. Afterwards, that contribute to the change that takes segments of the story were divided and place in the event, such as setting, other referred to as a single “event”. characters, timeline, etc.

Hafiz Priyansyah Kaneki Ken’s Character Arc: A Hero’s Journey Analysis

FINDINGS AND DSICUSSIONS Based on the analysis, it is found that This chapter contains the findings and the events experienced by Kaneki fit discussions of the research, which well to the structure of a hero’s journey. answer the research questions of the Kaneki’s story begins and ends with the research. The research questions of this same pattern of phases as the hero’s research are 1) How is the hero’s journey theory, albeit with a few journey of Kaneki Ken portrayed combinations and repetitions of the throughout the story? 2) What phases in a few instances. Through the implication can be derived from the analysis of the segmented events, it is journey? The result shows that the found that Kaneki experiences a fall arc events concerning Kaneki fit well to the in his journey. The main characteristic structure of the hero’s journey. As the of the fall arc is the existence of a main point of this research, analysis tragedy befalling the hero. evidenced a portrayal of Kaneki as a 1. Act I: The Introduction of the Two tragic hero who experiences the fall arc. Worlds The tragedy and the character arc will In order to be able to better understand be described along with the hero’s the journey Kaneki undergoes, below is journey of Kaneki. Upon closer the summarized description of the analysis, this journey structure implies phases of Kaneki’s hero’s journey, that the hero’s journey structure starting from Act I of the journey. deviates slightly from a manga’s story 1. Act I structure. To better elaborate this a. Ordinary World deviation, there are discussions b. Call to Adventure regarding the deviation as a trend in c. Refusal of the Call & popular literature, and why Kaneki is Meeting the Mentor included in said trend. The first point d. Crossing the Threshold I that is going to be discussed is Kaneki’s e. Crossing the Threshold II tragic hero’s journey. This is Act I, where Kaneki Kaneki’s Tragic Hero’s Journey lives in peace as a half-ghoul in his

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ordinary world, and then begins organization, and Kaneki is kidnapped. crossing to the extraordinary world. The phase Crossing the Threshold There is a combination and repetition of happens twice: First is when Aogiri the phases. Kaneki and Touka, his co- Tree attacked the café, and second is worker, are having a chat together. This when Kaneki wakes up in the Aogiri is his ordinary world, the human world Tree hideout after being kidnapped by where he lives with no large conflict to them. The attack serves as the first step take care of. They were then visited by for Kaneki to be forcefully taken to the Banjou, a member of the Aogiri Tree extraordinary world, while the ghoul organization. This is where he kidnapping serves as the successful experiences a call to begin his journey, goal of the attack and the second as Banjou brings news regarding the Crossing the Threshold. condition of the ghoul world that is different from the ordinary world. When Kaneki had a chat with Banjou regarding the condition, he refused to reveal his half-ghoul identity to Banjou. This event is both the phase where Kaneki refuses to begin his journey, and where Kaneki meets his mentor. Banjou serves, not only as the one to report the conflict that is about to happen, but also as the mentor that can teach Kaneki the systems of the extraordinary world. Then, Banjou tells them that everyone at the café should run away, as they are being targeted by the Aogiri Tree organization. Soon after, they are attacked by the

Hafiz Priyansyah Kaneki Ken’s Character Arc: A Hero’s Journey Analysis

Figure 1. The Ordinary World Figure 2. Call to AdventureFigure 3 . Refusal of the Call & Meeting the Mentor

Figure 4. Crossing the Threshold I Figure 5. Crossing the Threshold Act I serves as an introduction world, the ordinary world is introduced of the two worlds in the story. With as the human world that rarely faces Kaneki portrayed living normally in his major conflict. It is the place where

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Kaneki lives peacefully. With the Tree. They were planning an escape portrayal of Banjou’s arrival, the operation, which Kaneki participates concept of the extraordinary world is in. Kaneki faced both his test and introduced. It is the ghoul world, where enemies when he conducted the escape the major conflict that concerns Kaneki operation, where he fought against the is about to occur. Bin Brothers, the officers of the organization. The fight is interrupted by 2. Act II: The Conflict and the Tragedy Yamori, another officer of the The concept of the two worlds are organization who offers to let Kaneki introduced, and the hero has been and his friends go under one condition; plunged into the extraordinary world in Kaneki must become his underling. Act I. The next act portrays how the Kaneki accepts. However, instead of hero prepares for the ordeal, along with becoming his underling, Kaneki is how the hero faces the ordeal. tortured by Yamori. This event is 2. Act II another test Kaneki faces before he can a. Tests, Allies, Enemies I face the final test that grants him a perk b. Tests, Allies, Enemies II required to defeat the supreme ordeal. c. Tests, Allies, Enemies III During the torture, Kaneki begins to d. Approaching the Inmost question whether or not his morality is Cave applied correctly in this world. This e. The Supreme Ordeal event is the phase Approaching the f. Seizing the Reward Inmost Cave, where Kaneki needs to In Act II, Kaneki’s phase has obtain a perk that is required to defeat double repetitions. The phase Tests, the supreme ordeal. By facing the final Allies, Enemies happens three times. trial consisting of physical and mental Each of the events portray each of the torture he received from Yamori, parties he encounters. The first is when Kaneki became arguably less idealistic he met his allies, who are mainly and less human. He then used these Banjou and his friends in the Aogiri traits to defeat Yamori, who is the

Hafiz Priyansyah Kaneki Ken’s Character Arc: A Hero’s Journey Analysis

ordeal, and seize his reward, which is journey, as it is the act that portrays Yamori’s flesh. how Kaneki faces a conflict, as well as

Figure 6. Tests, Allies, EnemiesFigure I 7. Tests, Allies, Enemies II Figure 8. Tests, Allies, Enemies III

Figure 9. Approaching the Inmost Cave Figure 10. The Supreme Ordeal Figure 11. Seizing the Reward It can be stated that Act II is the how he deals with said conflict. The most important act that portrays his conflict is a tragedy in the form of

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physical and mental torture he why the change he experienced is the experienced in the phase Approaching fall arc. This fall arc also makes the Inmost Cave. In order to deal with Kaneki’s journey an uncommon hero’s the conflict, he changes himself into journey, as it is rare for a character someone who is less human and less experiencing the hero’s journey to idealistic, which are arguably negative change their heroic traits in the middle traits. Upon the emergence of these of the journey. negative traits, it can be stated that 3. Act III: The Hero’s Resolution Kaneki experiences the fall arc in this phase. The main characteristics of the fall arc are the existence of a tragedy, and a change in characterization of the hero, where he dies or corrupts himself with negative traits. Kaneki experienced a tragedy when he was trying to save his friends by sacrificing himself to become Yamori’s underling. However, instead of becoming his underling, he was tortured physically. Further into the torture, Kaneki was told to decide who Yamori should kill; a mother, or her son. This makes Kaneki’s sacrifice in vain, as he sacrificed himself for the sake of these people. Therefore, in order to avoid being hurt and losing his friends again, he does not mind to become less idealistic and hurt other people in the process. These are the main reasons

Hafiz Priyansyah Kaneki Ken’s Character Arc: A Hero’s Journey Analysis

The change in characterization that the employees’ presence, Kaneki goes to hero experiences in Act II will most save them. This is the event where likely affect the resolution that occurs. Kaneki is shown to begin his journey The resolution that is portrayed in the back to the ordinary world by trying to

Figure 12. The Road Back Figure 13. The Resurrection Figure 14. Return with the Elixir next act shows the deviation between find his friends and escape with them. the hero’s journey theory and mangas. The first of his friends, Touka, is being 3. Act III eaten alive by her brother, Ayato. After a. The Road Back rescuing Touka, Kaneki proceeds to b. The Ressurection fight Ayato. This is the Resurrection c. Return with the Elixir phase, where Kaneki must defeat the Kaneki completes his hero’s final obstacle that prevents him from journey with Act III matching the returning to the ordinary world. After original hero’s journey. Kaneki, who defeating Ayato, he was then reunited has defeated Yamori, plans on finding with the café’s employees. However, his friends and escape to the ordinary instead of returning to the café with his world. Upon realizing the café’s friends, he prefers leaving them to go to

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a world different from the ordinary and combinations exist as a method to cope the extraordinary world. This event is with the story. Similarly, the repetitions the phase Return with the Elixir, where and combinations that occur in these Kaneki, who now has different values phases does not represent the creation because of his journey, returns to the of a new analysis method, but the ordinary world. However, as has been method in which the story develops. It mentioned, Kaneki does not want to is either because the segmented events stay in the ordinary world. He wants to represent more than one phase, or there go to a world separate from the ordinary are more than one segmented events and the extraordinary world so that he representing a single phase. There are can continue his journey. various methods to cope with this kind Act III serves as the conclusion of development. In some cases, of Kaneki’s journey. The conclusion, researchers would put more than one however, does not symbolize how the event into a single phase, as has been story is supposed to be. Returning with done by Bray (2017). However, the Elixir means the hero will live combining events into a single phase peacefully in his ordinary world by may result in the lack of the ability to using his newfound knowledge. In highlight the segmented events’ contrast, Kaneki ends his journey by analysis in relation with the phases. stating that he wants to live in a world Therefore, in this research, the repeated different from the ordinary world and phases would have numbers the extraordinary world. The representing the amount and the conclusion is found to be slightly amiss chronological order of the phases’ from what occurs in the story, and it is occurrence, which will most likely also found that this is the cause of the make the analysis of the segmented deviation between mangas and the events easier. hero’s journey theory. Returning to the analysis of As has been mentioned Kaneki’s hero’s journey, it can be seen previously, repetitions, omissions, and that there are only a few changes to the

Hafiz Priyansyah Kaneki Ken’s Character Arc: A Hero’s Journey Analysis

original hero’s journey, which includes progress indefinitely to an uncertain a single phase combination and three ending. This kind of literature is also repetitions, with no omission on any known as a series. Popular literature phase. On one hand, this implies that nowadays tend to follow this trend. One the hero’s journey theory fits well with of the most prominent reasons for a a manga. However, through closer serialization in literature is most likely inspection of the final events, these the amount of readers following it. A events imply the idea that the story can large amount of readers coming still continue, making the hero’s together and discussing a common journey devious for mangas. This is subject of interest is called a fandom. arguably due to the nature of the hero’s Similar to manga, fandom is also a journey theory to determine the final product of popular culture. The phase of the character as the ending of following subchapter discusses the story. The final phase, Return with serialization and idolization, which are the Elixir, represents how the hero is affected by fandom, especially in the content, and would like to live in the Tokyo Ghoul manga as a part of popular ordinary world with his new self. literature. However, this is not the case for Kaneki. After obtaining his reward, he Idolization and Serialization as an seeks to further his ambition and create Implication of Kaneki’s Journey a different world – separate from the From Kaneki’s journey, it can be ordinary and extraordinary world – implied that serialization is the cause of where he can live. a manga’s deviation from the hero’s Upon closer analysis of journey. Serialization is a prominent Kaneki’s journey, it can be implied that trend in literature nowadays, especially the root of the deviation seem to stem mangas. It is argued that one of the from the different trends in literature. main reasons for a serialization of a Popular literature, including manga, literature is the amount of fandom have a trend to continue the story’s following it. With a large fandom,

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comes commercialization, and with characters the special trait that differs commercialization, comes them from the rest of the characters in serialization. For example, it is revealed the story. The most popular of that the manga Naruto was scheduled to characters from stories that gain end right after the Summit arc. The serialization tend to be characters who author requested the publisher that the managed to gain their own charm from manga ends after the protagonist how they conduct their journey and defeats his rival in the Summit arc. obtain their trait. However, due to a large portion of the Naruto from the Naruto series is fandom requesting the clarification on portrayed as the village’s outcast in the the background of the protagonist’s beginning of the story. Afterwards, he rival, the publisher denied the author’s is portrayed as the village’s hero for request, and asked the author to finish defeating the villain who destroyed the the manga only after the fandom no village. A significant journey that leads longer make such inquiries. him to possess the heroic trait for The example portrays how defeating a legendary villain. Another impactful a large fandom can be example is when Luffy from the One towards the continuation of a story. Piece series undergoes the journey to This also shows that fandoms have the save his brother. The result shows that tendency to want to know more about a he failed to save him, and ended up character’s story when the character has succumbing to sadness and madness. been idolized. A character is often However, he pulls himself up from it by idolized because of a specific trait that the help of his friends, and he swore to differs them from the rest of the never again experience such tragedy. characters in the story. Over the course For that sake, he trained under someone of a story, some characters would else’s tutelage, which is something he undergo a process toward change; in has never done before, since he other words, a journey. This journey is considers training a waste of time. most likely the factor that gives Therefore, not only does he gain fame

Hafiz Priyansyah Kaneki Ken’s Character Arc: A Hero’s Journey Analysis

for overcoming the tragic journey, but character arc that distinguishes him he also managed to gain fame by from the rest of the characters. From the obtaining the traits of diligence and findings, it is concluded that Kaneki modesty through the journey. From experiences the fall character arc. Sicoe these examples, it can then be inferred (2013) argues that the fall arc is similar that idolized characters tend to be to that of a tragic hero’s arc. Kaneki characters with a special experiences a tragedy that changes his characterization, where the outlook on life. The main point of the characterization tend to be different fall arc is the tragedy that occurs, and from the character’s former how it manages to change the hero’s characterization. This change in personality for the worse. Based on the characterization then help shape their findings, it is argued that there are two identity. results of a fall arc; the death of the Similar to the examples tragic hero, or the rise of an antihero. mentioned, the Tokyo Ghoul series is For Kaneki, who is both a tragic hero also a manga. The amount of fandom and an antihero, this tragedy will that follows the series and Kaneki’s become a large factor in boosting his journey is most likely large, as the fame as an idolized character of the amount of arcs continued to increase series. after his journey, to the point where the series managed to serialize itself. In 1. Kaneki as a Tragic Hero order to discover what could possibly When a hero experiences a cruel fate make Kaneki so interesting, the next that befalls them, they can be called a item discusses how Kaneki can become tragic hero. The cruel fate that befalls an idolized character who may then them can be of any nature. The evoke serialization. important aspect is that the tragedy is so Idolization great, it causes a change in the hero’s In order to become an idolized characterization as an ideal hero. character, Kaneki requires a special According to Aristotle as cited in

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Bywater (2004), there are three phases Figure 15. Kaneki being taught his life principle by his mother since childhood that the hero goes through to be able to This resulted in his reluctance to call the hero a tragic hero, which are fight, and his capture by Yamori. He hamartia, peripeteia, and anagnorisis. then experiences peripeteia, where his Following the arguments of fate was reversed by being tortured Aristotle as cited in Bywater (2004) physically and mentally. regarding tragic heroes, after the three Afterwards, he finally phases, the tragic hero will then conducted anagnorisis, where he succumb to the madness made from realized that his reversed fortune was their tragedy and die. However, death is because of his own error in judgment. not the case in Kaneki’s journey, Instead of surrendering his fate and die despite the harsh tragedy that befalls in the hands of Yamori, he resolved to him. He conducted Hamartia when he change his ideals and proceed to fight made the choice to keep his humanity. Yamori. The humanistic value that he kept was According to Aristotle’s to not harm any living being, be it a argument as cited in Bywater (2004), a ghoul or a human. story about a tragedy is supposed to inflict a catharsis; a sense of pity and fear among readers of tragedy. In today’s society, the meaning of pity is confused with a negative and condescending tone. Sachs (2006) argues that the pity that is meant by Aristotle is true pity, where the meaning is similar to empathy or sentimentality. However, not just any character can induce this true pity. For a character to be able to induce true

Hafiz Priyansyah Kaneki Ken’s Character Arc: A Hero’s Journey Analysis

pity, they must not be portrayed as carcasses who committed suicide to being very good or very bad. If a sustain his live as a ghoul, and keep his character is portrayed as being very morale as a human by not hunting ideal or very strong, the tendency is to living humans like other ghouls. He not care for what happens to them, as does not try to become truly idealistic the characters appear very superior by not eating humans, nor does he try to compared to an ordinary human. The become very evil by hunting living character will appear as being too humans. This mediocre obsessed with chasing the ideal, which characterization of an ordinary human makes it appear that it is not something is believed to be the factor that can strange if the character cannot achieve induce the true pity towards the readers their goal. On the other hand, if the of his story. character is portrayed as being very evil The other part of tragedy is fear. or very weak, it will appear that the Sachs (2006) defines tragic fear as the character deserves the tragedy. fear of experiencing what the character In order to cultivate a true sense experiences. In order to inflict this fear, of pity, the character needs to be a a character must experience a tragedy mediocre characterization of a human that is possible to happen to an ordinary in their everyday live. By becoming human being. Kaneki’s tragedy was his very close to the existence of an torture in the hands of Yamori. The ordinary human, it is argued that a form of the torture does not seem to be character will be able to inflict a sense extravagant. The physical torture was of empathy and sentimentality to in the form of plucking Kaneki’s nails readers of their story (Sachs, 2006). In with a plier, twisting and cutting his ordinary world, Kaneki was Kaneki’s toes with a scissors, inserting portrayed as an ordinary human who a syringe to the center of Kaneki’s became a ghoul. Despite this duality of eyeballs, and inserting a centipede to values, he tries not to harm any other Kaneki’s left ear. The mental torture living being. He even eats dead human was for Kaneki to make the choice on

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who to live among his friends; a create a tragedy that invites fame and mother, or her son. Naturally, Kaneki attention; ultimately, making him an begged to save them both, but Yamori idolized character to follow. The fear proceeded to kill the son first, then kill will make his fate seem undesirable. the mother in front of Kaneki’s eyes. However, because of his pitiable All of which seem to be possible and personality, it is possible that readers not extravagant. Unlike the torture rack can relate themselves if they were ever or dungeon chains often depicted in to experience the horrible fate Kaneki is several horror stories, which seem experiencing, evoking empathy and unlikely to exist in the minds of an sentimentality. These feelings will then ordinary human’s daily lives. increase Kaneki’s fame, where the fandom will want to know more about his characterization while he is facing the tragedy. Kaneki evokes a strong sense of empathy and sentimentality through his tragedy. This, however, occurs during his phase as a tragic hero, and is the factor that can make him an idolized character. Through the research, it is found that Kaneki has one more booster for his fame, and is perhaps the reason for his growing fandom. In addition, it is argued that this is the major factor Figure 16. Yamori putting a centipede in Kaneki’s ear; that can lead to a serialization of his one of the feasible torture methods Kaneki experienced With the ability to induce the story. The next factor contributes both feelings of pity and fear, Kaneki will be to Kaneki’s fame as an idolized able to combine the two feelings to character, and Kaneki’s ability to serialize his story. It is Kaneki’s

Hafiz Priyansyah Kaneki Ken’s Character Arc: A Hero’s Journey Analysis

characterization after the tragedy. In 1. Kaneki as an Antihero other words, it is his characterization as After becoming an antihero, Kaneki an antihero. decides to continue his journey to a Serialization world different from the two worlds. Through the trial he faced, Kaneki This point became the start of a new managed to defeat his ordeal and come journey for the new antihero. He may out victorious. The price he paid, attract the fandom to continue to want however, was to not have the same to know what awaits him in the new outlook on life anymore. This change of world he is about to venture into. He principle no longer makes him an ideal may also attract more attention by hero, nor is he a villain, as he still making the fandom want to know how wishes to fulfill an arguably he enacts his principle in the new world, commendable goal. This trait of lacking especially now, in his characterization morality while pursuing a heroic goal is as an antihero. Aside from these arguably the trait of an antihero. He internal factors from the story, there changed himself to an antihero for the should also be perks that come with sake of overcoming his obstacles. After being an antihero. These perks are, overcoming the obstacle, he now has a arguably, what make antiheroes able to choice with his newfound self. Kaneki gain more fame compared to regular can either return to the ordinary world heroes. with his old allies, or stay in the The trait that makes an antihero extraordinary with his new allies. The different from a hero is the former’s choice was neither. He chose to go and lack of heroic traits. A hero of a story hide in a world between the two worlds tend to have an idealistic personality. with some of his old and new allies. In Undoubtedly, they would seek a goal other words, he continues his story. It is for the greater good. In order to achieve argued that this ability to serialize his that goal, they would stay true to their story comes from his characterization ideals. Sometimes, they are also as an antihero. portrayed as humans with some form of

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a supernatural gift given to them receive information about Aogiri Tree. compared to other ordinary humans. These are the qualities of an antihero; a An antihero, is a hero who has flawed human in pursuit of a goal that experienced a tragedy so terrible, they can be either ideal or not. leave several of their idealistic From the comparison between personalities behind in order to achieve them, the traits of an antihero appear to their goal. For an antihero, there will be more compelling for ordinary always be a side of them that slightly humans. It is argued that the flawed portrays evilness. They will either have characteristics of an antihero are much a good purpose with bad methods, or a more appealing, because these flawed bad purpose with good methods. Their characters are portraying the true lack of heroic attributes can be seen in human nature of everyday humans. their flawed personality, which comes Compared to the heroes that appear from a violent background. ideal and superior to the ordinary In Kaneki’s case, his violent humans, antiheroes are flawed humans background comes from his torture who are equal to, or may even be lower experience. After the torture, his than the ordinary humans. Antiheroes personality is flawed. The selfless, reflect the personality of everyday optimistic, and dovish personality he humans, the fandom. By becoming very has are replaced with the new cruel, similar to ordinary humans, the cunning, and hawkish personality. antiheroes tend to be able to gain even From then on, he decides to fight and more empathy and support than the kill anyone that disturbs the peace of regular hero. Various scholars and the café. He does so by taking a few of researchers support a similar idea. his allies with him into a hideout, and Bender (2013), Saporito (2016), and start searching clues for the dangerous Salma (2008) propose similar ghoul organization, Aogiri Tree. He arguments. As a matter of fact, Salma even went as far consulting another (2008) conducted a research that criminal organization in order to elaborates how the current trend in

Hafiz Priyansyah Kaneki Ken’s Character Arc: A Hero’s Journey Analysis

society is to support antiheroes, rather It can now be stated that Kaneki than heroes. It shows how the possesses the ability to become an popularity of heroes are beginning to idolized character that makes it possible waver, due to their nature of being too for him to serialize his story. As shown idealistic. Instead, antiheroes manage by the hero’s journey analysis on to begin gathering popularity by Kaneki, he does continue his story, reflecting how much they are humans, where he journeys as an antihero to a and very similar to the fandom. different world, making another arc for In conclusion, heroes and the manga. Therefore, there needs to be antiheroes can be differentiated by a representation from the analyzed looking at their heroic attributes. They structure that signals how Kaneki will may both pursuit the same goal for continue his story with his new self. greater good. While trying to achieve The hero’s journey structure, however, their goals, heroes tend to become does not represent that possibility. This idealistic and superior to ordinary is the deviation that occurs between the humans, while antiheroes are a lot more hero’s journey theory and mangas. like an ordinary human with their flawed personality and background. CONCLUSION Their flaw, however, proves to be the As a character, Kaneki’s development main reason for their popularity. is fascinating to look into. His Readers can harbor feelings of characterization managed to make empathy, and support the actions of the Kaneki one of the most popular antihero, even more than they support characters in the Tokyo Ghoul series. the actions of the hero. Thus, when Through the hero’s journey analysis, it Kaneki became an antihero, he has a can be seen that Kaneki undergoes two higher probability to attract more sub-categories of a hero: a tragic hero, fandom to follow his story than when and an antihero. Kaneki’s hero’s he was a regular hero, resulting in the journey is portrayed as a journey of a serialization of his story. tragic hero who becomes an antihero. It

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is also found that the trend of know more about. Due to his serialization comes from the growth of characterization as a tragic hero and an idolized characters, who evoke fandom. antihero, Kaneki is argued to be one of With fandom, stories have the these idolized characters that can possibility to continue towards an potentially create serialization. In these indefinite ending, where authors kinds of serial literature, there is a become constrained to the fandom’s tendency to continue the story towards wishes. an indefinite ending, making a The hero’s journey of Kaneki deviation occur between the hero’s Ken is portrayed in a manner of a tragic journey theory and mangas. hero’s journey, where he experiences the fall character arc. The fall arc makes REFERENCES his hero’s journey an uncommon hero’s Bray, P. (2017). The hero-journey, Hamlet and positive psychological transformation. journey, as there are rarely any Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 1- 31. doi: character that changes their heroic trait dx.doi.org/10.1177/00221678166893 57 in the middle of the journey. From this Bender, H. E. (2013). Rise of the antihero: Why tragic hero’s journey portrayed we find Breaking Bad and other antihero-centric TV series compelling. throughout the story, it can be implied Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us that a manga’s story structure deviates /blog/broadcast-thought/201309/rise- the-antihero from the hero’s journey structure. This Bronzite, D. (2013). The hero's journey - mythic structure of Joseph Campbell's is arguably due to literature’s current monomyth. Retrieved from trend of serialization. Further into the http://www.movieoutline.com/articles /the-hero-journey-mythic-structure- discussion, it is argued that the source of-joseph-campbell-monomyth.html Black, S. (2003). The magic of Harry Potter: of serialization is the tendency of the Symbols and heroes of fantasy. Children’s Literature in Education, fandom to idolize a character. The 34(3), 237-247. Retrieved from https://link.springer.com/article/10.10 fandom of popular literature holds the 23/A:1025314919836 power to trigger continuations of a Bywater, I. (2004). Poetics (Aristotle. Trans.). Retrieved from story, especially when the fandom has http://www.gutenberg.org/files/6763/ 6763.txt an idolized character that they want to

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