CRITICAL ANALYSIS
WHAT THIS IS
Before chapter fifty-two and after wards, Kain Fuery can be perceived in two ways. If we tie in the original, fifty-episode, anime series we come to the conclusion of an almost entirely different character. With a lack of material given, this character can only be built upon "assumptions". There are a few static, and unchangeable things that are always perceived: kindness, loyalty, the radio geek and an almost awkward shyness. However, there are many delicate subjects that come into mind when we think of [Fuery's] characterization. We are given information that, while not useless, does not particularly give us an insight into the character itself. This being said, this entry is dedicated to the complete tearing down of Fuery's personality. From this point on, this will be how I perceive and act as the character. As this is my own personal analysis, I request that any fellow rpers abide by the fact it is my own.
INDEX
I, IN THE BEGINNING-- First 32 chapters of manga, along with flashbackchapters and early referenced sorts.
II. AFTER THE SOUTH-- Chapter fifty-two and onwards.
III. ORIGINAL ANIME--- the behind the scenes characterization in comic relief.
IV.CROSS-EXAMINING--- This section will cross examine the differences of personality in the beginning and later chapters of the manga.
V. MISC-- Any other bits of characterization I have no place for, if anything mostly head-characterization.
VI. THE ROLEPLAY PERSONALITY--- When the analysis itself is all said and done, this will be the in depth and brought together view of how Fuery will be played.
IN THE BEGINNING
The first thirty-two chapters, Fuery appears on a total of nineteen panels and speaks in ten of them. The only reference material to his earlier persona is in that of 'Roy Mustang Observation Diary'. Not much is truly given about Fuery beyond these few things.
One, he is shown working throughout central as a radio technician. From the appearances, he seems to love his job and takes it seriously. He appears to become exasperated when people break said technology. (In one panel when he's working delicately, there is a sigh that can be taken as disgruntlement more than anything else.) From character comments, he is an "expert" in the division. And although it is mentioned in the flashback chapter, sixty-one, it appears the Colonel compliments him on his workmanship.
Two, A sense of hero worship that can be taken quite a few ways. On the one hand, it is easily noted that Fuery has a high confidence in his comrades and would not wish to think they could do any bad. But on another, hints in what is said points directly to his hero-worshipping. Nonetheless, as the manga progresses, we do find that this idolization changes. (This point will be brought out later in this analysis, when we reach chapter fifty-two and onwards.) In the beginning, however, we can tell--especially from the 'Roy Mustang Observation Diary', Kain Fuery at the very least believes whole-heartily in the Colonel. Throughout the short novel, Fuery's words are said in such a way that they are not against the Colonel. Anything that make the Colonel appear slightly bad, is always backed up with a "proper" comment. For example, "The Colonel still hasn't finished the papers that were do three days ago, but always appears so busy. I should work harder to help him more!"
But even statements like this can be slightly contradictory to his more canonical appearances throughout the manga. While it is true that even in the beginning, Fuery has a sense of hero-worship about him, it does not appear to be as straightforward as his written voice. However, we could easily take into account that the 'Roy Mustang Observation Diary' was more or less Fuery's own personal and private thoughts about the Colonel. With that being said, it is very possible that Fuery, in the beginning, did have a case of hero worship. It is most likely that this has regressed throughout the entirety of canon.
Three, Fuery is undoubtedly a kind creature. In one of the first omake like things, though omake turned to be canon, we see him finding a small dog [Black Hayate]. Because of his kind heart he did not have it in him to let the dog stay in the rain. After which he tried finding the dog a home as best as he could. (Or at least it is what we are shown/should assume, as the omake only showed him going to the officers we know, but the likelihood he had not tried others appears to be slim in the final few pages.) This is the first true and most significant characterization we receive of Fuery, and in fact by this point it's the most we've heard him speak in five novels. In both the manga and the anime [brotherhood], Fuery's kindness is most depicted when it comes to the Elric's. He always smiles, says something kind and appears happy to see them. His kindness can also be noted in, again the 'Roy Mustang Observation Diary', when he speaks of the Lieutenant's tea. [Per bad tasting military tea] "Although the leaves are the same, the way the Lieutenant makes it taste better". Or as his castmates say, it's not an act of kindness, but a matter of over thinking.
Four, Loyalty. For Fuery, the loyalty towards the Colonel appears only implied in the first fifty-chapters. As he appears less than most of the tachi, and definitely if put together, it's hard to pinpoint a moment that can be considered a case of 'loyalty' towards the Colonel directly. However, as mentioned, this is an implied idea. In the flashback chapter sixty-one, again later but still the past, Roy gives his men the order of: As an individual, I am powerless. That is why I need all of you to help me protect this nation. I will protect you. In turn, you will protect as many others as possible. No matter how few, always look after your subordinates. And those below you will in turn protect their subordinates. No matter what happens, stubbornly cling to your will to survive. Live and help to change this country.'A very strong speech to give your subordinates, Roy, if I'm allowed to say so. And definitely something a person like Fuery would latch onto, and perhaps only gain heightened respect over the man for. A shown case of loyalty is also taken from the flashback chapter in a statement Roy gives about Fuery: Takes good care of his subordinates. This not only proves the point of loyalty, but also of caring and kindness on Fuery's part.
Five, The next thing we'll reach into is the act of direct mannerism. Fuery isn't depicted ever being harsh, unreasonable, or impolite. He constantly addresses the characters by their full rank, and doesn't appear to outwardly go against what is being told of him. In the matter of being scolded, he has bowed his head and said he'd do it, and is actually never seen making an excuse about it. The exception to this rule, however, appears to be Edward Elric. While the boy is higher ranking then him, he's never actually seen calling him 'Major' or 'Sir'. Normally it is Ed, or rarely Edward. This can be chalked down to a likely sign of affection. It's more apparent that Fuery considers the Elrics like younger brothers than that of a superior officer and his brothers. Nonetheless, despite this contradiction, when it comes down to it, Fuery has never been shown to be truly impolite without reason. And it can be said, that if he ever found a reason, he would try to be as polite and apologetic as normal.
Six, Fear. This is a subject that we are perhaps given six chapters on in the early thirty numbered chapters. When facing off with Gluttony, it becomes evident that Fuery had never *truly* needed a gun before, or at the very least was not used to using it on such a strange opponent. However, it does appear that Fuery fears the homunculi. (Or at the very least the evil one trying to eat the Lieutenant just moments before he entered.) Most notably, and perhaps the reason for the section, Fuery's fear and anxiety aren't things he easily hides. Even in earlier chapters, I'll take you back to the 'Dog of the Military' omake, when he's upset it's easily shown on his features. This goes to say, that Fuery's facial expressions will not allow him to hide his true emotions. And nor will that of his actual words. What Fuery feels is easily given to the reader, even in the later chapters, and this allows us the idea that despite a shy exterior, he is an open-to-people natured character.
Seven,
AFTER THE SOUTH
After the Gluttony scene, Fuery is seen in two-four more panels before chapter fifty-two. No significant motions or mentions of him occur until the transfer order to the South. It's with this in mind, that I'm skipping the twenty or so chapters and landing him straight at orders and after to go over.
ORIGINAL ANIME
During the original anime, Kain and the other Mustang tachi appeared to be comic relief characters. Their appearances were hardly serious until the last ten chapters of the series [which is the time that the plot thickens, so this point becomes moot.] However, despite a more significant role in the series, the original anime gives a tentative likelihood of how Fuery make act off duty. [As in Manga and Brotherhood, all of the moments that Fuery is mostly seen turn serious or hardly lasts enough time to say how he may be in said situations.] With that, these next few paragraphs will revolve around moments we generally only see in the [original] anime.
One, Episode Thirty-Seven was a 'filler' episode within this version. Nonetheless, it held value when it comes to the workings of the Mustang tachi. This episode was more-or-less several shorts combined into one. The 'Roy Mustang Observation Diary' became a severely watered down version, but was again apart of this. However, for this we're going to go into the third part of this episode 'Warehouse Thirteen', which focused more on Falman and Fuery. In this part we learn several things about Fuery: imagination, and a slight stem of set mindset.
CROSS-EXAMINING
MISC.
RP CHARACTER PERSONALITY
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