The main characters of Persona 5 are criminals, rogues and ruffians, all gussied up and pretending to be normal students. Now, however, we see that their Personas, each based on a popular turn of the century character, reflect their true natures.
The Protagonist is a 16 year old sophomore who has moved to Tokyo, now studying at Shujin High School, for unknown reasons. His mild mannered demeanor belies his true nature, at least until you see his persona, Arsene, evocative of Arsene Lupin, the gentleman thief.
The Protagonist’s best friend, Ryuji Sakamoto, is the stereotypical problem child. Ryuji’s Persona is the mythical Captain Kidd, whose unending legend stems from rumors of buried treasure, the inspiration of many a Japanese manga.
Ann Takamaki is a quarter American who fails to fit in Shujin High. She befriends the Protagonist and Ryuji, but is generally distrustful of others. Perhaps fittingly, her persona is Carmen, based on the uninhibited seducer made famous in the opera of the same name.
The Phantom Thieves’ other female member, Morgana, is a black cat who can change form, and doesn’t want to be called a cat. This is ludicrous enough, but for some reason her Persona is no less than the legendary public domain vigilante, Zorro. Yes, Morgana’s gender is different from her Persona’s, and she may have more.
Finally, Yusuke Kitagawa is an excessively attractive young man. Oprhaned from a young age, he was mentored by a famous painter, Madarame. Rather than seemingly embody himself, Yusuke’s Persona, Goemon, could be the subject matter for one of Yusuke’s own paintings.
Based on their descriptions, the Persona Arsene and Captain Kidd are apparently more than they appear. Do Ryuji and the Protagonist hide deep secrets even their other friends don’t know about?
Persona 5 will be released on PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 in summer 2016. Check out a gallery for Phantom Thief and their Persona below.
