So...Ohtori culture thrives on contradictions, falsehoods, hypocrisy, deception, self-deception, manipulation...need I go on? Who has the best "bullshit filter"? Who understands the most about the machinations of the duels? Is there someone who understands them better than they do themselves? Who "gets it"?

To me, the most perceptive character is undoubtedly Anthy. Akio has a diabolical intuition for how to manipulate people. But in a strange way, he's clueless. I don't think he really understands other people outside of how he can use them. While Anthy might hold other people in contempt, she has a much deeper understanding of them than her brother. Maybe, due to her lack of (self-perceived) agency, she has to be. It's hard to explain--I'll just say that, like Pandora's Box, Anthy still has some sort of hope, whereas Akio has none (save for himself) and only uses hope as bait to snare his victims. Because of this distinction, Anthy is more human and thus more understanding, even if this understanding is laced with all sorts of negative emotions.

Think of how Akio and Anthy both manipulate Kanae. They're both good at it. But even if Anthy is working for her brother's ends, she's much more ingenious. Whereas Akio basically ignores Kanae, (not, actually, the most efficient strategy,) Anthy gets inside of her head and makes her go insane. I mean, look at that fucking smile:



Geuuuughhh. Only someone who really understands human nature would know how to fuck with it like that.

Plus, Anthy's in the center of this whole mess, and has been for who knows how long. It doesn't seem possible for her to be oblivious in that situation.

Plus, she's magic?

Next to Anthy I'm not sure who the most perceptive character is. Saionji and Nanami have some flashes of clarity.

Last edited by minervana (11-14-2009 02:11:47 AM)