How Did Ryuji Survive Persona 5? Unpacking the Skull’s Unexpected Resilience
Ryuji Sakamoto, the boisterous and occasionally clueless friend of Persona 5’s protagonist, survives the seemingly catastrophic collapse of Madarame’s Palace due to a combination of luck, the unique properties of the Metaverse, and a bit of narrative hand-waving. While it appears he is crushed alongside the Palace, the game clarifies that he was blasted outwards by the Palace’s destruction. He landed safely on the grass outside, albeit unconscious and unaware of the emotional turmoil his friends were experiencing, leading to his unfortunate gaffe about Ann’s crying. In essence, his survival hinges on the fact that he wasn’t inside the core collapse of the Palace, but ejected before it completely crumbled. The Metaverse’s laws of physics aren’t always consistent with reality, allowing for a degree of survivability that wouldn’t be possible in the real world.
Understanding Ryuji’s Survival: More Than Just Luck
Ryuji’s survival, while fortunate, points to larger themes within Persona 5. The power of friendship, the bending of reality through cognition, and the ultimately optimistic tone of the game all contribute to the explanation. If the Phantom Thieves couldn’t overcome this setback, the story wouldn’t progress. His survival serves as a catalyst for future events, strengthening the Phantom Thieves’ resolve and driving them forward. The narrative needed him to be alive, even if the circumstances were somewhat contrived.
The game emphasizes Ryuji’s strong connection with the other Phantom Thieves. This bond is crucial for their collective strength in the Metaverse. It wouldn’t be far-fetched to argue that the collective will of the Phantom Thieves played a role in Ryuji’s escape, even unconsciously.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ryuji Sakamoto
Here are some frequently asked questions about Ryuji Sakamoto, addressing various aspects of his character and role in Persona 5:
Why did the Phantom Thieves beat up Ryuji?
Ryuji gets verbally and physically reprimanded by the Phantom Thieves (particularly Ann) after the collapse of Madarame’s Palace. He unintentionally ruins a moment of grief and worry, cracking jokes without realizing the extent of the situation. His insensitivity, stemming from his ignorance of having survived the Palace collapse, is what triggers their anger, not necessarily his survival itself.
Did Kamoshida break Ryuji’s leg?
Yes, it is explicitly stated in Persona 5 that Suguru Kamoshida was responsible for breaking Ryuji’s leg. The exact method isn’t shown, but it is implied to be a deliberate act of violence during Ryuji’s time on the track team, motivated by Kamoshida’s abusive nature and desire to squash Ryuji’s potential.
Why did Ryuji dye his hair blonde?
Ryuji’s decision to dye his hair blonde is multi-layered. Primarily, it’s an act of rebellion against societal norms and the rigid expectations placed on students in Japan. Furthermore, some fans speculate (particularly those who support the RyuAnn pairing) that he did so to shield Ann from prejudice, as blonde hair can be associated with delinquency and lower academic performance in Japanese schools. The game confirms that his natural hair color is black.
Why can’t Ryuji run?
Ryuji’s inability to run stems from the broken leg inflicted by Kamoshida. This injury effectively ended his track career and became a constant reminder of Kamoshida’s abuse. It also fuels his anger and resentment toward his former coach.
Can you date Ryuji in Persona 5?
No, Ryuji is not a romanceable option for the protagonist, Joker, in Persona 5 or Persona 5 Royal. The game only allows Joker to pursue romantic relationships with female characters.
Who is in love with Ryuji?
While not explicitly stated as “love,” Ami Kawashima from the anime series “Toradora!” clearly harbors romantic feelings for Ryuuji Takasu (different character from a different series). Within the context of Persona 5, there isn’t a character definitively depicted as being “in love” with Ryuji, though his close bond with Ann often sparks romantic interpretations.
How do Ann and Ryuji know each other?
Ann and Ryuji were classmates in middle school. This shared history is what enables their initial connection and understanding, even amidst their contrasting personalities.
Who is the canon romance in Persona 5?
There is no definitively “canon” romance in Persona 5. While some argue that Ann is the closest to a canon romance due to her position as the “Lovers” Arcana, the game allows for a degree of player choice in romantic partners. Every romanceable option has their own unique storyline and scenes, making their relationship with Joker feel canon.
Is Ryuji’s hair real?
Yes, Ryuji’s hair is real, although it’s dyed blonde. His natural hair color is stated to be black.
Did Ann sleep with Kamoshida?
According to dialogue within the game, Ann did not sleep with Kamoshida. Kamoshida’s intentions were to manipulate and exploit her, but he hadn’t succeeded in that respect. His inability to coerce Ann into a sexual relationship is what led him to target Shiho Suzui.
Is Ryuji perverted?
While Ryuji can be loud and somewhat immature, he is not inherently perverted. He has moments of awkwardness or naivety related to sexuality, but he is generally respectful and supportive of his female friends.
Did Kamoshida sleep with Shiho?
The game strongly implies that Kamoshida raped Shiho. This is revealed through Shadow Kamoshida’s dialogue and actions, painting a disturbing picture of his abuse of power and predatory behavior.
Why is Ryuji the track traitor?
Ryuji is labeled the “track traitor” because his conflict with Kamoshida led to the disbanding of the track team. Other members of the team and Kamoshida himself blamed Ryuji for the team’s collapse, accusing him of violence and insubordination.
Why did Futaba join the Phantom Thieves?
Futaba joined the Phantom Thieves after they helped her confront her inner demons and overcome her trauma. By entering her Palace and defeating her Shadow, the Phantom Thieves freed her from her self-imposed isolation and gave her the strength to face the truth about her mother’s death.
Is Ryuji Joker’s best friend?
Whether Ryuji is Joker’s “best friend” is subjective and depends on individual interpretation. He is undoubtedly one of Joker’s closest confidants and allies, particularly early in the game. However, the dynamic of their friendship, with Ryuji often serving as comedic relief, may not resonate as deeply as other relationships in the game for some players. He is definitely a close friend, but there is no real answer as to whether he is Joker’s best friend.
Ryuji: More Than Just a Comedic Sidekick
Ryuji Sakamoto is a complex and multifaceted character who contributes significantly to the narrative and themes of Persona 5. While his survival of Madarame’s Palace collapse may seem somewhat improbable, it underscores the importance of friendship, resilience, and the power of the human spirit. His flaws and insecurities make him relatable, and his unwavering loyalty to the Phantom Thieves makes him a valuable asset. By understanding his background, motivations, and relationships, players can gain a deeper appreciation for Ryuji’s role in the game.
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