Hello all! I just finished binge-watching Re:Zero for the first time (yes, I guess I'm a little bit behind the times) and noticed so many things that I liked about the writing in the series that I felt like doing a write-up of all of the things that I felt were done well. I honestly did not originally intend to publish this, but I feel like there are enough good things that could be learned from its writing that it is worthwhile for others to be able to read it. However, I also admit that I did not really proof-read this piece and simply let my mind wander; hopefully I didn't let it wander too far!
I'm sure this probably feels like I'm just gushing about the series...and that's partly true. But as it so happens, today is my birthday, so please allow me this minor indulgence. And, as always, thanks for reading!
**MASSIVE RE:ZERO SPOILERS AHEAD**
Why Re:Zero is Well Written, and How to Write a Good Series Through Analyzing It
Exposition, Show and Don’t Tell
Re:Zero offers very little unnecessary exposition, and most points where characters are explaining “Magic” or the political climate feel natural and organic to the situation at hand. Subaru’s presence as a “fish out of water” character works perfectly toward this end. For example, through learning to read, Subaru is exposed to a fairy tale that tells us why people think Emilia is Satella and why they should be afraid of Satella. When learning what the insignia is and when first being exposed to the political aspects of the story, we learn as Subaru learns. And Subaru learns simply because he is present for a debriefing of sorts between Roswaal and Emilia after their initial return. As well, the at-dusk explanation of lesser spirits early in the series seems obvious given the visuals expressed, as the audience’s attention is drawn to the spirits just as Subaru’s is; it is only natural that he would ask about them.
Characters as the Driving Force Within the Story
While I will touch more later on how individual characters influence the story, it is important to note that, from the outset, Re:Zero is a story about the characters primarily and the world second. We experience the world through the characters, just as we experience our world through ourselves. This allows experiences within the story to feel both organic and genuine to the audience, and often allows the audience to experience a stronger emotional connection to the world and its characters. If a story focuses too much on politics or a grand plot, it is too easy to become lost and complacent, losing interest in the characters and the story. But if the characters are compelling and made to be the focus, it is much easier to relate to the world and care what is happening, because we as the audience care about the characters themselves and want them to be in a world that works to their benefit. In this way, Re:Zero is immediately compelling.
Character Motivation
The characters have their own motivations and goals and act consistently to achieve those goals. Felt simply wants to protect her family and improve her life, but has no interest in ruling. It’s only when her family is threatened that she agrees to become a candidate. Emilia does not magically forgive Subaru for intruding on the ceremony and actively breaks ties with him following his outburst. None of the other candidates initially agree to help Subaru save Emilia; it is only when Subaru proves to them why they should help him that they do. As well, Beatrice is often unwilling to initially help Subaru until she is blackmailed by Subaru’s intention to decry her in front of Puck; even still, there is a tinge of pity that paints Beatrice’s interactions with Subaru and it becomes clear that she does things to keep herself happy (such as sending Subaru and Emilia away from her to “die where [she] can’t see them”)
Character Growth
This issue is most prevalent with Subaru, as we can see how multiple deaths and rebirths take a toll on his mental state. However, growth is also apparent within Rem, who not only grows to love Subaru, but learns through him that she is a worthwhile person in her own right. Because of this, she becomes more independent and assured in herself. Through Subaru’s help, Emilia is able to have more positive interactions with the villagers and others and begins to see how some may look past her race; this allows her to become more confident in herself overall.
Character Weakness
No character acts in such a way as to demonstrate that they are completely clear of danger due to obscene strength, except for perhaps Reinhard and Wilhelm. Subaru is dangerously weak and is barely able to accomplish anything on his own. Rem and Ram have strength, but die on multiple occasions and come very close to dying on several others. Reinhard is never placed in a position that he is unable to win, but we only see him as the “savior” of the first story arc, and his ability to complete this role is what provides closure and allows the other characters to win. However, despite his power, he is unable to kill Elsa, demonstrating some weakness in completing his objective. Wilhelm would be the closest offender to breaking this rule, but is literally pulled out of the gaping maw by his allies, proving that he, too, is not infallible. Just badass.
Protagonist as an Affecter/Critical Actor
While Subaru is not strong enough to win battles on his own, he is the primary driving force behind the story, as he should be. It is important that a protagonist feel “human” i.e. that they are not invincible or infallible within the world they inhabit. In this way, Subaru is a perfectly human character. And while this makes him occasionally dislikable, he never stops being human. But more importantly he is the driving actor of change within the story. It is not through physical strength that he overcomes, however. It is simply through stubbornness and his ability to literally retry scenarios until he gets a desired outcome.
Color Theory
I do not have a good enough understanding of how color theory works in films/movies to expound on this, but I have noticed vivid application of color during certain points such as Subaru’s defense of his actions at the ceremony and the story of the two ogres. This leads me to believe that there is an element of color theory being applied consistently throughout the show, which can be invaluable toward manipulating the audience’s emotions. The characters also are heavily color coded and given relevance to the plot, such as Rem and Ram being red and blue and how Emilia is “the silver haired half-elf” who reminds everyone of Satella.
Focused Story
While there are some mysteries left unsolved at the end of the season, the story does not attempt to tie up all loose ends simply for the sake of tying them up. The story is focused on what it wants to tell, even if we do not get the “main conflict” of the season until halfway through. The main conflict is Subaru trying to rescue Emilia, which becomes especially pressing in the second half. However, even the beginning of the season is about helping Emilia, so ultimately the audience is sharing Subaru’s goals and whims and that is the focus. Regardless, the writers focus the show on the story of Subaru and how he interacts with the world, only telling the broader story through character interactions and situations that Subaru experiences.
Maintaining Suspense
While we are relatively certain that Subaru will ultimately survive each encounter, we never know which reality will survive with him. Will it be one where he makes a total ass of himself, or one where he did everything perfectly? Will it be one where everyone he loves dies, or will it be the messy one where his main objectives were still achieved. The fight scene between Julius and Subaru in the training ring is perfect for this because the audience almost hopes that he’ll be killed, because if he is, then he’ll be forced to relive the trip to the capital and his ceremony blunder over again. Never knowing which reality will exist, and genuinely hoping that some will not, adds persistent tension to the story that would be difficult to replicate were it not for his “restart” ability. As well, the fact that Subaru become significantly more adverse to dying only means that more “imperfect” realities become more likely to persist later in the show, as he is unwilling to commit suicide to accomplish this outcome.
Diversity of Environments and Situations
While Re:Zero is ultimately a character story, this does not stop its scope from becoming grand at certain points within the story. For instance, the fight against the White Whale becomes an intense military battle that allows the audience to feel the scope of the adventure that is unfolding, much like the Death Star fight in the original Star Wars; cleansing the Witch Cult following this also serves a similar end, and also becomes a sort of “revenge” to the audience that watched Subaru and friends suffer at their hands. Re:Zero is able to be both an intimate character story and have “Grand” moments like this one, without feeling like it strays too far from being a character story.
Doesn’t Waste Time with Filler
While there are some rare instances where it feels like there is not much happening within the plot, ultimately there are few “lost” moments within the show. In a very meta-sense, this can be seen even in the fact that the intro and outro are not always showed. To the writers, our time is important and they strive to pack as much into each episode as they can. “Brevity is the soul of wit” and all that. Additionally, the “quiet” moments that we do have are often spent building the world through character interactions or otherwise expanding on character relationships within the series, and rarely feel “wasted.”
“Callbacks” and “Setups”
Throughout the season, multiple “set ups” are made to things that do not seem otherwise relevant. For instance, the fact that Emilia receives a flower from the Shopkeeper’s daughter after saving her is important because it demonstrates that Emilia accomplishes this act in every reality, displaying her kindness as a character. Or the fact that when we are first introduced to Wilhelm, Subaru organically asks him a question regarding the beauty of his wife, who we later learn had a profound effect on his life, even if it seems like simple conversation at the time. In fighting the Witch Cultists, Subaru utilizes the wards outside of the town to his advantage, clutching one while luring a Mabeast to attack the cultist he is fighting. On a more important note, Subaru is only able to remember where the White Whale will be because he remembers the giant tree (Flugel’s Tree?) so vividly; as the only thing on the horizon in this scene, it becomes obvious why Subaru would remember it, but the relevance and importance of the tree itself is not understood until later. The tree itself also becomes an integral component in both killing the White Whale and later saving Emilia and the other villagers from the explosive crystals.
