Re:Zero: Garfiel Tinsel vs. Subaru Natsuki - Who's the Better Protagonist?

Re:Zero: Could Garfiel Tinsel Have Been the Protagonist Instead of Subaru?

Re:Zero – Exploring the Parallels Between Subaru and Garfiel

Re:Zero is an amazing isekai anime – everyone loves Subaru Natsuki! His Return by Death ability (resetting time after dying) makes for incredible, emotionally intense drama! But think about this: What if it was another character? There's this surprisingly great and compelling character; someone who hasn't got that time-rewinding thing, but bears similar burdens and could've been this anime’s star –Garfiel Tinsel!

Subaru's journey emphasizes those difficult trials involved and his journey of growth involved overcoming fear and those self-doubts that nearly cripple him many times – his amazing strength of will is emphasized by these challenges and through his interactions and bonds forged with Rem and Emilia. Garfiel's story might lack that time-bending magic; but those core thematic aspects; his struggles and his personal growth really show he would be a equally capable lead. It raises important questions; and really could shift that narrative and focus entirely away from Subaru.

Also Read: Re:Zero Season 3: Best Isekai Anime? Supporting Characters Shine!

Garfiel: A Village Isolated From a World Untouched

Re Zero Enchanted Subaru Clapping Season 3 Episode 1 Image

Garfiel lives a simple life, profoundly connected to his own village—a place he never left before meeting Subaru. His isolated life emphasizes those themes: protecting his village with deep-rooted fear from the wider world; showing that protection, is also a form of self-isolation, reflecting his struggles with trust and a past trauma from being abandoned early in life. He walls himself off emotionally.

This aspect also creates important themes and connections: Subaru's wide range of travel and experiences made him far more capable than Garfiel, that made his arrival to Garfiel's village impactful; pushing him towards major change; yet his journey really also mirrors those similar beginning feelings shared by Subaru and Garfiel; both dealing with their uncertain lives early on, and slowly learning to confront many deep fears over a very long and emotional journey.

Also Read: Re:Zero: Why Subaru Natsuki is a Frustrating Yet Memorable Isekai Protagonist

Shared Burdens, Mirror Images

Garfiel and Subaru share unbelievably similar burdens— isolation, heavy responsibility and dealing with feelings of abandonment. Both also bear those similar pains. Garfiel experiences the trauma of losing his mother and having his sister leaving. Subaru's past created pressures for him to protect those close and cherish his remaining time with everyone important – his previous carefree life; taken for granted in the past. Both were severely impacted.

These similarities build a deeper bond; demonstrating just how easily people from different walks of life; different histories, still have immense connections. Garfiel, surprisingly vulnerable, learns to trust as Subaru helps him resolve his fears and his complicated past. And as Garfiel discovers these very crucial insights – about his mother’s and his sister’s decisions – he eventually confronts the trauma he held onto for so long; finding new solace and new opportunities.

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Garfiel’s Transformation: A Mirror to Subaru's Growth

Garfiel looking somewhat taken aback, the nightlife in the city in the background Image

Garfiel's transformation is profound; and entirely parallels Subaru's own arc; this makes both relatable; for different audience members and at different periods in their lives. He starts as a protective warrior; defending fiercely. However, that aggression is an outer defense, highlighting the isolated position in which Garfiel has chosen to live in; and emphasizing the impact of the difficult things in life. His true strength? Learning to open up – as inspired by Subaru's persistence. Both their experiences demonstrate these major lessons; especially the impact of resilience, and growth in a character.

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Conclusion: Garfiel's Untapped Potential as Re:Zero's Protagonist

RE Zero - Starting Life In Another World (2016) Image

Garfiel would be an amazing protagonist! His isolated start makes for this amazingly different take; compared to the well-trodden isekai hero arc. It doesn't entirely duplicate Subaru's strengths; It offers a unique story entirely.

The core of his own unique journey really highlights a variety of key plot aspects never shown before! His own growth really has that incredible depth; even more impactful than those similar arcs displayed through Subaru! Both their very unique stories demonstrate the power of friendship, and finding support during those moments of immense loss. Even despite not having Subaru's ability to change the world, he delivers a compelling and relatable story, making viewers reconsider Subaru's very crucial role as a time-bending hero, in that particular setting!