Series & First Appearance
Maple, also known as Kaede Honjou, is the main character of the anime and manga series Bofuri: I Don’t Want to Get Hurt, so I’ll Max Out My Defense. The series debuted in 2019, created by Yuumikan, under the production of silver link. The story is based on a light novel of the same name, with art by Koi.
Profile at a Glance
Maple is a teenage girl who enters the virtual reality MMORPG NewWorld Online. With a unique approach to gameplay, she invests all her skill points into defensive abilities, making her a formidable character in a game where attack and damage typically dominate. As a protagonist, she stands out due to her non-conventional playstyle, often acquiring rare items and quests not through combat but by simply enduring.
Personality & Motivations
Maple’s personality is characterized by her innocent and carefree demeanor. She exhibits a playful curiosity towards the game and displays a somewhat naive understanding of traditional gaming mechanics. Motivated mostly by the desire to have fun rather than to prove herself as a top player, she enjoys exploring the game world at her own pace. Her notable quirks include her tendency to stumble upon hidden treasures, indicating an almost instinctual luck that favors her. A recurring trait is her love for cute things, which reflects in her choices within the game.
Abilities / Powers
Maple’s primary ability is her massively enhanced defense, allowing her to withstand almost any attack thrown at her. This defensive nature leads to several unique skills, including:
- Defense Maxing: Her approach of investing all skill points into defense makes her nearly invulnerable.
- Rare Item Acquisition: Displays an extraordinary luck stat that allows her to find rare items and complete hidden quests easily, like the Loving Sacrifice quest.
- Transformation Skills: Gains unique appearances and abilities, such as her second form, which enhances her combat prowess and provides versatility.
Despite being highly defensive, her underestimation in offensive capabilities can sometimes limit her effectiveness in one-on-one combat situations.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Throughout the series, Maple undergoes significant character development. Key arcs include:
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The Early Game: Maple’s introduction to NewWorld Online showcases her unconventional strategies and sets the tone for her growth as a player. She quickly garners recognition and infamy due to her unorthodox playstyle.
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The Dungeon Challenge: In this arc, Maple faces tough challenges that test her defensive capabilities and ingenuity, pushing her to utilize her skills creatively. This serves as a turning point for her understanding of teamwork and collaboration.
- Major Boss Fights: Facing formidable enemies forces Maple to adapt and develop new strategies. Her ability to overcome odds that arise from her defensive strategies, combined with her unique skills, leads to memorable confrontations within the game.
Notable Relationships
Maple forms several significant relationships that define her narrative:
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Sally: Her best friend and inseparable ally, Sally operates with a focus on speed and attack. Their contrasting playstyles create a dynamic balance, offering many comedic and heartfelt moments.
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NewWorld Online Players: Maple’s interactions with other players, including foes and allies, enrich her experience and lead to various memorable encounters. Her reputation grows, earning both admiration and concern from other players.
- Developers: Maple’s gameplay often leaves the game developers scrambling to adjust content due to her unanticipated success, emphasizing her role as both a protagonist and an overwhelmingly positive force in the game’s narrative.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One of Maple’s standout moments occurs during the Loving Sacrifice quest, where her unique ability to turn damage into strength illustrates her unconventional approach to challenges. Another memorable scene is when she pragmatically announces, "You can’t hurt me, I have too much defense!" during a high-stakes battle, perfectly encapsulating her playful yet powerful essence.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
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Popularity: Maple has garnered a strong fanbase, evidenced by her ranking as a favorite character among fans, with 1,766 member favorites.
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Voice Actors: The character is voiced by Miku Itou in the Japanese version. In the English dub, she is voiced by Tara Sands, bringing a lively charm to the character.
- Cultural References: Maple’s character design and gameplay strategies resonate with the growing trend in gaming where unconventional methods lead to unique outcomes, promoting a fun and exploratory spirit among gamers.
Overall, Maple stands as a refreshing protagonist who challenges norms within the gaming world, making her a beloved figure in the realm of anime and gaming culture. Her journey serves as a reminder to enjoy the game for what it is, whether in victory or defeat.
