Series & First Appearance
Beatrice is a character from the anime series Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World, which is based on a light novel series written by Tappei Nagatsuki and illustrated by Shinichirou Otsuka. She first appeared in Re:Zero’s first season, specifically in episode 5, titled “The Morning of Our Departure.” The series is produced by White Fox.
Profile at a Glance
Beatrice appears to be around 10-12 years old but is actually much older due to her magical nature. She serves as a mage with the role of a guardian for Roswaal L. Mathers’ library. Beatrice is notable for her unique ability to warp any room in the mansion into her library at will. While she often showcases cold and abrasive behavior—especially towards Subaru Natsuki—her protective instincts reveal a deeper, caring side.
Personality & Motivations
Beatrice is characterized by her bluntness and sarcastic demeanor, often referring to others with disdain. This cold exterior masks her strong moral compass; she cannot tolerate seeing others hurt or in distress, which drives her to protect those she cares for. Despite her occasional verbal jabs at Subaru, she finds a connection with him and becomes a crucial ally throughout the series. One of her quirks includes her penchant for saying "What a bother," often expressing annoyance, which also emphasizes her reluctance to engage with others emotionally.
Abilities / Powers
Beatrice possesses immense magical power, highlighted by her capability to manipulate space and time through her library, a place that serves as both a sanctuary and a battleground. Her signature ability is the "Abyssal Magic" she wields, which allows her to conjure powerful spells and barriers. Additionally, she can summon powerful entities known as "spirit arts."
A key limitation to her powers is her inability to leave the confines of the mansion permanently. Her role as a spirit—bound to the library—means that while she can use her spatial abilities to traverse the mansion freely, she has never experienced the outside world in many years. This limitation provides both personal and narrative stakes that further develop her character throughout the story.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Beatrice’s development significantly revolves around her interactions with Subaru and her gradual shift from a solitary figure to one who begins to value companionship. Initial appearances show her as a gatekeeper devoid of emotional depth; however, her character deepens as the narrative unfolds. In the Re:Zero storyline, especially during the "Return by Death" arcs, her relationships are tested, particularly when the safety of Subaru and other characters is at stake.
A critical juncture for Beatrice occurs during Subaru’s attempts to gather allies to confront existential threats, notably in "The Frozen Bond" arc, where her past and the intricacies of her relationship with Roswaal are revealed. Interactions with Roswaal further complicate her character, revealing her true motivations driven by love and loyalty.
Notable Relationships
The dynamic between Beatrice and Subaru forms the crux of her narrative arc. Initially, they have a tumultuous relationship, with Subaru often on the receiving end of her sarcasm. However, as Subaru faces challenges, Beatrice develops a level of trust and respect for him, solidifying their bond. This relationship provides depth to her otherwise solitary existence.
Beatrice also has a significant relationship with Roswaal L. Mathers, who not only employs her but also carries a profound connection to her past. This bond is complicated by Roswaal’s own motives, influencing her decisions and emotional state throughout the series.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One of the standout moments for Beatrice occurs in episode 18, "The Meaning of Courage," where she reveals her vulnerability while protecting Subaru from a grave threat. Her emotional investment in Subaru’s safety is both poignant and a pivotal development in her character arc, showcasing her transition from aloofness to a genuine protector.
She is also known for her catchphrase, "What a bother!" which encapsulates her often reluctant yet ultimately caring nature. This phrase has become iconic among fans and serves to highlight her internal conflict between her desire for isolation and the genuine connections she forms.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Beatrice is voiced by the popular seiyuu Rie Takahashi in Japanese, known for her work in KonoSuba and Dr. Stone. In English, she is voiced by the talented Kayli Mills. The character’s popularity is significant; as of the latest data, she has garnered 3,790 member favorites, reflecting her esteem among fans.
In terms of design, Beatrice showcases a distinctive look with her long, silvery hair and a signature blue and white dress, accentuated by her round glasses and a ribbon-like headpiece. This aesthetic, paired with her enigmatic personality, contributes to her memorable presence in the series.
Beatrice’s character is often discussed in the context of themes such as isolation versus connection, showcasing her role not just as a guardian but also as a complex figure navigating her own loneliness while forming bonds that defy her bound existence.
