Series & First Appearance
Catarina Claes is a character from the anime and manga series My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! (Japanese: Hamefura), created by Sump, with illustrations by Nami Hidaka. The series first appeared in the Niconico Seiga platform in 2014 and was adapted into an anime by J.C. Staff, premiering on April 4, 2020.
Profile at a Glance
Catarina is an 8-year-old girl who is the only daughter of Duke Claes. In her new life, she plays the role of a villainess, often putting her at odds with the protagonist of the story, unlike her previous incarnation as an ordinary otaku. Her primary skills include Earth magic, focusing on tree climbing and her signature move, Charming Others.
Personality & Motivations
Catarina is characterized by her naive and pure-hearted nature, often coming off as dense, which leads her into various misunderstandings. Despite being positioned as the antagonist in her Otome game universe, her primary motivation is to avoid the disastrous endings that typically befall her character. Notably, she often engages in internal monologues depicted through five chibi versions of herself, each representing different aspects of her personality: Happy Catarina, Studious Catarina, Fearless Catarina, Spineless Catarina, and Chairman Catarina. This feature adds comedy and depth to her character.
Abilities / Powers
Catarina’s magical abilities center around Earth manipulation. She can summon plants and create barriers, but her powers initially display limitations due to her inexperience. Throughout the series, she learns to harness her magic more effectively, showcasing growth both in her abilities and her strategic thinking. Along with her magical prowess, Catarina’s sincere nature often allows her to charm those around her, disarming potential conflicts.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Catarina’s journey begins when she hits her head as a child, triggering her memories from her previous life. This event marks the start of her awareness that her life mirrors the plot of an Otome game. Throughout the series, she navigates various social situations and relationships to avoid potential doom flags associated with her character. Key arcs include her attempts to befriend her rivals instead of antagonizing them, showcasing her growth from a selfish villainess to a beloved friend. A standout moment occurs when she unintentionally cultivates friendships with characters she was meant to compete against, turning the narrative on its head.
Notable Relationships
Catarina has several significant relationships that define her character journey. Her friends include Maria Campbell, who she once viewed as a rival, and Geordo Stuart, the male lead, who harbors feelings for her despite her obliviousness. Another important relationship is with her family, particularly her parents, whose status as noble figures shapes much of her worldview. Catarina’s interactions often blur the lines of rivalry and friendship, contributing to the series’ themes of acceptance and understanding.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One memorable scene occurs in Episode 6, where Catarina accidentally sets off a series of misunderstandings while trying to help her friends survive the pitfalls of the game. A notable line that echoes her intentions is, "I just want to live a peaceful life!" This encapsulates her character’s struggle against her fateful destiny and resonates with fans who see the irony in her attempts to avoid conflict while often inadvertently drawing it in.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Catarina Claes has become a fan-favorite character, often appearing in popularity polls for best female character in anime. In Japan, she is voiced by the talented Maaya Uchida, while in the English version, she is brought to life by the actress Laila Berzins. The series has garnered attention not just for its humor and plot twists but also for its commentary on character tropes in the Otome genre. Additionally, Catarina’s design and personality have inspired a variety of fan art and merchandise, adding to her cultural significance within the anime community.
In conclusion, Catarina Claes stands out as a unique protagonist within the reverse harem genre, charming audiences with her antics and heartfelt endeavors to reshape her fate. Her journey from antagonist to beloved friend underscores the themes of personal growth and friendship in a landscape typically dominated by romantic conflicts.
