Series & First Appearance
Finnian, often referred to as Finny, is a character from the anime and manga series "Black Butler" (Japanese: "Kuroshitsuji"), created by Yana Toboso. He made his first appearance in Chapter 5 of the manga and Episode 6 of the anime, brought to life by A-1 Pictures in the animation adaptation.
Profile at a Glance
At 16 years old, Finnian serves as the gardener for the Phantomhive household. Although he possesses superhuman strength, he often comes across as clumsy and naïve, which leads to his garden mishaps. His innocent demeanor enables him to connect easily with others, particularly Sebastian, despite being teased for his lack of common sense.
Personality & Motivations
Finnian embodies a cheerful and carefree personality, maintaining a child-like innocence. He often smiles brightly, which masks his deeper issues stemming from his troubled past as a test subject in medical experiments aiming to enhance his strength. His motivations are rooted in a desire to experience freedom outside the confines of his past, demonstrated by his intention to create a garden in the shape of a giant robot—a reflection of his playful imagination. His romantic interest in Angela highlights his gullibility and a longing for affection, which is ultimately crushed when he witnesses her true, harsh nature.
Abilities / Powers
Finnian’s most notable ability is his superhuman strength, which he accidentally displays during various situations throughout the series. This strength is a result of the experiments he endured before joining the Phantomhive household. He struggles to control this power due to fear of causing harm or disrupting his work, opting instead to present himself as the oblivious character he is often perceived to be. While he isn’t naturally inclined toward combat, his strength could make him a formidable ally if fully unleashed.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Finnian’s primary arc revolves around his adjustment to life within the Phantomhive household and coming to terms with his past. Following his rescue from a life of experimentation, he finds peace working in the garden, which serves as his sanctuary. Key events that impact him include his evolving relationship with Sebastian, who sees potential in him but also instills a sense of realism and responsibility. Finnian’s childish optimism is put to the test during tense moments, which contributes to his growth and understanding of his own strength and capabilities.
Notable Relationships
- Ciel Phantomhive: Finnian holds deep respect and loyalty towards Ciel, seeing him as a liberator from his past. Ciel’s acceptance and lack of cruelty stand in stark contrast to his past experiences.
- Sebastian Michaelis: Although Finnian is often teased and dismissed as an idiot by Sebastian, there exists an underlying bond as Sebastian acknowledges his unique strengths.
- Angela: Finnian harbors feelings for Angela, initially drawn by her kindness and beauty, only to be disillusioned by her harsh demeanor and true nature later in the story.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One memorable moment is when Finnian tries to prune the garden, leading to accidental chaos (Episode 7), which perfectly captures his clumsiness and optimistic spirit. His innocent proclamations, such as his desire to transform the garden into a robot, illustrate both his naiveté and imaginative nature. These moments resonate with fans, underlining his importance as a light-hearted character amid darker themes.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Finnian has garnered a devoted fanbase, reflected in his popularity poll ranking of 519 member favorites. He is voiced by Nobuhiko Okamoto in the Japanese version and by Michael Sinterniklaas in the English dub, both of whom bring his quirky personality to life. As a character, Finny represents themes of freedom, innocence, and the impact of one’s past on their present—elements that resonate strongly with fans of the series. His design emphasizes his child-like quality, featuring bright colors and lovable traits that endear him to the audience.
In summary, Finnian is not merely a comic relief character but a complex individual who embodies innocence, longing for freedom, and the journey towards self-discovery amidst chaos. His relationships and growth within the story enrich the overall narrative, making him an integral part of "Black Butler."
