Series & First Appearance
Squealer is a character from "Shinsekai Yori" (also known as "From the New World"), a 2012 anime series adapted from the novel written by Yusuke Kishi. The series was produced by A-1 Pictures and first aired in October 2012. Squealer makes his debut in Episode 4, where he introduces himself as a significant character within the narrative’s sociopolitical complexity.
Profile at a Glance
Squealer appears to be in his late teens to early twenties, serving primarily as an antagonist within the series. He is the leader of a faction of queerats who strive for freedom and equality while opposing the human monarchy. Squealer is not only a master manipulator but also utilizes the unique abilities of the queerats, including their vast numbers and organizational skills.
Personality & Motivations
Squealer is characterized by his articulate and persuasive nature, embodying passion for freedom and equality. He believes in revolution against the oppressive monarchy of queerat society and envisions a world where humans and queerats coexist as equals. Notably, Squealer has a complex moral compass; while he fights for the rights of his kin, his extreme methods, including betrayal and murder, reveal a more ruthless side. He strives to fulfill his ideological aspirations even at a personal cost, using trickery and deception to achieve his goals.
He often expresses his ideals through eloquent speeches reminiscent of a revolutionary leader, reflecting his conviction that violence may be a necessary path for societal change.
Abilities / Powers
Squealer possesses exceptional intelligence, strategic acumen, and persuasive skills, enabling him to manipulate both queerats and humans effectively. He commands a large army of queerats, making him a significant military threat in the series. Squealer’s notable ability is his mastery of the complex social dynamics within the queerat colonies, allowing him to rally like-minded individuals around his cause for equality.
One of his overarching goals includes obtaining a human child, as he believes that such a child would inherit the ability to use "cantus," a psychic power crucial for revolutionizing their society. While he lacks physical fighting prowess, Squealer compensates with his tactical prowess and adeptness at espionage.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Squealer’s major arcs revolve around his quest for liberation from human dominance and his unjustifiable betrayal of Maria and Mamoru—two characters he initially shelters. After assisting Saki and her friends in escaping the wild queerats, Squealer reveals his ultimate goal of acquiring their child for his revolutionary plans.
His character reaches a pivotal moment when he has Maria and Mamoru killed to eliminate any threats to his scheme. Following their deaths, Squealer raises the child to fulfill his vision of supremacy over the human race. His character undergoes a significant transformation from a mere ally to a formidable antagonist as he orchestrates plans to initiate a war against humans, climaxing in an extensive conflict involving his army of queerats.
Notable Relationships
Squealer’s relationships significantly shape his character. His primary allies include other queerats rallying for equality, showcasing his ability to unify individuals under his revolutionary banner. However, his most notable and tragic relationships are with Maria and Mamoru; initially viewed as allies, they quickly become victims of Squealer’s ruthless ambition.
Saki Watanabe, the protagonist, initially sees him as a helper but later recognizes him as a dangerous adversary, showcasing the internal conflict he represents within the series. Through these dynamics, Squealer’s character explores themes of betrayal, manipulation, and the sacrifices made in quest for change.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One of Squealer’s most memorable scenes occurs in Episode 4 when he first demonstrates the weight of his convictions by defending his beliefs in freedom for both human and queerats. His declaration, “What we seek is freedom—a life free from tyranny!” resonates with both his allies and adversaries, encapsulating his revolutionary fervor.
Another pivotal moment is when he orchestrates the betrayal of Maria and Mamoru, displaying his willingness to achieve his goals at any cost. These actions demonstrate Squealer’s complex nature—someone who is driven yet morally ambiguous, leaving fans grappling with the consequences of his choices.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
- Squealer is voiced by Japanese actor Kenichirou Matsuda in the original anime and has garnered appreciation for his nuanced performance, enhancing Squealer’s manipulative aura.
- In the English dub, he is voiced by Kyle McCarley, bringing an additional layer of depth to the character’s villainy.
- The series itself challenges societal norms through its exploration of class struggle and the search for identity, heavily represented through Squealer’s character arc.
- Squealer’s ideology draws parallels to historical revolutionary figures, contributing to the narrative’s rich philosophical tapestry.
Squealer’s blend of charisma, ambition, and moral ambiguity renders him one of the more complex characters in "Shinsekai Yori." The exploration of his revolutionary ideals against the backdrop of a dystopian society provides fans with a compelling look into the costs of seeking justice and equality.
