Series & First Appearance
Velvet Crowe is a central character from the anime series "Tales of Berseria," which is adapted from the video game of the same name developed by Bandai Namco Entertainment. She first appears in Chapter 1 of the game, which was released in Japan on August 18, 2016, and in North America and Europe on January 24, 2017. The game was developed by Bandai Namco Studios.
Profile at a Glance
Velvet Crowe is depicted as a young woman in her early twenties, making her approximately 19 years old at the start of the series. As the protagonist turned antihero, she seeks vengeance against her uncle, Artorius, for the murder of her younger brother, Laphicet. Velvet’s signature abilities include her transformation into a powerful daemon, utilizing a demonic claw as her primary weapon, and the unique ability to consume other daemons to increase her strength.
Personality & Motivations
Velvet is characterized by her intense rage, determination, and depth of emotion. Initially a kindhearted and protective older sister, her personality shifts dramatically after witnessing her brother’s gruesome sacrifice, leading her to embody vengeance and despair. She is fiercely independent and often struggles with her identity, grappling with rage and remorse. Velvet’s motivations are deeply rooted in her desire for revenge against Artorius to avenge Laphicet and confront her own choices. Her catchphrase, “I won’t let anyone take away what I love,” embodies her commitment to protecting those dear to her.
Abilities / Powers
Velvet’s primary abilities stem from her daemon transformation. As a daemon, she possesses enhanced strength, speed, and agility, allowing her to take on multiple enemies effectively. Her iconic demonic claw, a physical manifestation of her consumed rage, grants her devastating attacks capable of tearing through enemies and obstacles alike. Over the course of the series, her powers evolve, allowing her to absorb and utilize the essence of defeated daemons. However, her consuming vengeance also poses a risk; with each consumption, she risks losing her humanity and becoming consumed by the very hatred she seeks to extinguish.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Velvet’s story arc begins with the traumatic event of her brother’s sacrifice, which sets her on the path of revenge. Her imprisonment for three years shapes her into the “Lord of Calamity,” notorious for her atrocities as she burns cities and kills to reach her goal. Key points in her narrative include her conflicted feelings as she learns more about the world, daemonblight, and Laphicet’s sacrificial role. The turning point in her development occurs as she begins to build relationships with her allies, gradually accepting support and finding moments of joy amid her vengeful pursuits. Ultimately, her character culminates in a self-sacrificial act to seal the revival of the evil god, allowing humanity to reclaim free will and emotion.
Notable Relationships
- Laphicet: Her younger brother and initial motivation for vengeance; Laphicet’s tragic fate profoundly affects Velvet. After his death, she comes to learn more about him through a malakhim she names after him.
- Artorius: Her uncle and primary antagonist, whose betrayal leads Velvet down her dark path of revenge. Their complex family ties play a crucial role in her character conflict.
- Rokuro Rangetsu and Magilou: Allies who join Velvet on her journey and contribute to her growth and understanding of her choices as they face profound challenges together.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One memorable scene occurs when Velvet, driven by blind rage after Laphicet’s death, declares, “I will not stop until I see your blood,” solidifying her role as the Lord of Calamity. This declaration reflects her relentless pursuit of vengeance and defines her character throughout the series. Another notable moment is during her confrontation with Artorius, where her inner conflict between her original self and her daemon persona reaches its zenith, emphasizing the themes of loss and transformation.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
- Velvet Crowe is voiced by Toshiyuki Morikawa in the Japanese version and Courtney Lin in the English dub, both bringing different nuances to her character.
- In popularity polls among fans of "Tales of Berseria," Velvet consistently ranks as one of the most beloved and complex protagonists in the franchise.
- She is often referenced as a subversion of traditional hero tropes; her journey from a loving sister to a feared antihero reflects the moral complexities of her choices and sacrifices.
Velvet Crowe’s narrative is a powerful exploration of loss, revenge, and redemption, making her one of the most memorable characters in the Tales series and anime as a whole.
