The Samurai: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Samurai: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the intricate lives of various figures within the samurai class, set against the backdrop of feudal Japan and its interactions with foreign powers. Central to the analysis is Rokuemon Hasekura, a rural samurai whose simplicity and unwavering loyalty to his superiors position him as both a pawn and a hero in national politics. His character reflects the complexities of feudal loyalty and the personal sacrifices often made by samurai.
Other notable figures include Lord Ishida, a dignified nobleman who embodies the political machinations of the era, and Masamune Date, the powerful daimy overseeing the region. The narrative also delves into the character of Padre Vrais Luis Velasco, a Spanish priest whose ambitious and manipulative nature complicates the samurai's mission to Nueva España. Additional characters such as Yoz, Hasekura's devoted servant, and the young, curious Nishi Kysuke showcase the diverse perspectives within the samurai ranks. Embedded in themes of loyalty, ambition, and religious transformation, this character analysis highlights the nuanced interplay of honor and deception in the lives of these warriors.
The Samurai: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Shsaku End
First published: Samurai, 1980 (English translation, 1982)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Japan, New Spain, Spain, and Italy
Plot: Historical realism
Time: 1612–1624
Rokuemon Hasekura (roh-KEW-eh-mon), a rural samurai (military knight) with the rank of lance-corporal ( yari-goch) in His Lordship's gun corps. He is the master of the family fief in the marshland of northeastern Japan, a feudal vassal of the most powerful daimy (feudal nobleman) of the region. A short, well-built man in his early thirties, he has sunken eyes, high cheekbones, a flat nose, and long black hair tied up with white ribbon. Unprepossessing in appearance, he seems more a peasant than a samurai. Although he is a man of feeling, he never allows his face to register his emotions. Politically naïve, he is a simple man of few words and trusts his feudal superiors implicitly, granting them unquestioning obedience. Appointed by His Lordship to serve as an envoy to the Spanish Viceroy of Nueva España (New Spain, modern Mexico), he functions as a heroic but gullible scapegoat, or “holy fool,” in the game of national politics. A confirmed Buddhist, he becomes an insincere Christian.
Lord Ishida, Hasekura's immediate feudal superior and patron, a plump, dignified nobleman given to smiling.
His Lordship, Masamune Date (DAH-teh), the daimy ruling the region in which Ishida and Hasekura live.
Padre Vrais Luis Velasco (VRAH-ees lew-EES vehLAHS-koh), a Spanish Catholic priest from Seville and provincial of the Franciscan order of missionaries at Edo (modern Tokyo). He is also an interpreter for and an adviser to the Japanese government. Ambitious (he wants to be bishop of Japan), vainglorious, arrogant, condescending, scheming, deceitful, and basically unprincipled, he is a religious fanatic who is ruled by an intense passion, one that is often lustful. He rules and manipulates—by concealment and deceit—the four samurai envoys on their mission to Nueva España.
The Naifu, a Chinese title assumed by Ieyasu Tokugawa (eeih-YAH-sew toh-kew-GAH-wah), the first Tokugawa shgun, after naming his third son, Hidetada (hee-dehTAH-dah), the second shgun, thus remaining the real ruler of Japan.
Lord Shiraishi, the houseman of His Lordship.
Yoz, Hasekura's faithful servant and companion, several years older than he, who becomes a sincere Christian convert.
Nishi Kysuke, the youngest samurai among the four envoys. Boyish, high-spirited, and unreserved, he is curious about anything “new” and eager to learn about it.
Tanaka Tarozaemon, the oldest of the envoys. His body is plump. Stubborn and inclined to anger when frustrated, he seeks always to maintain the dignity appropriate for a samurai.
Matsuke Chsaku, a pale, gloomy samurai of slender build and grave and thoughtful expression. He is of quick intelligence and acute perception, with political savvy, but is always skeptical and cynical. He is contemptuous of his role as an envoy and returns to Japan rather than journeying to Europe with the others.
The man in Tecali, a Japanese Christian convert and former monk. Disenchanted with Catholic clerics and the church, he lives among the Indians in Nueva España and follows a Jesus of his own making.