From Hatred to Understanding: Farnese's Journey in Berserk

By Matt Jones

I’ve found myself undergoing a shift in my creative journey. In my own works, I've realized I've left some characters hanging—some merely props to propel the story forward, others shadowing the main character. At the suggestion of a good friend, I've started revisiting my favorite manga to better grasp the authors' perspectives.

One that struck me profoundly is "Berserk," a dark fantasy manga by the late Kentaro Miura, set in the kingdom of Midland. It follows Guts, a tough, emotionally scarred lone swordsman on a quest against his former friend Griffith, amidst demons and civil wars (topics for another blog post). Today, I want to touch on Farnese's character development—from initial dislike to admiration.

Initially, Farnese grated on my nerves as the leader of the Holy Iron Chain Knights, a religious group persecuting perceived heretics with torture and death. She herself indulged in extreme behavior, from self-flagellation to unsettling dreams. Her fixation on Guts was ambiguous—judgment or attraction, it wasn't clear. But as the story progressed (spoiler-free), Farnese evolved remarkably. She joined forces with Guts, aided Casca, and grew into a valued team member, embarking on a journey of self-discovery and even mastering magic under Schierke's guidance.

Miura skillfully transformed my disdain for Farnese into empathy and eventual admiration. What resonated most was her journey of self-acceptance and redemption, as she confronted her past and embraced her newfound abilities. This transformation has inspired me to delve deeper into character development in my own work, integrating these profound lessons from both artistry and storytelling.