On Jowy and the Power of Redemption

 Those who are aware of Suikoden 2's plot need little introduction to Jowy, and little convincing that he is a charlatan of the highest degree. His "career" is marked by little that isn't deception or underhanded murder, and he ends up pointlessly dragging out a destructive war that ends with his kingdom being decisively defeated by a stronger opposing force, led by the hero himself.

Yet, strangely, I found the scene where he got redeemed and forgiven of all his sins oddly striking and appealing. So I decided to do a little soul searching and figure out exactly what about this scene impressed me so greatly.

The idea of anybody being capable of redemption is of course nothing new. Many religions have stories talking about how even the most vile of people were saved by, of course, turning a new leaf and enthusiastically adopting the tenets of the religion narrating the story. The idea presented in these is fairly straightforward, both in explanation and appeal - redemption gives even the worst people a second chance, and offers them a place in society, instead of harshly casting them out. Why punish those who could instead be harnessed for good?

Of course, this idea faces many limitations in practice. One could scarcely consider a corrupt CEO worthy of redemption, when they actively profit off the pains of a flawed, fractured society. Nor would it be wise to try to "redeem" someone who is deceitful, and would likely merely use the opportunity to escape due judgement instead of taking responsibility and improving themselves.

So, then, why does the story consider Jowy worthy of redemption? Why is it offered to him even after all his dastardly acts, his foul schemes, and his stubbornness in continuing Luca Blight's pointless and foul war?

I say it's because he undergoes penance for his foul deeds, willfully choosing to relinquish his position and wealth, before then trekking back to the spot of their pledged friendship, away from most of the world, to await judgement from the hero. Further, as he reveals through his dialogue, he had the seed of good intentions, but admits he was led astray and lost sight of his own actions. Thus, he actually shows much initiative on his own to turn a new leaf, and proves himself worthy in the grand "balance" of things.

I think that is the key to writing a good redeemable character - making them actively and sincerely take the initiative to right their wrongs, when they have the opportunity to do so. Jowy isn't a perfect example in this regard, with the game's writing sometimes bending itself too far to justify his actions, but his final act of penance and self effacement is convincing in its own right, and covers up many a failing indeed.