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Fyodor Dostoyevsky is the main villain of the BSD manga series. If we look deeper, Fyodor’s complex character and emotionally detached approaches make him lean more toward an anti-villain role.
warnings: childhood trauma, emotional neglect, psychological themes, nihilism, emotional detachment, psychological theories, attachment issues, gray morals, criminal behavior, fear of intimacy, @toastray has no official mentions in psychology.
Surprisingly, this isn’t a counter-argumentative analysis but rather my own.
READER DISCRETION ADVISED
— this may be a complex read
[TABLE OF CONTENTS]
01 | introduction
02 | basis
03 | loneliness
04 | interactions
05 | criminality
06 | behavior
07 | conclusion
08 | extra
[INTRODUCTION]
As many chapters have passed in the course of the BSD manga, we have never gotten a glimpse of Fyodor’s childhood. This can be for three main reasons:
• to maintain the mysterious character
• it’s too complex
• it would make the story longer
However, I have picked up several traits that could lead us to Fyodor’s potential childhood. This may lead to a complex read. It is essential for us to understand this character’s childhood to reflect on his current character.
Our childhood experiences affect our behaviour and personality into adulthood, even if we were not aware of the existence of this connection.
[BASIS]
Fyodor’s actions and mindset are widely misunderstood. Due to his dialogues, one may believe that he has a “superiority complex.”
However, if Fyodor lacked attention or validation in his childhood, it could contribute to a savior complex, where he feels compelled to “save” others or the world as a means of gaining significance or control. Without receiving the affection or support he needed, he might have developed a worldview that prioritized his intellect and strategies over emotional connections.
Moreover, children who experience emotional neglect often turn to their intellect as a coping mechanism. When their feelings are disregarded, they may find solace in academic achievements or intellectual pursuits, viewing these as the only avenues for validation and self-worth. This shift not only helps them develop a strong intellectual capacity but can also create an emotional disconnect.
This could also explain his tendency to use others as pawns; it’s a way to assert his agency and perhaps compensate for feelings of powerlessness from his early experiences. All which contributes to his Machiavellian behavior. It’s interesting to think about how his desire to create a world without “sinners” which could reflect a longing to reshape his own narrative—turning his pain and neglect into a twisted sense of purpose.
“People who have a messiah complex can have either good or bad intentions for trying to save others. They can get positive and negative outcomes from trying to save others (as can the people they try to help).”
— Medically Reviewed by Smitha Bhandari, MD on September 21, 2022 | Written by Kristen Fischer
His actions seem to suggest that he views himself as a necessary agent of change, even if it involves morally questionable means. His confidence in his intellect and abilities might be rooted in a background that emphasized those traits, potentially making him feel justified in his methods. Instead of being God, Fyodor is a fallen angel who is finding different methods to erase his sins and seek forgiveness.
[LONELINESS]
If you are familiar with Fyodor’s letter:
I have nothing to say.
There is no one who supported me anyway.
That’s why there is no word I have to say.
To anyone at all. Let alone words of celebration…
It is impossible. I am always alone.
And that is fine by me. Has been, and always will be.
Well… I felt a little less bored when I was playing chess with Dazai-kun.
But that’s it.
— Received as part of a Japan-only campaign for the manga’s tenth anniversary.
This letter adds a significant layer to Fyodor’s character. If he’s always felt alone and unsupported, it could explain his cold, calculating nature and his tendency to manipulate others.
1. Isolation and Self-Reliance: Feeling unsupported could lead him to become fiercely independent, relying only on himself for validation and strength. This self-reliance might manifest in his interactions with others, as he may not trust anyone enough to form genuine connections.
2. Manipulation as Control: If he has experienced abandonment or neglect, manipulating others could serve as a way to regain a sense of control. By using people as pawns, he ensures that he has the upper hand, preventing himself from being vulnerable to betrayal or hurt.
3. Nihilism v.s Hope: His belief in a world without sinners could stem from his own suffering. He may genuinely believe that by eliminating sin, he can create a better world, reflecting a twisted form of hope—one that contrasts with his nihilistic tendencies. This duality makes him a fascinating character.
4. Fear of Intimacy: His experiences of loneliness may have instilled a fear of forming deep emotional bonds. He might see relationships as inherently flawed and temporary, leading him to keep others at arm’s length, even if he craves connection.
5. Complex Morality: Fyodor’s past could contribute to a complex moral framework, where he believes his actions, no matter how destructive, are justified in pursuit of a greater good. This perspective could make him more relatable on some level, as he might see himself as a misunderstood savior rather than a villain. Exploring these themes can provide a deeper understanding of Fyodor’s motivations and the ways in which his childhood experiences shaped him into the character we see in Bungou Stray Dogs.
[INTERACTIONS]
From the section above, you might understand what I’m referring to: Dazai. We have witnessed multiple instances of their interactions throughout the manga in the recent chapters.
1. Value of Intellectual Discussion: Fyodor’s preference for intellectual discourse could be a response to his childhood experiences of isolation. If he lacked emotional support, he might have turned to the pursuit of knowledge as a way to validate himself and find meaning in his existence. Engaging in deep discussions could serve as both a coping mechanism and a way to connect with others on a level he feels comfortable with—intellectually rather than emotionally.
2. Struggle with Relationships: His childhood isolation likely influenced his difficulty in forming genuine relationships. As an INTJ, he may approach interpersonal interactions analytically, viewing them through the lens of strategy and manipulation rather than emotional connection. His past may lead him to believe that relationships are transactional and that emotional vulnerability is a weakness. Although I did not explicitly mention Dazai, you can see why Fyodor appreciated his company.
[CRIMINALITY]
“Adults who were low on conscientiousness in childhood are less likely to achieve scholastic and career success, to stay married or employed, and are more likely to endanger themselves and others by unhealthy, risky, or even criminal behaviors.”
— Ozer & Benet-Martínez, 2006; Roberts, Kuncel, Shiner, Caspi, & Goldberg, 2007
However, Fyodor’s high level of strategic thinking and planning suggests that he has developed strong conscientiousness over time. This might indicate that his early experiences motivated him to work diligently to avoid failure and ensure success, potentially driven by a fear of being alone or unsupported. Hence, this further contributes to his savior complex. In layman’s terms, children who do not receive the required attention, love, and support develop a “savior or messiah” complex (the quote above elaborates).
How attached children are to their parents governs whether they become well- adjusted adults. Secure attachments will help a child develop academically, socially and mentally and children with secure attachments are less likely to engage in criminality.
Avoidant attachment: children with this attachment will be uncomfortable with closeness. Into their adulthood they may find it difficult forming and keeping relationships.
This further elaborates Fyodor’s preferences for intellect over emotions. If he does, it’s for the means of manipulation. Which is what differs him from Dazai & What makes him a great antagonist.
[BEHAVIOR]
☆ I’ve noticed that Fyodor often has his hand on his chin in official arts: Another aspect of touching the chin is that doing so blocks an attack to the throat from the front. It may be an unconscious protective gesture in some circumstances when a person is feeling vulnerable. The need for this protection may spring from a perceived lack of trust, otherwise known as trust issues.
☆ Fyodor’s head had flowers sprouting from his skull in Season 4’s opening. In Christian art, the skull represents death and the temporary life, while the flower symbolizes the hope of resurrection and eternal life. These two symbolic elements represent the message of salvation and the victory of life over death.
☆ Fyodor’s clothing is intentionally layered and dark, symbolizing his complex relationship with vulnerability and control. While many characters in BSD dress modestly, Fyodor’s choice to cover his arms and body more extensively reflects a deeper desire to shield himself from emotional exposure. His tailored, structured outfits project an image of intellect and authority, aligning with his personality as an INTJ. This attire serves not just as a protective barrier but also as a statement of his philosophical stance, emphasizing a calculated detachment from the emotional chaos he perceives in others. The choices he makes in attire might speak to his historical context, where certain styles were indicative of status and intellect.
[CONCLUSION]
By the above facts observed, you can see how Fyodor’s character has been influenced by his past. As the story unfolds, I’m sure we will get more to analyze. What a pitiful character he truly is. Take care of your children unless you want them to turn out like Fyodor Dostoyevsky.
[EXTRA]
After reading chapter 119, I have noticed a “distaste” towards Fyodor and/or a preference towards Akutagawa (& Atsushi).
What do I have to say about chapter 119?
- As an INTJ, I resonate with Fyodor’s disgust of emotions. It’s a rather serious matter and then you bring emotions. There is a time & place for everything.
- Point to ponder: Fyodor sees Atsushi’s worth more than him. It’s noteworthy that Fyodor seems to value Atsushi’s worth more than his own, highlighting a complex dynamic in their relationship. This may suggest a deeper level of introspection and understanding of his own limitations.
- This further proved my stance on Fyodor’s character. I do not understand how people see him and/or Dazai as romantic partners. This perspective may require deeper introspection, as their interactions are fraught with philosophical and ideological conflicts rather than romantic undertones.
- What I genuinely think: The narrative is becoming rather childish. I wonder if we’re losing the complexity that made Fyodor such a fascinating character. Or this narrative is beating around the bush.
- I’ve noticed people say “I wish I was Atsushi!” because of Fyodor’s touching—No, you don’t. Touch is a way to form connection and gain trust (intimacy). Fyodor is very clearly manipulating Atsushi (didn’t expect any less).
- Much of what is depicted in this chapter (and potentially previous ones) could be an illusion. This theme of deception seems apparent and raises questions about the reliability of the narrative and character motivations.
- The motivations and reliability of the narrative may stem from the concept of “Minkowski space.” This spacetime can be viewed as a “battlefield” or an “arena” within the current timeline. It represents a space where all events in the universe occur. However, we need to specify a point in spacetime, which includes both a particular moment in time and a typical spatial orientation. Visualizing four dimensions is challenging, if not virtually impossible.
☆ Ame-no-Gozen's body exists in the fourth dimension which is time.That means that for it the past, present and future is one.