Arisu's Brother (Character) - Alice in Borderland

Introduction

Arisu’s Brother, though not a central character in the Netflix series Alice in Borderland, plays a significant role in the backstory and emotional journey of the main protagonist, Ryohei Arisu. The brother is mentioned sporadically throughout the series, primarily through Arisu’s reflections and interactions with other characters. This character serves as a benchmark against which Arisu measures himself, highlighting themes of family dynamics, self-worth, and the complexities of sibling relationships.

Arisu’s Brother is portrayed as the favored child in the family, often compared to Arisu by their father. This comparison fuels Arisu’s feelings of inadequacy and low self-confidence, driving much of his character development throughout the series. The brother’s presence, though largely off-screen, influences Arisu’s motivations and actions, connecting to broader themes of identity and family pressure that are common in literary and media narratives.

Role in the Series

Arisu’s Brother does not have a direct storyline within the series, as he is not a character who appears on screen. However, his influence is felt through Arisu’s narrative. Arisu frequently thinks about his brother and the expectations placed upon him by their father. This internal conflict is a key aspect of Arisu’s character, shaping his relationships with his friends and allies in the Borderland.

One of the significant mentions of Arisu’s Brother is when Arisu learns that his brother’s heart stopped for one minute, an event that seems to have no direct impact on the plot but underscores the emotional distance and complexity within their family dynamics ^[5].

Arisu’s interactions with other characters, such as Usagi and Chishiya, are also influenced by his feelings towards his brother. His desire to prove himself and find his own path in life is partly driven by the need to distinguish himself from his brother and gain his father’s approval.

Character Analysis

While Arisu’s Brother is not a fully fleshed-out character, his presence in the narrative allows for a deep dive into Arisu’s personality, motivations, and flaws. Arisu’s feelings of inadequacy and his need for validation are rooted in the comparisons made by his father. This dynamic makes Arisu a more relatable and complex character, as audiences can empathize with his struggles to find his place in the world.

Arisu’s Brother represents the idealized version of what their father wants Arisu to be, highlighting the tension between parental expectations and personal identity. This theme is common in many coming-of-age stories and adds depth to the series by exploring the psychological impacts of family pressure on an individual.

Themes and Symbolism

The character of Arisu’s Brother embodies several themes that are central to Alice in Borderland. One of the primary themes is the struggle with identity and self-worth. Arisu’s constant comparison to his brother symbolizes the broader societal pressure to conform to certain standards or expectations.

Another theme is the complexity of family relationships. The dynamic between Arisu and his brother, as well as their father, illustrates the often fraught and emotionally charged nature of family interactions. This theme is particularly relevant in the context of Japanese culture, where family expectations can be particularly stringent.

The symbolic absence of Arisu’s Brother also underscores the idea of the "other," the person against whom one measures themselves. This absence serves as a constant reminder to Arisu of his perceived shortcomings, driving his actions and decisions in the Borderland.

Cultural Impact

Although Arisu’s Brother is not a character with a significant screen presence, his impact on the narrative and Arisu’s character development has been noted by fans and critics. The character represents a common trope in Japanese media—the struggle of the older sibling to live up to parental expectations—and this resonance has contributed to the series’ cultural significance.

The portrayal of family dynamics in Alice in Borderland has been praised for its realism and depth, with Arisu’s Brother being a pivotal element in this narrative. Fans have discussed the psychological implications of such family pressures, making the character a subject of interest in fan communities and forums.

Critical Reception

Critics have appreciated the nuanced way in which Arisu’s Brother is integrated into the narrative, even though he is not a direct participant in the events of the series. The character’s influence on Arisu’s psyche and actions has been highlighted as a strong point of the series, adding layers to Arisu’s character that make him more relatable and human.

There has been some discussion about the lack of direct screen time for Arisu’s Brother, but overall, the consensus is that his presence is felt deeply through Arisu’s story, making the series more emotionally resonant.

Legacy

Arisu’s Brother, despite his absence from the screen, leaves a lasting impact on the narrative of Alice in Borderland. His character serves as a reminder of the enduring influence of family on an individual’s identity and self-worth. This theme is likely to continue resonating with audiences, making the series a staple in discussions about family dynamics and personal identity.

The character’s influence on Arisu’s journey also underscores the importance of exploring complex family relationships in media. This aspect of the series has inspired other works to delve deeper into the psychological and emotional impacts of family expectations, contributing to a richer and more nuanced portrayal of family life in contemporary media.