LogFAQs > #929021564

26. Makoto Nijima (Persona 5)
Nominated by MoonRunes
"I may be a phantom thief, but that's no excuse for me to start ignoring my presidential duties."


Hard on others but maybe harder on herself, Makoto Nijima feels compelled to excel no matter what. She knows she absolutely must do well in school to relieve her older sister of the burden of taking care of her. Despite being student council president, Makoto is highly unpopular for the perception that she doesnt do anything to actually help the students; in actuality, she feels powerless to do so. Joining the Phantom Thieves helps her develop a stronger sense of purpose and self-worth.

Makoto is very no-nonsense, almost robotic at times, though by the end of her journey with the Phantom Thieves, shes able to allow herself to have fun. Only a little though.

The idea of improving self-worth through friendship is a nice trope, and Makoto clearly benefits from being around a good support network. As this is a Persona game, friendship plays a huge role. But shes also able to find worth in her own actions, as a person, and thats perhaps a more worthwhile takeaway from the character: she becomes who she always wanted to be, on her own terms.