LogFAQs > #946908680

1. Delita Hyral
I don't know if anyone is even reading these write-ups but I've enjoyed writing them, they've helped me reflect on what I actually think of the game's various themes. The central ethos of the game is displayed in its entirety by Delita, the game simply would not work without him, and he's a wonderful case study for what the game is trying to say. I could see people argue him as a villain, misguided antagonist, anti-hero or straight up hero, but of course none of it is that simple. I'm sure someone could've written a thesis on this dude.

He's at his most straightforward in Chapter 1; a brash, kind commoner who is very empathetic to the plight of the suffering. He's not really respected by the nobles aside from Ramza- Balbanes likes him and got him into the knight academy but in talking about him he makes it clear Delita exists to serve Ramza. He viscerally feels the anger of the downtrodden, and without him I don't think Ramza would have turned from his family, at least not when he did. He is pretty hot-headed and lashes out at Ramza multiple times but still trusts him, I like that they aren't always friendly to each other.

It is after Teta's kidnapping and death and the whole Algus affair that it became clear he was going to be something special as a character. We don't really know his exact plan or leanings for a while after he shows up again, but it's clear he has a strong agenda and isn't some petty mercenary or out solely for revenge. He's two steps ahead of Ramza, but their interactions are always nice to watch. They never really lose their intimacy, and Delita opens up to him a little bit eventually, but generally keeps some distance- to keep himself focused on his plan or so he won't have to face Ramza's judgment? I don't know.

Much like Wiegraf, he is much more intelligent than those who seek to use him assume, and uses that to his advantage. He works his way up the ladder with some really cool tricks, betraying those around him without a bit of hesitation as he considers them to be awful oppressive people who deserve to be dealt with anyway, and never loses sight of his end goal.

It is interesting that Ovelia is the one he opens up to first, he clearly sees some of himself in her but despite her blood she was raised as a noble. I have refrained from quoting everybody in these write-ups because the dialogue in this game is so good all round, but his first scene with her in the church ruins is excellent. The last scene he shares with Ramza is also great, as well as opening up he shares part of his plan, presumably in an attempt to keep Ramza safe. He claims he would kill Ramza if he had to but honestly I don't know that he would, despite becoming colder as the game goes he keeps his soft spots for Ramza and Ovelia. Knowing that this is their final scene together now is pretty bittersweet. At least it's one positive relationship he has that doesn't turn to dust.

Delita the politician has early Wiegraf's ideals but Dycedarg's ends-justify-the-means approach to politics, and honestly it... works. He genuinely never falters from his idea of the greater good like so many of the others do, and the fact that he is aware of his using of people makes it so much more interesting. You can see him start to question what he is becoming, and he even challenges others to defy his logic, but nobody can. Maybe he is hoping somebody really does poke a hole in his ideas so he doesn't have to go down the road he does, or maybe he is just looking for reassurance.

I don't really have the eloquence to explain why I love Delita so much, part of it is his relationship with Ramza for sure and how the game doesn't get too cynical or naive- it's not saying that you need to become your enemy to get what you want, but neither is it explicitly judging him for getting his hands dirty. The primary thing Delita has over Ramza for me is an end to his arc. The epilogue scene, though abrupt, is really good. Delita faces external consequences for his actions and is forced to reckon with the man he's become, but it's not a didactic 'Look what a monster he is!' scene either. Delita's final musing about Ramza is perfect, it could be something that hangs over his head all day every day from then or it could be a passing thought before he returns to work. It is absolutely vital that the game lets Delita 'win' and rule peacefully, though without Ramza and Ovelia he has nobody to confide in so it can be assumed his days are lonely. I would love to see what happens next with him, but the best narratives leave you wanting more...

Ramza.... What did you get? I.........

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