Why Roy Mustang is one of the greatest characters ever written: The Virtues of a Soldier
Roy Mustang from the manga Fullmetal Alchemist and the two anime adaptations of the same name is one of the main protagonists, and second most popular character among fans. But have you wondered why that is? What makes him truly stand out from the huge cast of characters that are in the narrative?
As a State Alchemist of the Amestris' State Military, he holds the title of the "Flame Alchemist" and is the superior of the Elric brothers. Roy Mustang has incredible charm, discipline and an ambition to free his country from the Tyranny of King Bradley, the dictator.
Throughout the history of Amestris, the State Military has put down uprisings and annex surrounding hostile countries into its borders. As an Officer in the State Military, Roy has to work according to the highest standards. We have identified some of the factors of what truly makes Roy Mustang admirable by so many fans. He embodies the virtues of a Good Soldier, and of a Good Man.
While there are so many virtues a man may have, we looked at the US Military's list of Virtues what a good soldier embodies, and unsurprisingly, he embodies all of them. Spoilers ahead.
1. Duty
While there are so many virtues a man may have, we looked at the US Military's list of Virtues what a good soldier embodies, and unsurprisingly, he embodies all of them. Spoilers ahead.
1. Duty
"We State Alchemists are human artillery they roll out if nothing else works. And when the military calls, it’s our duty to respond, regardless of how grotesque the scenario. To serve, we have to distance ourselves from emotional attachments." | |||
—Episode 8: The Philosopher's Stone (2003 series)
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According to the US Army's website, doing your Duty means:
"Fulfill your obligations. Doing your duty means more than carrying out your assigned tasks. Duty means being able to accomplish tasks as part of a team... Our work entails building one assignment onto another. You fulfill your obligations as a part of your unit every time you resist the temptation to take “shortcuts” that might undermine the integrity of the final product."
Roy Mustang adheres to this, evident by the fact that he chose to serve his country (with a distinguished career record in the Ishval Civil War) and when he sees the danger his country has been in for the last 500 years, realizes that it is his duty to free it.
2. Personal Courage
According to the US Army, having Personal Courage means:
"Face fear, danger or adversity (physical or moral)... With physical courage, it is a matter of enduring physical duress and at times risking personal safety. Facing moral fear or adversity may be a long, slow process of continuing forward on the right path, especially if taking those actions is not popular with others. You can build your personal courage by daily standing up for and acting upon the things that you know are honorable."
3 . Integrity
Having integrity, according to the US Army means:
"Do what’s right, legally and morally. Integrity is a quality you develop by adhering to moral principles. It requires that you do and say nothing that deceives others. As your integrity grows, so does the trust others place in you. The more choices you make based on integrity, the more this highly prized value will affect your relationships with family and friends, and, finally, the fundamental acceptance of yourself."
No matter what happens, Roy always sticks to his principles and his code of conduct.
4. Respect
"Treat people as they should be treated. In the Soldier’s Code, we pledge to “treat others with dignity and respect while expecting others to do the same.” Respect is what allows us to appreciate the best in other people. Respect is trusting that all people have done their jobs and fulfilled their duty. And self-respect is a vital ingredient with the Army value of respect, which results from knowing you have put forth your best effort. The Army is one team and each of us has something to contribute."
No matter what happens, Roy always sticks to his principles and his code of conduct.
4. Respect
"Treat people as they should be treated. In the Soldier’s Code, we pledge to “treat others with dignity and respect while expecting others to do the same.” Respect is what allows us to appreciate the best in other people. Respect is trusting that all people have done their jobs and fulfilled their duty. And self-respect is a vital ingredient with the Army value of respect, which results from knowing you have put forth your best effort. The Army is one team and each of us has something to contribute."
5. Selfless Service
Selfless Service is one of the biggest factors that separates one from the rest, and the US Army defines it as:
"Put the welfare of the nation, the Army and your subordinates before your own. Selfless service is larger than just one person. In serving your country, you are doing your duty loyally without thought of recognition or gain. The basic building block of selfless service is the commitment of each team member to go a little further, endure a little longer, and look a little closer to see how he or she can add to the effort."
The best example of Roy Mustang showing his Selfless Service would be when he lost his eyesight at the end of the 2009 series, and when told that it could be restored, Roy declares that only after his subordinate and friend, ex Lieutenant Jean Havoc be healed of his motor disability that he himself will take the cure, knowing full well that the cure may not last two uses.
6. Honor
Having Honor, according to the US Army means:
"Live up to Army values. The nation’s highest military award is The Medal of Honor. This award goes to Soldiers who make honor a matter of daily living — Soldiers who develop the habit of being honorable, and solidify that habit with every value choice they make. Honor is a matter of carrying out, acting, and living the values of respect, duty, loyalty, selfless service, integrity and personal courage in everything you do."
Additional information on what exactly is honor and its evolution can be found at this article by The Art of Manliness.
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| Roy without his eyesight |
Selfless Service is one of the biggest factors that separates one from the rest, and the US Army defines it as:
"Put the welfare of the nation, the Army and your subordinates before your own. Selfless service is larger than just one person. In serving your country, you are doing your duty loyally without thought of recognition or gain. The basic building block of selfless service is the commitment of each team member to go a little further, endure a little longer, and look a little closer to see how he or she can add to the effort."
The best example of Roy Mustang showing his Selfless Service would be when he lost his eyesight at the end of the 2009 series, and when told that it could be restored, Roy declares that only after his subordinate and friend, ex Lieutenant Jean Havoc be healed of his motor disability that he himself will take the cure, knowing full well that the cure may not last two uses.
6. Honor
Having Honor, according to the US Army means:
Additional information on what exactly is honor and its evolution can be found at this article by The Art of Manliness.
7. Loyalty
The US Army defines Loyalty as:
"Bear true faith and allegiance... Bearing true faith and allegiance is a matter of believing in and devoting yourself to something or someone. A loyal Soldier is one who supports the leadership and stands up for fellow Soldiers. By wearing the uniform... you are expressing your loyalty. And by doing your share, you show your loyalty to your unit."
It is no secret Roy has firm loyalty to his country, his friends and to the woman he loves.
The most important thing to take away from this post would be the realization that Roy wasn't born with these virtues. These became a part of his personality after years of a lifestyle he went through. You too can have these virtues, and the best way to implement them into your life is to act as if you already have them, and you don't need to go and serve the military to have them. These can be cultivated just by your discipline and commitment. So, if you've ever wanted to be like Roy, now you know you can. Go ahead, be it.
Roy would be proud.
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It is no secret Roy has firm loyalty to his country, his friends and to the woman he loves.
The most important thing to take away from this post would be the realization that Roy wasn't born with these virtues. These became a part of his personality after years of a lifestyle he went through. You too can have these virtues, and the best way to implement them into your life is to act as if you already have them, and you don't need to go and serve the military to have them. These can be cultivated just by your discipline and commitment. So, if you've ever wanted to be like Roy, now you know you can. Go ahead, be it.
Roy would be proud.
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