The player hides his past Manhwa, the Korean equivalent of manga, has seen a surge in popularity globally in recent years. This has led to more complex storylines and characters in manhwa, including the prevalent “player” character archetype. One interesting development with player characters is authors hiding their pasts, adding mystery and depth to the story.
Why do players hide their pasts? Spoiler
There are a few common reasons why a manhwa’s player character might keep their history and background secret when first introduced:
Trauma and pain
Many player characters experienced a traumatic event in their past, whether abuse, loss, betrayal, or severe social rejection. Keeping this history private is a self-protective measure as they navigate new relationships.
Disassociation from the past
Some player characters want to “reinvent” themselves by starting fresh in a new environment. Hiding their past is a symbolic break from former identity and social circles.
Self-preservation
When a player’s background contains relationships or rivalries that could jeopardize their safety or social standing, obscuring past connections becomes a tactical decision. This creates intrigue and tension.
Discomfort with vulnerability
Players who hide their pasts may want to maintain an aloof, mysterious, untouchable image. Keeping others at arm’s length prevents emotional exposure.
How hidden pasts shape player characters – Spoiler
A concealed backstory dramatically impacts how player characters behave, form relationships, and evolve in manhwa:
Wary attitude
With past wounds and secrets at stake, players are reticent to open up and trust new acquaintances. This can limit meaningful bonds.
Defensive persona
The player’s facade exists to prevent others from glimpsing real vulnerability. But their defensive persona also prevents true intimacy and fulfillment.
Inner turmoil
Suppressed pain remains potent in the subconscious. Until the player confronts this, they are trapped by their own defense mechanisms, unable to heal.
Eventual revelation
Hidden pasts never stay buried forever. New relationships or threats tend to force the player’s revelations, driving major turning points.
Gradual change
With the truth uncovered, the player often evolves – from lone wolf to teamplayer, playboy to partner. But change requires them to relinquish secrecy-as-shield.
Why hidden pasts captivate readers
In manhwa, concealed backstories are powerful devices that enthral audiences:
Mystery
Readers are curious – what happened to make the player this way? Unraveling the past becomes a tantalizing puzzle.
Intrigue
Not knowing a key character’s full motives or connections heightens the story’s sense of intrigue and tension.
Contrast
A dark history lurking beneath a playful, carefree exterior provides fascinating contradiction and depth.
Catharsis
The eventual revelation, followed by the player overcoming past trauma, provides an emotionally satisfying payoff.
Relatability
Many people understand the desire to conceal emotional scars. The player’s vulnerability makes them relatable.
Conclusion – The player hides his past Manhwa
Manhwa creators utilize hidden pasts to add compelling dimensions to player characters. Concealing a dark or painful history creates mystery, heightens intrigue, allows contradictions to unfold, provides cathartic story arcs, and makes the character relatable. As readers, uncovering the player’s carefully guarded secrets offers insight into human nature – both the real and the deeply buried self.
