Exploring the Complexity of Ironwood's Character in RWBY: Paranoia, Trauma, and Writing Flaws
RWBY, the popular animated series known for its complex plot and dynamic characters, often raises questions about the decisions made by the writers. One such character that frequently elicits debate is Ironwood. While his character has been portrayed as an evil figure, underlying themes of paranoia, trauma, and inconsistency in his development offer a more nuanced understanding of who he is.
Paranoia and Trauma
The primary reason behind Ironwood's portrayal as an antagonist in RWBY is his struggle with paranoia and the devastating impact of the Fall of Beacon. The television series reveals that his excessive distrust and fear pervaded his decisions, leading to uncomfortable and morally questionable actions. For instance, in Volume 7, he faces significant emotional trauma due to losing a limb, which could have been the breaking point for any human. However, the writers chose to depict this as a loss of humanity, a decision that seems to be more about perpetuating a particular narrative rather than delving into deeper character exploration.
Writerly Flaws and Ableism
The filming of Volume 8 provides a glimpse into the writers' initial intention for Ironwood. In the Directors' commentary, Miles Luna mentioned that losing his humanity was a result of his fatal limbs, which is a deeply ableist approach. The loss of a limb should not be equated to a loss of humanity, as it is something that individuals like Yang Xiao Long also experience without being labeled as lacking in humanity. This perspective highlights the rather callous view presented by the writers in certain moments, showing a lack of understanding and empathy towards those with physical impairments.
Character Consistency and Bias
Ironwood's character writing appears to be inconsistent, especially in Volume 7 and 8. The writers seem to have made deliberate choices to portray him negatively, judging him for poor decisions and his lack of enjoyment in those consequences. In contrast, characters who made similar mistakes, like Team RWBY, are often treated as heroes. This biased portrayal can be seen in other examples as well, such as Ren being villainized for making rational points or Ozpin being viewed negatively for withholding information, even though he had no moral obligation to do so.
Psychoanalyzing Ironwood's Transformation
The transformation of Ironwood from a sympathetic character to a villain is largely rooted in his psychological state. The series presents Ironwood as a victim of his own paranoia and trauma, which led him to make several questionable decisions. However, the writing process for these volumes portrays him as a man who willingly and consciously chose a path of villainy, rather than a complex individual caught in a web of circumstances. This portrayal is a missed opportunity for the show to explore more profound themes of trust, human nature, and the consequences of fear.
Reassessing Character Flaws and Infallibility
The infallibility of the main characters in RWBY often leads to a skewed view of secondary characters like Ironwood. The writers could have explored deeper aspects of Ironwood, his motivations, and the reasons behind his actions. Instead, his fate was written based on fallible decisions, leading to a preconceived narrative rather than a nuanced exploration of character flaws. Understanding Ironwood as a character can provide valuable insights into themes of trust, the burden of leadership, and the complexities of human behavior.
The case of Ironwood illustrates the importance of diligent character development and avoiding writing flaws that stem from biases or a lack of empathy. RWBY could have better served its audience by portraying Ironwood as a character with depth and complexity, rather than reducing him to a one-dimensional villain. Future productions should aim to create well-rounded characters that reflect a broader spectrum of human experiences and emotions.
Keywords: Ironwood, RWBY, character development, trauma, writers' choices