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Bullet Butlers - a character portrait: Selma Fortenmeyer


Clephas

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Selma Fortenmeyer

For various reasons, it isn't possible to tell the story of Bullet Butlers without telling the story of Selma Fortenmeyer, Rick's master. Selma is the true/central heroine of Bullet Butlers and the focus of most of the conflict in the VN, in the sense that she sparks most of the disasters and victories by her very existence and her position.

Her growth as a character is easily the most powerful and obvious in the story, and it really is an incredible degree of growth. To get a picture of it, you should know that at the beginning, she is the picture of the ennui and apathy-infected noble daughter. She knows nothing is expected of her, but she isn't allowed to flee from her position in life. Moreover, she is at a point in her life where she doesn't value her existence at all, save in that Rick and Valerie care so much for her.

However, as the story progresses and events force her to the forefront, she grows into her role with speed and alacrity, gradually overcoming the despair that has infected her and rising to the occasion. Playing this VN for a second time, I was struck even more by this progression - and this is just in the common route - from a worthless younger daughter to a strong-willed hero.

For those who played Ayakashibito, Selma is a significantly different barrel of fish... in reality, Rick's role is closer to Suzu's in their relationship, and it really does show. At the same time, both characters are a lot more mature than those two (Rick is twenty-four and an experienced gunslinger and butler, after all). As a result, there is a depth to their character dynamic that has a different quality than that of Soushichi and Suzu.

While Selma, of course, shows herself at her best in her own route, she does nonetheless grow into her role in the others, as well. She is easily the best heroine in this VN, but it is a mark of Propeller's own peculiar proclivities that none of the routes can be considered to be 'neglected' in relation to one another. Even though Selma's route is the 'true' one, the other two routes both have their own impact and power.

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