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A most enigmatic and confusing species for some, the bishonen is avital part of the vibrant video game environment. This guide, while only an overview, is intended to provide an easy jumping off point into the exciting world of bishonen.
General Features
Hair: Often long. Sometimes very long. Always perfectly coiffed. Bishonen hair is immune to tangles, despite a tendency to frequently flutter in the wind. May be worn in a braid, may have beads or feathers in. Is rarely brown, though there are exceptions; black, white, red, blond, blue & etc. are more common bishonen colourations.
Eyes: Often large and bright, unusually coloured, or described as especially "intense."
Facial Features: Most bishonen are incapable of growing facial hair and will remain perfectly clean shaven over long periods of time, with no apparent effort involved. There are exceptions to this rule, but they are extremely rare. Facial features are generally delicate, angular or soft and rounded. High cheekbones, pointed chins and perfect noses are common. Mouths are typically relatively small and narrow; may be distinguished from the female, or "bishojo," by a lack of cupid's bow lips.
Build: Bishonen come in three sizes: tiny, tall and slender, and "swimmer's build." Excessive musculature is basis for exclusion from "bishonen" category. Visible hip bones are a sure sign that you have discovered a bishonen. May be distinguished from females by a lack of cleavage. Under no circumstances do bishonen ever have body hair.
Clothes: Any or all of the following can be signs of a bishonen: trench coat, cape, fur, extraneous buckles, skin-tight clothing, boots reaching knee-high or better, missing articles of clothing (eg., shirt), exposed midriff, skirts. Bonus points for any outfit that would technically be obscene on a normal human being.
Interpersonal Relations: No matter what subcategory of bishonen one is dealing with the specimen is sure to leave a trail of strong impressions behind him. People may adore him, fear him, hate him or be inexplicably fascinated by him, but no one is indifferent to the bishonen, once having met him. Alpha bishonen are prone to gathering armies of loyal followers without particularly trying, often including several individuals who profess to dislike them intensely. Beta bishonen often have particularly ambiguous relationships with the Alpha Hero, or "Party Leader" bishonen, whereas women seem to feel comfortable choosing either loud adoration, quiet adoration, or overdone "dislike" masking adoration. Villains, frequently bishonen themselves, tend towards developing particular obsessions with the Alpha Hero bishonen. The Hero/Villain bishonen interaction is almost always extremely charged, as their Charisma Factors tend to clash in close proximity.
The bishonen species is a widely varied one, and there are several sub-categories available for ease of identification.
Tact Impaired Tough Guy:
The TITG is generally a quiet type, responding in single-syllable words, or not responding at all, when addressed directly. Attempts to draw the TITG into small talk will invariably be rebuffed. TITGs can be good at heart but are socially awkward, with a tendency to blurt out highly inappropriate and insulting statements when they do feel moved to speak at all. TITG bishonen often have some past trauma that makes them inclined to lash out at others when they feel they have begun "caring too much." On the other hand, sometimes they're just jerks. Examples of the TITG type: Squall Leonhart (Final Fantasy VIII), Ashley Riot (Vagrant Story).
Cool & Elegant:
The C & E bishonen is one of the most common types, and one of the easiest to spot. Very frequently sporting long, flowing hair and prone to dressing in extremely classy or otherwise distinctive clothing, the C & E bishonen is a striking figure. The C & E personality can vary from benevolent gentility to icy amoralism, but very rarely approaches anything resembling "friendly." Villains often fall into this category, occupying the colder end of the C & E personality spectrum. Other regulars in this category are the "disinterested advisor" and "mysterious gentleman of ambiguous alliances." C & E villains, however, are also prone to degrading to "Batshit Insane" types in later stages. Examples of the C & E type: Alucard Tepes (Castlevania: SotN), Sephiroth (Final Fantasy VII).
Batshit Insane:
The BI bishonen can run the gamut in appearance, from tiny firebrand to tall, willowy madman. Their reasons for being insane can also vary widely, but they are inevitably violent and obsessive in the extreme. The BI bishonen lacks footing in reality, and so can be one of the most flamboyant dressers of the species, and one of the most wildly outspoken. BI bishonen are frequently villains, but not always -- the Alpha Hero bishonen occasionally finds himself saddled with a BI who would otherwise run amok, and is better off in the party than left behind. BI bishonen have a tendency to insane laughter, nonsensical proclamations, indiscriminate violence and bizarrely sexual behaviour with sharp, bladed objects. This bishonen type is highly dangerous and unstable, and should be avoided at all costs; if confronted with a BI, however, do NOT run! This only encourages them. Speak slowly, and pray the Alpha Hero arrives in time to save you. Examples of the BI type: Kuja (Final Fantasy IX), Joachim Armster (Castlevania: LoI).
Jailbait:
The JB bishonen is the youngest of the lot, and specimens in this category can also be members of another category, depending on their personality. Most important in identification of the JB bishonen, however, is not only that they are young, but that they look it -- in fact, appearance is considerably more important than actual age. JBs are almost always short, with childish facial features and slender, waifish figures. JBs tend to make villains and BI bishonen want to slap them, simply because they tend to look especially cute when they're hurt and/or angry. When JBs go bad, it is more likely to be "tragic" than frightening. Examples of the JB type: Zidane Tribal (Final Fantasy IX), Jowy Atreides (Suikoden II).
The Pollyandy:
The PA, male versions of "the Pollyanna," are, as the name implies, eternal optimists. In the world of the PA bishonen it doesn't matter how grim things get, they know that good will prevail! There is considerable overlap between the PA category, the "Dumb as a Sack of Hammers" category and the "Genki!Genki!" category, but what makes the PA unique is his unfailing faith in the basic goodness of people. Villains are never, ever PAs. PAs are almost always Alpha Heroes, aka, "Party Leaders." PAs are prone to the very occasional bout of uncertainty, but it passes quickly with support from their many devoted friends -- everyone loves the PA, deep down, even the ones who find him incredibly annoying. The PA is generally on the young side, and is drawn to bright colours for his clothing. Examples of the PA type: Lloyd Irving (Tales of Symphonia), Stan Aileron (Tales of Destiny).
Dumb as a Sack of Hammers:
The DSoH is among the "manliest" of the bishonen, or at least that's what he'll tell you. Not the brightest of men by any stretch of imagination, the DSoH is always a peerless warrior and often an aristocrat of some sort. The DSoH is among the most talkative of the bishonen, always ready to say something stupid or offer an opinion that makes little or no sense. If not for his astounding martial skills, the DSoH would probably perish early in life due to his tendency to mouth off to villains at every opportunity. The DSoH tends to dress at the height of fashion, despite his protestations of masculinity, and always has the perfectly coiffed hair common to all bishonen. Examples of the DSoH type: Dante (Devil May Cry), Leon Belmont (Castlevania: LoI).
Poor Tragic Baby:
The PTB bishonen is another type that tends to be on the young and delicate side -- the better to look vulnerable, my dear. The life of the PTB bishonen has sucked, a lot, at least up until the point when he meets the Alpha Hero, and most often even well after that initial meeting. The PTB remains prone to mental trauma and unfortunate situations for the entirety of the adventure and is among the most likely to turn on the Alpha Hero, though always reluctantly and for tragic reasons. The PTB is sometimes an orphan, and very often has had to or has been willing to do humiliating or reprehensible things to protect his loved ones -- the PTB is also frequently manipulated or abused by his father or father figure. The PTB is also among the most likely of the Alpha Hero's party to die mid-game, though even death sometimes does not free the PTB from the problems of his life. Examples of the PTB type: Lion Magnus (Tales of Destiny), Billy Black (Xenogears).
Well Aged:
The WA bishonen is technically much too old to really be a "bishonen," but like fine wine he has only gotten better(-looking) with age. The WA bishonen not only tends to have children, but his children may or may not be old enough to be party members themselves (see: Keeping it in the Family). The WA bishonen is mostly fairly conservative in dress and in attitude, prone to dispensing practical advice and steering the younger party members in the right direction. The WA bishonen is rarely an Alpha Hero himself, preferring to take a supporting role; it may be the case that the WA bishonen has already been an Alpha Hero in his youth, and is ready to let someone else take the reins now. The motivations of the WA bishonen are often murky, and he is another likely betrayer of the Alpha Hero -- always for the Alpha Hero's own good, of course. WAs are seldom outright villains, having a family to protect and a vested interest in retiring comfortably at some point. Examples of the WA type: Citan Uzuki (Xenogears), Kratos Aurion (Tales of Symphonia).
Lady Killer:
The LK bishonen is another type who will be happy to inform you that he is most definitely A Man, thankyouverymuch. The LK likes to bless as many women as possible with the joy of his presence and is not easily deterred by anger or feigned indifference in his targets. In terms of appearance, the LK can vary from somewhat masculine to extremely pretty -- in the latter case there is often speculation that his womanising ways are overcompensation for some degree of insecurity, but few LKs have been willing to discuss this idea candidly. It is also entirely possible that any given LK simply is a horndog with no redeeming trauma behind his behaviour. Examples of the LK type: Irvine Kinneas (Final Fantasy VIII), Zelos Wilder (Tales of Symphonia).
Genki!Genki!:
The G!G! bishonen is comparable in many ways to a puppy: he has boundless enthusiasm for the smallest matters, and while he is easily hurt, he bounces back quickly. The G!G! type is often fully aware of the negative side of the world, but he refuses to let this knowledge get him down. The G!G! rarely tries to be particularly "manly," but is one of the types most likely to actually succeed at it, unconsciously. The G!G! usually likes bright colours for his clothing, and is often drawn to somewhat baggy clothes, comfort being a priority rather than style. Nonetheless, the G!G!, too, does have the standard perfect bishonen hair. A G!G! can be any age, being of such strong emotional stuff as to be able to maintain his upbeat attitude throughout his lifetime. Examples of the G!G! type: Zell Dincht (Final Fantasy VIII), Laguna Loire (Final Fantasy VIII).
The Irregulars:
The TI bishonen is not your average bishonen. Extremely easy to spot, he is the damaged, the strange or the outright freak of the bishonen world. TI bishonen are often missing limbs or eyes, which are either lightly covered up or replaced with outlandish protheses, depending on the needs and personality of the TI in question. TI bishonen may also be visibly inhuman, sporting fur, wings or claws. TI bishonen are uncommonly fond of piercings and body art, and tend to wear extremely eccentric clothing. TI bishonen can be bizarrely charismatic, and most often have quite beautiful features if one looks past the scars and missing bits. Mental instability and tragic pasts are almost a given for the TI bishonen -- they lost their limbs somehow, after all, or were persecuted for being born different. When the Villain is a TI, his motivations are often much deeper and more altruistic (if misguided) than one might initially think. Examples of the TI type: Sydney Losstarot (Vagrant Story), Edward Elric (Fullmetal Alchemist series).
Honourary Bishonen:
The HB is not technically pretty in any way, but is so beloved by bishonen watchers everywhere that he must be included in any decent guide to the bishonen species. He may have craggier features, he may have larger muscles, he may even have facial hair, but the HB always has the confident bearing and sharp fashion sense of the true bishonen. The HB is often older and is rarely an Alpha Hero or Villain, but he is frequently vital to the success of the party. Like the WA bishonen he is an advisor more often than not, but the HB tends more towards the gruff and businesslike in terms of personality. Examples of the HB type: Geddoe (Suikoden III), Auron (Final Fantasy X).
Paragon of Virtue:
The PV is an extremely rare type of bishonen, almost mythical. Always an Alpha Hero, the PV is brave, honest, generous and skilled. The PV will rescue anyone, from anywhere, throwing himself into peril for complete strangers at the drop of a hat. The PV is honourable to his enemies and kind to small children. The PV is seldom seen without his plate armour and his trusty sword. The PV usually works alone, though he finds friends and allies wherever he goes. A dashing adventurer, the PV's only flaw is that he is forever a wanderer, and leaves many a broken heart behind him when he leaves a given land, all unknowingly. Examples of the PV type: Adol Christin (Ys series).
Pretty But Useless:
Every Bard, ever. Little further explanation of this type is necessary: he may be identified by his harp, lute or flute, and is invariably found in the dregs of the Alpha Hero's party, unwanted, unused, but like a three-legged puppy, too pathetic to be left behind.
Keeping it in the Family:
Though it has already been established that bishonen tend to congregate together, drawn by the magnetism of the Alpha Hero or Alpha Villain, it is also of note that they frequently come in family pairs. Brother pairs and father/son pairs are most common, but one will find the occasional uncle/nephew combination as well. Brother pairs, especially twins or half-brothers, are frequently at odds with each other because of differing viewpoints or simple sibling rivalry. Father/son pairs are more curious, as often the son will not realise that he has encountered his long-lost father until some considerable time has passed. Those pairs that are not antagonistic are often especially close, even when both parties are not necessarily aware of their shared blood. Examples of this trend: Bartolomei Fatima & Sigurd Harcourt (Xenogears), Dante & Vergil (Devil May Cry).
I hope that this brief field guide has enabled you to begin to identify and understand this most fascinating and unusual of creatures, the bishonen.
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