Arsène

Arsene
Official artwork of Arsene from Persona 5.
Universe	Persona
Debut	Persona 5 (2016)
Smash Bros. appearances	Ultimate
Most recent non-Smash appearance	Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth (2018)
Console/platform of origin	PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4
Species	Persona
Gender	Male

Arsene (アルセーヌ, Arsene) is the initial Persona of Joker in Persona 5. The source of Joker's supernatural abilities, he represents the dark side of Joker's soul.

Origin

Arsene is the personification of the darker side of Joker's soul, expressing righteous indignation for his mistreatment and desiring retribution against those responsible. Personas exist within all people, but without the right catalyst, a person usually goes their whole life unable to learn about their existence. After Joker's friend Ryuji is nearly killed, Arsene is able to make contact with Joker and form a contract with him. From there, he grants Joker his supernatural abilities to combat malevolent forces.

Arsene is based off of the character Arsène Lupin from a series of novels written by Maurice Leblanc. He was known for targeting criminals or those who were much worse than himself, making him an anti-hero of sorts within his own stories.

In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Joker summoning Arsene.

Arsene plays a critical role in Joker's moveset, appearing when his Rebellion Gauge has been filled and upgrading Joker's special moves. When Joker uses Rebel's Guard with a full Rebellion Gauge, Arsene appears. Joker's normal attacks are enhanced with additional hits by Arsene, who is fully intangible to attacks while active. Arsene also has longer rolls when summoned.

Gallery

• Joker And Arsene.png

  Official Ultimate render of Joker and Arsene.

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  Arsene's appearance in Joker's character trailer.

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  Arsene attacking with Joker.

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  Arsene attacking with Joker.

Trivia

• In Joker's reveal trailer, Ryuji notes that Arsene is one of his weaker Personas and that Joker could use a much stronger one, referencing how Arsene, as the starting Persona, is often fused early on in the game, with Arsene even having a line prior to his fusion. Arsene appears to have either had Skill Cards added onto him in order to use Eigaon, Tetrakarn, and Makarakarn, or inherited them via Gallows or Fusion.

External links

• Article on the Megami Tensei Wiki