Persona is easily one of the most popular modern JRPG series around. The combination of the classic turn-based combat and dungeon exploration coupled with a heap of social simulation mechanics has been an instant hit all over the globe. Atlus have stumbled onto an absolute masterpiece with the release of this title, which has consistently wowed fans with each successive entry in the series. The stories and characters of the Persona series are one of the major reasons why this franchise is so beloved by its fanbase. The themes and intricacies of the plot are truly beautiful to behold and make up a huge part of what makes this series so special.
RELATED: Every Mainline Persona Game, Ranked
So, it was only a given that these passionate fans would spend a ton of time dissecting every character and plot point in the franchise, trying to figure out hidden links and obtuse connections to form a large number of fan theories. While most of these theories are purely conjecture, there are a large number of theories that seem equally mind-blowing yet plausible, given the evidence surrounding these claims. Here are 10 such fan theories that are bound to leave Persona fans reeling with the sheer weight of their implications.
10 The Characters Forget Marie In Persona 4, But Remember To Save Her In Persona 4 Golden
In Persona 4 Golden, it’s revealed that Marie is a figure from the TV World who is trying to figure out her real form and that not saving her from the Hollow Forest will lead to the entire cast forgetting about Marie’s existence.
Given this, it’s no wonder that most people think that Persona 4 is the timeline where the player never saves Marie, leading to them never even knowing about Marie’s existence for the entirety of the game.
9 Shido Is Futaba’s Father
Futaba is one of the best characters in Persona 5, and her childhood is pretty much on display for the player. However, one thing that is never revealed throughout the game is the identity of her father.
RELATED: Persona 5: 10 Best Confidants In The Game
By analyzing her blood type, along with various other pieces of hints present throughout the game, fans have stumbled upon the conclusion that Shido is Futaba’s biological father, which would be quite a twist indeed.
8 The Persona And Devil Survivor Games Are Linked
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor is a great series and another brilliant spin-off from Atlus. While these games might not be as popular as the Persona series, there’s no denying that any JRPG fan would have a great time playing this particular title.
In fact, there might be another reason as to why Persona fans should play Devil Survivor — there’s a hint which implies that both games happen in the same universe. This is mainly due to the fact that Yaldabaoth calls himself an administrator, which is a rather popular term in the Devil Survivor series. The fact that both series use the term Megami Ibunroku also adds to the evidence.
7 Only People With The Fool Arcana Can Handle The Power Of The Wild Card
Every protagonist with the means to use the Wild Card ability has had a Fool Arcana from the get-go. This is possibly because only people with this Arcana can even handle the power of the powerful Wild Card.
This is why characters such as Goko Akechi (Persona 4) and Sho Minazuki (Persona 4 Arena Ultimax) go insane after getting this ability, and also why Aigis turned from the Chariot Arcana to the Fool Arcana in Persona 3: The Answer after gaining the Wild Card ability.
6 Persona 5 Was Orchestrated By Elizabeth To Free Minato From The Great Seal
Elizabeth is one of the most legendary characters in the Persona series, and it’s quite possible that she was behind the events of Persona 5 so that the protagonist of Persona 3 could finally be freed from the Great Seal.
From goading Yaldabaoth to pretending to be Lavenza — fans have brought forth a ton of evidence to support this mad theory. The most convincing argument is that humanity needed a change of heart so that hatred wouldn’t fester and Erebus would stop reforming, allowing for the Great Seal to finally be eradicated as a result.
5 The TV World Actually Shows What People Are Most Afraid Of, Not Their True Selves
Everyone who ends up in the TV World has to bear the embarrassing images that stem from their own inner beliefs, which can prove to be quite a harrowing experience.
It’s possible that the TV World is just meant to broadcast this embarrassment for entertaining viewing, and doesn’t actually reflect a person’s inner self. After all, what Shadow would not want to make their counterpart squirm in the most uncomfortable manner possible?
4 The Entire Third Semester In Persona 5 Royal Is A Dream Sequence
One of the more outlandish theories being peddled around is that the third semester in Persona 5 Royal doesn’t exist, and is simply an extended dream sequence.
RELATED: Which Persona 5 Royal Character Are You Based On Your Zodiac Sign?
After all, the original story of Persona 5 was pretty self-contained as is, and adding a bunch of new plot points might seem like a tad too much … which is why this explanation does make sense, to an extent.
3 Goro Akechi Never Revealed His Real Persona
Goro Akechi has been motivated by the petty act of revenge for the longest time … but his Persona doesn’t reflect anything like that.
Sure, Loki might be one of the most infamous tricksters in Norse Mythology, but he never prioritized revenge to such a massive extent like Akechi did. So, it’s entirely possible that Akechi’s real Persona was never revealed to the player throughout the entire game.
2 Izanami Has Played Her Twisted Game Before The Events Of Persona 4
People feel that Izanami has played the TV World game before the events of Persona 4, and the names that people quote who had the ability to tackle this threat are quite eye-opening.
Master Daidara is one of the names who was part of the special few who could awaken a Persona. Another name that is brought up in this regard is Shiroku, the owner of the Shiroku store/pub. In fact, this lady is attributed as the person who had the Wild Card ability as well.
1 Tatsuya Sudou Is The Infamous Reaper
Tatsuya Sudou is one of the more infamous characters who initially appeared in Persona 2. However, what most people might not know about this character is his resemblance to the Reaper that appears in the games from Persona 3 onwards.
The clothes that the Reaper and Tatsuya wear are somewhat identical, and both characters are missing the same eye. Both these facts lead people to believe that Tatsuya Sudou and The Reaper are the same entity.