The Joker is the main protagonist in the Persona series of role-playing video games developed by Atlus. As the player character, Joker can be named whatever the player chooses at the start of each game. However, in the canon Persona story and continuity, Joker has a set name that is referenced across the games.
Joker’s Canon Name
Across the Persona games, manga, and anime, the canon name for Joker is Ren Amamiya (天宮 蓮). This name was first established in the Persona 5 manga adaptation and later used again in the animated film Persona 5: The Animation.
In the original Persona 5 game released in 2016-2017, Joker’s name is not set and can be chosen by the player at the start. Many promotional materials and tie-in products simply referred to him as “Joker” or “The Phantom” without giving him a canon name. This allowed players to envision Joker with whatever name they selected.
However, for licensed adaptations like manga and anime that needed to establish a consistent canon, Ren Amamiya was chosen as the official name. The creators likely selected Ren to connect with the Japanese word for “lotus” (蓮 ren), matching his thief code name. Amamiya references rainshowers, tying to his water-based abilities.
Reasons for a Canon Name
There are several reasons the Persona developers eventually established a canon name for Joker in extended media:
- Allows for a consistent character depiction in manga, anime, films, etc.
- Avoids confusion by giving Joker a definitive identity
- Creates a shared experience for fans by uniting under one name
- Sets a name for potential future Persona titles and media
- Honors the character’s legacy and impact on the series
By designating Ren Amamiya as the true name, they created a canonical continuity that deepens Joker’s character beyond just a player avatar. Fans now associate all depictions of Joker across media with the name and backstory of Ren.
Joker’s Key Attributes
As the central protagonist, Joker has several defining traits and abilities that make him the leader of the Phantom Thieves:
Rebellious Spirit
Joker has a defiant, rebellious nature willing to challenge corrupt authority figures and society’s ills. This leads him to form the Phantom Thieves and change people’s hearts.
Charisma
He has a magnetic charisma that draws others to follow him and believe in his cause. This allows Joker to assemble an eclectic team of Phantom Thieves.
Cunning
Joker is extremely cunning, outsmarting shadow monsters and villains who underestimate him. His wit aids in navigating palaces and developing thief strategies.
Courage
While cool and collected, Joker is very courageous in the face of danger. He risks his life opposing monsters and corrupt officials through stealing their treasures.
Wild Card Ability
Joker possesses the Wild Card ability, allowing him to wield multiple Personas. This versatile power lets him adapt to any battle or challenge.
Signature Persona – Arsène
Joker’s initial Persona upon awakening in the Metaverse is Arsène. Named after the gentleman thief Arsène Lupin, it epitomizes Joker’s style and flare. Arsène appears as a top hat-wearing, winged figure in a red suit with a gentleman’s cane.
Arsène grants Joker access to curse skills and is particularly adept at critical hits and evasion. This Persona reflects Joker’s trickster heart as a phantom thief, specializing in powerful single-target attacks. While Joker can eventually wield many Personas, Arsène remains his signature and most iconic. It represents his inner rebellious nature and struggle against conformity.
Arsène Skills
- Eiha – Deals light curse damage to one foe
- Cleave – Deals light physical damage to one foe
- Dream Needle – Deals light psychic damage to one foe
- Giant Slice – Deals moderate physical damage to one foe
- Blade of Fury – Deals 5 to 8 times light physical damage to all foes
Arsène Summary
Overall, Arsène is the perfect initial Persona for the canon protagonist Joker. His gentleman thief aesthetic and rebel spirit meshes perfectly with Joker’s character. Arsène establishes the foundations of trickery, style, and defiance that define Joker’s journey through the Metaverse.
Joker in Super Smash Bros
Joker’s inclusion as a DLC fighter in Super Smash Bros Ultimate also canonized certain attributes and design choices for the character:
- His official character art depicts him with dark curly hair and gray eyes
- His default costume is his Metaverse thief outfit with long black coat
- He wields a gun and knife for his ranged and melee attacks
- All his special moves are based on different Personas like Arsène and Makarakarn
This prestigious crossover cemented core visual details and fighting style for Joker’s canon portrayal. His reveal trailer even opens with the words “Ren Amamiya…Code name: Joker”.
Conclusion
While players can customize their protagonist, the canonical name, backstory, and abilities for the Persona 5 hero remains Ren Amamiya. His visual design, signature Persona Arsène, and wildcard power have been standardized through extended media and spinoff appearances. Joker’s canon identity provides crucial continuity and characterization, transforming him from a blank slate to a fully-realized character within the broader Persona universe.