Analyzing Fiction Report

A. General Information

Title

: Fate/Zero
Volume 1: The Untold Story of the Fourth Holy Grail War

Type

: Light Novel (English Translated Version)

Writer

: Gen Urobuchi

Supervisor : Nasu Kinoko

Illustration : Takashi Takeuchi
Publisher

: Type-Moon

Translator

: Baka-Tsuki

Year

: 2010 First Edition

Page

: 319 pages

B. Story Overview

Fate/Zero tells the story about Holy Grail War (Heavens Feel) that is held
every sixty years. In this war, seven magus (a person who uses magic), along with
their Servant (heroic spirit), fight against each other. The winner of this war will
be granted any kind of wish by Holy Grail.

C. Genre
Fate/Zero is a novel that combines many genres. They are:
1.

Action
Fate/Zero features a physical action and violence. Story includes weapons

in this novel, the Servants weapons are called as Noble Phantasm.

2.

Fantasy
The story involves magic and supernatural elements.

3.

History
Fate/Zero contains many historical characters such as Arturia (King Arthur),

Gilgamesh, Diarmuid Ua Duibhne, Alexander the Great, Gilles de Rais, Sir

Lancelot, and Hassan-I Sabbah.

D. Theme
The main theme of Fate/Zero is tragedy. This novel tells its readers the
destruction of ideals and dreams. Each characters ideals and dreams are
destroyed by another.

E. Plot

Fate/Zero uses a progressive plot. Its story happens in chronological order,

from the past to the present. The plot of Fate/Zero is:
1.

Introduction
Kiritsugu finds his own reasons to participate in Holy Grail War, so he

summons a heroic spirit (Saber) as his servant.

2.

Initial Moment
Saber and Irisviel arrives at Fuyuki City, Japan, then she is invited by

Lancer to do a duel.
3.

Problem
Saber and Lancer fight, but they are interrupted by the coming of Rider,

Archer, and Berserker.

4.

Climax
Berserker and Lancer team up to defeat Saber.

5.

Resolution
Saber and Irisviel realize how dangerous the Holy Grail War is, yet they do

not give up.

F. Characters and Characterization

1.

Kiritsugu Emiya
Kiritsugu Emiya is the main protagonist in Fate/Zero. His character is

complex (round) and dynamic. He is Sabers Master and Irisviels husband. He

has strong idealsto make a peace in this world. However, even though he is a
protagonist, he is an anti-herosaving ton of people by killing a couple of other

people. He appears cold and stoic, yet on the inside, hes a loving father and
husband. He is very determined towards his ideal, even sacrifices her wife and
leaves his own daughter to reach his dreams.
2.

Irisviel von Einzbern

Irisviel is the main heroine of the story and Kiritsugus wife. She is not

human, but rather a homunculusa soulless human that is created as the vessel of
Holy Grail. She is a complex (round) and static character. She is friendly,
determined, kind, innocent, and childish. Even though she doesnt understand
Kiritsugus ideals, she still supports him; she is willing to sacrifice her own life
for her husbands ideals.
3.

Saber
Saber is Kiritsugus Servant. She is the heroic spirit of Arturia Pendragon

(King Arthur). She is a protagonist, and her character is complex (round) and
static. She is beautiful, graceful, kind, honourable, and very idealistic. Her wish is
that she wants the Great Britain to be lead by anyone else besides her.
4.

Kirei Kotomine
Kirei is Assassins Master and later becomes Archers master. He is the main

antagonist, and his character is complex (round) and dynamic. He is a strong

combatant and a sadistonly find pleasure in the suffering of others. He also is a
masochist. He has no wish in Holy Grail and he does not have a particular purpose
in his life.

In this novel, the characterization is done through some techniques:

1.

Characterization by the author

The author reveals directly the personality of the characters. For example,

on page 26, author reveals Kireis masochist personality.

2.

Characterization through dialogs

The author reveals the personality of the characters through what they say.

For example, on page 8-9, we can understand that Irisviel is very loyal and
devoted to her husband, no matter what will happen to her.

G. Approach
Fate/Zero is an emotive writing that is using a narrative approach. Besides
it, Fate/Zero provides some illustrations regarding to the story to help the readers
imagine the characters and settings.

H. Point of View
Based on expression of viewpoint, Fate/Zero uses a third person subjective/
multiple viewpoints. The author tells parts of the story from the point of view of
different characters in each scene. The author also reveals what the point of view
character is thinking and feeling.

I.

Style

1.

Word Choice (Diction)

a. Simple diction (the use of everyday words)
The example of simple diction usage in this novel is on page 181, on
the conversation between Irisviel and Saber.

b. Polysyllabic diction (the use of rare words)

The examples of polysyllabic diction usage in this novel are on page 91
and 94, on the summoning of Rider by Waver.

c.

Figurative language
1) simile, on page 186, Irisviel is compared to a caged bird.

2) metaphor, on page 286, Saber is metaphored as light.

3) personification, on page 206.

d.

Colloquial diction (informality expression)

The example of colloquial diction usage in this novel is on page 108,

when Rider said ah and yeah.

2.

Sentence Maneuvers
The author mainly uses long sentences. For example, on page 188, one

paragraph only consists of three long sentences.

3.

Dialogue
Fate/Zero is also using a lot of dialogue, for example, on page 18, a

conversation between Kirei, Risei, and Tokiomi.

J.

Setting

1.

Setting of Place:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.

2.

Einzbern Castle, German

Tokiomis villa in South Turin, Italy
Matou Residence
Clock Tower, the Magus Association headquarter, London
Einzberns Castle Ceremony Chamber
Tousaka Mansion in the Miyamachou District of Fuyuki
Shintou Area
Fuyuki City Port

Setting of Time:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

In the early holiday afternoon

In the morning
At midnight
At dusk
In winter