TV-Series
Description
Dryden Fassa is a supporting character in The Vision of Escaflowne, known for his sharp intellect, sharp wit, and unconventional demeanor. He is the eldest son of the wealthy and influential Fassa merchant family of Asturia, and his father Meiden is a trusted advisor to the king. This noble background grants Dryden immense financial resources, but he embraces a far more bohemian and free-spirited lifestyle than his station might suggest. His appearance reflects this; he has long, wavy, unkempt dark brown hair tied back with a band and wears glasses. His attire is typically casual and rumpled, such as a long brown coat with a blue scarf, which contrasts sharply with the more formal dress of other nobles.
Dryden's personality is a blend of paradoxical traits. He is an intellectual with a deep passion for esoteric subjects like the lost continent of Atlantis and the ancient Guymelefs, which he admires for their craftsmanship rather than their military power. He is outgoing, social, and possesses a dry, sarcastic sense of humor that makes him one of the most laid-back characters in the series. He can come across as egotistical, cynical, and brash; his method of flirting, for instance, involves directly listing his own wealth, intelligence, and good looks. However, beneath this cocky exterior, Dryden is deeply selfless, generous, and romantic. He hates war and politics, identifying as a pacifist at heart, and his blunt honesty can sometimes be mistaken for rudeness.
Dryden’s primary motivation revolves around his genuine love for Millerna Aston, the headstrong princess of Astoria to whom he is betrothed. While he initially uses his charm and wealth to win her over, his actions reveal a deeper sincerity. His role in the story is crucial, as he provides material and intellectual support to the main characters. Most notably, when the Guymelef Escaflowne is critically damaged and its pilot Van Fanel is dying, Dryden sells his entire merchant airship convoy to the Ispano craftsmen to pay for the necessary repairs, an act that saves Van's life. He also uses his scholarly interests to help the group, deciphering the diary of Leon Schezar, which contains vital clues for finding Atlantis. His wealth and resources are consistently employed for the benefit of others, such as when he is first seen setting a captive mermaid free after purchasing her.
His key relationships are with Millerna, Allen Schezar, and Van. His dynamic with Millerna evolves from a boastful suitor to a more respectful partner; he ultimately allows her to leave their arranged marriage to pursue her love for Allen, promising to become worthy of her. With Allen, Dryden serves as a foil; Allen is serious and duty-bound, while Dryden is casual and irreverent, which frequently annoys Allen. He also acts as a pragmatic and generous ally to Van, providing the resources needed for the young king’s fight against the Zaibach Empire. Dryden is even willing to listen to and negotiate with Folken, Van’s estranged brother, after Folken defects from Zaibach.
Over the course of the story, Dryden undergoes subtle but meaningful development. He begins as a wealthy merchant who uses his fortune to get what he wants, but his actions become increasingly self-sacrificing. His decision to give up his fleet and later to release Millerna from their marriage demonstrates a shift from performative generosity to genuine, humble love. By the end of the series, he leaves Asturia to travel and better himself, returning his wedding ring to Millerna and stating his intent to earn her love rather than simply purchase it.
Dryden possesses several notable abilities. His greatest strength is his vast intellect and knowledge of history, ancient languages, and Guymelef engineering. He is an astute and successful merchant, having built a lucrative trading convoy from his family’s wealth, and he uses his business acumen to propose economic sanctions as a strategy against Zaibach. While not a warrior, he is shown risking his own safety to protect Millerna during an attack on their wedding day. More than anything, his ability to remain clear-headed, humorous, and selfless in the face of war and personal disappointment is his defining and most valuable trait.
Dryden's personality is a blend of paradoxical traits. He is an intellectual with a deep passion for esoteric subjects like the lost continent of Atlantis and the ancient Guymelefs, which he admires for their craftsmanship rather than their military power. He is outgoing, social, and possesses a dry, sarcastic sense of humor that makes him one of the most laid-back characters in the series. He can come across as egotistical, cynical, and brash; his method of flirting, for instance, involves directly listing his own wealth, intelligence, and good looks. However, beneath this cocky exterior, Dryden is deeply selfless, generous, and romantic. He hates war and politics, identifying as a pacifist at heart, and his blunt honesty can sometimes be mistaken for rudeness.
Dryden’s primary motivation revolves around his genuine love for Millerna Aston, the headstrong princess of Astoria to whom he is betrothed. While he initially uses his charm and wealth to win her over, his actions reveal a deeper sincerity. His role in the story is crucial, as he provides material and intellectual support to the main characters. Most notably, when the Guymelef Escaflowne is critically damaged and its pilot Van Fanel is dying, Dryden sells his entire merchant airship convoy to the Ispano craftsmen to pay for the necessary repairs, an act that saves Van's life. He also uses his scholarly interests to help the group, deciphering the diary of Leon Schezar, which contains vital clues for finding Atlantis. His wealth and resources are consistently employed for the benefit of others, such as when he is first seen setting a captive mermaid free after purchasing her.
His key relationships are with Millerna, Allen Schezar, and Van. His dynamic with Millerna evolves from a boastful suitor to a more respectful partner; he ultimately allows her to leave their arranged marriage to pursue her love for Allen, promising to become worthy of her. With Allen, Dryden serves as a foil; Allen is serious and duty-bound, while Dryden is casual and irreverent, which frequently annoys Allen. He also acts as a pragmatic and generous ally to Van, providing the resources needed for the young king’s fight against the Zaibach Empire. Dryden is even willing to listen to and negotiate with Folken, Van’s estranged brother, after Folken defects from Zaibach.
Over the course of the story, Dryden undergoes subtle but meaningful development. He begins as a wealthy merchant who uses his fortune to get what he wants, but his actions become increasingly self-sacrificing. His decision to give up his fleet and later to release Millerna from their marriage demonstrates a shift from performative generosity to genuine, humble love. By the end of the series, he leaves Asturia to travel and better himself, returning his wedding ring to Millerna and stating his intent to earn her love rather than simply purchase it.
Dryden possesses several notable abilities. His greatest strength is his vast intellect and knowledge of history, ancient languages, and Guymelef engineering. He is an astute and successful merchant, having built a lucrative trading convoy from his family’s wealth, and he uses his business acumen to propose economic sanctions as a strategy against Zaibach. While not a warrior, he is shown risking his own safety to protect Millerna during an attack on their wedding day. More than anything, his ability to remain clear-headed, humorous, and selfless in the face of war and personal disappointment is his defining and most valuable trait.