Matt Engarde is a prominent figure in the Ace Attorney series, appearing as a central character in the case known as Farewell, My Turnabout. He is a young actor who gained fame for playing the title role in the television show The Nickel Samurai, a spin-off of the popular Steel Samurai franchise. His public persona is that of a friendly, somewhat scatterbrained celebrity, described as being refreshing like a spring breeze, and he enjoys a large fan following. However, this affable exterior conceals a deeply manipulative and self-serving nature.

Engarde’s background includes a longstanding rivalry with fellow actor Juan Corrida. The two competed for popularity and roles, with Engarde consistently coming out ahead. Engarde was also once in a relationship with Celeste Inpax, the former manager of Adrian Andrews. He ended that relationship abruptly and later used his past connection to pressure Corrida into calling off his wedding to Inpax, a move that ultimately drove her to suicide. This event set off a chain of revenge and desperation: Corrida planned to publicly expose Engarde’s role in Inpax’s death, which threatened to destroy Engarde’s carefully crafted image.

Motivated entirely by a desire to protect his reputation and career, Engarde hired the professional assassin Shelly de Killer to murder Juan Corrida. He did not carry out the killing himself but orchestrated the hit and secretly recorded the assassination to use as blackmail against de Killer, ensuring the assassin would remain loyal. When Corrida was found dead, Engarde became the prime suspect. He then manipulated the situation further by having de Killer kidnap Maya Fey, the assistant of defense attorney Phoenix Wright, to force Wright to secure an acquittal.

During the trial, Engarde presents himself as innocent and helpless, even passing a Psyche-Lock test, which in the Ace Attorney universe indicates the absence of hidden secrets. He plays the role of a naive client so convincingly that Wright initially believes in his innocence. However, as the investigation uncovers the truth, Engarde’s mask slips. When confronted privately, he reveals his true personality: cold, calculating, and devoid of empathy. He openly admits to hiring de Killer and expresses no remorse for any of the harm he has caused, including Celeste Inpax’s suicide and the emotional turmoil of Adrian Andrews. He treats people as tools to be used and discarded, and he takes pleasure in the power he holds over Wright by holding Maya hostage.

In the story, Engarde serves as a unique antagonist because he is Phoenix Wright’s first truly guilty client. His role forces the protagonist to grapple with a moral dilemma: either secure an acquittal for a murderer and allow an innocent person to be convicted, or prove Engarde guilty and risk Maya’s life. This makes him a pivotal character who challenges the series’ usual narrative of defending the wrongly accused.

Key relationships define Engarde’s arc. His rivalry with Juan Corrida is the catalyst for the murder. His former romantic relationship with Celeste Inpax led to her death, and his callous treatment of her continues to affect Adrian Andrews, who becomes a red herring in the case. His business relationship with Shelly de Killer is built on mutual exploitation, but Engarde’s betrayal through recording the assassination ultimately turns the assassin against him. With Phoenix Wright, Engarde initially plays the part of a grateful client, but later taunts Wright with the knowledge that he is trapped into defending a guilty man.

Engarde’s development is largely internal over the course of the case. He begins as a seemingly innocent, likable celebrity and gradually reveals himself to be a sociopathic master manipulator. His ultimate downfall comes when de Killer discovers the betrayal and breaks their contract, leaving Engarde vulnerable. In the final moments, Engarde’s composure shatters: he panics and confesses in open court, begging to be found guilty because prison is safer than facing the assassin’s wrath. His earlier arrogance vanishes, exposing his cowardice.

Notable abilities include his exceptional talent for acting and deception. He can maintain a convincing innocent facade even under legal scrutiny and is able to pass Psyche-Lock tests, indicating a lack of conscious guilt or a deep commitment to his own lies. He is also resourceful and strategic, planning the murder in a way that initially points away from himself, and he shows a capacity for long-term manipulation, as seen in his handling of the rivals and the assassin. However, his overconfidence and willingness to betray those who help him ultimately lead to his unmasking. Engarde’s character serves as a stark reminder that justice is not always straightforward, and that even the most charming individuals can harbor ruthless intentions.