Two weeks ago, I wrote an article discussing my views on the female characters in One Piece that sparked an important discussion. While I stand by my critiques of the manga, I also feel compelled to return to the topic of women in the One Piece world, and refute a common misconception regarding the portrayal of women in the series. It’s been said by some that One Piece author Eiichiro Oda writes female characters as the same pretty, helpless and useless archetypes in order to prop up his male characters and provide an impetus to their heroics. Though I question aspects of the way women are written in this series, I find this assertion to be completely baseless. It is demonstrable that the female characters in One Piece are three-dimensional, capable, active, and therefore should not earn a label as “damsels in distress.”

I can see where this view may come from, as multiple arcs, including Arlong, Alabasta, and Water 7, center around the emotional distress of women. Even so, those are not grounds to dismiss these characters as weak or useless. I wouldn’t call them “damsels in distress” because they are always active rather than passive in the story. The best way to demonstrate this point is to examine each on a case-by-case basis:

Nami and Arlong

If Nami is really a damsel in distress, she would ask for Luffy’s help immediately after meeting him–or simply need rescuing from the start, but that’s not the case at all. Nami displays admirable determination and unwavering resolve throughout the Arlong arc. May I remind you that she worked herself raw for eight years to free her village? She does this alone, even pushing away those around her to keep them away from harm in a selfless display of fortitude. It’s only through her blood, sweat, and tears that her friends and family are safe. However, as it becomes clear, the burden she has shouldered is just too much for one person to carry. Her decision to accept help from her friends is perfectly in line with her character arc and in no way makes her seem weak.

Nefertari Vivi and The Baroque Works Saga

The same can be said of Nefertari Vivi, who deserves none of the hate she gets. Though she is a princess, she manages to infiltrate a criminal organization at the age of fourteen and keeps her identity a secret for years. When she is outed as royalty and her mentor is seemingly killed in front of her, she continues without hesitation. Despite the urgency of her plight, she’s willing to drop everything when Nami gets sick and take that detour to Drum Island. Through the entire Baroque Works Saga, she shows courage, compassion, and a willingness to teach and be taught. Even when things look hopeless for Alabasta, she screams out to her people, never giving up hope. Just like Nami, she goes through years of hardship for those she loves. And yet some characterize her as a mere prop that exists only to give Luffy an excuse to fight.

Nico Robin in Enies Lobby

Robin’s character is another that is commonly cited as an example of a helpless woman in danger. While the Enies Lobby Arc centers around rescuing her from CP9 and Spandam, she embroils herself in the situation at the start through an act of self-sacrifice. It is Nico Robin who takes her life into her own hands and surrenders herself to the World Government, a power that has haunted her throughout her life, in order to protect her friends and comrades. Once she realizes her will to live, she fights tooth-and-nail for her freedom, and having received it, is immediately at her friends’ side once more. This is not to say that Oda’s writing of her is free of fault. At her introduction, she is shown to be a ruthless killer and a competent agent of Baroque Works, scheming to meet her own ends. Despite this, her character has shown depth through conflicted morality and a twisted past, and she saves Luffy twice before joining the crew. Sadly, this enigmatic aspect of her character has been muted in favor of playing up her nurturing side. Still, considering her respectability, intelligence, and aura of calm strength, I see little value in the assertion that she is “helpless.”

The True Role of Women

It is true that there are more instances of women receiving help than just those three, but I can name counterpoints as well. For instance, several arcs revolve around aiding or rescuing male characters, including Roronoa Zoro in his first appearance in Shells Town, Portgas D. Ace in Impel Down and Marineford and Trafalgar Law in Dressrosa. These examples have not diminished the significance or role of these characters, and like Nami, Robin, and Vivi, each rose up and fought alongside their comrades when they were freed.

As a more general refutation, I can think of dozens of times women have played a central role in the story. Nami is a navigator and therefore indispensable to the crew. Women such as Robin are given great respect and held as more intellectual and sensible than their male peers. Camie saves Sanji from drowning during the Duval arc. In one of my favorite flashback, Queen Otohime fights for peace with the humans. Characters like Lola, Dr. Kureha and Kokoro are great help to the main characters in their respective stories. There are scores of female villains, pirates, and side characters who all have their own actions, motivations and stories being told. To say that all of them are mere “damsels-in-distress” would be taking a lot away from their roles in the story.

And while I’d rather base my arguments off of what has already happened in the series, I’d like to mention the huge role women are likely to play in the rest of the One Piece manga. Powerhouses like Big Mom are lining up to be great antagonists, with half of the Straw Hat crew going to face her. Vivi’s return appears imminent given the Reverie, and Shirahoshi (discovered in Fishman Island to be the ancient weapon “Poseidon”) may play an important role in that event as well. Wherever the story may go with her will likely involve Robin as well, as she is tied to the Ancient Weapons. Whatever the case, I feel we have a lot to look forward to from these ladies.

Even though I’ve written two articles on the women in One Piece, I’m sure there’s more that could be covered. I merely brushed upon my own opinions on the matter. I hope my thoughts have given readers food for thought and can open new avenues for this important discussion.

“Caroline’s Column” is a bi-weekly editorial feature posted every other Wednesday. You can also hear Caroline featured on the latest episode of The One Piece Podcast.