Persona is a beloved JRPG franchise. Known most notably for the characters and social links, it is often paired with strong writing and good gameplay. With every persona and with every character that the player meets, it is always linked with an arcana. These arcanas not only give out a distinct ability for the player to use, but it also gives some idea on what the character’s personality is.
It is important to understand what exactly the arcana are and what types of personalities are involved with them. Some are good and some are bad. As such, here is every single arcana explained properly.
29 Fool
Starting this list off is the arcana most protagonists of the Persona series is known for. The Fool are jacks of all trades and represents innocence and freedom.
Good examples of Fool arcanas are the protagonists of Persona 3-5. Strong characters who are able to affect the bonds of other people.
28 Jester/Hunger
One of the few cards that don’t appear within a standard tarot deck, the Jester is similar to the fool in that it represents innocence. However, they aren’t as open with people like the fool. Once maxed out, it becomes the Hunger arcana which represents an abuse of power and insatiable lust of being consumed by it. The only one that has it is Tohru Adachi.
27 Magician
The Magician is often the closest ally to the Fool. One of the most common arcanas in the game, the Magician excels at being good at magic. They also represent initiative as well as self-confidence. Although they can be a bit brash at times. Good examples of Magician arcana characters include Junpei Iori, Yosuke Hanamura, and Morgana.
26 Councillor
The Councillor is one of the newest arcanas in Persona. Throughout Persona 5 Royal, players get to interact with Takuto Maruki the school therapist. The arcana represents diplomacy and power over the illness. However, it can also bring in indecisiveness and going against innocence. Persona’s within this arcana are often strong beings of nature.
25 Priestess
Also known as the High Priestess, it represents knowledge and untapped power, with a lot of wisdom surrounding them. However, the characters within this arcana are often quite shy. Strong healers and spell casters, best examples of Priestess’s include Yukiko Amagi, Fuuka Yamagishi and Makoto Nijima.
24 Empress
Empress arcana’s tend to act comforting to their allies and actively protects their allies. Anyone that is an empress tends to act fairly high-classed but they mean well. Their abilities focus on solid physical and magic capabilities, as well as support skills. Characters in the Empress arcana is Mitsuru Kujo and Haru Okumura.
23 Emperor
The Emperor is an arcana that likes to take control. As such they can sometimes go a little too far with what they want, possibly affecting their companions in the process. Their Personas are typically emperor or high leaders and they have strong physical attacks. Characters in the Emperor arcana include Kanji Tatsumi and Yusuke Kitagawa.
22 Hierophant
The Heirophants act as the mentor characters for the Persona 4 and 5 cast. As they are known for their wisdom and strong character, the arcana is known as a symbol for education and act as an authority. Good characters that represent the Hierophant includes Ryotaro Dojima in Persona 4 and Sojiro Sakura in Persona 5.
21 Priest
Just like, and perhaps being the exact same as, the Hierophant, Priest is the Japanese term for it. The creation of it is the result of the Thoth Hierophant being based around a Catholic priest thanks to occultist Aleister Crowley incorporating elements of mythological and pagan elements. The only one with this arcana is Zenkichi Hasegawa.
20 Lovers
The Lovers arcana represent the dual path that one can take in their journey. Where one has to make a crucial decision. Characters within this arcana are incredibly beautiful and popular with Persona’s themed around union. Good examples of Lovers arcana characters include Yukari Takeba, Rise Kujikawa and Ann Takamaki.
19 Chariot
The Chariot often symbolizes victory over a fight or battle. Characters that are within this arcana are super driven while being hot-headed at times. Personas within this arcana also have a focus on physical attacks rather than magic. Popular characters in this arcana are Chie Satonaka and Ryuji Sakamoto.
18 Justice
The Justice arcana symbolizes the objectivity and rationality of any situation. No matter what is given, it will be taken within the fairness given, although this depends on the person. Personas within this arcana are often angels or beings related to Justice. Characters within this arcana is Goro Akechi and Nanako Dojima.
17 Hermit
Hermit arcana’s are the wise characters who are also left within their own solitude. They are known for their immense intelligence while also seeking out introspection within their lives. Persona’s within the Hermit arcana are known to deal with mental ailment spell abilities. The most notable hermit character within the Persona universe is Futaba Sakura.
16 Fortune
The fortune arcana is a card that symbolizes exactly what it sounds like. Bringing in good fortune while also having a hand with fate and opportunity. As such, the personas involved with this arcana also focuses on this trait. The most notable character to be a part of the Fortune arcana is Naoto Shirogane from Persona 4.
15 Strength
Just as it is called, the Strength arcana focuses on the mental and physical energy that is necessary to pull off a task. As such, it is fair that the personas that are within the arcana specialize in strength and physical abilities. These personas are also based around warriors and heroes. The best example for someone in the Strength arcana is Caroline and Justine.
14 Hanged Man
The hanged man arcanas symbolizes the idea of sacrifice. By dealing self-sacrifice, they will achieve a form of enlightenment. As such any persona that is within the arcana of Hanged Man, often have some of the best endurance within the entire series. A good example of a Hanged Man arcana is Munehisa Iwai.
13 Death
Death doesn’t just symbolize literal death. But rather a form of rebirth that brings about strong change. Personas within the Death arcana have a strong affinity towards dark magic while being weak to light magic. Characters that are deeply associated with this arcana include Pharos, Tae Takemi, and due to his connection, Makoto Yuki.
12 Temperance
Temperance arcana represent harmony and synergy. Characters within this arcana often seek a form of balance between their lives and the things that they love. Extending to the Personas that are available for temperance as they are also very balanced. Characters that are a part of the Temperance Arcana include Eri Minami and Sadayo Kawakami.
11 Devil
The Devil arcana represents the yearning for doing selfish and dangerous things. Although positively, the arcana is known for healthy commitments. The personas within this arcana excel at dark magic while being represented by demonic creatures. The most notable examples for the Devil arcana is Ichiko Ohya and Sayoko Uehara.
10 Tower
Those within the Tower arcana are there to represent arrogance, with those walking down this path ironically falling to their own downfall. Being a representation of arguably the worst card in the entire tarot deck. Persona’s within this arcana often have bad affinities within physical abled mythological creatures. Someone from the Tower arcana is Shinya Oda.
