Character

Faye Valentine

フェイ・ヴァレンタイン

Faye is an opportunist, arrogant, selfish, and downright lazy character, spending most of her time taking care of her appearance rather than being helpful. She presents a long series of bad habits such as pathological gambling, alcoholism, excessive consumption of cigarettes and cigars, reacting violently for no real reason, and forcing work on others. She usually is forgiven for each one thanks to her innocent little face and beauty, which often allows her to get what she wants. These tricks however don't work on her companions on the Bebop, whom she often fights with. She behaves very provocatively and often tries to seduce men for her own benefit, but she claims to hate to feel desired and is rarely seen romantically interested in someone. Regarding her sexual orientation, she is usually labelled as straight, but in one occasion she kissed Ed on the mouth to awaken her from one of her fits. Faye basically doesn't trust anyone who claims to be able to live without suffering and is used to never stay too long in the same place because of her creditors. Although she remains as strong and indolent as possible, in reality she hides a big emotional vulnerability and often proves to nourish a lot of sympathy and empathy for her traveling companions. Although for the entire duration of the series the distinctive characteristics of Faye remain her sarcasm and presumption, her character noticeably develops. In fact, she begins to trust her companions, understand the value of friendship, learn to love, in her own way, to Jet and also to Ed. On different occasions she runs away from the Bebop frightened by her affection for her companions and having become used to the idea of "leave before being abandoned," but she always duly returns, being the only place she can consider her "home." This attitude, as noticed by Jet, often seems as a need of attention, as well as an attempt to prove her companions' affection for her. Her relationship with Spike is instead the most complex of the series. Most of the time they do nothing but bicker, but, in moments of danger, Faye has always shown concern for Spike, and Spike has shown some empathy for Faye's situation. Faye has also always taken care of Spike when he was injured, but she still kept a bitter attitude. The affection between them is quite obvious, and many have speculated the possibility that Faye could be in love with Spike. Watanabe has said on the subject, "Sometimes I'm asked the question, 'What does Spike think of Faye?' I think that he likes her a little. But he's not a very simple person and makes sure not to show it"