Junpei Iori is the Main Character's best friend, though the two often find themselves at odds. He plays the class clown in order to mask his insecurities. Junpei's chosen weapon is two-handed sword which he wields like a baseball bat. His Personas excel at physical attacks and party buffs, and can also cast weak fire magic. Junpei joins SEES near the beginning of the game. He was found crying in a convenience store during the Dark Hour, and did not realize that he had the potential to call a Persona until Akihiko told him about it. His decision to join SEES was a swift one, and he immediately moved into their dorm, to Yukari’s dismay. ~!Initially, Junpei fights because playing hero makes him feel like less of a loser. He uses his place in SEES to prop up his self-esteem, neglects his classwork, and snaps at the Main Character out of jealousy over his unique Persona abilities. Junpei only becomes more serious after he meets the Strega member Chidori. They fall for each other, and though she continues to fight SEES, eventually her loyalty to Takaya and fear of death conflict with her feelings for Junpei. When Takaya fatally attacks Junpei, Chidori sacrifices her life to save his and gives him some of her regenerative power. After her death Junpei becomes a focussed and determined young man.!~ In Persona 3: FES, it is revealed that he once met Koromaru when he had run away from home -- specifically, his alcoholic father. Character designer Shigenori Soejima has stated that Junpei is "the most important character when it comes to getting the player to buy into the story," because of all the major characters, he is one who looks and acts the most like a normal teenager.
