Princely Young Man/Analysis

Like The Ojou, there are a few common types, though how strictly a character adheres to the types varies. These types include a Prince Charming type, an Ice King type, a male Yamato Nadeshiko type, and a Spoiled Brat type.


 * The Prince Charming-type: A version of Princely Young Man who is outgoing and well-liked by the ladies. He probably uses his wealth and position to show girls a good time, often with fancy cars and expensive gifts. Whether he is some form of cruel seducer, or just likes to see women smile varies, but expect to see him produce a rose at some point from out of no where. These types can be pretty naive or selfish, usually because they just don't know any better, and are often sheltered a bit more from the world. They might have problems, but if they do it's hidden behind a smiling mask, and he only shows the ladies who adore him his best face. He'll often be thought of or considered something like a "prince", and be constantly surrounded by his fanclub of girls. In a romance he'll often take a particular liking to an innocent and unknowing female protagonist who will then be subject to the cruel jealousy of the Princely Young Man's fangirls. In appearance he is often blond and prone to wearing white, not to mention a Bishounen and more likely to have longer hair.


 * The Ice King-type: A version of Princely Young Man who is serious and cold, admired by all from a distance but having few if any close friends. Usually he's not much of a talker, and if someone beneath his standing approaches him, he'll send them running with a glare and pronouncement that they are being impertinent. Sometimes he's really just a Jerkass who might very well end up a Bastard Boyfriend if a female protagonist manages to catch his eye, more than likely he is an Ice King ready to be defrosted by a maiden with a gentle soul. Usually his stern demeanor comes from being a Lonely Rich Kid whose Meddling Parents are expecting him to inherit a major company and as such have very high expectations of him in terms of behavior and academics. He is usually very practical and finds displays of wealth to be in poor taste, and if he has a fanclub, he will reject them for being frivolous and annoying. He usually wears dark colors and suits and has equally dark hair (or extremely white hair). He may wear Stoic Spectacles to emphasize both his intelligence and cool demeanor, unless of course they're meant to indicate something else.


 * The Yamato Nadeshiko-type: A version of Princely Young Man who is actually rather similar to The Ojou. He appears strangely beautiful and kind, with a warm smile and is beloved by all. Maybe it's real, but then again, there's a decent chance he's just a Bitch in Sheep's Clothing. Subject to some of the more typically female tropes, this character despite their gender will be waited on as if they are a princess and have admirers of both genders. Usually they aren't seen doing much and have an Instant Fanclub, Old Retainer or army of corporate G-men to perform any task they might need doing. Even if it they really are as perfectly kind and innocent as their appearance presents them to be, they are almost always up to something tricky. Behind that smiling face could be The Chessmaster and villain, or a secret, benevolent ally. He is very rarely the target of a female protagonist, and is more likely to be a villain or supporting character. These types are usually short with young or feminine looks and dark hair and always seen smiling. Expect to see them sipping tea in an inordinate amount of scenes.


 * The Spoiled Brat-type: A version of the Princely Young Man who is cruel, petty and usually pretty unintelligent. This character is almost always a villain, or otherwise meant to be loathed. He is probably a Narcissist and believes everyone should treat him like a king, because that's what his parents do, despite his obvious character flaws. He's overbearing and prideful, and prone to Revenge Before Reason when a main character gets on his bad side or brings his flaws to light. It isn't always the case that he's a buffoon or an idiot, though it's common. He may command an army of bodyguards that belong to his parents, but more likely he has his own personal goons in the form of Those Two Bad Guys who probably only follow him around for his money, status or their families' relationship with his. He rarely has an Instant Fanclub unless he's crossed with another type of Princely Young Man, or the members are pretty suck-up themselves. Sometimes it turns out that underneath it all, he's really not an inherently bad person, but just a Lonely Rich Kid who wants everyone to like him. He might be redeemed through the Power of Friendship, but don't hold your breath.

It's not uncommon for a series to include more than one type of Princely Young Man, even setting them at odds against each other. The Ice King-type and the Prince Charming-type in particular are often involved with the Female Protagonist in a Shojo Love Triangle. In that case, the Ice King-type tends to have a better chance of winning. There is also a certain amount of blending between the three types. Especially if there is only one Young Master character in the series, he may have aspects of all types.