Gilbert Bougainvillea

Lore & Background

Gilbert hailed from an aristocratic family within Leidenschaftlich, eventually rising to the rank of Major in the army. Unlike those who viewed Violet as merely a weapon, Gilbert recognized her humanity, taking her in as his ward during the war—a conflict that lasted approximately four years in total. He taught her language and emotions, attempting to shield her from her role as a killer. His bond with Violet was so profound that after being severely maimed in a skirmish at the war's end, the military declared him missing and presumed dead. Claudia Hodgins later chose not to correct the record, allowing this deception to stand so Gilbert could live out his days in a rural location, fulfilling his wish for Violet to live like a normal girl rather than a tool of war.

In Their Own Story

During the bloody conclusion of the Great War, Gilbert was hospitalized and maimed after a fierce skirmish. In his final moments with Violet before they were separated, he spoke the words 'I love you,' which she did not yet understand. Believing that Violet needed to move on from her past as a soldier, he told Claudia Hodgins to declare him dead. For years, Violet carried only an emerald brooch, a memento of his eyes, believing he was gone. However, Gilbert had actually recovered and lived in seclusion. Their paths crossed again several years later when Violet, now working as an Auto Memory Doll at the CH Postal Company, reunited with her former guardian, proving that his sacrifice allowed them both to find peace.

Reader's Guide

To understand Gilbert Bougainvillea is to look past the uniform of a Major in the Leidenschaftlich Army. He was a man who cherished Violet above all else but suppressed his feelings due to their roles as soldiers. His legacy is defined by the choice he made at the war's end: to feign death so Violet could embrace a new life. This act forced her to leave the military mindset behind and seek work as an Auto Memory Doll, transcribing thoughts and feelings for others. The emerald brooch she kept served as the only physical link to his memory until their reunion. His story illustrates a transition from war to peace, driven by the desire to see Violet live freely.

Did You Know?

• Gilbert was originally told by his brother Dietfried that Violet should be treated as a 'tool' for war, but he rejected this view.
• After the war, the military declared Gilbert missing and presumed dead; Claudia Hodgins kept the secret rather than correcting the record, so Violet could live a normal life instead of remaining a soldier.
• Among the mementos Violet kept of him were an emerald brooch that reminded her of Gilbert's eyes and his letters.
• Gilbert came from an aristocratic family before joining the Leidenschaftlich Army, where he rose through the ranks to become a Major.
• He reunited with Violet several years after being reported dead, having recovered and lived in a rural place.