In this two-part series discussing Chitanda Eru, Dan and I will each be sharing our thoughts on her character and why she is the way she is in Hyouka. I’ll be focusing on the significance of Chitanda’s public and private persona in contributing to her overall character, and Dan will be delving deeper into other aspects of her character in his article.
Chitanda has always, for me, been associated very closely to Image. Houtarou’s earliest opinions of her revolve around imaginations/images (dog, angel, entangling hair, her in the hot springs) instead of a clear, direct and genuine look at who she really is. He relates whatever he knows about her to a perceived notion or a blatant exaggeration in most cases in the beginning.