What Are The Best Fan Theories About Library Gentleman?

I've spent way too much time diving into fan theories about 'Library Gentleman,' and one that sticks with me is the idea that he's actually a time traveler. The way he appears out of nowhere, always dressed impeccably in old-fashioned suits, and seems to know things before they happen—it's all too suspicious. Some fans think he's from the Victorian era, slipping through time to guide the protagonist. The subtle hints in the background, like antique pocket watches and references to historical events, make this theory super compelling. Plus, his cryptic advice often feels like it’s from someone who’s seen centuries unfold.

Another wild theory is that he’s a guardian spirit tied to the library itself. The way he vanishes when no one’s looking and only shows up when the protagonist is at their lowest suggests he might not be human at all. There’s this eerie moment in Episode 7 where his shadow doesn’t move with the light, which fans blew up as proof he’s supernatural. Whether he’s a ghost or something else, it adds a layer of mystery to his character that makes every scene with him thrilling.

The 'Library Gentleman' fan theories are some of the most creative I’ve seen, and they range from grounded to outright fantastical. One of my favorites posits that he’s the protagonist’s future self, coming back to steer them away from mistakes. The way he mirrors the protagonist’s mannerisms—like adjusting his glasses the same way or pausing mid-sentence—feels intentional. There’s even a freeze-frame moment in Episode 12 where his reflection shows the protagonist’s face for a split second. It’s subtle, but fans obsessed over it for weeks.

Another theory suggests he’s a figment of the protagonist’s imagination, a manifestation of their subconscious desire for guidance. This aligns with how he only appears during moments of doubt or crisis. The library, in this interpretation, becomes a metaphor for the protagonist’s mind, with the Gentleman as a literal 'librarian' of their thoughts. Some fans counter this by pointing out that other characters occasionally react to him, but the ambiguity keeps the debate alive.

Then there’s the niche but fascinating idea that he’s part of a secret society preserving forgotten knowledge. His cryptic remarks about 'lost books' and 'hidden chapters' could hint at a larger world-building element the show hasn’t fully explored. It’s fun to imagine spin-offs where he’s the central figure in a shadowy intellectual underworld.

As someone who loves dissecting symbolism, I think the 'Library Gentleman' represents the archetype of the 'wise old mentor' but with a twist. His timeless style and calm demeanor contrast sharply with the modern, chaotic setting, making him feel like a relic of a more refined era. Fans have speculated that his cane—always present but never used—is a metaphor for restraint and patience, traits he tries to impart to the protagonist. The way he’s often framed surrounded by books but never actually reading one adds to the enigma.

Another angle is that he’s a fallen scholar, eternally bound to the library as penance for some past sin. This ties into the theory that the library is purgatory, and he’s guiding lost souls. The show’s director dropped a cryptic hint in an interview about 'characters who are both teachers and prisoners,' which sent theorists into overdrive. Whether he’s a ghost, a time traveler, or something else entirely, the ambiguity is what makes him so fascinating. Every rewatch uncovers new clues, and that’s the mark of a brilliantly crafted character.