Arturo Roman, the loathsome former director of the Royal Mint of Spain, doesn’t die in Money Heist (La Casa de Papel). While he frequently finds himself in life-threatening situations, triggering viewer frustration and demands for his demise, he ultimately survives the series’ finale.
Arturo’s Near-Death Experiences: A Chronicle of Survival
Arturo Roman, portrayed by actor Enrique Arce, is a character many Money Heist fans love to hate. His cowardly actions, selfish motivations, and propensity for creating chaos make him a constant source of tension throughout the series. He repeatedly puts himself and others in danger, leading many viewers to believe his demise is inevitable. Yet, against all odds, Arturo manages to escape death on numerous occasions, much to the chagrin of some viewers.
Arturo’s survival is arguably a key plot device, serving to amplify the stakes and highlight the complexities of the heist. He acts as a catalyst for conflict, both internally within the hostages and externally with the police. His presence consistently raises the tension and forces the other characters to make difficult decisions.
His arc is defined by his cowardice. From manipulating hostages to believing he’s a hero, Arturo’s actions are driven by self-preservation. Even in the face of overwhelming odds, he clings to life, even if it means sacrificing the safety of others. This unwavering self-interest is precisely why many viewers yearn for his downfall.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Arturo Roman and His Fate
What is Arturo Roman’s role in Money Heist?
Arturo Roman plays the role of the former director of the Royal Mint of Spain in the first two seasons, and later, a motivational speaker capitalizing on his supposed heroism during the first heist. He’s characterized by his cowardice, selfishness, and tendency to escalate situations, often making him an antagonist for both the robbers and the hostages. In the third, fourth, and fifth seasons, he’s a hostage again at the Bank of Spain, continuing his manipulative and disruptive behavior.
Why do so many viewers dislike Arturo Roman?
Viewers generally dislike Arturo because of his consistent selfishness and his tendency to create problems for everyone around him. He’s seen as a manipulative and cowardly character who frequently endangers others for his own benefit. His actions often feel unnecessary and designed solely to annoy both the other characters and the audience.
Does Arturo Roman ever redeem himself?
No, Arturo Roman never truly redeems himself throughout the series. While he may have moments of seeming selflessness, they are often fleeting and driven by self-preservation. His character arc consistently reinforces his selfish and manipulative nature, preventing any meaningful redemption. He remains largely unchanged and unrepentant for his actions.
How does Arturo create problems for the robbers?
Arturo creates problems for the robbers by instigating rebellions among the hostages, trying to escape, and generally disrupting their plans. He uses manipulation and fear to gain control over the hostages, often leading them to take actions that are detrimental to the robbers’ objectives. His unpredictable behavior makes him a constant source of frustration and a significant obstacle to the robbers’ success.
Does Arturo ever successfully escape?
Yes, during the first heist at the Royal Mint of Spain, Arturo successfully escapes after a series of daring (and often foolish) attempts. He uses a combination of manipulation, deception, and luck to evade the robbers and make his way to safety. This escape solidifies his perception of himself as a hero, which he later exploits for personal gain.
What happens to Arturo after the Royal Mint heist?
After the Royal Mint heist, Arturo becomes a celebrity and writes a book about his experiences, portraying himself as a brave hero. He capitalizes on the public’s fascination with the heist and becomes a motivational speaker, using his fabricated narrative to gain fame and fortune. This further fuels his ego and contributes to his unlikeable persona.
How does Arturo get involved in the Bank of Spain heist?
Arturo gets involved in the Bank of Spain heist because he willingly enters the bank, despite knowing about the planned robbery. He attends a lecture there and is taken hostage along with the other attendees. His presence in the bank is purely accidental, but his subsequent actions are, predictably, far from accidental.
What role does Arturo play in the Bank of Spain heist?
During the Bank of Spain heist, Arturo resumes his role as a troublemaker and instigator. He tries to rally the hostages against the robbers and attempts to escape, often putting himself and others in danger. He uses his manipulative skills to create chaos and disrupt the robbers’ plans, proving to be a constant thorn in their side.
What is Arturo’s relationship with Monica Gaztambide (Stockholm)?
Arturo has a complex and deeply problematic relationship with Monica Gaztambide (Stockholm). He is the father of her child and was her boss at the Royal Mint. He initially treats her poorly, having an affair with her while married. His actions have a lasting impact on Monica, shaping her decisions and ultimately leading her to join the robbers. He constantly tries to manipulate her feelings towards him.
What are the most memorable quotes from Arturo Roman?
Arturo is known for his dramatic and often self-serving quotes. One memorable example is his repeated proclamation, “I am Arturo Roman, Director!” He also delivers impassioned speeches aimed at rallying the hostages, often filled with exaggerated claims of bravery and patriotism. His quotes are often used ironically by viewers to highlight his narcissism and lack of self-awareness.
Is there any chance of Arturo appearing in future Money Heist spin-offs?
Given Arturo’s unpopularity with many fans, and the closure of his storyline, his appearance in future Money Heist spin-offs is unlikely but not impossible. While his character is divisive, he also generates strong reactions, which could make him a valuable asset for future storylines if used sparingly. The creators would need to carefully consider how to integrate him into new narratives without alienating viewers.
Who saves Arturo from the numerous life-threatening situations?
Throughout the series, various characters inadvertently or intentionally save Arturo from potentially fatal situations. Sometimes it’s the robbers, who prioritize the overall plan over personal grievances. Other times, it’s the police, who are obligated to protect the hostages, regardless of their character. Even his own self-preservation instincts, however misguided, contribute to his survival. In essence, Arturo is saved through a combination of circumstance, the actions of others, and his own will to survive, even if it comes at the expense of those around him.