Regto
Janitor & Adoptive Father
Status: Deceased (Murdered in Episode 1)
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This page contains information about Regto's death and its impact on the story. If you haven't watched Episode 1, proceed with caution.
Character Overview
Regto is one of the most important characters in Gachiakuta despite his limited screen time. As Rudo's adoptive father and mentor, his influence shapes the protagonist's character and motivations throughout the entire series. His murder in Episode 1 serves as the inciting incident that sets the entire plot in motion, transforming Rudo from a content janitor into a determined seeker of justice.
Though he appears only in flashbacks after his death, Regto's presence looms large over the narrative. He represents the values of kindness, hard work, and finding worth in what others discard—themes that become central to the series. His gift of the 3R gloves to Rudo proves to be far more significant than either of them initially realized, suggesting that Regto knew more about Rudo's potential as a Giver than he ever revealed.
Background & History
Life in The Sphere
Regto worked as a janitor in The Sphere, one of the countless workers who maintain the floating city's pristine appearance. Despite his humble position, he took pride in his work and treated it with dignity. He believed that all honest work has value, regardless of how society views it—a philosophy he would pass on to Rudo.
Little is known about Regto's past before he became a janitor. Hints in the series suggest he may have had a more prestigious position earlier in life, as he possessed knowledge and skills that seemed beyond what a simple janitor would need. His decision to adopt Rudo, a child with no family, speaks to his compassionate nature and his belief in giving second chances.
Adopting Rudo
Regto found Rudo as a young child and took him in, raising him as his own son. He taught Rudo the value of hard work, the importance of kindness, and the skill of seeing potential in things others consider worthless. Their relationship was warm and genuine, with Regto serving as both father figure and mentor.
The 3R gloves—standing for Reduce, Reuse, Recycle—were Regto's gift to Rudo, symbolizing their shared philosophy about finding value in discarded things. These gloves would later prove crucial to Rudo's abilities as a Giver, suggesting that Regto may have known or suspected something about Rudo's latent powers.
The Murder
Regto's murder occurs off-screen in Episode 1, with Rudo discovering his body upon returning home. The circumstances of his death are suspicious—he was killed in their own home, and Rudo was immediately accused despite the lack of clear evidence. The real killer's identity and motives remain one of the series' central mysteries.
The speed with which authorities blamed Rudo and cast him into The Pit suggests a conspiracy. Someone wanted Regto dead and Rudo removed from The Sphere, but the reasons why remain unclear. As the series progresses, hints emerge that Regto may have discovered something dangerous about The Sphere's secrets, making him a target.
Personality & Values
Core Traits
- •Compassionate - Took in an orphaned child and raised him with love
- •Wise - Taught valuable life lessons through example
- •Humble - Found dignity in simple work
- •Principled - Stood by his beliefs even when difficult
Philosophy
- →Value in Everything - Nothing is truly worthless
- →Honest Work - All labor deserves respect
- →Second Chances - Everyone deserves opportunity
- →Kindness Matters - Small acts of compassion create change
Teachings to Rudo
Regto's lessons to Rudo form the moral foundation of the series:
- "What others throw away might be exactly what someone else needs."
- "Your worth isn't determined by your position, but by your character."
- "Even broken things can be made whole again with care and effort."
- "The 3Rs—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle—apply to more than just trash. They're a way of life."
Impact on the Story
Rudo's Motivation
Regto's murder is the primary driving force behind Rudo's actions throughout the series. His quest for justice and his determination to clear his name are fueled by his love for his adoptive father and his desire to honor Regto's memory. Every challenge Rudo faces, he approaches with the values Regto taught him.
The 3R Gloves
Regto's gift of the 3R gloves proves to be far more significant than a simple present. These gloves serve as a catalyst for Rudo's Giver abilities, suggesting that Regto either knew about Rudo's potential or the gloves themselves possess special properties. The mystery of how Regto obtained these gloves and what he knew about them becomes an important plot thread.
Thematic Foundation
Regto's philosophy about finding value in discarded things becomes the series' central theme. His teachings influence not just Rudo but also how the audience views The Pit and its inhabitants. What The Sphere considers trash—both objects and people—can have immense value when given a chance.
The Mystery
The question of who killed Regto and why drives much of the series' mystery. As Rudo investigates, he uncovers hints that Regto may have been involved in something dangerous—perhaps he discovered secrets about The Sphere that powerful people wanted to keep hidden. Solving this mystery becomes intertwined with understanding the true relationship between The Sphere and The Pit.
Flashbacks & Memories
Throughout the series, Regto appears in Rudo's flashbacks and memories, providing emotional anchors during difficult moments. These scenes serve multiple purposes:
- They remind Rudo (and the audience) of his core values and why he's fighting
- They gradually reveal more about Regto's past and his knowledge of Givers
- They provide emotional depth and show the genuine love between father and son
- They offer clues about the mystery of Regto's murder
These flashbacks are never just nostalgia—each one adds new information or perspective that helps Rudo (and the audience) understand the larger picture of what's really happening in the world of Gachiakuta.
Legacy
Though Regto dies in the first episode, his influence extends throughout the entire series. He lives on through:
- •Rudo's Values - Every decision Rudo makes is influenced by Regto's teachings
- •The 3R Gloves - A constant physical reminder and crucial tool
- •The Quest for Truth - Solving his murder drives the plot
- •Thematic Resonance - His philosophy shapes the series' message
Trivia & Fun Facts
- •Regto's name may be derived from "regret," reflecting the tragedy of his death and Rudo's feelings about it.
- •Despite limited screen time, Regto is consistently ranked as one of fans' favorite characters due to his impact on the story.
- •The 3R gloves he gave Rudo are unique—no other Giver in the series has been shown using similar catalysts.
- •Flashbacks reveal that Regto was an excellent cook, often preparing meals from ingredients others would discard.
- •His murder scene is deliberately kept off-screen, maintaining the mystery while avoiding excessive violence.