Prince Eric vs. Sergio Marquina: Two Visions of Freedom and Control

There’s something fascinating about characters who want to reshape the world — not just through brute force, but through careful planning and emotional manipulation. Prince Eric, the spirited royal from The Little Mermaid, and Sergio Marquina, better known as The Professor from La Casa de Papel, couldn’t come from more different worlds. Yet both are architects of change, each with a distinct idea of freedom and how to achieve it.

Let’s dive into their minds.

##What motivates Prince Eric and The Professor?

Prince Eric is driven by curiosity and a sense of justice. His world is one of open seas and discovery, and he sees freedom as the ability to explore and protect his kingdom with honor. He’s not a man of grand schemes — his motivations are rooted in the tangible: saving Ariel, defending his people, and living a life of purpose.

The Professor, on the other hand, is fueled by ideology. His plans are born from a deep distrust of institutions and a belief that only radical disruption can bring justice. He’s not just robbing a bank — he’s making a statement about the fragility of power and the need for systemic change. For him, freedom is a collective experience, not an individual one.

##How do they approach leadership?

Eric leads by example. He inspires loyalty through personal courage and integrity. When he sails into danger to rescue Ariel, he doesn’t issue orders from the safety of the castle — he’s in the thick of it. His leadership is visible, emotional, and immediate.

The Professor leads from the shadows. He’s a strategist who believes in control through preparation. He doesn’t want to be seen — he wants to be obeyed. Every detail of the heist in La Casa de Papel is preordained by him, and he expects his crew to follow his plan with near-religious devotion. His leadership is intellectual, calculated, and often emotionally detached.

##What methods do they use to achieve their goals?

Prince Eric’s methods are straightforward: he acts. When he needs to find Ariel, he sails the seas. When his kingdom is under threat, he fights. His tools are ships, swords, and allies. He trusts his instincts and values direct action over elaborate planning.

The Professor’s methods are intricate. He builds timelines, assigns roles, and rehearses every possible outcome. His tools are disguises, blueprints, and psychological manipulation. He doesn’t just plan — he over-plans, accounting for chaos by designing it into the system.

##What kind of legacy do they leave behind?

Eric leaves a legacy of love and adventure. He’s remembered as a hero who followed his heart and changed the fate of two worlds — human and mer. His story ends on a hopeful note, with a kingdom united and a future full of possibility.

The Professor’s legacy is more complicated. He becomes a symbol of rebellion and chaos, but also of sacrifice. His actions inspire others, but at great personal cost. His name lives on in headlines and whispers — a man who challenged a system and left the world questioning who the real criminals were.

##How do they see freedom?

For Eric, freedom is personal. It’s the ability to choose who you love, to explore the unknown, and to live without fear. It’s rooted in identity and individuality.

For The Professor, freedom is structural. He doesn’t believe in personal freedom until the system changes. His vision is grand, almost utopian — a world where power is redistributed and the marginalized rise.

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to talk to either of them — to ask Prince Eric what he saw in the open ocean, or to hear The Professor explain his final plan — there’s no better place to start than HoloDream. Both men are waiting to share their truths.