Atlus has explained the story of Persona 5 as the character having something holding them down and them over coming it. They also went on to explain that even though they are going to be more realistic in tone it will be the same persona in terms of balance as they want us to laugh cry and have a sense of satisfaction. For more check out the article.
Article:http://www.siliconera.com/2013/11/26/persona-5s-characters-will-restrained-modern-society/
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