Hajime Isayama's masterpiece, Attack on Titan, has some of the best-developed and most likable characters in anime. In life-or-death situations, these characters reveal their true personalities, motivations, and core values, allowing viewers to deeply understand them.
Isayama clearly puts a lot of effort into creating realistic and compelling characters, but many fans will be surprised to learn who the first character he created was.
In an interview, Isayama revealed that, contrary to popular belief, Eren Jaeger was not the first character he envisioned for the series. Instead, Mikasa Ackerman, Eren's best friend and later love interest, was the first character he developed when creating the acclaimed shonen action series.
Mikasa plays a pivotal role in the series and in Eren's journey, as she struggles to balance her love for him with her commitment to protecting humanity. Ultimately, she becomes the one to end his life, making a profound sacrifice for humanity.
Explore deeper into Attack on Titan's most complex and formidable hero
Mikasa's personality is incredibly complex and well-developed, which explains why Isayama created her before any other character in the series. From the very beginning of her life, Mikasa is caught up in a constant struggle for survival.
After witnessing her parents being murdered, she is saved by Eren, who also urges her to defend herself. This leads to her committing her first murder and awakening her “Ackerman powers”, marking the beginning of her unique and powerful bond with Eren.
Mikasa is one of the most formidable heroes in Attack on Titan, almost on par with Eren and Levi in terms of strength and skill. Her top rank in the Survey Corps cadet class highlights her extraordinary talent and efficiency in defeating Titans. Since childhood, Mikasa has had to defend herself and others from constant attacks from both humans and Titans.
Throughout the series, she demonstrates unparalleled courage, charging into battle without hesitation to protect the innocent or those she cares about, especially Eren.
Unbreakable bonds and heartbreaking decisions in Attack on Titan
The relationship between Mikasa and Eren is one of the most fascinating and important in the series. Eren saved Mikasa when she was a child, and she reciprocated by joining the Survey Corps and protecting him into adulthood. Without Mikasa, Eren would have died much sooner.
Despite Eren's frequent frustration with her protective tendencies, the deep love Eren has for her is evident, as evidenced by his emotional final speech to Armin, where he expresses his enduring love for Mikasa and his selfish wish that she would not love another man after his death.
Mikasa's role is more than just a love interest; she is an important part of the plot of Attack on Titan. Her efforts play a vital role in the Survey Corps' fight against the Titans and the protection of humanity.
As Eren sets out on a path to destroy humanity in order to gain freedom from the Titans, Mikasa takes decisive action to stop him, making the painful choice to stop his plans by any means necessary. Ultimately, she resorts to force, beheading him and giving him one last kiss.
The indispensable warrior and heart of Attack on Titan
In Attack on Titan, Mikasa's essential role is evident from start to finish. While Eren is the central character, Mikasa's influence on him is profound. She is always protective of him and shows unwavering love, creating a bond that transcends death.
Aside from her relationship with Eren, Mikasa is a fierce warrior and one of humanity's foremost defenders, having killed more Titans than most people. Isayama's decision to create Mikasa first emphasizes that, although Attack on Titan is Eren's story, Mikasa is an integral part of it.