Items in parentheses ( ) are my personal comments.
Shinji Ikari
The main protagonist and initially reluctant hero of the series as well as its underdog.
Shinji was chosen as the Third Child and subsequently brought in by his father Gendo whom
he hadn't seen for 10 years to become an Eva pilot. Although he had no previous experience
or training, he was forced to get into Eva-01 when the first Angel attacked Tokyo-3 and he
saw Rei Ayanami's condition. Since then he has undergone training and appears to be becoming
a good pilot, although he still has far to go. Shinji has a very introspective and quiet
personality, but can go totally psycho in desperate combat situations. The only friends he has are his classmates Touji and
Kensuke (Rei and Asuka are in the same class too, surprise, surprise). He has a very unusual
relationship with Gendo, who is like a stranger to him. For some reason he has a very good synch rate with Eva-01.
Rei Ayanami
The very laconic and mysterious Rei has become a fan favorite (an event known as
The Rei Ayanami Phenomenon), probably because she is so enigmatic and unusual, as well
as pretty cute, too. As of yet, nothing much is known of her background. The First Child
and pilot of Eva-00, she was severely injured in the lab test when her Eva went berserk and
the entry plug had to be ejected. Consequently, she appears in bandages for the first several
episodes. She at times appears aloof and distant towards Shinji, although she got mad
and slapped him he said how much he hated Gendo. In contrast, she appears to have a rapport with
Gendo that makes both of them smile and causes Shinji total disbelief. What is strange about Rei is that
she doesn't know how to act in certain circumstances, which makes her appear emotionless and unreactive.
Sohryu Asuka Langley
An impulsive Japanese-German-American, Asuka has a vibrant, energetic and fiery personality
that more than outweights both Rei and Shinji's (it's the hair). The Second Child and pilot of
Eva-02, she doesn't make her appearance until Episode 8 in which she arrives from Germany with
Ryouji Kaji by UN convoy. She is sometimes self-centered and egotistic, but has learned to work with
her fellow pilots.
Misato Katsuragi
The tactical head of Nerv, Misato is primarily in charge of field operations against the
Angels when they arrive. A good officer with genuine concern for the pilots, Misato can be brilliant
and yet silly at times, balancing the dramatic with the humorous (plus she's got a cool uniform).
She appears in time to pick Shinji up when the first Angel attacks. During operations
she has a commanding and sure presence. However, when she gets home or off work, she lets herself
go, revealing the carefree side of her personality. In contrast to Shinji, who's a very tidy person,
Misato's apartment is a mess, the refrigerator is flooded with beer, and the cupboards are packed with
instant food. She's not much of a cook either, being the only person who can botch an instant meal.
Interestingly, she also keeps Pen-Pen, a warm water penguin as a houseguest. Although currently single, she used to be with Ryouji Kaji for a while many years
back.
Ritsuko Akagi
Dr. Ritsuko Akagi is Nerv's scientific head and a brilliant scientist. She works closely with
Misato during operations and conducts ongoing research on the Angels
based on the analysis of samples obtained from those that were defeated and salvaged, such as the
first and second ones. She is also responsible for the maintenance and repair of the Evas as well
as the ongoing development of Eva technology. Ritsuko is good friends with Misato, whom she
used to go to school with, although Misato's personality sometimes puts her off. Unlike Misato, she is
privy to Gendo's hidden agenda and does not have as much concern for the pilots.
Gendo Ikari
The commander in chief of Nerv, Gendo is another enigmatic character about whom not much is known.
For some reason, he abandoned Shinji when he was 4 years old and does not display much fatherly affection
towards him. It is also not sure if or why he had Shinji selected to be an Eva pilot. Gendo is a reserved
man who does not display much emotion, although he is greatly more affectionate towards Rei than he is towards
his son. So far she is the only person whom he has smiled to or shown genuine regard for. Gendo is usually in
the shadows during field operations, giving Misato a free hand to do whatever is necessary to defeat the attacking
Angel. However, she is unaware of his secret plan (s). He is also involved with the Seele committee to whom he has
not always told the truth. He is prepared to sacrifice the Evas and Nerv if necessary.
Ryouji Kaji
In the employ of both the Ministry of the Interior and Nerv's Special Investigations Division, Ryouji uses
his position to learn more about Nerv's true nature and discover its secrets. The dual nature of his job
puts him in a precarious position which he must tread with care, and his life is increasingly in peril as the
series progresses. 31 years old with a scruffy appearance yet charming to the ladies, he is an old college classmate
of Ritsuko and Misato, whom his feelings for still seem to be strong. His first appears with Asuka as her guardian in episode 8.
Kozo Fuyutsuki
Nerv's vice commander is a quiet, soft-spoken man a dozen years the senior of his superior. He fills in for Gendo whenever the
commander is away visiting Seele or on "official" business. The closest person to Gendo, Fuyutsuki is aware of his hidden plans,
although there are things even he is likely unaware of. Unlike Gendo, he is more humane and not as quick to take advantage of the
pilots' and Nerv's expendability. He can be stern if he has to, but lacks Gendo's cold, ruthless edge.
Touji Suzuhara
Kensuke's buddy, Touji has a rough and ready personality that masks a quiet and sensitive inner self. He doesn't wear a school uniform, usually
being clad in Fila windbreaker warm ups, emphasizing his rebel image. However he is a good friend and a caring individual, being solely responsible
for a younger sister injured in the battle with the 3rd Angel.
Hikari Horaki
Homeroom 2A's class rep takes her duties seriously and is also a good student. She became friends with Asuka, in whom she confides that she likes Touji.
She is usually quiet and reserved and unable to express her feelings easily.
Kensuke Aida
A big military buff, Kensuke normally has a camcorder on him with which he shoots everything and anything of military interest. He likes to go into the countryside
surrounding Tokyo-3 periodically and play war. Like Touji, he also supports Shinji, but is less serious.
Pen Pen
Shinji and Asuka's other housemate, a hot springs penguin who has his own living space within a freezer
equipped with a lounge seat, lighting, and a TV. Possessing some intelligence and comprehension, he also reads
the paper, drinks beer, and takes baths.
