Throughout its run Attack on Titan has introduced a host of excellent characters that have earned the respect and adoration of fans all over the world. Despite the horror and suffering these characters have endured in the anime they manage to remain positive and light-hearted, cool and collected, or determined and passionate.
Every complex character is going to have unlikable as well as likable traits, and the characters in Attack on Titan are no different. But in the darkest of situations, they manage to bring a smile to fans' lips or a tear to the eye as they create a deep and lasting emotional connection.
Updated on September 7th, 2022 by Jom Elauria: Fans are patiently waiting for the last part of Attack on Titan’s final season. The story of Eren, Mikasa, and Armin will finally wrap up after battling Titans (and even becoming one) and other nefarious figures for four seasons. Throughout the anime show’s run, plenty of characters with their own agendas, personalities, and desires have been introduced. And of course, many of them have traits that make them likable to the viewers.
Zeke Yeager
Zeke Yeager has done a lot of terrible things in order to permanently remove the threat of all titans from humanity. Some of these include, betraying his parents, persecuted all Eldians, and even turned most of Levi’s men into titans.
Despite this Zeke has a polite and warm personality, and ultimately just does what he think can put a stop to all the war and bloodshed. While Zeke can’t be redeemed for his actions, some fans of the show have fallen for his charisma.
Jean Kirstein
At the start of the series, many fans would be justified if they stated that they disliked Jean Kirstein. In the beginning, he frequently butted heads with Eren and came off as cowardly due to his desire to join the Military Police in order to have a safe and easy life.
However, when his comrades needed him Jean consistently stepped up time and again, such as when he led a number of cadets to safety during the Battle of Trost District. His growth from a self-serving cadet to a natural leader is motivated by his fervent desire to protect his comrades, a motivation that he is unable to hide despite his blunt manner of speaking.
Gabi Braun
Gabi Braun is the cousin of the Armored Titan holder, Reiner Braun. But unlike Reiner who’s loved by fans for his caring, determined, and passionate personality, Gabi has earned a lot of ire from the fans as she killed one of the best and beloved characters in the show, Sasha Braus.
In spite of this, Gabi remains an admirable character who has the potential to rightfully inherit the Armored Titan. She also gains some character development as she realizes how she has a lot of similarities with those living in Paradis and focuses her anger on Eren Yeager instead.
Historia Reiss
The current Queen of the Walls is Historia Reiss. After being forced into hiding and taking on a new identity as Krista Lenz, Historia’s confidence waned. However, she soon reclaimed her name and started her journey into figuring out her true personality.
Historia is one character in the show who has shown a positive character development. All she wants is to become a genuine and good leader, and it’s fascinating to see her embrace her royalty and unfold into the queen that she’s destined to be.
Annie Leonhart
After her defeat during the early part of the show, Annie was shoved into the shadows as she crystallized to save herself from being killed by Eren. She was effectively in a comatose for four years before Eren releases the Wall Titans, which also breaks the crystal around her.
Despite being one of the scariest characters in the show due to her natural skills in maneuvering the Female Titan, Annie remains popular among fans of the show. From the start, she’s reluctant in fulfilling the Marleyan’s goals and she’s not as villainous as some of the people associated with her.
Connie Springer
When he is introduced at the start of the series, Connie Springer is defined by his outspoken and enthusiastic personality. While the loss of his friends and the transformation of his mother into a Titan affected him deeply, he maintained his outgoing persona in the face of these tragedies.
He has some hilarious interactions with Sasha and Jean, and his ability to laugh and be laughed at makes him one of the more endearing characters in the show.
Sasha Braus
A fan favorite from the beginning, Sasha Blouse provided the most consistent amount of comedic relief throughout the series. She is not only funny though, but also a dedicated soldier and friend.
Her decision to save Kaya from a Titan even though she had no ODM gear or backup underscores her caring nature. She valued human life and was not afraid to put her own life on the line to protect a friend or stranger.
Eren Yeager
The primary protagonist and eventual anti-hero of the series, Eren starts the show as a knuckle-headed kid but over time his hate for the Titans and eventually for the country of Marley transforms him into a deeply troubled man. On the one hand, fans empathize with his sense of loss and his desire to protect his comrades, but on the other, his lust for revenge slowly consumes him and robs him of his humanity.
While he loves his friends, he has also become more willing to sacrifice them to achieve his goals. Eren tiptoes the line between being a hero and villain, yet he remains one of the most beloved characters in the anime.
Hange Zoe
Hange Zoe's energetic attitude and upbeat personality distinguish her from many of her more reserved or serious comrades. Hange has an infectious persona that is wholly endearing, and her love of Titan research highlights her empathetic nature.
However, she also has a dark side, such as when she joked with Sannes while she and Levi tortured him for information. Hange can transition from enthusiastic to angry in the blink of an eye, and she wears her emotions on her sleeve, and it is this openness and honesty that sets her apart from many of her comrades.
Erwin Smith
The epitome of the calm and collected leader, Erwin Smith oozes confidence and bravery. As the former commander of the Scouts, Erwin always prioritized the success of the mission over anything else.
While this inevitably led to the loss of life of many of the soldiers under his command, Erwin's decision-making is never called into question, because his motives are so pure as he acts in the best interests of humanity. The scene where he gets his arm bitten off by a Titan and yet he continues to urge his soldiers forward remains one of the most iconic moments of the series.
Reiner Braun
Eren aside, no other character experiences as much growth over the course of the series as Reiner Braun. Reiner goes from respected comrade to reviled traitor, to a respected enemy of Paradis Island over the course of just a few episodes. The owner of the Armored Titan tries to present himself as stoic and composed, but deep down he grapples with intense inner turmoil.
He is a good soldier who cares deeply for his Marleyan comrades and feels compelled to help his people, but he also can't help feeling empathy for the friends he made in the Scouts. He's stuck between worlds, and the cognitive dissonance he endures makes for fascinating television.
Levi Ackerman
Levi Ackerman has been a favorite character among fans since the start of the series. His god-level Titan fighting powers, in addition to his cool persona and snarky wit, make him an overall engrossing character.
While he can be blunt and overbearing, he also cares deeply for his comrades, as witnessed when he was visibly distraught after the loss of so many of his subordinates after the 57th Exterior Scouting Mission. He's also an inspiring character, as despite being faced with some of the most terrifying monsters, he's still able to keep his cool.
Mikasa Ackerman
All of the traits that make Levi Ackerman likable also apply to Mikasa Ackerman. She's cool, talented, and cares deeply for her comrades, especially Eren and Armin. Mikasa is also humble and does not flaunt her prowess in combat over others, preferring to simply carry out the mission to the best of her ability.
While she is devoted to Eren and often willingly follows his lead no matter the consequences she also has a strong sense of right and wrong, as witnessed when she questions Eren's decision to attack Liberio, as his actions led to the death of many civilians including children.
Armin Arlelt
Armin Arlelt is the most relatable character in the series, which also makes him the most likable. He is not particularly strong but acts bravely and intelligently even in stressful situations. He is terrified of Titans but consistently acts without self-interest to protect his comrades, such as when he offered to be left behind without a horse during the 57th Exterior Scouting Mission.
His moral compass stops him from losing his humanity, as seen when he emerges into his Titan form after the attack on Liberio and proceeds to cry at the loss of civilian life due to his and the other Scouts' actions. Amidst so much loss and heartbreak, he manages to stay positive, which is a rare feat in the show.