Third Child: Shinji Ikari
Name: Shinji Ikari
Age: 14
Nationality: Japanese
The first thing most people think when they see Shinji Ikari is pretty much "What a wimp!" But there are reasons behind his 'wimpiness', he isn't a coward for no reason! But then again, he isn't a coward either. It's really very complicated. Basically, Shinji doesn't stand up for himself. When given orders, he will most likely blindly follow them. If told that he is worthless, he would most likely nod his head mutely in agreement. But this is due to years of having his spirit crushed by his many unfortunate circumstances.
It's a fact that Shinji didn't want to be an EVA pilot. You could almost say he was tricked into doing the job. What happened was he received a letter from his father, Gendo Ikari, who is the head of NERV. Thinking that his father actually wanted to spend time with him, Shinji headed for Tokyo-3. But when he arrived the city was in a state of emergency, and he was the only person who might have the ability to pilot an Evangelion. With the knowledge that he was the only one who could protect the city clouding his mind, Shinji finally gave in and consented to pilot. Poor kid, he never knew what he was getting himself into.
Shinji could be said to be shy. He doesn't make friends easily because of his personality. Also, he's not used to being liked by anyone. Yet, when piloting the EVA, he is looked upon as a hero. This at least does influence his self-esteem, even if not by much.
At the beginning of the series, Shinji seems so innocent and without personality. But by the end his character is fully developed, whether for better or worse.
**Spoilers Warning** Click here to read the more in-depth biography of Shinji. |
