Mikasa Ackerman
Name: Mikasa Ackerman
Age: 15*
Species: Human
Attributes: Strong, Devoted, Quiet, Troubled, and Protective
Personality: Mikasa Ackerman is not the Rei Ayanami (from Neon Genesis) where her complex personality will throw you for a loop. You wont have to spend the entire series (12 graphic novels, 4 movies. and numerous internet searches) waiting for an explanation. Her motivations (TOTAL SPOILERS!!!!11!11!oneone) for fighting are transfixed upon her sorta brother, weird love interest and obvious main character: Eren. Not to say she lacks depth, but the pool isn’t very deep here in Mikasa land.
The difference comes in the context of anime as a genre, Mikasa’s personality can be a strength due to her gender. As we know, females in anime are usually sought after by a male character; they tend to be klutzy, overly sensitive, or just plain mean while relying on males for everything. Mikasa breaks from that anime female trap of the generic personalities and shows herself as a strong/silent person. For a male character this might be something we just glance over but as a female Mikasa is able to truly stand out. She does not yell and boast, instead she chooses to perform. Instead of being saved by Eren constantly she saves Eren CONSTANTLY. In anime this type of character can be almost unheard of unless her breast are large and jiggle factor is high. Mikasa may not be truly original but in anime she might as well be.
What Fans want
Reality
Impact on the Show: Mikasa starts off as Eren’s best friend, being there to be the “big sister”. She was there to save Eren or Armin, being strong and learning lessons. As the series continues on, the Author’s attention shifts, the Main characters move from the forefront and the world becomes front and center. Her impact becomes more so of being tested by the world instead of focusing on her own character development.
That being said Mikasa is still one of the main characters, involved in battles and important to almost every situation. Instead of being the determining factor of each and every battle, she is present, fighting and being tested beyond her personal limits. She isn’t an individual anymore, she’s part of a collective group of characters, who are constantly moving the plot.
Important Plot Points
Personal Opinion on the Character: Mikasa is one of my personal favorites maybe because she isn’t the center focus just because she is a woman. The lack of overly feminine traits is a welcome change to the standard and status quo I see so many times in other shows. She isn’t the fall down stairs and breasts smothering your face, nor is she the overly aggressive tough girl with a melty soft side. Even though she might become too much of a background character, or not be very interesting on the outside, every little tease and hint at what she can do is enough to keep me interested in her. Mikasa represents a change of pace as a female character in anime and is a breath of fresh air. Even if that change is a tiny breeze, it’s enough to win my affections and make me want to drop even more money on Mikasa statues. I hope to see more of what Mikasa can do as the series continues on. Kill those Titans girl.
Hello, my name is Mikasa Ackermen, you kill my father prepare to die
Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Cartoon Network, Hulu, Netflix.
Catch one of her best moments here: (Anime Spoilers up to episode 5-6)