Attack on Titan is a narrative that weaves survival with the clash of ideologies, illustrating how victories often come with significant sacrifices. Throughout its four seasons, viewers witnessed the fall of cities, the death of comrades, and the unraveling of truths that transformed entire belief systems. Amidst this chaos, certain characters transcended their roles as mere survivors or warriors; they emerged as genuine heroes.
Interestingly, these heroes were not necessarily those with the highest number of Titan kills or the most grandiose appearances. Many were overlooked or faced skepticism, yet when the stakes were highest, they made choices that others could not. Here’s a closer look at those who fought not just for their survival, but for a loftier cause.
8. Keith Shadis
“You’ve Grown Into Fine Soldiers”
Keith Shadis may not have been the most flamboyant character in the series; he didn’t fight Titans with flair or lead operations in the spotlight. Instead, he served as a crucial foundation for the future as the former Commander of the Survey Corps and head instructor at the Training Corps. His focus was never on personal glory but on preparing the next generation for a harsh reality.
Shadis relinquished his dreams of personal greatness, recognizing that true honor lay in equipping others, like Eren, Mikasa, and Armin, with the resilience required to endure. His impactful sacrifice in Season 4 Part 2—where he collaborated with Theo Magath to destroy a train carrying reinforcements—went largely unrecognized. Yet, without his actions, the last battle may have never occurred. This encapsulates the essence of a true hero: acting selflessly for what’s right, often unnoticed.
7. Falco Grice
“A Boy Who Inherited More Than a Titan”
While Falco Grice initially appeared as an unlikely hero—the empathetic boy thrown into the unforgiving world of Marley—he represented kindness in a brutal system designed to transform children into Titan shifters. He resisted the temptation to harden himself, maintaining compassion amidst chaos.
Even during shifting allegiances, Falco took it upon himself to protect those around him, caring for Gabi in her moments of anger and shielding others during the battle of Liberio. After inheriting the Jaw Titan from Porco Galliard, he managed to maintain this fundamental empathy.
In a stunning turn of events when he accessed Zeke’s spinal fluid and transformed, Falco gained the unique ability to fly, a crucial asset in The Final Season Part 3, which proved pivotal in aiding the Alliance’s efforts against Eren.
6. Erwin Smith
“He Threw Humanity’s Future Into the Fire”
Erwin Smith’s impact is not quantified by the Titans he defeated but by the hope he instilled in countless individuals. As the 13th Commander of the Survey Corps, he showcased exceptional strategic skills while bearing the heavy burden of every life lost under his command.
His vision transcended mere survival; he was driven by a quest for knowledge, believing humanity deserved to uncover the truth about the Titans and the outside world. This belief propelled him to lead a fatal charge against the Beast Titan in Season 3 Part 2, not for victory alone, but to create an opening for Levi, knowing that their sacrifices would pave the way for future generations.
Even as he approached his end, Erwin reflected on whether his quest was worth the cost of so many lives. Ultimately, he sacrificed everything to ensure that others could inherit not only a world but also the truth about it. His demise was not just sorrowful; it carried profound significance.
5. Hange Zoe
“I’ll Stay Behind”
Initially, Hange’s character was marked by eccentricity driven by a passion for Titan research, but over time, this quirkiness transformed into a steadfast commitment to understanding the value of life. Following Erwin’s death, Hange took on the role of the 14th Commander of the Survey Corps, navigating ethically complex dilemmas, from allying with Marleyans to confronting Eren, all while preventing civil unrest within Paradis.
In The Final Season Part 3, Hange faced the impending Wall Titans alone to buy time for the Alliance. Their selfless act, performed with a smile, symbolized their dedication to contributing to the cause and securing a future for their comrades. Few departures in the series resonate as profoundly as Hange’s, as they transitioned from an unassuming researcher to a figure of nobility and sacrifice.
4. Levi Ackerman
“Humanity’s Strongest Shoulder to Lean On”
Levi Ackerman’s journey was marked by relentless struggle and loss. Rising from the depths of the Underground, he became the most formidable soldier in the Survey Corps. Yet, it was his emotional resilience in the face of continuous tragedy that truly defined his character.
Having witnessed the deaths of many beloved comrades, including Furlan, Isabel, Petra, Oluo, Erwin, and Hange, Levi fought on, silently enduring the anguish of his losses. His defining moment came when he nearly vanquished Zeke, the Beast Titan, multiple times—an emblem of his relentless pursuit of justice for those he lost.
Even as Lev struggled with physical and emotional scars by the series’ conclusion, he remained steadfast in his determination to act justly, embodying the true spirit of heroism without needing accolades for his sacrifices.
3. Grisha Yeager
“The Man Who Passed Down the Future”
Grisha Yeager is often viewed through a lens of misunderstanding; initially perceived as negligent or fanatical, his character complexity reveals him as a pivotal figure. As the bearer of the Attack Titan passed down from Eren Kruger, he infiltrated Paradis knowing he would endanger his son.
His heroism lies in his foresight and willingness to confront a bleak future, striving to secure a better chance for Eren and their people. Even in the Paths realm, he implored Zeke to halt Eren’s destructive path, epitomizing the tragedy of a father who recognized the limits of his power over his progeny. Grisha’s multidimensionality—father, rebel, and puppet of fate—encapsulated an essential heroism in a perilous narrative.
2. Mikasa Ackerman
“The One Who Loved Eren Until the End”
Mikasa Ackerman’s unwavering love for Eren was a defining characteristic, yet it did not blind her to the consequences of his actions. As the last surviving member of her clan on Paradis, she possessed remarkable combat skills, but her true heroism emerged from her willingness to prioritize the greater good over her personal feelings.
When confronted with the reality of stopping Eren in The Final Season Part 3, Mikasa faced the emotional turmoil of sacrificing her friend for the sake of peace. This choice meant abandoning the one person she had fought to protect for so long.
Her poignant final act—decapitating Eren with a kiss as she buried his head beneath the beloved tree from their past—was a symbol of deep love and heartache, encapsulating both the tragedy and nobility of her journey.
1. Armin Arlert
“The Heart That Outlived the Spear”
Armin Arlert was not the archetype of an imposing soldier; he lacked the physical strength of Levi and the combat finesse of Mikasa. Nonetheless, he possessed a rare gift: a visionary’s perspective. He envisioned a world free from conflict and saw beyond the walls of oppression, and he held on to that belief even when others succumbed to despair.
His dreams of freedom and the sea provided hope and motivated crucial dialogues, pushing back against the tide of hatred. Armin managed to save lives by conveying unpalatable truths, advocating for mercy in the face of vengeance. Notably, during his final confrontation with Eren, he chose compassion over animosity.
In one of the most emotionally impactful exchanges in the series, Armin asked Eren why he chose his destructive path. Eren, perceived as emotionally detached, broke down and admitted his fears and regrets. Armin’s ability to extend forgiveness even when faced with immense pain exemplified the core of human connection and understanding.
Ultimately, Armin’s greatest strength was not the power of the Colossal Titan but his enduring ability to regard Eren as a friend, even in the wake of unimaginable tragedy.
Leave a Reply