The Impact of Mikasa Ackerman's Death on Attack on Titan

The world of Attack on Titan would have been irrevocably altered if Mikasa Ackerman had died. As one of the key protagonists, her presence is not only crucial for the development of the story but also for the emotional and psychological well-being of her comrades. This article explores the significant consequences of Mikasa's potential demise, focusing on the impact on Eren Yeager's emotional and motivational state, the Survey Corps, character development, narrative themes, and potential plot changes.

1. Eren Yeager's Emotional and Motivational State

Despair and Rage: Mikasa's death would likely plunge Eren into even deeper despair and anger. His already turbulent emotions would be further fueled by the loss, potentially leading him toward recklessness or a more destructive path. Eren's journey is deeply intertwined with Mikasa, and the absence of her steady support could drive him to more impulsive actions, perhaps even purely for revenge.

Motivation Shift: Without Mikasa as his anchor, Eren's motivations might shift dramatically. He may become more isolated, striving for his goals through increasingly chaotic and sometimes misguided methods. This could affect the series' main theme of redemption, turning Eren’s narrative into one of revenge rather than seeking to understand and redeem himself.

2. The Survey Corps and Their Combat Effectiveness

Loss of a Key Fighter: Mikasa is one of the most skilled fighters in the Survey Corps. Her absence would significantly weaken their combat effectiveness against both Titans and other threats. This could force the remaining members to rely more heavily on strategy and fewer on brute force.

Morale Issues: Mikasa is a symbol of hope and strength for many characters. Her death could demoralize the remaining members, making them question their chances of survival and the purpose of their fight. This shift in morale could lead to a decline in overall cohesion and effectiveness within the group.

3. Character Development for Others

Armin Arlert: With Mikasa's absence, Armin might take on a more prominent leadership role. He could become more determined to honor her memory, leading to significant changes in his character arc. Armin’s leadership could provide a new direction for the group, potentially balancing out Eren's more aggressive and destructive tendencies.

Historia Reiss: Mikasa's death could also heavily influence Historia, especially if she had a close bond with Mikasa. This would affect Historia's decisions as a leader, particularly in her approach to the fight against the Titans and the Marleyan forces. The loss of a close comrade could cloud her judgment and decision-making processes.

4. Narrative Themes

Challenges of Loss and Sacrifice: The series often explores themes of loss and the personal sacrifices made by the characters. Mikasa's death would intensify these themes, highlighting the deep emotional and psychological toll of the war. This could add a new layer of complexity to the overall narrative, painting a more somber and realistic picture of the characters' struggles.

Revenge vs. Redemption: As mentioned earlier, Eren's journey could take a darker turn, focusing more on revenge rather than redemption. This shift would change the overall message of the series, emphasizing the negative side of revenge and the dangers of not finding redemption in the face of tragedy.

5. Potential Plot Changes

Different Alliances: The dynamics between characters might shift, leading to unexpected alliances or conflicts. The grief and anger stemming from Mikasa's death could cause some characters to question their loyalties and form new, often unstable, alliances.

Final Battles: The strategies in the final battles against Marley and the Titans could change significantly as characters would need to adapt to the loss of one of their strongest members. This could lead to innovative and sometimes risky tactics, reflecting the characters' desperation to honor Mikasa's memory.

Conclusion

Mikasa Ackerman's death would create a ripple effect throughout the narrative, influencing character development, thematic depth, and the overall direction of the story. The emotional and psychological ramifications would resonate deeply with the remaining characters, altering their paths and ultimately changing the series' conclusion. This hypothetical scenario not only adds depth to the story but also challenges the characters in ways that enhance the rich tapestry of Attack on Titan.