Who is the Most Disturbing Character in Attack on Titan?

Attack on Titan is renowned for its complex characters, many of whom embody disturbing traits that challenge viewers' perception of morality. While several characters stand out, perhaps the most controversial and disturbing is Zeke Yeager. As the heir to the Beast Titan, his backstory reveals a deeply complex and tragic figure who has made morally ambiguous choices. His betrayal of his parents and his role in the Marleyan oppression of Eldians add layers to his character that many find unsettling.

Eren Yeager: From Hopeful Protagonist to Horror

Another character often cited in this discussion is Eren Yeager. Eren's journey from a hopeful protagonist to someone willing to commit horrific acts in pursuit of his vision of freedom raises profound questions about morality and the cost of war. This transformation highlights the series' exploration of the impact of trauma and the lengths to which individuals will go to achieve their goals.

Disturbing Themes in Attack on Titan

Other characters in the series, such as Reiner Braun and his sister, Gabi Braun, also exemplify the series' exploration of disturbing themes related to trauma and conflict. Reiner's struggle with his dual identity as a warrior and a soldier, and Gabi's embodiment of the cycle of hatred and revenge, highlight the complex emotional and psychological struggles that define the characters in this gripping narrative.

Isayama's Acute Reflection

While the series features a wide array of complex characters, the question of who is the most disturbing is subjective. Some viewers may point to Floch, the Military Police Officer, as a disturbing figure. Floch's rigid adherence to his beliefs and his willingness to betray his own people and kill comrades and friends based on a singular ideology highlights the potential for self-righteousness to lead to extremely harmful actions.

It's interesting to note that Hajime Hoshijima (Floch) is a military officer who is inflexible and focused on his own beliefs to the detriment of his fellow human beings. He is too fixated on his own ideology to the point where he is willing to turn against his own people, betray his friends, and even kill individuals who have done him no harm. This behavior reflects a disturbing lack of empathy and moral judgment that many find unsettling.

This reflection on extreme individuals who are so deeply invested in their ideologies that they are willing to harm others is a genius move by the writer Satoshi Arai (Isayama). It underscores the series' exploration of the perils of absolutism and fanaticism, showing how such extreme viewpoints can lead to tragic consequences.

Conclusion

Ultimately, Attack on Titan is a narrative that delves deeply into the complexities of human nature, morality, and the impact of trauma and conflict. While there are several candidates for the most disturbing character, Isayama's creation of figures like Zeke, Eren, and Floch serves to highlight the series' themes and reflect on the dangers of extreme ideologies and the importance of empathy and moral flexibility.