Series & First Appearance
Reiner Braun is a central character in the anime and manga series "Shingeki no Kyojin" (Attack on Titan), created by Hajime Isayama. He made his first appearance in Chapter 1, titled "To You, in 2000 Years: The Fall of Shiganshina," published in September 2009. The anime adaptation was produced by Wit Studio (Seasons 1-3) and later by MAPPA (Final Season).
Profile at a Glance
Reiner Braun, aged 17 at his introduction and 21 post-time skip, is initially portrayed as a protagonist within the 104th Trainees Squad of the Scouting Legion. Ranks 2nd in his graduation class, he initially appears to be a loyal and dedicated soldier. However, he is also secretly the Armored Titan, an antagonist responsible for breaching the walls of humanity with the Colossal Titan.
Personality & Motivations
Reiner is characterized as strong-willed and reliable, able to earn the trust of those around him. He exhibits a deep sense of duty and responsibility toward his comrades, often placing their needs above his own. This reflects his conflicted nature as he grapples with his role as both a soldier of Marley and as an infiltrating warrior on a mission. A notable quirk is his tendency to switch between two personalities—his soldier persona, which is confident and resolute, and his true self, which is ridden with doubt and guilt. Reiner often expresses a desire to protect his friends while grappling with the moral implications of his actions, creating an internal struggle that drives much of his character development.
Abilities / Powers
As a Titan Shifter, Reiner possesses unique capabilities, including transforming into the Armored Titan. In this form, his skin is covered with a hardened armor that provides immense stamina and resilience, making him a formidable opponent in battle. He also exhibits exceptional physical strength, hand-to-hand combat skills, and expertise in military tactics. However, his powers come with limitations; he can only maintain his Titan form for a certain duration, and frequent transformations lead to significant physical and psychological strain. Over the course of the series, his character evolves, showcasing more depth as he deals with the ramifications of his dual identity.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Reiner’s journey is marked by several pivotal arcs:
- The Fall of Shiganshina – His initial role as a soldier raises questions about his true motivations.
- Breach of Wall Maria – Revealed as the Armored Titan, his actions lead to devastating consequences for humanity.
- Conflict with Eren Yeager – Their relationship evolves from comradeship during training to a personal and ideological clash as the storyline progresses.
- The Marley Arc – Reiner’s internal conflicts escalate as he confronts his feelings of guilt and loyalty, leading to significant character growth.
His character dramatically shifts from being a clear antagonist to a more complex figure grappling with the moral complexities of his role in the conflict.
Notable Relationships
Reiner shares significant relationships with several key characters:
- Bertolt Hoover: Reiner’s partner in the mission from Marley. Their bond is a mix of camaraderie and deeper emotional ties, as both struggle with the weight of their actions and duties.
- Eren Yeager: Once a comrade, their relationship becomes contentious as Eren learns the truth of Reiner’s dual identity, culminating in intense confrontations.
- Historia/Reiss: Represents Reiner’s conflict with duty versus desire, particularly as her role as a leader intertwines with his goals.
- Mikasa Ackerman and Armin Arlert: Initially seen as comrades, their relationships are strained due to Reiner’s betrayal, but also reflect the complexity of friendship and enmity.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
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"I’m a soldier of Marley…" (Season 2, Episode 1): This revelation highlights Reiner’s internal struggle and commitment to his original mission.
- The Transformation Battle (Season 1): His transformation into the Armored Titan solidifies his role as an antagonist to both characters and viewers alike, marking a drastically pivotal moment in the series’ narrative.
These moments are impactful, showcasing both the chaotic nature of the world they inhabit and the emotional turmoil each character faces as they grapple with their loyalties.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
- Voice Actors: In the Japanese version, Reiner is voiced by Yūki Kaji, known for various dynamic roles, including Eren Yeager. In the English dub, he’s voiced by Matthew Mercer, acclaimed for diverse voice acting in many popular series.
- Popularity: Reiner has garnered significant fandom, reflected by 9,527 member favorites on various anime databases, indicating a strong resonance with audiences.
- Cultural References: His character has often been interpreted as a representation of duality, reflecting themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the nature of war, which are prevalent in many narratives exploring human conflict.
Reiner Braun stands as a complex character whose journey encapsulates the struggle between duty and identity, making him an unforgettable figure in the "Attack on Titan" saga.
