Series & First Appearance
Gabi Braun is a prominent character in the anime and manga series Attack on Titan (進撃の巨人), created by Hajime Isayama. She first appears in Chapter 104 of the manga, published in 2019, and makes her anime debut in Season 4, Episode 1, aired in December 2020.
Profile at a Glance
Gabi is a 15-year-old Eldian soldier serving in the Marleyan Military as a Warrior Candidate. She is fiercely determined to inherit the power of the Armored Titan and exemplifies the zealous pride of her nation throughout her training and combat experiences. Gabi’s primary weapon is her Omni-Directional Mobility Gear, showcasing her agility and combat readiness.
Personality & Motivations
Gabi displays a complex personality marked by her unwavering loyalty to her comrades and a deep-seated belief in her mission. Initially characterized by bravery and enthusiasm, her unwavering dedication to her cause leads her to act impulsively at times. She is motivated by a strong sense of duty and has a black-and-white view of good and evil, often guided by the propaganda she has been raised with. These traits make her a compelling character, as her journey gradually exposes her to the grey areas of morality and the consequences of war.
Abilities / Powers
As a Warrior Candidate, Gabi excels in combat, with exceptional proficiency in both hand-to-hand combat and the use of her Omni-Directional Mobility Gear, which allows her significant agility in battles against Titans. Her innate athleticism, tactical acumen, and courage set her apart as a leading candidate for Titan inheritance. However, her impulsiveness often puts her in dangerous situations, highlighting a critical limitation in her development as a warrior. Over the series, Gabi’s growth manifests in her evolving understanding of the world and grappling with her beliefs.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Gabi’s character undergoes significant development during key arcs. In her debut arc, she focuses on the mission to capture the Founding Titan, showcasing her skill and determination. Her defining moment occurs during the Liberio arc, where her actions lead to profound consequences—most notably, the tragic incident involving Sasha Blouse. This event serves as a catalyst for her growth, forcing her to confront the ramifications of her beliefs and the realities of conflict. By the series’ conclusion, Gabi grapples with the weight of her decisions and the complexity of her identity, moving towards a path of understanding and compassion.
Notable Relationships
Gabi’s relationships greatly influence her character trajectory. Her bond with Reiner Braun, her cousin and mentor, is particularly significant. Reiner’s experiences in the world push Gabi to question her indoctrination and beliefs. She also interacts closely with Falco Grice, another Warrior Candidate, whose compassion is a foil to her initially rigid viewpoints. Gabi’s conflicts with the Survey Corps, particularly with Eren Yeager and Mikasa Ackerman, highlight the moral dilemmas she faces.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One of Gabi’s most impactful scenes occurs in Episode 5 of Season 4, where her impulsive actions lead to a fatal encounter with Sasha. Her shocked reaction and later regret serve as a powerful commentary on the cycle of violence and the consequences of ideological warfare. A memorable quote encapsulating her mindset is, "We are the same, we’re all human," which emerges as she begins to reconcile the deep-rooted animosity she has been ingrained with.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Gabi Braun has garnered significant popularity, ranking in the top tier of the Attack on Titan character favorites, with over 1,800 member favorites. The character’s design and development have drawn both praise and criticism, reflecting the polarized reception of her actions in the series. Gabi is voiced by Ayane Sakura in Japanese and Brittany Lauda in English. Both voice actresses bring depth to the character, elevating her emotional and psychological complexities.
Hajime Isayama’s intent behind Gabi was to create a character that embodies the cycle of hatred and the struggle for understanding, serving as a narrative device to challenge existing perceptions within the series.
Through her journey, Gabi Braun represents more than just a warrior; she embodies the transformative power of empathy, highlighting how experience can alter one’s worldview and challenge deeply held beliefs.
