Series & First Appearance
Lloyd Asplund is a character from the anime series Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion, created by Sunrise and directed by Gorō Taniguchi. He first appears in the series premiere, Episode 1, titled "The Day a New Demon Was Born."
Profile at a Glance
Lloyd Asplund is 29 years old during the first season and 30 in the second season. He serves as a scientist and military officer within the Holy Britannian Empire, leading the Camelot Engineering Corps, and is also an Earl of the Britannian nobility. His signature creation, the Knightmare Frame Lancelot, underscores his prowess as a talented engineer.
Personality & Motivations
Lloyd is characterized as a self-proclaimed sociopath, often viewing humans more as machine components than individuals. He shows a remarkable dedication to his work in science, which he claims is the only thing he cares about, although this is contradicted by moments demonstrating his deeper emotions. He tends to come off as blunt or even rude, though he is usually not malicious. A noteworthy quirk is his discomfort with personal information, often avoiding discussions regarding his emotional state.
Abilities / Powers
As an engineer and military officer, Lloyd possesses exceptional scientific and technical skills, particularly in the design and development of advanced technology and weaponry, like the Knightmare Frames. His analytical mind allows him to construct intricate machines and devise combat strategies. However, his lack of human empathy often hampers his ability to effectively lead his team in high-pressure situations. Lloyd evolves throughout the series, but his fundamental view of humanity as interchangeable remains a notable limitation to his character.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Lloyd’s journey in Code Geass begins with his ambitious endeavor to create the Lancelot, a cutting-edge Knightmare Frame that becomes crucial in the battle against the Black Knights and forces of Zero. As the narrative progresses, Lloyd becomes embroiled in the larger conflict of the series, showcasing his scientific prowess but often ignoring the human costs of his projects. His character exhibits growth as he develops a sense of camaraderie with Cecile Croomy, his assistant, indicating a subtle shift from his cold demeanor. In Season 2, Lloyd and Cecile appear in Viletta Nu’s wedding picture, symbolizing a more human connection.
Notable Relationships
- Cecile Croomy: Lloyd’s close assistant and a fellow engineer, Cecile plays a pivotal role in both his professional and personal life. They share a complex relationship that evolves throughout the series, revealing Lloyd’s softer side.
- Prince Schneizel: As a royal providing Lloyd permission to operate independently, Schneizel represents the political motivations behind Lloyd’s scientific endeavors, deepening Lloyd’s entanglement in the Britannian military structure.
- Zero/Lelouch: Lloyd’s primary rival in terms of military strategy and technology, Zero’s battles against the Knightmare Frames challenge Lloyd’s creations and force him to confront the implications of his work.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One memorable moment occurs in Episode 6, “The Catcher in the Rye,” where Lloyd’s cold and detached nature is illustrated when discussing the implications of creating advanced weaponry. His lines often highlight his scientific ambition, such as, "Human lives are just like components in a machine. Replaceable." This quote encapsulates his worldview and has resonated deeply with fans due to its unsettling honesty.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Lloyd Asplund has gained a significant fanbase, appearing in several popularity polls with notable rankings, indicating his charm despite his eccentric personality. He is voiced by Junichi Suwabe in Japanese and by John Swasey in the English dub. The character design showcases a mix of aristocratic fashionable attire with a scientific aesthetic, reflecting his dual roles in society. His appearance and demeanor often evoke the trope of the mad scientist, albeit with a more sophisticated and aristocratic twist.
Overall, Lloyd Asplund stands out as a complex character whose intellect and emotional detachment provide a stark commentary on the nature of humanity and technology within the tumultuous world of Code Geass.
