Series & First Appearance
Envy is a prominent character from the anime and manga series "Fullmetal Alchemist," created by Hiromu Arakawa. The character first appears in Chapter 17 of the manga, which was serialized from 2001 to 2010, and in Episode 4 of the 2003 anime adaptation. Envy also reappears in the 2009 anime series "Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood," which more faithfully follows the manga’s storyline.
Profile at a Glance
Envy, often portrayed as ageless due to their shapeshifting abilities, serves as an antagonist in the series. As a homunculus created by Father—the main antagonist of "Fullmetal Alchemist"—Envy exhibits characteristics of both a cunning strategist and a violent combatant. They are known for their signature ability to shape-shift into any person, including mimicking their voice, which makes them a master of disguise and deception.
Personality & Motivations
Envy is characterized by a short temper, vanity, and deep-seated hatred for humans. They publicly express disdain for humanity while secretly envying their capacity for emotional connections and partnerships—traits that homunculi lack. Envy’s motivations primarily revolve around inflicting pain and destruction, often serving Father with fervor to unleash chaos upon humanity. This spite is compounded by their resentment towards their creator, Hohenheim, who they feel has never acknowledged their worth.
Abilities / Powers
Envy possesses the ability to shape-shift into any individual or creature, exhibiting a diverse range of forms—from human to monstrous entities. This ability not only aids in espionage and assassination but also allows them to manipulate situations to their advantage. In combat, Envy showcases superior agility and strength, engaging their foes with ferocious tactics. However, their ego can cloud their judgment, making them prone to mistakes when provoked. The character’s tragic backstory further complicates their abilities, as it introduces a conflicting desire for acknowledgment and connection.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Envy plays a pivotal role throughout the series, initially appearing as a significant obstacle for the protagonists, Edward and Alphonse Elric. They are involved in major plot points, such as the search for the Philosopher’s Stone and the homunculi’s overarching goals. A crucial turning point occurs when Envy’s backstory is revealed, exposing their creation by Hohenheim as a failed attempt to resurrect a deceased son, further delving into Envy’s deep-rooted feelings of abandonment and resentment. This revelation adds nuance to their character, transforming them from a simple antagonist to a tragic figure.
Notable Relationships
- Hohenheim: Envy’s creator, whose neglect fuels Envy’s bitterness. Their complicated relationship serves as a focal point in Envy’s development.
- Father: Envy’s master, who manipulates them in pursuit of his far-reaching ambitions. Envy’s loyalty to Father illustrates their need for validation and direction.
- Lust: As a fellow homunculus, Envy interacts frequently with Lust. Their contrasting personalities provide insight into Envy’s complexities.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One of Envy’s most chilling moments occurs when they reveal their identity by shape-shifting into other characters, emphasizing their manipulative nature. A memorable quote that encapsulates their disdain for humanity comes from Episode 23 of the 2003 series: "The one thing I know is that every human soul is weak." This line resonates throughout the series, highlighting Envy’s motivation to derail human connections.
In "Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood," their confrontation with Edward—where Envy expresses regret over their inability to understand human connections—serves as a critical juncture that underscores the character’s complexity, leaving both Edward and viewers questioning the nature of existence and relationships.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
- Envy is voiced by Romi Park in the Japanese version and by Caitlyn Glass in the English adaptation, with both voice actors contributing to the character’s menacing yet layered personality.
- Envy was designed to be androgynous, further emphasizing their fluid nature and lack of a definitive gender identity, which plays a role in their thematic exploration of identity and envy.
- Envy is ranked as one of the fan favorites with over 3,130 members listing them as a favorite character, illustrating their impact on the "Fullmetal Alchemist" fanbase.
In summary, Envy is a multifaceted character who blends cruelty with depth, serving as a crucial element in exploring themes of identity, humanity, and emotional connection within the sprawling narrative of "Fullmetal Alchemist."
