Series & First Appearance
Pino is a character from the anime series Ergo Proxy, created by Shin’ichirō Watanabe and produced by Manglobe. She first appears in Episode 2, titled "Re-l," which aired in 2006.
Profile at a Glance
Pino is a Companion type AutoReiv, appearing as a young girl with childlike features. She is approximately six years old in apparent age, serving initially as a surrogate daughter to her owners, Raul Creed and Samantha Ross. Following personal tragedies within the Creed family, Pino becomes a significant companion to the protagonist, Vincent Law, as they journey through a post-apocalyptic world plagued by existential dilemmas. Her innocence and loyalty juxtapose the darker themes present in the series.
Personality & Motivations
Pino is characterized by her childlike innocence, curiosity, and emotional depth, despite being a machine. She expresses affection for Vincent and displays empathy, often seeking to understand human emotions and the world around her. Pino is motivated by a desire for connection, often questioning the nature of her existence and what it means to be "alive." A notable quirk of hers is her tendency to mimic human behavior and speech, aiming to forge a bond with those she encounters. Her catchphrase, "I want to be with you," encapsulates her desire for companionship.
Abilities / Powers
As a Companion type AutoReiv, Pino possesses various advanced abilities, including heightened agility and adaptability, which make her capable of navigating diverse situations. She has basic combat skills but is primarily non-combative, using her agility to evade threats. Pino’s real power lies in her emotional resonance; she often acts as a moral guide, bringing clarity to Vincent during his journey. While she does not exhibit the combat prowess of other characters, her ability to connect with human experiences presents its own form of strength. However, her limitations arise from her mechanical nature, often making her vulnerable in scenarios that demand physical resilience.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Throughout Ergo Proxy, Pino undergoes significant character development, influenced by traumatic events and philosophical inquiries. Initially raised in a controlled environment, her worldview expands dramatically after leaving Romdeau. Key arcs include:
- Escaping Romdeau: Following the deaths of her owners, Pino flees Romdeau, marking the beginning of her critical relationship with Vincent.
- Discovery and Self-Realization: As she accompanies Vincent on his quest, Pino historically navigates themes of identity, autonomy, and the meaning of existence, often prompting Vincent to confront his own dilemmas.
- The Search for Humanity: Pino’s journey becomes one of understanding human emotions and the complexity of relationships, culminating in moments that challenge not only her identity as an AutoReiv but also how she perceives the human experience.
Notable Relationships
- Vincent Law: Pino forms a deep bond with Vincent, often serving as his emotional anchor. Their relationship is central to the narrative, highlighting themes of companionship and the search for meaning.
- Raul Creed and Samantha Ross: Serving as their surrogate child, Pino’s relationship with the Creeds deeply influences her understanding of love and loss, set against the backdrop of their tragic fates.
- Other AutoReivs: Throughout her journey, Pino encounters other AutoReivs and humans, allowing her to explore complex themes of existence, purpose, and humanity.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One iconic moment occurs in Episode 15, "Doppelgänger," when Pino witnesses the pain inflicted on Vincent, prompting her to affix herself to him in a moment of pure loyalty and reliance. Her line, "I want to be with you," resonates throughout the series, signifying her underlying drive for connection and understanding.
Another memorable scene takes place in Episode 19, where Pino’s innocent perspective on morality challenges Vincent’s more cynical outlook, encapsulating the show’s exploration of ethics and existence.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
- Pino’s character design and voice acting contribute significantly to the series’ depth. In the Japanese version, she is voiced by Ayu Matsuura, while in the English adaptation, Crispin Freeman lends her voice, effectively conveying Pino’s innocence and emotional range.
- Pino ranks as one of the more popular characters in Ergo Proxy, with her fanbase consistently appreciating her combination of charm and emotional weight. As of this writing, she holds over 2,386 member favorites on various anime relational databases, indicative of her appeal among fans.
- The character draws parallels to broader themes in science fiction, particularly regarding the nature of consciousness and what it means to be "alive," making Pino a standout figure both within the series and the wider genre.
This character bio provides a comprehensive overview of Pino, highlighting her role in Ergo Proxy as a lens through which to examine complex philosophical questions while emphasizing her emotional depth and significance within the series’ narrative framework.
