Very few characters have had as much impact as Eren Yeager in the anime and manga community due to his epic character development and fascinating narrative. Eren was initially portrayed as a vindictive hero who was out to destroy the Titans, but as his character arc unfolds, it reveals the darkest sides of his nature and the worst traits of humanity.
It’s interesting to note that Eren represents the darkest aspects of Hajime Isayama himself, acting as a grim mirror of the author’s difficulties and anxieties.
The story of Eren begins with a tragic event that sparked his vindictive nature against the Titans and a burning desire to strive for freedom. Though it seems heroic at first, the stern determination soon turns into a darker perspective. Eren’s persistent pursuit of his goal often results in his making morally ambiguous choices. Isayama’s narrative brilliance lies in giving Eren a more personal purpose that was ultimately intended to get rid of his inner demons.
Eren as Hajime Isayama’s Mirror Self
In an interview with French radio France Inter in 2023, Hajime Isayama elaborated on his inspirations behind the creation of Attack on Titan as well as the initial ideation behind Eren’s character. Isayama has talked openly about how his struggles and experiences molded Eren’s personality.
Isayama has struggled with some of Eren’s darker qualities, such as his rage, his obsession with freedom, and his willingness to embrace violence.
Isayama addressed his anxieties and insecurities by projecting these characteristics onto Eren, utilizing the character as a means for exploring the consequences of such characteristics. X user @AttackOnFans has summarized the entire interview and a particular statement stands out from it.
He revealed that he spent his entire childhood in a small town in Japan surrounded by mountains. Similar to Eren, he almost grew up there by being disconnected from the outside world and this particular phase had a big impact on his persona. As an adult, he struggled at this workplace due to his high-functioning anxiety and inability to connect with other people.
These events had a big impact on his personality and he wanted to get rid of his darker worldview by creating and giving a sense of purpose to a character that resonates with him on a deeper level. As he stated,
I think he’s a character that reflects the bad part of me. So the whole story goes to the fact that I have to get rid of, to kill these bad parts of me.
In Attack on Titan, Eren’s struggle for redemption is a reflection of Hajime Isayama‘s desire to overcome his darker impulses and find a more balanced worldview. Through Eren, Isayama explored the possibility of growth and change, even when he had embraced his worst nature.
Analysis of Isayama’s Perspective in Attack on Titan
Fans of Attack on Titan have found immense appeal in the complex character arc of Eren Yeager. The decision by Isayama to give Eren a more interpersonal purpose has also received attention for its depth of story.
Eren’s character development is an essential element of Attack on Titan‘s storyline. His journey from a vengeful youth to a conflicted, introspective individual mirrors the broader themes of the series, such as the cyclical nature of violence and the cost of freedom.
Through Eren, Isayama created a character who is deeply flawed yet profoundly human. Eren’s journey is a piece of evidence of the power of storytelling to confront personal demons and explore the depths of the human psyche.
This personal connection adds a layer of authenticity and emotional depth to Eren’s journey, making him one of the most compelling characters in the anime and manga universe. Isayama created a story that challenges and captivates viewers, making a lasting impression on the narrative community by using Eren to represent the darkest aspects of his nature.
You can watch Attack on Titan on Crunchyroll.
