Mikasa, the character from Attack on Titan is one of the most pivotal characters in the show. Hajime Isayama made her character one of the show’s well-noted characters. In the show, Mikasa is often shown going by the side of Eren, the main character of the show, which can make it seem that she is there just to help Eren grow.
However, Hajime Isayama never wanted Mikasa to be there only to support Eren. In an interview posted by Yusenki, it was revealed that he wanted to give Mikasa individual importance in the story, making her no less than other main characters. According to the mangaka, it wouldn’t be interesting if Mikasa was only there to support Eren.
Hajime Isayama wanted to give Mikasa an individual role
Mikasa grows as a different and individual character in the storyline. As the story goes on, it becomes evident that Mikasa plays an extraordinary role in the storyline. She is often seen as fighting the Titans hand-on-hand with other warriors from the Scout Regiment. The mangaka did not want Mikasa to be a conventional heroine. Rather, he gave Mikasa one of the strongest characters in the story along with Levi and others.
As per the interview, Hajime Isayama refrained from drawing the character of Mikasa as just a supportive character. While writing the story, the mangaka later realized that Mikasa resembles Casca from Berserk. He gave Mikasa strong fighting skills like male characters, which gives Mikasa importance in the story. Further, he added that he thought of giving Mikasa a portrayal of a supportive character who is there to motivate the protagonist.
It is quite generic that a heroine is usually a woman who motivates a man. However, I don’t really like that way of thinking. There was a time when my head actually filled up with the idea of Mikasa turning that kind of character development around. That is the reason that she became a strong woman who excels in combat.
This was stated by the mangaka in the interview. It clearly shows how Hajime Isayama did not like the idea of Mikasa being a supportive character in the story.
Mikasa will always be more than just a supportive character
The character of Mikasa has reached a different level due to the mangaka’s extraordinary skills of storytelling and character development. Though Mikasa and Eren are often seen together in the story and anime as well, Hajime Isayama wanted a strong female character in his story.
In reality, there are differences between the skeletal structure and muscle count of men & women which cause the difference in their potential strengths. However, if that fact is just reflected in the manga normally, it wouldn’t be interesting anymore.
The character of Mikasa will always be one of the greatest female characters when it comes to anime. Her contributions to the story take Attack on Titan to a new level. Without Mikasa, it becomes almost impossible to imagine. Some fans may believe that she is just there to support Eren or that her role is just to help Eren grow. However, Hajime Isayama contradicts them. The way he gave this character important roles to play, and how Mikasa grew throughout the story justifies his statements.
Attack on Titan is available to read on Viz Media and Crunchyroll to watch the anime
