Shigeru Sakamoto
Shinji Ikari is the main protagonist of Neon Genesis Evangelion, a 14-year-old boy summoned to pilot the Evangelion Unit-01 against Angels. He struggles with his father’s distant nature and his own emotional vulnerabilities, grappling with the immense responsibility placed upon him.
Quick Facts
What is Shinji Ikari's role in Neon Genesis Evangelion?
He is the Third Child and the designated pilot of Evangelion Unit-01.
What is Shinji's age?
He is 14 years old.
What is Shinji's birthday?
June 6, 2001.
What is Shinji's relationship to Gendo Ikari?
Gendo is his father.
What is Shinji's relationship to Yui Ikari?
Yui is his deceased mother.
What is one of Shinji's most famous lines?
"I mustn't run away!"
What is Shinji's appearance like?
He has medium-length straight brown hair and grey-blue eyes. He is also very skinny.
What is Shinji's typical attire?
A white dress shirt, blue t-shirt, dark pants, and white sneakers. His NERV uniform.
Description
Personality
Shinji initially presents as passive and laid-back, reflecting his upbringing. However, beneath this exterior lies a deep-seated yearning for approval and a profound fear of emotional pain and rejection. His experiences of abandonment and isolation contribute to his introverted nature and difficulty forming close relationships. He often retreats into himself, using music as an escape, but also demonstrates moments of surprising courage and determination, particularly when protecting others. His internal conflict between running away and facing his responsibilities is a central theme of his character arc.
Abilities
Shinji's primary ability is his aptitude for piloting Evangelion Unit-01. He demonstrates a high degree of synchronization with the Eva, allowing him to achieve impressive feats of strength and combat prowess. His ability to synchronize increases significantly over the course of the series. While not explicitly stated, his ability to pilot the Eva seems to be linked to his emotional state.