Eren Yeager: Antagonist or Anti-Hero?

When discussing the character of Eren Yeager from Attack on Titan, the question of whether he is an antagonist arises. Eren's complex character evolution from a passionate hero to someone taking extreme measures to achieve his goals has placed him at the center of ongoing debates within the fan community.

The Antagonist Perspective

In the later parts of the series, Eren's actions, particularly his decision to unleash the Rumbling, position him in direct opposition to former allies and the world at large. This leads to significant conflict and suffering, framing him as an antagonist to many characters who once fought alongside him. While he believes these actions are necessary for the survival of his people, this perspective often leads to moral ambiguity.

The Morally Grey Character

It's important to recognize that Eren's motivations are complex and rooted in his desire to protect his friends and ensure the survival of his race. He is not a straightforward villain or a monster. He is a morally grey character who is neither a perfect hero nor a devil. This complexity makes him an anti-hero, a character with morally questionable actions but understandable motives.

The Human Side of Eren Yeager

Eren is a man trying to save his people and the love of his life, no matter the cost. This is what we call being human. He is not perfect and his actions may or may not be justified in your opinion. However, consider what you would do in his situation: would you run away with Mikasa, or would you do the Rumbling? This is the choice Eren has faced based on the circumstances.

The Trajectory of Eren's Choices

Eren became a victim of his own circumstances and decisions. He saw the destruction of his people and resorted to extreme measures to prevent further annihilation. The belief that he should have let himself be eaten by Historia or vice versa is a misunderstanding. The goal was to protect his own people from complete eradication, not to initiate a self-sacrificing suicide pact.

Protecting his people from Marley's expansionist and warmongering behavior was a critical necessity at the time. Marley's threat was real, and they needed a radical solution. The idea that Eren and his people could not be a threat to the rest of the world would not have been acceptable in their context. There were no peace negotiations because both sides had no desire for them.

Even the suggestion of using the founding titan powers to directly talk with Willy Tibur was a last-ditch effort to save his people. The reality was that negotiations would never have been accepted, as Marley's grudge against Paradise was too deep. The only non-violent solution that Eren could see was to try to convince Willy Tibur, a key figure in Marley, of Paradise's peaceful intentions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Eren Yeager is neither a straightforward villain nor an easy hero. He is a character with morally grey choices, driven by his love for his friends and his people's survival. Understanding his complex motivations and the difficult choices he faced allows for a deeper appreciation of his character and the challenges he faced in the series.