Introduction
Attack on Titan (AOT) has conquered the world with its captivating story line, unexpected plot twists, and deep dive into the human struggle for survival. While there are many contributing characters who make the show a success, the vast number of characters means that there are also some who are more hated than others. Whether it’s their behaviour, their morality, or their sheer arrogance, AOT’s most hated characters have earned their place in the hearts of fans who can’t help but react strongly to their actions.
In this article, we’ll be discussing in more detail the characters present in the most despicable characters of AOT. We’ll explore the how and the why behind these individuals’ animosity with each other and how despite their despicable nature, they still influence the story through unforgettable ways.
-
Reiner Braun
Reiner Braun (Armored Titan) is one of the most complicated yet dreaded characters in Attack on Titan. Initially presented as a loyal and friendly member of the Survey Corps, Reiner has his true colours as a Marley warrior shown in a shocking plot twist. His betrayal of Eren Yeager and the rest of the Survey Corps is what earns him the title of one of AOT’s most hated characters.
Why Reiner is Hated:
Reiner is deceptive and manipulative in his behaviour. He poses as a friend and colleague only to later reveal himself as an enemy the entire time. His internal struggle between what is right (Marley) and wrong (guilt for betraying his friends) makes him a complex character. However, many of his fans cannot sympathise with him as he wreaked havoc on his enemies, with the innumerable deaths of soldiers that he caused on his path to the throne.
Reiner’s enforced indifference aside, his decision to press on as a warrior and engage in the eradication of the last of humanity has left his character with a feeling of betrayal that, unfortunately, fans do not casually forgive.
-
Gabi Braun
Gabi Braun is Reiner’s cousin that gets incredibly famous during the latter seasons of AOT. Introduced in the series as a new character who comes into possession of Marley’s warriors, Gabi’s impulsive and reckless actions make her some of the most divisive of characters. The killing of Sasha Blouse, which takes place at the exact moment when she attempts to kill her, is one of the defining moments in the series that cements her as one of the most hated characters.
Why Gabi is Hated:
Gabi’s strong patriotism to Marley causes her to be very antagonistic, especially with the Eldians in which she sees as inferior. Her actions such as the murder of Sasha are based upon the deeply ingrained belief that the Eldians are the enemy and thus, they are not only a threat but act as her emotional trigger to her viewers. Fans are quick to point out how naive and ruthless Gabi is in her one-track mind to get what she believes is justice.
Despite the very young age, the fact that Gabi contributed to the irreversible damage and was a strict believer of Marley’s ideology led many to label her as one of AOTs most hated characters.
-
Zeke Yeager
Zeke Yeager, also known as the Beast Titan, is a very important part of the story of Attack on Titan. As Eren Yeager’s older half-brother, Zeke is a destructive and manipulative character, which gives him the title of one of the most hated characters in the series.
Why Zeke is Hated:
Zeke’s betrayal of his parents, his collaboration with Marley and his involvement in initiating the Titan War are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to why fans despise him. He killed thousands of Eldians all while covering his tracks by using the ideology of Marley superiority. Zeke’s coldness and lack of compassion towards the suffering of others is what makes him one of the most hated characters in the series.
His betrayal of Eren and the decision to activate Rumbling sets him as a villain. Even with a complicated history, Zeke’s actions and his belief that all Eldians should die make him a character that is difficult to justify.
-
Erwin Smith (Initial Perception)
Erwin Smith, the erstwhile commander of the Survey Corps, is a character that a lot of fans love due to his leadership and unmerciful drive. However, he does have a certain faction of fan group of AOT who considers him to be one of the most hated characters of the series, especially early in the series.
Why Erwin is Hated:
While Erwin is undoubtedly a genius of tactics, to some fans, he is too willing to sacrifice his fellow comrades in the name of his own objectives. His use of the soldiers particularly at the time he sends them out of the walls makes him seem like a heartless leader instead of the heroic character that his fans often make of him. His willingness to send men to their deaths for knowledge or for the common good is a controversial topic and many are disturbed by his decision to sacrifice the future of humanity for the sake of knowledge.
Though he is a good man, Erwin’s leadership style is one of the reasons why he’s still a polarising character with some fans regarding him as one of the more morally ambiguous characters in the series.
-
Marley’s Government and Military Leaders
Throughout the series Marley’s government and military leadership stand out as one of the principle antagonistic forces. Characters such as Commander Magath, who play a very prominent role in the conflict against Paradis Island, and the Marleyan royalty, who hold the power of the Titans, are some of AOT’s most hated characters.
The Reason why Marley’s Leaders are Hated:
The Marleyan leadership is to blame for the oppression and enslavement of the Eldians, and their political machines are responsible for a great deal of violence and war in the series. Their ruthlessness, lack of empathy, and willingness to sacrifice millions of lives for their own power and control make them very despised characters.
Their manipulation of the Eldian people and their use of Titans as weapons of war produces within fans a deep-seated hatred for Marley for being one of the main reasons for the conflict that devastates the world of Attack on Titan.
-
Hange Zoë (Perceived Lack of Action)
Hange Zoe is one of the more popular characters in the series, and she is the former Squad Leader of the Survey Corps who is eccentric but brilliant. However, their contribution to the events around the Rumbling and the choices they make in key plot moments cause some fans to criticize them.
Why Hange is Hated:
Some fans are left bitter by Hange’s apparent inaction during key moments in the story and their readiness to sacrifice certain lives. Many perceive their lack of ability to make hard choices as being a weakness, yet it is always with the best interests at heart. Hange is cast in a light of being a character that will often sacrifice themselves for others, but his inability to act firmly in situations where he should, particularly in the later stages of the series, lowers the marks he receives from the viewers.
Conclusion
The Attack on Titan has made some of the most memorable and complex characters in anime history, and with that comes a gamut of emotions by the fans. The most disliked characters in AOT are often the ones who are the dark sides of human nature that represent a certain aspect of human nature – betrayal, manipulation, cruelty, and in some cases, an inaction when there is the most need for action.
From Reiner Braun’s heartbreaking betrayal to the dark oppressive forces of Marley, each one of these characters leaves a lasting impression on the story. While those moments of redemption emerge for some of these characters, they remain antagonists in the eyes of many fans whose actions will always tarnish the world of Attack on Titan.
FAQ
Who are the most hated characters in Attack on Titan?
Some of the most hated characters in AOT include Reiner Braun, Gabi Braun, Zeke Yeager, and Marley’s government and military leaders.
Why is Gabi Braun hated in AOT?
Gabi is despised mainly for her impulsive actions, such as killing Sasha Blouse, and her blind loyalty to Marley’s ideology.
What makes Zeke Yeager one of the most hated characters?
Zeke’s role in the destruction of Eldians, his betrayal of his family, and his ruthless plans for the Rumbling make him one of the most hated figures in AOT.
Why is Reiner Braun hated in AOT?
Reiner is hated because of his betrayal and manipulation of the Survey Corps, particularly his role in causing the death of many soldiers.
What is the role of Marley’s leadership in the story?
Marley’s leadership, including figures like Commander Magath, plays a major role in oppressing the Eldian people and fueling the conflict in AOT. Their decisions lead to widespread suffering and war.
