Unveiling Erwin Smith: A Deeper Look into his Morality in Attack on Titan

Attack on Titan is praised for its exploration of morality throughout human history. Author Hajime Isayama initially established the series as a survival story before delving into sociopolitical elements, forcing characters to make compromises to achieve their goals.

Few characters embody this complexity better than Erwin Smith, leader of the Survey Corps. The analysis of his character is particularly intriguing due to his role as a military leader and the consequences of his actions throughout the series.

Explaining if Erwin Smith is good or evil in the Attack on Titan series

Erwin Smith, the head of the Survey Corps in Attack on Titan, is immediately established as a key figure in the storyline due to his leadership role. His mission to lead his troops to triumph over the Titans and secure freedom is a selfless pursuit that ultimately benefits humanity as a whole.

The debate about whether Erwin is a good guy or not arises from his decision to send his men on dangerous missions, even when the likelihood of survival is slim. He justifies this by arguing that it is for the greater good and claims to have no emotional reaction when his subordinates die, which has upset some fans. However, it is understandable when taking into account the unprecedented threat they faced and their desire to secure freedom for their people and future generations.

Morality in the series

Erwin Smith may not fit the traditional image of a "good guy" due to the nature of war, but his commitment to humanity's welfare has garnered him a large following within the Attack on Titan community.

Some of the most morally ambiguous characters in the series (Image via Wit and MAPPA).

One of the key attractions for many fans is the series' treatment of morality. There are very few characters who can be easily categorized as either good or evil, adding depth to the plot. While the initial premise of the story is simple (defeating the Titans for human survival), it becomes increasingly intricate as the series unfolds.

The protagonist of the Attack on Titan series, Eren Yeager, is a prime example of a character who undergoes a dramatic transformation from optimistic and straightforward to morally dubious and unhinged, ultimately becoming the main villain with a plan to eradicate the majority of the human race. This series raises complex moral debates, with characters like Erwin Smith making decisions for what they view as the greater good, while others like Zeke Yeager share extremist perspectives with Eren but with their own bizarre plans.

Final thoughts

Erwin Smith's alignment in Attack on Titan is difficult to determine as purely good or evil, but it is understandable why he is willing to make numerous sacrifices. Given his overarching goal of annihilating the Titans, it is rational for him to make morally questionable choices in pursuit of the greater good.

Editor's P/S

As an enthusiastic fan of Attack on Titan, I find the moral complexity of the series to be one of its most compelling aspects. The characters are not simply black and white, but rather complex and flawed individuals who are forced to make difficult choices in a world that is constantly teetering on the brink of destruction.

Erwin Smith is a particularly fascinating character in this regard. He is a brilliant strategist and a natural leader, but he is also willing to make sacrifices that others would find unthinkable. His decision to send his men on dangerous missions, even when the likelihood of survival is slim, is a testament to his commitment to the greater good. While some fans may find his actions to be ruthless, I believe that they are necessary in the context of the story. The Titans are a relentless enemy, and Erwin knows that the only way to defeat them is to be willing to take risks.