The tragedy of Gendo

[melengro]

I had a discussion with a friend recently. We agreed that Gendo was a tragic character, but we had a difference of opinion as to whether he was a tragic hero or a tragic villain. My contention was that, while Gendo's characterisation is that of a tragic villain, is role in the story is that of a tragic hero, since his Instrumentality is seemingly

Comments

[repura]

Yeah, his instrumentality was better than SEELE's, but he plays such a central role for NERV that I can't help but wonder if the project would have gone anywhere without him. It's not that much heroism to undo the harm you knowingly brought upon mankind.

And he didn't even do it because he felt bad for all the people he got killed or anything, he just really wanted to accomplish his own goal. IMO the dude is a cruel and selfish villain, just as bad as SEELE.