Summary

• Mikasa was the first character Isayama created for Attack on Titan, not Eren, contrary to popular belief.
• Mikasa is more than Eren's love interest - a powerful Titan slayer, brave warrior, and integral part of the story.
• Mikasa's deep bond with Eren shapes the series, and she ultimately had to make the sacrifice of ending his life for humanity.

Hajime Isayama's masterpiece, Attack on Titan, boasts some of the most well-written and instantly lovable characters in anime. In a life-or-death situation, these characters' true personalities, motivations, and what really matters to each of them are put on display for audiences, allowing viewers to get to know them deeply. Isayama clearly went to great lengths to create realistic and compelling characters, but many fans will be shocked to learn who the first he ever created was.

Isayama revealed in an interview that, contrary to popular belief, Eren Jaeger was not the first character he created for the series. Mikasa Ackerman, Eren’s best friend and eventual love interest, was actually the first character he came up with when developing the acclaimed action shonen series.

Mikasa is incredibly significant to the series and to Eren’s journey, as she grapples with balancing her love for him and her desire to protect humanity. In the end, she wound up being the one who had to end his life, making a difficult sacrifice for the sake of humanity.

Mikasa Was the First Character Isayama Created in Attack on Titan

Fans May Be Shocked To Hear That Eren Was Actually Not Developed First

Mikasa's character is amazingly complex and well-written, so it makes sense that Isayama developed her first before any other hero in the story. From the very beginning of her life, Mikasa has unfortunately been in a seemingly endless fight for her survival. Both of her parents were killed in front of her and Eren showed up just in time to save her, but not before urging her to defend herself, which she did, committing her first murder and awakening her "Ackerman powers". This devastating moment also marks when her and Eren first began to develop their unique and powerful connection with one another.

Mikasa is one of Attack on Titan's most powerful heroes, nearly on the same level as Eren and Levi. Her number one rank in her Survey Corps cadets class is a testament to her incredible strength and talent at taking down Titans. Since childhood, she has had to defend both herself and others from constant onslaughts of attacks from both humans and Titans alike. Throughout the series, she proves herself to be the bravest member of the Survey Corps, charging into battle without a second thought if it meant protecting someone innocent or someone close to her, especially Eren.

Mikasa’s Role in the Story Is Far Greater Than Just That of Eren’s Love Interest

She’s One of the Most Powerful Titan Slayers, as Well as a Caring Friend and Brave Warrior

Mikasa and Eren have one of the most interesting and meaningful relationships in the series. Eren saved Mikasa in her childhood, and then she turned around and reciprocated, following Eren into the Survey Corps and protecting him into his adulthood. Without Mikasa, Eren would likely have died a lot sooner, and even though he often became frustrated by her overprotective nature, deep down he loved her deeply, as evidenced by his final, tear-jerking speech to Armin in which he professed his undying love for Mikasa and selfish hope that she would love no other man, even after his death.

Mikasa is far more than just a love interest to Eren, she's an integral piece of the story of Attack on Titan. Her contributions helped the Survey Corps slay thousands of Titans and keep humanity safe. When Eren went off on his own, committed to wiping out humanity in order to achieve freedom from the Titans, Mikasa jumped into action, making the difficult choice to stop him by any means possible. Unfortunately, Eren was unable to be swayed by mere words alone, so Mikasa had to end his plan by force, slicing off his head herself and kissing him one final time.

Eren and Mikasa’s Stories Are Interwoven With One Another

Their Journeys Connect Meaningfully, Revealing That Attack on Titan Is Mikasa’s Story Too, Not Just Eren’s

In Attack on Titan, Mikasa's crucial role is evident, from the very beginning to the end. Eren may be the main character, but he is heavily influenced by Mikasa. She consistently protected him and expressed her undying love for him, fostering a lifelong bond with him that even death could not break apart. Aside from her relationship with him, she is a valiant fighter and one of humanity's best defenders, slaying more Titans than almost anyone else. Isayama certainly chose a phenomenal character to create first, proving that as much as Attack on Titan is Eren's story, Mikasa is an absolutely necessary part.

Source: Mangabrog, Hajime Isayama