Attack on Titan [Manga] – Info, Plot, Main Characters
Japanese Title: 進撃の巨人 (Shingeki no Kyojin)
Year of Release: 2009 – 2021 (34 volumes)
Writer: Hajime Isayama
Original Publisher: Kodansha (Eng.: Kodansha USA)
TV: Attack on Titan Anime Series 2013 – 2022 (4 seasons, 94 episodes)
Anime Movies: Attack on Titan: The Last Attack (2025), Attack on Titan: Chronicle (2020).
*There are several movies related to the Attack on Titan series. Attack on Titan: Chronicle, released in 2020, recaps the first three seasons of the anime, summarizing key events and character arcs. Similarly, the movie Attack on Titan: The Last Attack covers the events of the fourth and final season.
Video Games: Attack on Titan 2: The Final Battle (2019), Attack on Titan: Wings of Freedom (2016)
*There are a few different video games related to the series. The above ones are some of the most notable.
Facts: As of May 2026, Attack on Titan is the 12th best-selling manga of all time, with over 140 million copies sold. Its acclaim is further underscored by prestigious awards such as the Kodansha Manga Award, the Attilio Micheluzzi Award, and the Harvey Award.
Setting
“Attack on Titan” is set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity teeters on the brink of extinction. The remaining human population resides within the protection of three immense, concentric walls meticulously constructed to defend them from colossal, humanoid monsters known as Titans. These man-eating giants relentlessly roam the lands beyond the protective fortifications.
Key Elements of the World
Titans: Titans exhibit a wide range of sizes, with some reaching an astonishing height of 60 meters. They possess remarkable regenerative capabilities, and their method of reproduction is significantly different from that of typical organisms.
The Walls: These formidable barriers, named Maria, Rose, and Sheena, serve as humanity’s primary defense against the encroaching Titans.
Eldians: The inhabitants of this world are called Eldians, who believe themselves to be the last remnants of the human race.
Plot
The central storyline follows Eren Yeager, a young boy whose life is irrevocably changed when a Colossal Titan breaches the wall surrounding his hometown, leading to the tragic death of his mother. Fueled by an unwavering determination, Eren vows to annihilate all Titans and subsequently enlists in the military to confront them directly.
Significant Narrative Developments
Unveiling Truths: As the narrative progresses, Eren and his allies begin to unravel the mysteries surrounding the Titans, discovering their true origins and the intricate historical tapestry of their world, which gradually reveals profound political and social undercurrents. The story’s direction shifts from a straightforward tale of survival to a deeper exploration of humanity’s enduring struggles, its internal conflicts, and the multifaceted nature of freedom.
The Initial Onslaught: The series opens with a devastating Titan attack, plunging the world into widespread chaos and destruction.
Military Rigors: Eren, along with his loyal companions Mikasa and Armin, undergoes intensive training to become elite soldiers within the renowned Survey Corps.
Main Characters
In the grim world of Attack on Titan, where humanity clings to survival behind colossal Walls, the fate of civilization rests on the shoulders of a few. The narrative is propelled by three central figures whose intertwined destinies explore the brutal realities of their existence, the depths of their bonds, and the unyielding fight against existential dread.
- Eren Yeager: A soul consumed by vengeance and a catalyst for revolution. His life was irrevocably shattered when he witnessed his mother’s horrific demise at the jaws of a Titan. This visceral trauma ignited an unquenchable fire within him, a burning crusade to annihilate every last Titan. Driven by this singular purpose, he enlists in the Survey Corps, the vanguard against the monstrous threat. Yet, as the story unfolds, Eren’s role transforms, casting him as a figure of both desperate hope and terrifying consequence.
- Mikasa Ackerman: The unwavering shield. Orphaned by a brutal act of violence that claimed her parents, Mikasa found solace and a fierce protector in Eren. Her existence is defined by a profound loyalty and an exceptional combat prowess that makes her a formidable force. Her stoic exterior often masks the deep emotional currents that bind her inextricably to Eren, her life’s mission to keep him safe.
- Armin Arlert: The keen intellect in a world of brute force. A childhood friend to both Eren and Mikasa, Armin’s spirit yearns for the world beyond the Walls, a curiosity sparked by forbidden books inherited from his grandfather. While physically less imposing, his sharp mind and strategic acumen provide invaluable insights, often serving as the critical pivot point in desperate battles, offering a beacon of reasoned thought amidst chaos.
- Levi Ackerman: The consummate soldier forged in darkness and despair. Born in the lawless Underground, Levi clawed his way through violence and survival to become humanity’s most formidable warrior, a living blade honed by tragedy and loss. Though haunted by a past of bloodshed, his unshakeable discipline and tactical brilliance transform him into the backbone of the Scout Regiment, a steady hand that anchors hope when all seems lost, cutting through the fog of war with lethal precision and unwavering resolve.
A Glimpse into Their Core
| Character | Role | Background Seed | Defining Essence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eren Yeager | Protagonist/Antagonist | Devastation of his family by a Titan | Unyielding resolve, burning passion |
| Mikasa Ackerman | The Fierce Protector | Orphaned; rescued and raised by Eren’s family | Steadfast loyalty, lethal skill |
| Armin Arlelt | The Strategic Mind | Raised on tales of the world beyond the Walls | Sharp intellect, profound perception |
| Levi Ackerman | Veteran Commander/Strategist | Survival through brutal combat in the Underground | Unwavering discipline, calculated precision |
These three, bound by shared trauma and an unbreakable friendship, are the lynchpins of Attack on Titan. Their journey through a world teetering on the brink explores the profound themes of survival, the complex nature of loyalty, and the relentless human spirit’s struggle against seemingly insurmountable odds.
