Rico Brzenska is the squad leader of Squad Rico and a member of the Garrison Regiment’s 1st Division Elite Forces. She is most notable as the only surviving leader of the Elite Squad assigned to protect Eren Yeager during the operation to retake Trost District. Known for her stern composure and strong sense of duty, Rico played a key role in one of humanity’s earliest victories against the Titans.

Rico is a short woman with a small but firm build, giving her an agile and compact soldier’s frame. She has shaggy, cheek-length platinum blonde hair and sharp silver eyes, which emphasize her serious and calculating nature. A distinctive feature of her appearance is her small framed glasses, held in place by straps around her head to prevent them from falling during combat. She usually wears the standard Garrison uniform, consisting of a light buttoned shirt and military jacket, and is later seen wearing the green Garrison cloak during operations. Though not imposing in height, her composed and sharp image reflects her role as a tactical leader. 

Rico’s personality is defined by a mix of pragmatism, honesty, and hidden compassion. At first glance, she appears cold and unfeeling, as she was willing to execute Eren Yeager, Mikasa Ackerman, and Armin Arlert upon learning of Eren’s Titan abilities, prioritizing the safety of humanity above individual lives. However, this was not cruelty but a clear-headed sense of responsibility.

As the operation to reclaim Trost developed, Rico demonstrated her belief in the value of human life, reminding Eren that every soldier had families, hopes, and dreams, and that their sacrifices should not be wasted. Her words revealed her deep empathy, even when masked by blunt honesty. She was willing to sacrifice herself for humanity, yet also refused to accept meaningless deaths. Though stern, she was ultimately a soldier driven by both duty and compassion, motivating others to act decisively under pressure.

Early Service: Rico was a member of the Garrison Regiment’s 1st Division Elite Forces, entrusted with high-risk missions. By the time of the fall of Wall Rose, she had already proven herself as a capable squad leader, demonstrating tactical sharpness and calm under pressure.

Defense of Trost District: During the Titan invasion of Trost, Rico was tasked with leading the Elite Squad assigned to guard Eren Yeager, after the discovery of his Titan-shifting power. Initially distrustful of him, she did not hesitate to consider eliminating him should his power pose a threat. However, as Commander Pixis approved the plan to use Eren to seal the breach, Rico played a crucial leadership role in the mission. She personally fought on the front lines, most notably blinding a Titan to protect Eren while he transported the boulder.

Aftermath of Trost: Although the operation succeeded, nearly all of her comrades perished. Rico became the only surviving leader of the Elite Squad, and she was deeply affected by the loss. Sitting among the corpses after victory, she allowed herself to grieve, shedding tears for the fallen while also acknowledging the significance of the triumph—the first true victory of humanity against the Titans.

Later Missions: While Rico’s later involvement is limited compared to other soldiers, her survival and testimony about the events at Trost left a lasting mark. Her balance of strict realism with respect for life made her stand out as a soldier who embodied the weight of leadership in desperate times.