Reiner Braun (Anime)
Below is a profile of Reiner Braun, one of the central characters in Attack on Titan and a key figure from the Marleyan Warriors.
Below is a profile of Reiner Braun, one of the central characters in Attack on Titan and a key figure from the Marleyan Warriors.
Reiner Braun is the Eldian Vice Chief of the Marleyan Warriors and the main protagonist of Attack on Titan from Marley’s perspective. He is the illegitimate son of an Eldian mother and a Marleyan father, raised in Liberio’s internment zone. From a young age, he was chosen to become one of Marley’s Warriors and inherited the power of the Armored Titan. In the year 845, he infiltrated Paradis Island alongside Bertholdt Hoover, Annie Leonhart, and Marcel Galliard as part of an operation to reclaim the Founding Titan. He joined the Scout Regiment after graduating 2nd in the 104th Cadet Corps.
Reiner has a tall and muscular build, standing at around 188 cm, making him one of the tallest among the 104th Cadet Corps. His physique is broad and athletic, giving him the image of a natural soldier and leader. In his Armored Titan form (15 meters), his entire body is covered in hardened, armor-like plates. Despite this heavy appearance, the Armored Titan is highly agile, able to move at great speed with devastating impact.
Reiner’s personality is deeply conflicted and complex.
Outwardly, he acts as a reliable, protective, and older-brother figure to the other cadets, especially within the 104th Training Corps.
However, he suffers from severe identity conflict, torn between being a loyal Warrior of Marley and a trusted comrade in Paradis.
His split psyche often makes him genuinely believe he is a Paradis soldier, even when carrying out Marley’s mission.
He is portrayed as loyal, dutiful, burdened with responsibility, and tragically broken by guilt.
History
Childhood: Born in Liberio, Reiner’s Marleyan father rejected him, leaving him desperate for acceptance. Determined to bring honor to his family, he aspired to become a Warrior.
Becoming a Warrior: Chosen as one of Marley’s candidates, he inherited the Armored Titan at a young age.
Paradis Mission (845): Reiner infiltrated Paradis Island alongside Bertholdt, Annie, and Marcel in the mission to seize the Founding Titan. After Marcel’s death, Reiner assumed leadership of the group.
104th Cadet Corps: To maintain cover, Reiner joined the cadets and graduated 2nd in his class, forming strong bonds with Eren, Armin, Mikasa, Jean, Connie, and Sasha.
Revealing His Identity: Once his true identity as the Armored Titan was revealed, Reiner became caught between loyalty to Marley and his friendships in Paradis.
Later Years: As the vice-commander of the Warriors, Reiner remains one of Marley’s most important soldiers, though he continues to struggle with depression, trauma, and survivor’s guilt.