"I mustn't run away..."

Age: 14
Occupation: Student
NERV Designation: Third Child
First Appearance: Episode 1 ["Angel Attack"]

The main character of the series. Shinji is the only son of NERV Commander Gendo Ikari and the designated pilot of the Evangelion Unit-01.

A lonely and often time-depressed individual, Shinji has, for most of his life, lived without his father's presence. Though he hides a barely submerged hatred for Gendo, deep down inside, he wants his acceptance more than anything. The rift between father and son has greatly affected him, becoming so withdrawn that he is unwilling to get close to others for fear of hurting them (otherwise known as "Hedgehog's Dilemma").

Shinji is also an extreme pessimist, having a low opinion of all things in general -- but most of all, for himself.

Voice (Japanese): Megumi Ogata
Voice (English): Spike Spencer