Shinji and Asuka's Relationship

Despite not joining the cast until Episode 08, Asuka quickly becomes a pivotal figure in the narrative, both in her own right and in her interactions with Shinji. The complex dynamics of their relationship are at the very heart of the show and thus deserve an in-depth analysis. Unfortunately most aspects of the relationship remained both unspoken and denied for nearly if not all of the narrative, and thus the two never come to a conclusive understanding. For this reason, as well as to properly illustrate the compounding nature of each teen's wrongful assessment of their situation, their perspectives will be analyzed separately.

Before reading further, it is important to first realize that what the characters say or do almost never directly corresponds to what they actually feel or desire. It is only by looking at the wider details of a scene, such as background conversations or the framing of a scene that these truths are revealed. In many cases the clues to unraveling a scene can only be found in conjunction with other scenes. Lastly, it is often the case that important information is transmitted visually rather than through dialog, so looking at screenshots is a necessity.

Are They a Couple?

Certainly not in the traditional sense, no... that would require both of them to acknowledge their feelings to each other and possibly others, and before that to themselves. No such luck. Rather, the show makes it clear that they are intended to be analyzed as a couple, even if only a failed one.

Through the action arc and into the beginning of the downswing their interactions follow many conventions of romantic comedy. They have an eventful first meeting, complete with instant dislike and sexual misunderstandings. Circumstances force them into continued proximity, with sexual tensions and slowly building mutual acceptance. Friends see a relationship wither the character's themselves are blind, either teasing or offering advice. Finally it culminates in a first kiss... at which point the formula breaks down irrevocably.

This is also supported in a more subconscious manner via clever use of cuts during important moments to force a parallel between the Shinji/Asuka relationship and that of Misato and Kaji. In episodes 9 and 15, for example, kiss attempts between Shinji and Asuka are immediately followed by scenes of Kaji and Misato engaged in the same. In episode 11 both pairs end up in compromising positions.