Dr. Katsuragi: Difference between revisions

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Dr. Katsuragi's field was apparently energy research. His work eventually led him, in 1999, to the controversial [[S² Theory|Super Solenoid (or S²) Theory]]. Using the principles established therein, he hoped to create an engine capable of harnessing limitless amounts of energy, or "helical energy". His breakthrough somehow led to an entanglement, whether direct or indirect, with the shady organization [[Seele]]. In 2000, funded by Seele and under the banner of the [[United Nations]], he led the enonymous [[Katsuragi Expedition]] to Antarctica for the ostensible purpose of investigating a mysterious underground cavity that had been detected the year before. It's not clear why he was considered qualified for such a position.
Dr. Katsuragi's field was apparently energy research. His work eventually led him, in 1999, to the controversial [[S² Theory|Super Solenoid (or S²) Theory]]. Using the principles established therein, he hoped to create an engine capable of harnessing limitless amounts of energy, or "helical energy". His breakthrough somehow led to an entanglement, whether direct or indirect, with the shady organization [[Seele]]. In 2000, funded by Seele and under the banner of the [[United Nations]], he led the enonymous [[Katsuragi Expedition]] to Antarctica for the ostensible purpose of investigating a mysterious underground cavity that had been detected the year before. It's not clear why he was considered qualified for such a position.


An inert humanoid entity, designated [[Adam]], was subsequently discovered within the subterranean space code-named the "[[White Moon]]". She possessed an organ shaped like a double helix, which Dr. Katsuragi proposed was the source of Adam's power and operated in accordance with his S² Theory. While met with some skepticism, Katsuragi was ultimately vindicated, and Adam's own "[[S² Engine]]" was researched so that it might be artificially emulated.
An inert humanoid entity, designated [[Adam]], was subsequently discovered within the subterranean space code-named the "[[White Moon]]". She possessed an organ shaped like a double helix, which Dr. Katsuragi proposed was the source of Adam's power, operating in accordance with his S² Theory. While met with some skepticism, Katsuragi was ultimately vindicated, and Adam's own "[[S² Engine]]" was researched so that it might be artificially emulated.


Katsuragi's research team eventually undertook a "[[Contact Experiment]]" between Adam and a human test subject designated the "donor", although the exact details are shrouded in mystery. From what little is known, the experiment seems to have had little to do with Dr. Katsuragi's own specialty. While both the show and all official sources are silent on the issue, it has been suggested that the donor was none other than Dr. Katsuragi himself: in part because he is the "better-qualified" of the two available cast members, but more specifically because the situation would parallel [[Yui Ikari]]'s own Contact Experiment in many ways. ''See:'' [[Theory & Analysis: Kaworu's Origins]].
Katsuragi's research team eventually undertook a "[[Contact Experiment]]" between Adam and a human test subject designated the "donor", although the exact details are shrouded in mystery. From what little is known, the experiment seems to have had little to do with Dr. Katsuragi's own specialty. It has been suggested that the donor was none other than Dr. Katsuragi himself, although both the show and all official sources are silent on the issue. ''See:'' [[Theory & Analysis: Kaworu's Origins]].


It is not entirely clear if Dr. Katsuragi knew as much about what the contact experiment with Adam would result in, as Gendo and Chairman Keel did. Certainly, Katsuragi knew a grew deal about Adam. However, it is unknown just how involved in Gendo and Keel's plans he was.  Katsuragi may not have known that Second Impact would result from the contact experiment (as Gendo did), or he may have thought that he had the situation under control. It does seem that after Adam awoke and was about to initiate Second Impact, Katsuragi tried as hard as he could to lessen the effects of the explosion.  Whether Katsuragi knew that Seele's actions were based on prophesies in the [[Dead Sea Scrolls]] also remains a mystery.
Beyond being funded by them, his exact relationship with Seele is entirely unknown, in terms of his level of involvement with their covert plans, knowledge of the [[Dead Sea Scrolls]], and so forth. Being as he remained at the base, rather than departing with [[Gendo Ikari|Gendo]] and [[Keel Lorenz|Keel]], he was in all probability unaware of the Contact Experiment's "true" function (one which held no regard for the lives of the research team). In addition, Dr. Katsuragi and the scientists beneath him ("''karera''") were thought poorly of by Keel Lorenz, who makes his antipathy vividly clear at the beginning of [[Episode 21]]'.


==Personal Life==
==Personal Life==
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Katsuragi was a man who became totally consumed by his work, eventually coming to completely neglect his responsibilities as a husband and a father. Due to his absence, his wife developed chronic depression, and Misato lived a joyless childhood of being a "good girl" who helped shoulder the burdens her father left behind. Katsuragi's friends described him as being "sensitive and delicate", but Misato rejects this notion, believing him to be no more than a weak person who ran away from reality.  
Katsuragi was a man who became totally consumed by his work, eventually coming to completely neglect his responsibilities as a husband and a father. Due to his absence, his wife developed chronic depression, and Misato lived a joyless childhood of being a "good girl" who helped shoulder the burdens her father left behind. Katsuragi's friends described him as being "sensitive and delicate", but Misato rejects this notion, believing him to be no more than a weak person who ran away from reality.  


At length, Katsuragi's wife resolved to divorce him, with Misato fully backing the decision. Perhaps indicative of his level of detachment from reality, and even of naivete (Misato does, in fact, liken him to a kid), this development shocked Katsuragi. The young Misato mocked him, although she seems justified in her claim that he had "brought [the situation] upon himself".  
At length, Katsuragi's wife resolved to divorce him, with Misato fully backing the decision. Perhaps indicative of his level of detachment from reality, and even of naivete (Misato does, in fact, liken him to a kid), this development shocked Katsuragi. The young Misato mocked him, feeling he had "brought [the situation] upon himself".  


Presumably, Katsuragi did not have primary custody of Misato. However, in 2000, Misato was present at the UN Base in Antartica, where the expedition team was located. Why she was there is unknown: Did Katsuragi force her to accompany him despite the wishes of Misato and her mother, or did something happen to his ex-wife, after which he accepted custody? No information is provided.
Presumably, Katsuragi did not have primary custody of Misato. However, in 2000, Misato was present at the UN Base in Antartica, where the expedition team was located. Why she was there is unknown: Did Katsuragi force her to accompany him despite the wishes of Misato and her mother, or did something happen to his ex-wife, after which he accepted custody? The matter is never elaborated upon.


When the Contact Experiment with Adam (for which the expedition's leader would have certainly been present) went awry, Katsuragi escaped with Misato so that he might deliver his daughter to her best chance for survival. He and Misato were evidently caught in some kind of explosion, and, judging from Katsuragi's level of injury relative to Misato, it is possible that he used his own body to shield her from harm. In spite of his extensive wounds, he stayed alive long enough to place his daughter within the only intact escape capsule. Misato regards this as her father's "sacrifice", even though Dr. Katsuragi was already mortally wounded.
When the Contact Experiment with Adam (for which the expedition's leader would have certainly been present) went awry, Katsuragi escaped with Misato so that he might deliver his daughter to her best chance for survival. He and Misato were evidently caught in some kind of explosion, and, judging from Katsuragi's level of injury relative to Misato, it is possible that he used his own body to shield her from harm. In spite of his extensive wounds, he stayed alive long enough to place his daughter within the only intact escape capsule. Misato regards this as her father's "sacrifice", even though Dr. Katsuragi was already doomed to expire.  


Before he died, he passed a pendant in the shape of a Greek [[cross]] on to Misato. No elaboration whatsoever is provided as to what this object meant to its original owner (e.g., if Katsuragi was a practicing Christian or if the cross was just a good-luck charm), although it functions as a versatile symbol throughout the course of the series.
Before he died, he passed a pendant in the shape of a Greek [[cross]] on to Misato. No elaboration whatsoever is provided as to what this object meant to its original owner (e.g., if Katsuragi was a practicing Christian or if the cross was just a good luck charm), although it functions as a versatile symbol throughout the course of the series.


==Notes==
==Notes==
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*Katsuragi's final moment with Misato is directly paralleled in [[Episode 18]] when Misato wakes up and finds [[Ryoji Kaji|Kaji]] by her side. The situation as a whole is also heavily mirrored with Misato and [[Shinji Ikari|Shinji]] in [[Episode 25']].
*Katsuragi's final moment with Misato is directly paralleled in [[Episode 18]] when Misato wakes up and finds [[Ryoji Kaji|Kaji]] by her side. The situation as a whole is also heavily mirrored with Misato and [[Shinji Ikari|Shinji]] in [[Episode 25']].
*While Dr. Katsuragi is regarding Misato for the last time, a drop of his blood falls and spatters onto her cheek. This is probably intended to represent a "tear of blood".  
*While Dr. Katsuragi is regarding Misato for the last time, a drop of his blood falls and spatters onto her cheek. This is probably intended to represent a "tear of blood".  
*A lingering shot of a tattered, blood-stained glove appears in the classified footage shown at the beginning of [[Episode 21]]' and [[DEATH]]. This is, in fact, the missing part of Dr. Katsuragi's left-hand glove.
*The tattered, blood-stained glove that appears in the classified footage prefacing [[Episode 21]]' and [[DEATH]] seems to be the missing part of Dr. Katsuragi's left-hand glove.
*Dr. Katsuragi seems to briefly stare at his left hand the moment before he collapses. Combined with the bloody glove and the close-up of his lacerated hand, this would make three instances of attention being drawn to that particular hand.
*[[:Image:Full-op C234 adam-spear.jpg|An image of Adam]] being excavated within the White Moon is included in the pre-Renewal version of [[Episode 23]]' and the [[01 Test-Type DVD|Full-Length Opening]] video compiled by [[Masayuki]]. Three figures stand in the foreground with their backs to the camera, and it has been suggested that these are actually (from left to right) Keel, Gendo, and Dr. Katsuragi.
*[[:Image:Full-op C234 adam-spear.jpg|An image of Adam]] being excavated within the White Moon is included in the pre-Renewal version of [[Episode 23]]' and the [[01 Test-Type DVD|Full-Length Opening]] video compiled by [[Masayuki]]. Three figures stand in the foreground with their backs to the camera, and it has been suggested that these are actually (from left to right) Keel, Gendo, and Dr. Katsuragi.
*According to Misato in [[Episode 15]], her father was a member of [[Nerv]], and she later joined that organization. Misato seems to have been simplifying, as Nerv didn't exist in 2000: the predecessor organization of "Nerv" was "[[Gehirn]]". Of course, Gehirn was essentially just renamed and reorganized into Nerv; Misato herself joined Gehirn a short time before it was reformed into Nerv, but she still refers to things "since I joined Nerv". It is not clear, though, if Gehirn existed in 2000 and Dr. Katsuragi was a member, or if he was a "member" of a United Nations research group which was itself a predecessor of Gehirn.
*According to Misato in [[Episode 15]], her father was a member of [[Nerv]]. However, she seems to have been simplifying, as Nerv didn't exist until the year 2010. It did, however, have a direct precursor, the research organization [[Gehirn]], which Misato had joined shortly before it was reformed into Nerv. It is unclear if Gehirn existed in 2000 and Dr. Katsuragi was a member, or if he belonged to a United Nations research body that was itself a predecessor of Gehirn.




{{Character List}}
{{Character List}}
[[Category:Evangelion Characters]]
[[Category:Evangelion Characters]]

Revision as of 16:29, 14 August 2007

{{{name_r}}}
Dr. Katsuragi
{{{name_k}}}
Age Unknown
Birthday Unknown
Seiyū N/A

The mysterious Dr. Katsuragi (葛城博士, Katsuragi-hakase) is Misato's father, a dedicated and brilliant scientist up until his death on September 13, 2000 (during Second Impact). He has one scarce, silent appearance in Episode 12's brief flashback sequence.

Professional Life

Dr. Katsuragi's field was apparently energy research. His work eventually led him, in 1999, to the controversial Super Solenoid (or S²) Theory. Using the principles established therein, he hoped to create an engine capable of harnessing limitless amounts of energy, or "helical energy". His breakthrough somehow led to an entanglement, whether direct or indirect, with the shady organization Seele. In 2000, funded by Seele and under the banner of the United Nations, he led the enonymous Katsuragi Expedition to Antarctica for the ostensible purpose of investigating a mysterious underground cavity that had been detected the year before. It's not clear why he was considered qualified for such a position.

An inert humanoid entity, designated Adam, was subsequently discovered within the subterranean space code-named the "White Moon". She possessed an organ shaped like a double helix, which Dr. Katsuragi proposed was the source of Adam's power, operating in accordance with his S² Theory. While met with some skepticism, Katsuragi was ultimately vindicated, and Adam's own "S² Engine" was researched so that it might be artificially emulated.

Katsuragi's research team eventually undertook a "Contact Experiment" between Adam and a human test subject designated the "donor", although the exact details are shrouded in mystery. From what little is known, the experiment seems to have had little to do with Dr. Katsuragi's own specialty. It has been suggested that the donor was none other than Dr. Katsuragi himself, although both the show and all official sources are silent on the issue. See: Theory & Analysis: Kaworu's Origins.

Beyond being funded by them, his exact relationship with Seele is entirely unknown, in terms of his level of involvement with their covert plans, knowledge of the Dead Sea Scrolls, and so forth. Being as he remained at the base, rather than departing with Gendo and Keel, he was in all probability unaware of the Contact Experiment's "true" function (one which held no regard for the lives of the research team). In addition, Dr. Katsuragi and the scientists beneath him ("karera") were thought poorly of by Keel Lorenz, who makes his antipathy vividly clear at the beginning of Episode 21'.

Personal Life

Katsuragi was a man who became totally consumed by his work, eventually coming to completely neglect his responsibilities as a husband and a father. Due to his absence, his wife developed chronic depression, and Misato lived a joyless childhood of being a "good girl" who helped shoulder the burdens her father left behind. Katsuragi's friends described him as being "sensitive and delicate", but Misato rejects this notion, believing him to be no more than a weak person who ran away from reality.

At length, Katsuragi's wife resolved to divorce him, with Misato fully backing the decision. Perhaps indicative of his level of detachment from reality, and even of naivete (Misato does, in fact, liken him to a kid), this development shocked Katsuragi. The young Misato mocked him, feeling he had "brought [the situation] upon himself".

Presumably, Katsuragi did not have primary custody of Misato. However, in 2000, Misato was present at the UN Base in Antartica, where the expedition team was located. Why she was there is unknown: Did Katsuragi force her to accompany him despite the wishes of Misato and her mother, or did something happen to his ex-wife, after which he accepted custody? The matter is never elaborated upon.

When the Contact Experiment with Adam (for which the expedition's leader would have certainly been present) went awry, Katsuragi escaped with Misato so that he might deliver his daughter to her best chance for survival. He and Misato were evidently caught in some kind of explosion, and, judging from Katsuragi's level of injury relative to Misato, it is possible that he used his own body to shield her from harm. In spite of his extensive wounds, he stayed alive long enough to place his daughter within the only intact escape capsule. Misato regards this as her father's "sacrifice", even though Dr. Katsuragi was already doomed to expire.

Before he died, he passed a pendant in the shape of a Greek cross on to Misato. No elaboration whatsoever is provided as to what this object meant to its original owner (e.g., if Katsuragi was a practicing Christian or if the cross was just a good luck charm), although it functions as a versatile symbol throughout the course of the series.

Notes

  • Dr. Katsuragi's full name is never revealed.
  • Although he is completely silent in the original Japanese version, ADV chose to have him vocalize in their English language dub.
  • Katsuragi's final moment with Misato is directly paralleled in Episode 18 when Misato wakes up and finds Kaji by her side. The situation as a whole is also heavily mirrored with Misato and Shinji in Episode 25'.
  • While Dr. Katsuragi is regarding Misato for the last time, a drop of his blood falls and spatters onto her cheek. This is probably intended to represent a "tear of blood".
  • The tattered, blood-stained glove that appears in the classified footage prefacing Episode 21' and DEATH seems to be the missing part of Dr. Katsuragi's left-hand glove.
  • An image of Adam being excavated within the White Moon is included in the pre-Renewal version of Episode 23' and the Full-Length Opening video compiled by Masayuki. Three figures stand in the foreground with their backs to the camera, and it has been suggested that these are actually (from left to right) Keel, Gendo, and Dr. Katsuragi.
  • According to Misato in Episode 15, her father was a member of Nerv. However, she seems to have been simplifying, as Nerv didn't exist until the year 2010. It did, however, have a direct precursor, the research organization Gehirn, which Misato had joined shortly before it was reformed into Nerv. It is unclear if Gehirn existed in 2000 and Dr. Katsuragi was a member, or if he belonged to a United Nations research body that was itself a predecessor of Gehirn.


Characters
Main characters: Shinji Ikari | Rei Ayanami | Asuka Langley Soryu
Nerv staff: Misato Katsuragi | Gendo Ikari | Ritsuko Akagi | Kozo Fuyutsuki | Ryoji Kaji | Maya Ibuki | Makoto Hyuga | Shigeru Aoba
Classmates: Toji Suzuhara | Kensuke Aida | Hikari Horaki
Other characters: Kaworu Nagisa | Yui Ikari | Naoko Akagi | Kyoko Zeppelin Soryu | Dr. Katsuragi | Mr. Langley | Keel Lorenz | Pen Pen
Rebuild of Evangelion: Asuka Shikinami Langley | Mari Makinami Illustrious | Sakura Suzuhara | Ryoji Kaji (Jr)
Miscellaneous: Minor Characters | Minor Characters (Rebuild) | Extracanonical Characters
Theory and Analysis: Name Origins (Warships) | Designs | Relationships | Profiles
Resources: 2015: The Last Year of Ryohji Kaji