Shinji and Rei's Relationship

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Overview

Shinji and Rei's relationship is a major point of interest in the first arc of the story, specially in episodes 5 and 6, but, over time, more directly, with the introduction of Asuka Langley Soryu, it ends up in the background. Anyway, the character of Rei is always on the lookout, with a general development of her personality and her relationship with the Ikari, father and son.

During the first episodes, Shinji seems to be very committed in understanding her character, and somehow also seems to want to teach her to be more responsive to human relations. Over time, this concern seems to resonates with Rei, and her personality becomes more and more zealous, until its resolution, in episode 23. From that point, the character of Rei 2 is replaced by Rei 3, and a new character arc begins. This new Rei, again, was to be a blank slate, but she carries with her some of her counterpart's experiences, which results in her final decision, in End of Evangelion, which has a vital impact on the future of humanity.

The results and consequences of this will be explored below, in an episode-by-episode analysis of the development progress of both characters.

Episodes Analysis

Episode 1

At the very beginning of the episode, we have a vision of Shinji seeing the appearance of Ghostly Rei, which was never properly explained. Even so, this scene carries some indications to other meanings in the anime. This appearance of Rei, however, doesn't seem to have a direct connection to the Rei Ayanami we see throughout the series, known as Rei 2.

Later, Shinji arrives in Central Dogma, and is asked by his father to pilot the Evangelion. He denies it, so Gendo Ikari calls Rei Ayanami to pilot the unit. Rei appears to be severely injured by a previous unknown event Even so, the team manages to transport her close to Eva. An earthquake occurs, as an effect of the angel's attack. Rei falls to the ground and Shinji rushes to help her. Feeling the pressure, he agrees to pilot the Eva so as not to put the girl at fatal risk.

Episodes 3 and 4

In episode 3, Rei has a brief appearance after Toji hits Shinji. She, still wearing her bandages, calls Shinji after the emergency call. Shinji reacts in confision, with his initial reaction being to wipe the blood on his nose.

In episode 4, with Shinji's defection, Gendo orders Eva-01 to be reconfigured for Rei. The girl listens to his words with a gaze without hesitation, determined to follow the orders, even though she knows her life is at risk.

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