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 the 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 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 themes that exist in the show. 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 the 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 makes 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.

Episode 5

The episode begins with a flashback that shows the accident that caused Rei's injuries: an activation test of Eva-00 results in an error when the unit loses control. It begins to attack the central command, until it is finally deactivated and paralyzed with bakelite. In a hurry, Gendo Ikari rushes to see if Rei is all right, burning his hands when opening the door of his capsule at high temperature. The image focuses on his glasses being broken by the high temperature of the LCL.

In the present, Ritsuko describes the profile of Rei Ayanami: 14 years old, the first child selected by the Marduk Institute, past: unknown. Cause of accident unknown, in theory, generated by the pilot's mental instability. Misato questions Rei's diagnosis of "mental instability". Ritsuko argues about a possible hidden cause, but remains silent.

During the works of removing and studying the last Angel's remains, Shinji notices his father's burned hands, and Ritsuko tells about his act of saving Rei. Shinji is surprised by extracting something positive from his father. At school, Shinji watches Rei from afar, in what his classmates interpret as sexual interest. Shinji notices the fact that she is always alone, which Toji agrees with. Back on Nerv, Shinji observes Rei happily chatting with Gendo, which leaves him somewhat distraught.

At home, at night, Ritsuko asks Shinji to give the new access card for Rei. He goes to Rei's place the next day, and enters her apartment when he doesn't get an answer when calls for the girl. He finds a messy house, with too many medicines and bandages. His attention is then diverted to his father's broken glasses. He puts them on, and then Rei appears, naked, behind him. Shinji is very nervous. Rei's reaction is one of anger, and she rushes at him to take the glasses off his face. Shinji loses his balance, and falls over her, his hands on the girl's breasts. Rei doesn't react, while Shinji looks very embarrassed. He tries to justify his visit, too eagerly, while Rei ignores him, dresses, and leaves. Shinji follows her, not saying a word. Upon reaching Nerv, he finally has the opportunity to give the new card to Rei, who takes it violently, without thanking him.

On the escalators, Shinji tries to start a conversation, apologizing for what happened. Attempts of dialogue are flawed, as Rei doesn't mind responding and doesn't show any emotion or interest in Shinji's words. When Shinji expresses his fear of the Evas, Rei asks about his relationship with Gendo, and if he has confidence in his father's work. Shinji is upset by this, and his demonstration of anger towards his father causes Rei to turn to him and slap him on the face. She doesn't speak a word to him during or after this act.

While dressing, Rei has memories of Gendo's kind words, which justifies her trust and affection for him. Rei initiates a new activation test with Eva-00, this one being a success. She breathes a sigh of relief, knowing she might be of use to Gendo.

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