Gabi from Attack on Titan Made Many Mad, Including Me

Gabi from Attack on Titan

In the vast and complex world of Attack on Titan, every character plays a vital role in the story’s exploration of war, morality, and the cyclical nature of hatred. But among all the warriors, soldiers, and titans, few characters have sparked as much controversy as Gabi Braun.

For some, she’s a victim of indoctrination, a symbol of how propaganda shapes young minds. For others, she’s an infuriating antagonist, whose actions and stubbornness make her nearly impossible to sympathize with. But what is it about Gabi that ignites such strong emotions in fans? Is it her brash attitude, her role in one of the series’ most heartbreaking moments, or her blind loyalty to Marley?

1. Her Role in a Major Character's Death

• Gabi killing Sasha Blouse is one of the most pivotal and emotionally charged moments in the series. Sasha was loved for her humor, kindness, and growth throughout the story. Gabi’s decision to board the airship and recklessly fire a shot, killing Sasha, feels senseless to many viewers. The fact that Sasha's death happens so suddenly and without a dramatic buildup makes it even harder to accept, and Gabi, as the direct cause, becomes a focal point of anger and grief.

• What adds to the frustration is Gabi’s lack of regret or understanding in the immediate aftermath. Instead of realizing the impact of her actions, she doubles down on her hatred for Paradis Eldians, further alienating viewers who are grieving for Sasha.

2. Blind Patriotism and Naivety

• Gabi is a product of Marley’s intense propaganda, and her hatred for Paradis Eldians stems from years of indoctrination. However, her blind loyalty to Marley and her belief that she is "one of the good Eldians" can be infuriating. She refuses to question the morality of her actions or the lies Marley has fed her, even when clear evidence contradicts her beliefs.

• This blind patriotism leads to her being unable to empathize with the people of Paradis. Her insistence on seeing them as devils, despite being treated kindly by Sasha’s family, highlights her stubbornness. For many viewers, this makes her appear close-minded and unsympathetic, especially when compared to characters like Falco, who are more open to understanding others.

3. Lack of Empathy Early On

• When Gabi is taken in by Sasha’s family, the audience sees firsthand the kindness of the very people she has been taught to hate. However, instead of appreciating their humanity, she continues to view them as devils. This lack of empathy feels especially grating when contrasted with other characters in similar situations, like Reiner, who struggles with guilt over his actions, or Falco, who shows compassion toward Paradis Eldians.

• Gabi’s inability to consider others’ perspectives or acknowledge her mistakes makes her feel static and unlikable, especially during the early parts of her arc. This stubbornness reinforces her role as a foil to the more reflective and remorseful characters in the series.

4. Comparison to Eren

• Many fans compare Gabi to a younger Eren Yeager, as both are impulsive, vengeful, and driven by a deep hatred of their perceived enemies. However, while Eren undergoes significant development and gains complexity as the story progresses, Gabi initially lacks the same depth. Her actions often feel like they come from a place of naivety and indoctrination rather than genuine understanding or growth.

• For fans who found Eren’s earlier behavior frustrating, Gabi’s similarities to him can feel like a regression, especially since they are introduced in the later part of the series, when viewers are expecting more nuanced and developed characters.

5. Stealing the Spotlight

• Gabi’s character is introduced late in the story, during the Marley arc, when many viewers are invested in the fates of established characters like Mikasa, Armin, and Levi. Her extensive screen time and narrative focus can feel jarring, as it shifts attention away from the main cast.

• For fans who are deeply attached to Paradis Eldians, Gabi’s prominence might feel undeserved, especially when her arc seems to take precedence over exploring other beloved characters. This resentment can make her character harder to accept, regardless of her eventual development.

Conclusion

Gabi’s character is designed to provoke strong emotions, as she represents the cycle of hatred and indoctrination central to Attack on Titan. While some fans appreciate her eventual growth and redemption, others find her early actions and attitude too frustrating to overlook. If you feel protective of the Paradis characters, especially Sasha, or dislike characters driven by blind hatred, Gabi’s role in the story could naturally lead to disliking her.