Captain Misato Katsuragi, NERV

At 29, Misato is Nerv's chief tactical specialist, in charge of the Evangelion pilots and their strategies on the battlefield. She takes a personal interest in her charges, as well — inviting Shinji and the pilot of Unit 02 to become her roommates when she finds out they, effectively, have no families of their own. Cheerful, efficient and confident at work, she is another person in her off-hours: a functioning alcoholic who doesn't take to housekeeping. In her own way, she is just as effective at distancing people as Shinji is. Before long, events and people from Misato's past start to catch up with her, forcing her to examine not only her motivations, but those of others around her.

Rei Ayanami, Pilot Eva-00

The first of the gifted youngsters discovered and the designated pilot of Eva-Unit 00 (First Child), Rei has no family or friends. She is distant and uncommunicative — except with Nerv's commander, Gendo Ikari.

Asuka Langley Soryu, Pilot Eva-02

Eva-02's designated pilot (Second Child), Asuka is a determined American of German and Japanese ancestry with red hair to match her quick temper. At 14, this child prodigy has a competitive, domineering personality that intimidates Shinji and frequently aggravates those around her. As aggressive in her love life as she is on the battlefield, she persists in the unsuccessful pursuit of her crush, Kaji Ryoji (who also happens to be Misato's ex).

Dr. Ritsuko Akagi, NERV

Nerv's chief scientist, 30-year-old Ritsuko, spends her time trying to escape from shadow of her mother, one of the original heads of the Eva project. She and Misato are almost complete opposites and have a somewhat passive-aggressive friendship of convenience that dates back to their college days.