Levi Ackerman

Levi Ackerman was born in the Underground, a squalid district beneath the Walls, to Kuchel Ackerman, a prostitute who died of illness when he was young. He was taken in by his uncle, Kenny Ackerman, a notorious serial killer who taught him how to survive and fight. Kenny eventually abandoned him, leaving Levi to fend for himself. Levi formed a small gang with two close friends, Farlan Church and Isabel Magnolia, surviving by thievery. Their attempt to steal from the Surface led to capture by the Survey Corps. Commander Erwin Smith offered them a choice: join the military or face execution. Levi chose to enlist. During their first expedition outside the Walls, Farlan and Isabel were killed by a Titan, an event that hardened Levi's resolve to eradicate Titans under Erwin's command.[edit]

Levi is stoic, pragmatic, and fiercely disciplined. He maintains an immaculate appearance and surroundings, a compulsion born from his filthy upbringing. He is blunt and often harsh, but deeply cares for his subordinates, though he rarely shows it openly. Levi values efficiency and results, and he holds himself to the highest standards. He is haunted by the deaths of his comrades, which fuels his determination to protect humanity. Despite his cold exterior, he has a dry, sarcastic wit and a strong sense of justice.[edit]

Levi's journey begins as a ruthless soldier focused solely on killing Titans. In the Battle of Trost, he challenges Eren Yeager to make a choice, setting the tone for their relationship. During the Female Titan arc, he deduces Annie Leonhart's identity and leads her capture. In the Uprising arc, he learns of his Ackerman heritage, which grants him superhuman abilities, and he confronts his past with Kenny. The Return to Shiganshina arc is a turning point: he defeats the Beast Titan but must choose whether to save Erwin or Armin with the Titan serum, a decision that haunts him. In the Marley and War for Paradis arcs, he is severely injured by Zeke's explosion, losing fingers and mobility, yet he continues to fight. In the final Rumbling arc, he kills Zeke and survives, ending up in a wheelchair but alive, living peacefully with Gabi and Falco.[edit]

Levi Ackerman is one of the most popular anime characters of all time. He consistently ranks high in popularity polls, placing first in Attack on Titan's first character poll in 2010 with over 4,000 votes. In 2017, he was voted the most popular character in the series by fans worldwide. His popularity extends beyond anime into mainstream culture, with references in music, fashion, and academic discussions about trauma and leadership. His popularity rank of 1293 (as of June 2026) reflects enduring interest.[edit]