Thread by @shinramain

[#Evangelion 3.0+1.0 SPOILERS]
Thread on Mari Illustrious Makinami's role in the Evangelion Rebuild films, what she represents for the story, and why the final movie made me fall in love with her character. #シンエヴァ

I must admit I was quite indifferent to her character when she was first introduced in 2.0. However, after rewatching the films, and seeing her characterization in 3.0+1.0, I finally understood her purpose as an "alien presence in the world of Eva". #Evangelion #シンエヴァ

Now, introducing such a disruptive character into an already established narrative isn't an easy task. Anno himself acknowledges that this process was very difficult for him, which explains her limited role in the first two films she appeared in. #Evangelion #シンエヴァ

But this very same process is what ended up giving Mari's character both an identity and a role within the story. She became the X-Factor that changed the trajectory of this pre-established narrative known as Neon Genesis Evangelion. #Evangelion #シンエヴァ

It's no coincidence the first time we see Shinji's walkman go past the famous tracks 25 and 26 is right after the scene where he meets Mari. Her presence changed the trajectory of the story into something completely different from that moment forward. #Evangelion #シンエヴァ

But who is Mari as a person? You Can (Not) Advance and You Can (Not) Redo show us glimpses of her interest in Shiji, her caring for Asuka, and add some questions in regard to her past. At this point in the story, we know too little about her and her goals. #Evangelion #シンエヴァ

Before diving into Mari's characterization in 3.0+1.0, I really recommend reading the 'Evangelion 3.0 (-120 min.)' prequel one-shot. It adds a lot to her dynamic with Asuka, as well as her interest in getting to meet Shinji again. #Evangelion #シンエヴァ
imgur.com/gallery/sJTaCe2

3.0+1.0 takes advantage of these glimpses and hints and expands on them by giving Mari's character a more central role in the narrative. She's still a supporting character but we actually see her interacting with others outside her just being an EVA pilot. #Evangelion #シンエヴァ

The movie also emphasizes Mari's dynamic with both Asuka and Shinji as people she's interested in/cares for, and helps by giving them reassurance throughout the course of the film. She's a supporting character in the literal sense of the word lol. #Evangelion #シンエヴァ

In the words of Mari's VA, Maaya Sakamoto "Mari just really likes people". And we can see that side of her character in full display in Evangelion 3.0+1.0. #Evangelion #シンエヴァ

But the final Evangelion film also sheds more light on her mysterious past, as well as other possible reasons for wanting to help Shinji. She's seen in Gendo's memories as his classmate and the person who introduced Yui to him. #Evangelion #シンエヴァ

The film also implies Fuyutsuki and Mari had been working together in some capacity behind Gendo's back while following Yui's will. This makes me think Mari was part of Yui's insurance plan to make sure Shinji got the help he needed during Instrumentality. #Evangelion #シンエヴァ

Also, she took measures in order to make sure her EVA could help Shinji catch Gendo and then she assimilated more of Adams' Vessels in order for her unit to last long enough so she could meet Shinji again in the aftermath of Instrumentality. #Evangelion #シンエヴァ

As for the Makinami/Iscariot thing. It could be a nickname she got after betraying Gendo. But If the latter is indeed her real surname, then the former could've been a diversion to make everyone think she was a clone like the Ayanami and Shikinami pilots. #Evangelion #シンエヴァ

Now, onto one of the biggest criticisms of Mari's character: Her lack of development.

If someone said Mari isn't a developed character they'd be right. Mari stays the same from her introduction up to the final scene of 3.0+1.0. But, is that a bad thing? #Evangelion #シンエヴァ

There's this notion that only dynamic characters can be considered "good" because they change and develop throughout the story. However, static characters can be great too, as long as they fulfill their role in the story. #Evangelion #シンエヴァ

Mari is a character that doesn't need development because she already knows how she wants to live and what makes her happy. Her role is to support characters like Asuka and Shinji so they can discover their purpose in life and find their own happiness. #Evangelion #シンエヴァ

And finally, the big elephant in the room: Why is Mari the one who gets to live with Shinji in the new world? Well, because she's the one that represents a fresh start for Shinji who's just left behind the most precious bonds from his previous life. #Evangelion #シンエヴァ

What Asuka needed Shinji couldn't give it to her, so he gave her closure. Kaworu realized he needed to find his own happiness instead of living exclusively for the sake of another. And Rei will get the chance to live for herself just like her clone did. #Evangelion #シンエヴァ

After saying goodbye to these relationships, Mari brought color back to Shinji's life. And now, they have the chance of a fresh start with a whole new life ahead of them. Whether they're lovers, friends, or family is left up for the viewer to decide. #Evangelion #シンエヴァ

In that sense, despite remaining unchanged, Mari embodies the theme of change present throughout the Rebuilds. In a world where people put barriers known as AT fields between one another, she enabled others to change by constantly breaking those barriers. #Evangelion #シンエヴァ

Before I go, I want to clarify that the idea of Mari being a representation of Hideaki Anno's wife has already been denied by Khara. Also, Moyoco Anno herself has asked for fans to not make "uncomfortable" comparisons between her and her husband's work. #Evangelion #シンエヴァ

Well, if you made it all the way through here, thanks for reading. Mari might not be the most complex character, nor the one with the most layers, but there's more to her than what meets the eye. She's a simple yet fascinating character nonetheless. Mari🐐#Evangelion #シンエヴァ