Top FE Characters: #5 - Eliwood (FE7 and 6, because old!Eliwood is awesome and nothing will ever change my mind)
“But I have a goal to accomplish. I cannot look away from that. …Nor is it something I can accomplish should I die. So, I will not. I cannot die.”
Eliwood gets a lot of slack for being “bland” and “boring” in FE7’s story, especially when compared against bombastic Hector and fandom-favorite Lyn. And that’s not even touching the whole “Pansywood” gag perpetuated by the stat-whinging crowd.
But personally, I’d say he’s by far the most capable, reasonable main character in the series. Not only is he able to hold his own in a fight (his stats are actually really well-rounded in-game, and he’s apparently able to best Hector in a spar, so yes), but he’s also got the brains and finesse to manage diplomatic situations with ease. He’s also got an edge of snark to him, as well; he’s definitely not afraid to use his intellect to his advantage.
I also think it’s admirable that unlike a lot of the main characters who keep everything bottled up, Eliwood’s not afraid to stop and grieve the losses he suffers along the way. At the same time, he doesn’t just collapse beneath them — he stops, mourns, and then moves on with the mission he must accomplished. Compare that to Hector’s refusal to even acknowledge his brother’s death and Lyn’s oft-untimely fury, and you begin to see that maybe him crying isn’t such a “pansy” thing.
On top of that, he’s probably the best dad in the series — considering how well Roy turns out, anyway. (Bonus points for not dying in-game, too!) And even though I’m not big on any canon pairings for him, it’s hard to deny that Eliwood is really sweet in his romantic scenes.
Someone else I watch, I’ve forgotten who, described Eliwood as “gallant”, and I think that’s a good word for him. He really is noble, in the character quality sense of the word, without being too shiny or perfect. Maybe it’s a little harder to see where he stands out compared to the other two FE7 lords, but he deserves a lot more credit than he gets.
Thank you. I just don’t understand why everyone hates Eliwood. He’s a fantastic character.
