[The End of Evangelion — Character Bio]

Title: The End of Evangelion

Japanese Title: 新世紀エヴァンゲリオン劇場版 Air/まごころを、君に

Romanized Title: Shin Seiki Evangerion Gekijō-ban: Air / Magokoro o, Kimi ni

Release Year: 1997

Format: Animated Feature Film

Runtime: Approximately 87 minutes

Original Creator: Hideaki Anno

Chief Director: Hideaki Anno

Co-Director: Kazuya Tsurumaki

Screenplay: Hideaki Anno

Animation Studios: Gainax and Production I.G

Music: Shiro Sagisu

Overview:

The End of Evangelion is a theatrical conclusion to the original Neon Genesis Evangelion television series. It presents an alternative version of the final two episodes, expanding the events surrounding NERV, SEELE, and the Human Instrumentality Project.

The story explores human connection, individuality, personal identity, and the difficulty of understanding other people. Its narrative combines psychological drama, science fiction, and large-scale supernatural events.

Setting:

The story takes place in the Evangelion television series continuity, following the events of Episode 24. Much of the film centers on NERV headquarters, Tokyo-3, and the increasingly unstable world surrounding the Human Instrumentality Project.

Main Characters:

- Shinji Ikari: The central character, whose personal struggles become closely connected to humanity's future.

- Rei Ayanami: A mysterious and reserved individual connected to the Evangelion program and NERV's larger plans.

- Asuka Langley Soryu: An independent and competitive Evangelion pilot who struggles with her personal relationships and sense of identity.

- Misato Katsuragi: NERV's operations director, responsible for coordinating important decisions during the unfolding crisis.

- Gendo Ikari: NERV's commander, whose private objectives influence the organization's direction.

- Ritsuko Akagi: A senior NERV scientist involved in the technical and scientific operations of the Evangelion program.

- Ryoji Kaji: A former NERV employee whose investigations reveal information about the organization's hidden activities.

- Kaworu Nagisa: A mysterious individual whose earlier appearance has lasting consequences for Shinji.

- Kozo Fuyutsuki: NERV's deputy commander and a longtime associate of Gendo.

- Keel Lorenz: The chairman of SEELE, an organization pursuing its own vision for humanity's future.

Organizations and Groups:

- NERV: A specialized organization responsible for operating the Evangelion units and responding to the Angel threat.

- SEELE: A secretive organization directing events behind the scenes and pursuing the Human Instrumentality Project.

- Human Instrumentality Project: A large-scale plan intended to change the nature of human existence.

- United Nations: An international organization connected to the wider response to the Angel crisis.

Continuity:

This definition follows the original Neon Genesis Evangelion television series and The End of Evangelion film. The movie presents an alternative theatrical conclusion to the television series' final two episodes.

It is separate from the later Rebuild of Evangelion film continuity, beginning with Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone. The television ending and The End of Evangelion remain distinct presentations of the original series' conclusion.