Hange Zoë is consistently one of the most interesting and well-written characters in Attack on Titan. Unlike the other members of the Survey Corps, Hange doesn't hate the Titans and strives to learn more about them, hinting at humanity's connection to the monstrosities from the very beginning of Attack on Titan. As Eren Jeager and the 104th Cadet Corps progress, Hange becomes more important to their efforts, eventually assuming the role of Commander of the Survey Corps.
Hange is relatable in a way that few Attack on Titan characters are, due in large part to their affable personality and nerd-like obsession with Titan physiology. During their time in the series, they utters numerous memorable quotes, some of which perfectly capture the overwhelming struggle of their people.
Updated on May 11, 2023, by Kennedy King: Although the latest Attack on Titan special saw the end of Hange Zoë, the Survey Corps Commander's mark on the series is still as large as ever. Zoë plays a pivotal role in the show's final sequence, and many instances of their dialogue perfectly capture the significance of Paradis' struggle to survive.
10 "This Was My Decision."
Episode 55 / Chapter 83: "Midnight Sun" / "Cleaver"
"I thought I told you. This was my decision." — Hange Zoë
After the Survey Corps capture Reiner, Jean Kirstein convinces Hange Zoë not to kill him so that they could take the powers of the Armored Titan. However, before they could, two Titans — later revealed to be Zeke Jeager and Pieck Finger — emerge and save their comrade. At first, Jean blames himself for the shortcoming, but Hange quickly lets him know that it wasn't his fault. They take full responsibility for the shortcoming, indicating their worth as the next leader of the Survey Corps.
9 "Do You Know What Exactly We In The Survey Corps Have Spilled Our Blood For?"
Episode 26 / Chapter 34: "Beast Titan" / "Soldiers Dance'
"Do you know what exactly we in the Survey Corps have spilled our blood for? To take back the freedom the Titans stole from us. For that cause, our lives were a small price to pay." — Hange Zoë
During the battle against the Female Titan, Hange and other members of the Survey Corps learn that the walls protecting them are made out of Colossal Titans. Minister Nick knew this all along and never said anything about it due to his religious beliefs. Hange Zoë desperately tries to convince Nick to tell them everything that he knew. Though he keeps his silence for a long time, he eventually confesses that Historia is the true princess of Paradis. Without Hange's interrogation, Nick would have likely taken his secret to the grave.
8 "Now We Can Defeat Titans Without Soldiers Even Having To Fight Them!"
Episode 48 / Chapter 71: "Bystander"
"Now we can defeat Titans without soldiers even having to fight them... We've created an executioner from Hell whose sole purpose is to slaughter Titans!" — Hange Zoë
When the members of Levi Squad talk about how Eren could use his powers to seal Wall Maria, the Attack Titan lets them know that he will do everything he can to help. Part of his efforts results in one of Hange Zoë's proudest creations — the Titan Guillotine. Hange is always the one running experiments and creating inventions, so their presence is a vital component of the 104th Cadet Corps' efforts to regain Wall Maria. When Zoë finally puts the Titan Guillotine to use, the subsequent jubilation is well-deserved.
7 "He's Nothing More Than A Harmless Man Who Just Refuses To Die."
Episode 82 / Chapter 125: "Sunset"
"What? The guy over there? No need to worry. He's nothing more than a harmless man who just refuses to die." — Hange Zoë
Levi Ackerman and Zeke Jeager enjoy the most contentious rivalry in the entirety of Attack on Titan, and in one of their battles, the former comes extremely close to dying. Luckily for him, Hange Zoë finds their Survey Corps companion and saves him from the brink of death. As Levi is still too injured to move around, Hange helps him travel by building a bed and connecting it to a horse. Eventually, they come across Pieck Finger and other members of the Marleyan Empire. There, Hange delivers a line that perfectly summarizes Levi's stubborn refusal to die.
6 "Defeat Is All The Survey Corps Has Ever Known!"
Episode 41/ Chapter 57: "Trust" / "Kenny the Ripper"
'What're you talking about? Defeat is all the Survey Corps has ever known!" — Hange Zoë
After Flegel's father dies, he befriends Hange because they have a common enemy. He explains how Kenny Ackerman killed his dad and kidnapped Eren and Historia, admitting that he had lost all hope and expected the Military Police to kill him. Hange has a kind heart and an optimistic perspective, and they point out that while the Survey Corps have suffered defeat after defeat, they are closer than ever to changing the world within the walls for the better. Flegel seems to take these words to heart and proves to be a valuable asset in the fight against Ackerman.
5 "The World Needs Paradis To Be The Root Of All Evil..."
Episode 69 / Chapter 108: "A Sound Argument"
"The world needs Paradis to be the root of all evil. They think that shared attitude brings them all together, protecting global stability." — Hange Zoë
The Eldians used the Titans to conquer and control the rest of the world. After the Great Titan War, many of them lost their memories and became trapped on the island of Paradis, unaware of their lineage for well over a century. Eventually, the Survey Corps learn the truth and want to form alliances with other countries. The only nation that accepts the Eldians for who they are is Hizuru, a fictional representation of Japan. However, Hange Zoë is keen enough to see through Hizuru's opportunistic ploy, acknowledging that the country was no different from any other in their disdain for Paradis.
4 "You May Have Had Some Sort Of Just Cause In Mind When You Did This"
Episode 38 / Chapter 52: "Smoke Signal" / "Krista Lenz"
"You may have had some sort of just cause in mind when you did this, or maybe you think you're not guilty because you were just following orders... But I don't give a damn about any of that! I swear, the filth that did this will feel every bit of pain that they inflicted on my friend and more!" — Hange Zoë
Though it takes a while, Hange Zoë and Minister Nick end up becoming close friends. Their vastly different backgrounds are both predicated upon their determination and commitment to their respective causes — a shared trait that eventually helps the pair understand one another. After members of the Military Police Brigade murder Nick, Hange confronts them. The Military Police refuse to admit to any wrongdoing, so Hange instead provides a cold, calculated warning to whoever committed the action.
3 "You Put Your Trust In Us And We've Lost Our Trust In You"
Episode 67 / Chapter 105: "Assassin's Bullet"
"Well, you got what you wanted. You left us with no choice. You put your trust in. us, and we've lost our trust in you." — Hange Zoë
After learning the truth about the world that he lives in, Eren Jeager decides to meet up with his brother, Zeke, and travel to Marley. When he is ready to return home with Zeke Jeager, the Survey Corps fights against Marley's Warrior Unit, making the world's powers hate them even more in the process. In the blimp that they use to escape Marley, Hange Zoë and Levi Ackerman confront Eren, who had essentially acted rogue during his time behind enemy lines. Zoë points out that Eren forced them into a corner with his actions and that their trust in him moving forward is severely compromised.
2 "Ever Since I Joined The Survey Corps, Every Day Has Brought A New Farewell..."
Episode 55 / Chapter 84: "Midnight Sun"
"Ever since I joined the Survey Corps, every day has brought a new farewell. But you understand, don't you? Everyone you meet will be parted from you one day." — Hange Zoë
When Armin Arlert and Erwin Smith were close to death, the Survey Corps had to make a decision: they could save Armin, who was close friends with most of the surviving Survey Corps soldiers and one of the smartest people in Paradis. Or, they could save Erwin, the greatest commander the Survey Corps ever had. Hange Zoë wants to save Erwin, so Eren and Mikasa beg their superior to save Armin. Zoë reminds them that every member of the Survey Corps must prepare to lose their allies. Although the group ultimately saves Armin, Hange's words still ring true.
1 "I Kept Moving Forward, Even If It Meant Killing So Many Of My Comrades"
Episode 88 / Chapter 132: "THE FINAL CHAPTERS Special 1" / "The Wings of Freedom"
"I led us all to this point. I kept moving forward, even if it meant killing so many of my comrades. It's time I take responsibility for that." — Hange Zoë
After Eren's goal of destroying Paradis' enemies became a reality, Attack on Titan's protagonists must devise a plan to stop him. In an effort to stop the Rumbling, Hange Zoë sacrifices herself in hopes of buying Paradis' remaining allies time to escape from the incoming Titan onslaught. Hange's actions as Commander of the Survey Corps puts the group into numerous unenviable situations, which Zoë acknowledges in their final moments. However, Hange's bravery and willingness to face their death head-on are more than commendable, and they solidify the character as one of the greatest leaders in all of Attack on Titan.