The Attack On Titan series observes many of its most memorable moments through the lens of prominent characters. Eren, Mikasa, Armin, and Levi are frequently regarded as its four central heroes (though it becomes increasingly debatable whether or not the former can be considered as such).
Nonetheless, there are a number of instances where minor characters save the day - occasionally even rescuing their more well-known counterparts in the process. Through finding instances where their contributions were invaluable, we can better understand the meticulous ways in which even small characters play a massive role in the anime's story.
10 Dhalis Zachary Ruled In Eren's Favor
Dhalis Zachary was the premier of all three regiments of Paradis' military. More importantly, he resided over Eren's trial after his titan identity came to light.
Touched by the pleas of Erwin and the "convincing argument" of Levi, he agreed to allow Eren to go with the Scouts under the condition that he was bound to their service (and that they would take responsibility for his actions). Unfortunately, his mercy would cost him his life many years later when he was slain amidst a Yeagerist sabotage of his building.
9 Dot Pyxis Saved Eren From Kitz Woermann
Immediately after Eren's titan identity was revealed, Kitz Woermann and a handful of other fearful Eldian soldiers attempted to gun him down with cannons. They would not hear arguments from Armin or Mikasa regardless of how convincing they might have been in sentiment.
The only person capable of staunching the madman's attack was Pyxis, whose authority outranked his own. For his keen judgment, Paradis was able to plug one of the holes in its walls by harnessing Eren's strength to its advantage.
8 Grisha Stole The Founder From The Reiss Family
The Founding Titan was originally held by Frieda Reiss and designated for corrupt purposes. Dominated by the will of a previous king, she sought to corral the Eldians behind the walls as their people continued to suffer a pernicious fate.
Grisha Yeager would be responsible for consuming her and stealing the power of the Founder for himself. He would later pass it down to his son, Eren Yeager, which would provide the Scouts a massive boon in battles to come (such as Reiner's retreat from Paradis).
7 Falco Stopped Gabi From Murdering Kaya With A Pitchfork
When Gabi and Falco were unwittingly "conscripted" to Artur Braus' farmstead, the former came into possession of a pitchfork. Dogmatically convinced that the Eldians were devils beyond reproach, she attempted to murder her hostess in broad daylight.
This would have been a disaster in every conceivable way. Not only would it likely have lead to Gabi's arrest and worse, but it would also cause another unspeakable tragedy for the Braus family. Fortunately, Falco was able to gauge his comrade's intentions and prevent her from doing something they would both regret later. Ironically, Kaya would attempt to murder Gabi in turn shortly after uncovering her role in Sasha's death.
6 Hannes Saved Eren From The Smiling Titan
During the attack on Shiganshina, the wall's defenders were completely unprepared and disorganized. Dina Fritz (most commonly known as the Smiling Titan) came upon Eren's homestead and devoured his mother.
Naturally, Eren was incensed by this barbarism and attempted to do everything in his power to save her life. Understanding the futility of his resistance, Hannes swept in and forcibly carried Eren off. Haunted by his cowardice, Hannes would later confront the Smiling Titan for a final reckoning - one that concluded with his death.
5 Hange Created The Thunder Spears That Would Bring Down Reiner
Initially, the Scouts faced a serious problem against Reiner since their blades could not pierce his skin or meaningfully damage the gaps in his defenses. Industriously, Hange provided a solution through the invention of the thunder spear.
It was a high-powered explosive that could punch through Braun's impervious skin, as demonstrated through the second battle for Shiganshina. If not for Hange's creation, the only person capable of defeating the villain would have been Eren - who was busy fighting Bertholdt at the time.
4 Ymir Saved Everyone At Utgard
While Ymir was brazen, needlessly confrontational, and oftentimes casually insulting, she demonstrated a degree of heroism during the battle of Utgard. When titans surrounded the keep at all sides on the instruction of Zeke Yeager, it seemed as if hope was lost.
Luckily for the heroes, Ymir transformed into the Jaw Titan and leaped into the fray, tearing through dozens of opponents before being overwhelmed herself. Though she sustained grave injuries from this gambit, she would survive it - only to face a worse fate after being brought to Marley.
3 Historia Killed Rod Reiss
Rod Reiss had hoped for Historia to consume Eren so that she could continue the ways of her predecessors. After she refused and shattered the syringe he intended to inject her with, the man licked its precious fluids and became the most horrifically massive monster seen so far.
None could stop him as he rampaged toward civilization. Once he arrived, however, the Scouts blew his body up and scattered chunks of meat in all directions. Historia was the one to slice apart what comprised the nape of his neck, validating her new position as the queen of Paradis.
2 Sasha Saved Connie From Kenny's Men
Sasha possessed a rare talent among the Scouts—her marksmanship ability. During the attack on Rod Reiss' bunker, she ignited a flaming arrow and saved Connie from being slain by one of Kenny's soldiers.
Her alacrity in combat would be proven again during the battle for Marley, where she shot down a handful of enemy snipers from inside a bunker. If not for her alertness and precision, they would have slain many scouts and further thinned their already bleak ranks.
1 Erwin Gave Levi The Distraction He Needed To Take Out Zeke
Defeating the Beast Titan was notably difficult since an entire sward stretched between the Scouts and their target. Since there were no buildings nearby, it was difficult to ascend to the nape of his neck.
Erwin Smith volunteered to lead a suicide mission against Zeke, using smoke flares to distract him as Levi Ackerman drew closer. Though they would be successful in saving Shiganshina from the Marleyan agents, only one titan was secured to be used for Paradis. Erwin's sacrifice remains a poignant death and one not soon forgotten by his comrades.