The cast of Fullmetal Alchemist is so varied and colorful that it's hard not for many of its characters to stick around in fans' minds well after they've finished watching the show. This can be true of villains such as many of the homonculi, who acted in accordance with their typically-extreme ideals, as well as characters who started off on the wrong path but redeemed themselves, such as Scar.
However, the same can be said of the characters on the other side of the spectrum, as well. Typically, the protagonist is made out to be the number-one most likable character in any given series, but Fullmetal Alchemist actually strays away from this. Some of its most compelling and lovable characters aren't even given much screen time in comparison to the main cast, but their personalities are so sweet in an otherwise dark universe that they still stick with viewers.
10 Pinako Rockbell Made Sure The Elric Brothers Always Had A Home To Return To
It's hard not to grow somewhat of a soft spot for Pinako, Winry's grandmother. Not only does she end up taking on the role of a parental figure for Edward and Alphonse after Trisha's passing, but she's also close with Hohenheim and helped stop him from giving into the darker side of his thoughts when she was younger.
She's also committed to making sure that the boys always have a place to return to during their adventures if they need it. When Hohenheim tries to warn her about the impending Promised Day, she states that she can't leave, as she has people who will need her to be there waiting for them.
9 Izumi Curtis Took Ed And Al In After Learning They Were Parentless
Izumi Curtis is an incredibly strong-willed character, having had to go through the loss of her newborn child as well as losing some of her internal organs when she tried to bring it back. She was incredibly strict with the Elrics after learning they'd done the same, but only because she understands how painful the repercussions of human transmutation are.
She originally refused to teach them, but caved after learning they were essentially orphaned, showing her softer side. Her relationship with her husband is also incredibly sweet.
8 Mei Chang Is An Optimistic, Skilled Fighter Who Sees The Best In Others
Mei Chang is one of the youngest recurring characters within the series, but her size and age don't mean that she isn't also a skilled fighter. She's the only character on-screen to make use of actual Alkahestry in her combat style, which allows her to attack from long-range as well as be an incredibly efficient healer.
She's able to see the best in other characters, even ones who have committed atrocities but aren't truly evil themselves, such as Scar. Not to mention, the relationship she has with her pet panda is adorable, and her fairytale-romance daydreams involving Alphonse add a much-needed light tone to some later scenes.
7 All Hohenheim Wanted Was To Grow Old With His Family After His Tragic Past
Hohenheim originally seemed like he would end up as an antagonist, leaving his wife and children behind without explanation. However, after his past was revealed, it became clear that Trisha supported him, and that everything he did, he did because he wanted to grow old with his wife and children.
He makes up for his rocky departure in the end by helping Edward and Alphonse fight during the Promised Day and making sure they didn't take any fatal blows. Edward eventually forgave him, as well, finally calling him 'father', allowing him to pass on in peace.
6 Trisha Was An Incredibly Sweet Soul Who Unconditionally Supported Her Husband And Kids
Although she wasn't present in the series aside from a few flashbacks, it's impossible not to grow fond of Trisha Elric. She had no problem accepting Hohenheim when he opened up to her about his past, and she supported his decision to leave and even promised to wait for him.
She was shown to be a wonderful mother, as well, supporting her boys' newfound gift for alchemy. She'd keep smiles on their faces, even if she was hurting inside from the absence of her husband and the knowledge of her sickness.
5 Edward Elric Tried To Do Everything Possible To Achieve His Goals
Being the main protagonist of the series, most of Edward's traits are inherently likable. It speaks volumes about the rich, kind-hearted characters within the series that he doesn't rank higher, as he is an incredibly likable character.
However, much of what Edward does until the very end of the series is motivated by heavy guilt and self-loathing for 'dragging his brother into his mess', in his own words. He often shoves others away and declines help even when he really shouldn't because he doesn't want others to get involved, but anyone who does help truly has a desire to.
4 Winry Rockbell Is A Strong, Self-Motivated Character Who Works Hard To Improve Herself
Anyone who's at all familiar with the Fullmetal Alchemist franchise likely has a soft spot for Winry. After all, she's confident, driven, and she's even quick to admit her own faults and do her best to work on them, such as when she realized her automail wasn't reaching its full potential and sought to work under someone more skilled.
She's an amazing source of unwavering emotional support for the Elric brothers, even though having to wait for them to return without knowing if they're safe often takes a toll on her. She also dishes out life lessons to other characters quite often and helps them set out on a better track in life, such as with Paninya.
3 Alphonse Elric Is A Sweet Soul Who Stays Positive Despite His Circumstances
It's hard to remember sometimes just how much tragedy Alphonse has been through with how optimistic he is. He never stops believing that there's a way to get his body back, and his faith isn't even shaken when he learns there's a chance his armor may eventually reject his soul.
He doesn't even blame Edward for what happened, despite the elder brother pushing him when Alphonse felt that things weren't right. He's even able to remain hopeful - albeit to a somewhat naïve extent - when it comes to strangers' intent, despite being kidnapped or nearly killed several times.
2 Nina Tucker Was An Adorably Sweet Child Who Deserved So Much Better
It's impossible to go through the series without developing a soft spot for Nina Tucker. Her entire character is designed to be likable, so fans get incredibly attached right before the dark twist and reveal at the end of her character arc.
Even after her mother 'left' the family and it was just her, an overworking father who never had time for her, and their dog, she never stopped smiling and remaining positive. She made fast friends with Alphonse and Edward as well, even going as far as to refer to the latter as her older brother.
1 Maes Hughes Was The Perfect Husband, Father, And Friend In Every Conceivable Way
Hughes is by far the most likable character in the entire series, which makes the fact that he suffered one of the most tragic ends all the more painful. Everything he ever did was for his family, his closest friend Roy, or the Elric brothers after becoming close with them.
He always put others first, and this was something he genuinely enjoyed doing, rather than something he saw as a burden on himself. He'd go a bit overboard showering everyone with pictures and gushing words of love about his family, but it was only because they meant so much to him, and fans couldn't help but be endeared by it all.