With a show like Attack on Titan, it's hard to pick a favorite character. So many of them have qualities worthy of the title, like Armin who is always the voice of reason, or Mikasa who is just about as cool as it gets. But when it comes to character development, there is one Scout whose growth has been a thing to behold.
Jean Kirstein's earliest appearances in Attack on Titan showed him acting flippant like a self-centered kid, but over the seasons he has grown into a strong leader, earning the respect of his fellow Survey Corps. It's no wonder that the internet's favorite horse boy is a fan favorite on Attack on Titan.
10 When Jean Tried To Compliment Mikasa It Backfired
Jean's failed flirtation is truly an iconic moment of Attack on Titan season 1 and a stellar introduction to his character. After stumbling over his words to compliment Mikasa's long hair, he received a dry thank you. Left embarrassed, he watched as she leaves with the boy he had just been arguing with over dinner.
As Jean watches Eren and Mikasa walk away, he overhears Eren telling Mikasa she should cut her hair or it might get in the way while fighting. Mikasa quickly agrees to this. This scene is a rough blow to Jean's ego and sets the tone for this trio's character dynamic for the rest of the show.
9 When Jean Tried To Keep Sasha From Eating All The Meat
During a special celebration, the Survey Corps treats their scouts to a special meal. The big surprise is meat, something that they never get to enjoy. Sasha being the food lover she is, drools uncontrollably. While everyone is excited, Sasha is especially so. It would be fair to say that her reaction is feral, as she dives for the large hunk of meat and starts to devour it.
Trying to stop her from eating the special meal that is meant to be shared, Jean and Connie attempt to hold Sasha down and take the meat away. Unfortunately for Jean, this comes at a price as Sasha begins chewing on his hand. The poor boy just wanted his fair share but got bitten instead. Even after this, though, he and Sasha continue to be best friends.
8 When Jean and Eren Kept Fighting Even After They Were Exhausted
The tension between Eren and Jean never really goes away as Attack on Titan continues. The two seem to bicker whenever they can, each believing they're in the right. This leads to a very funny scene between the two of them in the dining room. After getting into a row where Eren calls Jean "horse-face," the two begin swinging at each other.
Everyone watches, cheering on the fight. Armin considers stopping it but Mikasa tells him not to. With neither Jean nor Eren willing to give up, the two keep at it until they feel as if they're going to throw up. Luckily for them, Captain Levi shows up and promptly kicks both their butts and sends them to bed.
7 When Jean Decided To Join The Scouts Instead Of The MP For Marco
After losing his best friend to a Titan, Jean's attitude shifts dramatically. Instead of wanting to take the easy route and join the Military Police, he considers joining the Survey Corps instead.
As Erwin is calling for those who wish to join the MP to leave, Jean struggles with his choice. But with the memory of his friend's death still strong in his mind, he knows what he has to do. As Erwin calls for those who've stayed to dedicate their hearts, Jean looks terrified of his decision. But it's this choice that saves many lives as the show goes on.
6 When Jean Kissed His Hand On The First Scout Mission
As the team leaves to go on their first expedition outside the walls, Jean kisses his hand. It's a detail that could have been easily missed by viewers, but for those who caught the moment, it was powerful.
The reason the moment is so emotional is that it's the hand Jean held Marco's ashes in. This shows once again how much Jean cared for his friend and that everything he does is to honor Marco's sacrifice, knowing that a part of Marco will always be with him.
5 When Jean Convinced Marlo And Hitch To Be On Their Side
During the Royal Government arc, a few of the scouts have gone rogue after learning the truth about the royal family. After Eren is kidnapped by the Eldian government, Levi leads the core members of the Survey Corps on a mission to rescue him. The government has MPs Marlo and Hitch searching for these rogue members to bring them back. But instead, they are caught and captured by Levi. He then says they must get rid of them, but after learning the truth about their friend Annie, Marlo says he wants to join them.
Levi not believing Marlo, declines, and orders Sasha to tie them up. Jean steps in and asks if he can do it instead. After he leads Marlo and Hitch away he pretends as if he is going to kill them, asking Marlo why he would want to join them. After Marlo confesses he feels he join the wrong regiment and tosses his knife away. Jean believes Marlo, and the latter realizes that this was a test and that Jean was never planning to kill them.
4 When Jean Checked In On Armin After He Had To Shoot Someone
During a fight with Kenny's squad, Jean and Armin steal a wagon to escape. In the process, Jean is cornered by the original driver and about to be killed. Armin saves Jean by shooting the driver, which marks the first time that he's ever killed another human. This has a severe impact on Armin's mental state, causing him to vomit.
After the fierce battle, Jean comforts Armin and thanks him for saving his life. This touching moment once again shows fans the true nature kind of Jean's character underneath the cold facade.
3 When Jean Punched Reiner
In the final season, the truth about Marco's death is finally revealed. While sitting around a campfire, Jean asks Reiner what Marco's last words were. After Reiner tells him it was a plea for them to "talk this out" Jean loses control and begins attacking Reiner. Reiner, guilty for what he's done, takes it.
Though many viewers have grown to understand and even like Reiner, fans can't help but feel some type of cathartic closure for Marco's death as Jean lays into him.
2 When Jean Didn’t Shoot Onyakapon
After the Yeagerists take over, Floch announces that he will be shooting traitors Yelena and Onyankopon for opposing the Eldian Empire. Floch tells Jean he must execute Onyankopon, reminding him of the power and freedom he will have once the world is destroyed.
Jean stands in fear as he contemplates what to do, remembering all of the sacrifices he has made for his people. He points the gun and fires four shots. But to Floch's dismay, the bullets have landed on the ground. Jean is not about to give in to the Yeagerist. Jean shows his strength of character, proving just how much he has grown since the Attack on Titan's start.
1 Every Time Jean Took Action As A Leader During Stressful Missions
Throughout Attack on Titan, Jean has consistently been one of the bravest characters. He has a quiet power about him that often gets overlooked. But when dire situations are at hand, he is always the first to organize a plan and execute it.
Because of this, numerous lives are saved. Marco once told Jean that he was not a strong person so he can understand how the weak feel. This empathy is what makes Jean such a great leader. Jean has carried that message through every single battle which is what makes him one of the greatest characters in all of Attack on Titan.