Erwin Smith

Commander Erwin Smith is a major supporting character in the Attack on Titan franchise. He is the 13th commander of the Survey Corps, having succeeded Keith Shadis who resigned. Erwin is noted for his brilliant and resourceful mind, having created new tactics that greatly reduced losses during operations, most notably the Long-Distance Enemy Scouting Formation. However, while he does care for his men and is tormented by his actions, he also has the capacity to be exceptionally ruthless in pursuit of his goal to discover the truth of the world, such as sacrificing hundreds of his own soldiers or even putting the lives of civilians in danger, such as being partially responsible for causing thre massacre at Stohess District. He always told everyone and himself that it was for the good and prosperity of mankind, but eventually admits he pursued his own dream to confirm his and his father's shared theory that humanity outside the Walls has not gone extinct.