Let's clear the air right away: Gon Freecss, the spirited young Hunter, is not a character who appears in Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood. Gon is the beloved protagonist of Yoshihiro Togashi's equally incredible series, Hunter x Hunter. It's easy for fans to mix up details between two powerhouse anime and manga franchises, but rest assured, Gon's adventures take place in a completely different universe than those of Edward and Alphonse Elric.
However, the question of character ages is incredibly relevant and deeply fascinating within Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood itself! Understanding the ages of its diverse cast provides crucial context for their motivations, development, and the profound journey they undertake. This comprehensive guide will delve into the ages of the key players in Amestris and beyond, helping you appreciate the rich timeline and character arcs of this iconic series.
The Core Trio: Edward, Alphonse, and Winry's Journeys
At the heart of Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood are the Elric brothers and their childhood friend, Winry Rockbell. Their individual ages are fundamental to grasping their struggles and growth throughout the narrative.
- Edward Elric begins his quest as an astonishingly young State Alchemist, typically between 15 and 18 years old over the course of the story. Born in 1899, his youth highlights the immense burden he carries and the extraordinary talent he possesses. His journey from a reckless teenager to a mature young man is one of the series' central themes.
- Alphonse Elric, slightly younger than his brother, is usually depicted between 14 and 17 years old. Born on April 19, 1900, Al’s age emphasizes the tragedy of his body being taken; he's trapped in armor during crucial developmental years. His quiet strength and profound empathy shine through despite his predicament.
- Winry Rockbell, a brilliant automail mechanic, mirrors Ed's age, also being around 15 to 18 years old (born in 1899). Her steadfast support for the Elrics, her mechanical genius, and her own emotional resilience are deeply tied to her growth from a worried friend into an indispensable ally and a strong woman in her own right.
These three originate from the peaceful town of Resembool, a rural hub in Amestris known for its wool trade. Their shared upbringing and intertwined fates are central to the entire narrative, much like the powerful figures they encounter along the way.
Amestrian Military's Stalwarts: Roy Mustang and Riza Hawkeye
The Amestrian State Military is populated by individuals whose experience and age often dictate their rank and responsibilities. Two of the most prominent figures are Colonel Roy Mustang and Lieutenant Riza Hawkeye.
- Roy Mustang, the charismatic Flame Alchemist, starts the series as a formidable leader, aged approximately 29 to 32 years old (born March 25, 1885). His age reflects his experience as a State Alchemist and a veteran of the Ishval Civil War, positioning him as a seasoned, yet still ambitious, officer with a complex moral compass.
- Riza Hawkeye, Roy's unwavering adjutant, is slightly younger, typically between 25 and 28 years old (born October 2, 1889). Her precision, loyalty, and sharp wit are integral to Mustang's unit. Her age underscores her role as a capable second-in-command, possessing both the youth to fight fiercely and the maturity to remain a voice of reason.
Their professional relationship, often marked by unspoken understanding, is heavily influenced by their respective ages and shared history within the military. Beyond the internal dynamics of Amestris, international relations introduce other vital characters whose ages contribute to their unique roles.
The Enigmatic Prince: Ling Yao's Age and Ambition
From the distant land of Xing, Prince Ling Yao brings a different cultural perspective and a youthful drive for power.
- Ling Yao is around the same age as the Elric brothers, typically 15 to 18 years old. As a prince and future emperor, his youthful ambition to secure the Philosopher's Stone for his people, along with his unparalleled martial arts skills, makes him a formidable and complex character. His journey, which includes an unexpected transformation, is one of the series' most intriguing.
Ling's vibrant energy and directness often contrast with the more world-weary Amestrians, his age emphasizing his fresh perspective and determination to lead his clan.
The Timeline of Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood: When Do Events Unfold?
The story of Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood unfolds over a focused period, which directly impacts the ages of its characters. The core anime series itself covers roughly one year of intense events, while the manga and subsequent film, Conqueror of Shamballa, depict characters approximately two years after the original series' conclusion. Edward Elric, born in 1899, begins his epic journey in the early 1900s, living through a tumultuous period that shapes him and those around him.
Understanding these age progressions helps contextualize the vast network of individuals and groups that populate Amestris and the wider world.
Key Families and Affiliations: A Glimpse into Generations
The world of Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood is intricately woven with familial bonds and organizational allegiances, where age differences often define relationships and influence power structures.
- The Elric Family (Van Hohenheim, Trisha Elric, Edward, Alphonse) showcases distinct generational impacts.
- The Rockbell Family (Pinako, Winry) illustrates the wisdom passed down through generations.
- The Hughes Family (Maes, Gracia, Elicia) highlights the preciousness of family across ages.
- The Armstrong Family (Olivier Mira, Alex Louis) boasts imposing figures whose ages signify their immense experience and power.
Further, the extensive roster of the Amestrian State Military, with its Central Command, State Alchemists, and various units like Mustang's and Briggs', comprises individuals ranging from eager young recruits to grizzled veterans. Characters from Ishval, Xing, and Xerxes also contribute to a diverse age demographic, each group bringing its own history and perspective shaped by years of conflict, tradition, or ancient knowledge.
The Homunculi and Chimeras: Ageless Beings and Transformed Lives
Beyond human characters, Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood introduces beings whose existence defies conventional aging.
- The Homunculi—Father, Pride, Lust, Greed, Sloth, Envy, Gluttony, and Wrath—are ancient or artificial entities. Their forms may appear youthful or mature, but their true "age" or origin transcends human understanding, often dating back centuries or millennia.
- Chimeras like Darius, Heinkel, and Jerso are humans merged with animals, living lives transformed by forbidden alchemy. Their physical ages are known, but their existence is a testament to the dark side of science, altering their lifespans and experiences in profound ways.
From the wisdom of ancient beings to the altered states of chimeras, every character's age, or lack thereof, adds a unique layer of depth to the narrative.
Why Character Ages Matter in Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood
Character ages are far more than just numbers in Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood; they are intrinsic to the storytelling, shaping everything from character development to plot progression. Edward and Alphonse's youth, for example, makes their daring pursuit of forbidden knowledge and their confrontations with the military all the more impactful. Winry's growth as an automail mechanic is a journey of mastering a complex craft at a young age, showcasing her innate talent and unwavering dedication. Roy Mustang's age and experience as a military officer inform his strategic thinking and the weighty decisions he makes.
These ages dictate their motivations, influence their choices, and form the basis of their intricate relationships. It's the journey of growing up under immense pressure, making difficult choices, and confronting profound moral questions that truly defines the Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood experience.
The intricate web of ages, from the precocious Elric brothers to the ancient Father, enriches the world of Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood. It allows for a multi-generational narrative where young protagonists mature before our eyes, seasoned leaders grapple with their pasts, and timeless beings enact their grand designs. Re-experiencing the series with an awareness of these character ages can offer a fresh perspective, deepening your appreciation for one of anime's most enduring sagas.