Envy – The Shape-Shifting Homunculus of Fullmetal Alchemist

Personality

Envy, a prominent character in the Fullmetal Alchemist anime and manga series, is a homunculus known for his shape-shifting abilities. Envy’s personality is complex, characterized by a deep-seated envy and disdain for humanity. They take pleasure in inflicting pain and humiliation on humans, displaying a sadistic and cruel nature. Driven by a desire to prove their superiority, Envy often displays a cocky and arrogant demeanor. Underneath their exterior, however, Envy secretly envies the strength and genuine connections that humans possess, revealing a conflicted and complicated emotional state.

Background

In the 2003 anime series, Envy is portrayed as the oldest homunculus, created four hundred years ago by Hohenheim in an attempt to resurrect his deceased son. Envy harbors great resentment towards Hohenheim for never acknowledging her as his child and for abandoning both Envy and Dante, Hohenheim’s former lover. Envy’s deep-seated hatred of humans drives her actions as she follows Dante with the intention of causing harm and seeking revenge.
In the manga and 2009 anime series, Envy is revealed to be the fourth homunculus created by Father. She is depicted as a genderless being capable of assuming various forms. Envy’s disdain for humans is more pronounced in this iteration, as she actively looks for ways to hurt and humiliate them. However, Envy also secretly longs for the genuine connections and emotional support that humans share, revealing a complex inner struggle.

Appearance

Envy’s appearance varies depending on her form. Her default form is a slender, androgynous figure with pale green hair and yellow eyes. Envy’s physical appearance, like her personality, exudes a sense of arrogance and superiority. Her distinctive features include a prominent widow’s peak, sharp teeth, and a sly grin that perfectly complements her mischievous and malevolent nature.

Abilities

Envy possesses the remarkable power of shape-shifting, allowing her to take the form of anyone and even mimic their voice. This ability makes Envy an exceptional spy and assassin, as they can blend seamlessly into any environment or situation. However, Envy’s shape-shifting is not limited to humans, as they can transform into animals or even inanimate objects, giving them unparalleled versatility. Their shape-shifting ability, combined with their cunning and manipulative nature, makes Envy a formidable foe.

Origin

Envy’s creation and origins differ slightly between the 2003 anime series and the 2009 manga anime series. In the 2003 series, Envy is created by Hohenheim in an attempt to bring back his deceased son. However, she holds a deep grudge against Hohenheim for not recognizing her as his child. In the manga and 2009 anime series, Envy is one of the homunculi created by Father, the main antagonist of the series. Her purpose is to help Father achieve his goals of attaining immortality and reshaping the world according to his vision.
Envy’s origins, whether tied to Hohenheim or Father, play a significant role in shaping her motivations and actions throughout the series. The complex emotions and inner conflicts that Envy experiences add depth and intrigue to her character, making her an essential part of the overall narrative of Fullmetal Alchemist.

Envy – FAQ

Who is Envy in “Fullmetal Alchemist”?

Envy is a prominent character in the anime and manga series “Fullmetal Alchemist”. He is one of the seven homunculi, artificially created beings with incredible powers. Envy takes the form of a young androgynous individual with green hair and a distinctive reptilian appearance.

What are Envy’s abilities?

Envy possesses the power of shape-shifting, which allows her to change her appearance into any person or creature she desires. This ability also gives them the ability to mimic their target’s voice and memories. Envy’s true form is a monstrous creature of reptilian appearance with incredible strength and regenerative abilities.

What is Envy’s role in the story?

Envy plays a significant role as one of the main antagonists in “Fullmetal Alchemist. She is a member of the Homunculi and serves as a messenger and enforcer for the series’ main antagonist, Father. Envy’s actions often involve manipulating and antagonizing the story’s protagonists, the Elric brothers, as they work toward their goals.

What motivates Envy?

Envy’s motivations stem from their deep-seated envy and resentment of humanity. They despise people for their emotions, their individuality, and their ability to form meaningful relationships. Envy’s ultimate goal is to destroy and replace humanity, believing that the Homunculi, as creations of alchemy, are superior beings.

How does Envy interact with the other characters?

Envy frequently interacts with various characters throughout the series. She often manipulates and deceives others, using her shape-shifting abilities to sow discord and manipulate events from the shadows. Envy particularly enjoys provoking and taunting the Elric brothers, taking advantage of their emotional vulnerability.

What is Envy’s fate in “Fullmetal Alchemist”?

Envy’s fate is a major turning point in the series. Without giving away too many spoilers, Envy’s actions and motivations eventually lead to her downfall. Her fate plays a pivotal role in the resolution of the story’s central conflicts, highlighting the consequences of her envy-driven actions.