Sometimes I think about how Armin was originally part of Jean’s character in the early versions and I wonder how different things would have been if they hadn’t been separated… Armin is such an important character. The story depends on him heavily.

Looking at them now, I think it’s no coincidence that these characters have such an impact on the growth and survival of the other.

That Jean pushes Armin through his fear of making hard decisions in the heat of the moment.

That Armin saves Jean by confronting this fear and committing to his choices.

Armin has always been determined to stand up to others, so not to be seen as weak, but the fight with himself is what challenges him the most. I think it’s kind of cool that Jean, the character he was born from, gives him strength to tap into his own power. It feels symbolic.