Shinji Ikari (碇シンジ) is a main character in Neon Genesis Evangelion. He is the pilot of Evangelion Unit 01.

Shinji was born on June 6, 2001. His father, Gendo (ゲンドウ), is the commander of NERV. His mother, Yui (ユイ), died when Shinji was a child. Shinji lives in "Tokyo-3", a city built, after the original Tokyo was destroyed. He is a junior high school student and the pilot of Unit 01. He plays the cello. His blood type is A.

Shinji has low self-esteem. He is scared of piloting, and has left NERV a few times. He always returns to NERV for various reasons. Shinji makes a few friends throughout the series. He courageously tries to help them when they have problems, even if he could get hurt.

Asuka is a selfish American-German pilot of Unit-02. She insults anyone who tries to support her.

Shinji does not spend time with his father often.

Rei feels more lonely than Shinji, but acts like she does not have feelings. He is curious about her.

Shinji's guardian who lives in her apartment.

• "I mustn’t run away."

GAINAX NET Archived 2001-04-02 at the Wayback Machine, GAINAX Official web site. Retrieved 22.12.2010

Nihon TV Official web site Archived 2020-02-03 at the Wayback Machine, Nihon TV Official web site. Retrieved 22.12.2010