The son of the legendary General Gunther, Welkin just wanted to live a quiet life as a teacher. This plan gets sidetracked when The Imperials invade his hometown of Bruhl. Welkin quickly adapts and joins the Squad 7 militia as its leader. Using his scientific knowledge, he quickly becomes a strategist rivaling his father and organizes Squad 7 into the Imperials' greatest threat. In combat, Welkin generally doesn't fight directly, and instead gives orders to the squad from his father's tank, the Edelweiss.
The Ace: Played with/subverted. While Welkin is a tactical genius and incredible battlefield leader, he's not the best at actual soldiering. When on missions outside the Edelweiss, he's average at best when compared to other Scouts.
Ancestral Weapon: The Edelweiss. Although granted, said weapon was originally a prototype made during the First Europan War that simply didn't reach mass production by the time it ended.
Awesomeness by Analysis: His knowledge of animals and nature in general has often been useful for creating impressive strategies.
Beware the Nice Ones: His reaction when he found out that Faldio was the one who sniped Alicia? Oooh, boy...
Bunny-Ears Lawyer: If he says you look like a beetle, don't worry, that's a compliment.
The first time he rendezvous them, The Nameless gets the dubious honor of being compared to chameleons, since they are "not supposed to exist". Most of this compliment goes over poor Kurt's head. Nonetheless, he acknowledges Welkin's skill during their short time battling together.
Celibate Hero: More because he tries not to focus on sexual topics than by deliberate ignorance, and in fact seems quite shy about embracing his own sexuality. It gets so bad that at one point in the anime Faldio practically asks him if he has any sex drive at all.
Expy: Of Yang Wen-li of Legend of the Galactic Heroes, although Welkin's not lazy or a drunk. However, their similar approach to strategy and idealism are clear giveaways that Welkin's based on him.
In the Blood: He doesn't want to be, but he's adaptable.
Military Maverick: Welkin usually comes up with incredibly unorthodox strategies to win his battles.
Nature Hero: Odd variation. He's a nature otaku, and every military strategy he uses is related to or inspired by nature in some way. Also, he's shown to be happiest when he be in a completely natural environment, just studying the wildlife.
Nice Guy: Many so-called heroes would have much to learn from Welkin.
The Power of Love: One of Welkin's hidden Potentials is even called this: all his stats are raised when Alicia is in battle with him.
The Strategist: The most powerful weapon in the entire Gallian army is Lieutenant Gunther's brain.
Voiced by Marina Inoue in Japanese and Colleen O'Shaughnessey in English.
Born and bread as a baker, Alicia was reluctant to go to war, but joined the militia to protect her hometown of Bruhl. After being rescued by Welkin, she joins Squad 7 as his second-in-command and love interest. She eventually learns that she is a descendant of the Valkyrur, and her inheritance of their powers make her one of Gallia's biggest assets. She doesn't take it too well, but she got over it with some help from Welkin.
Corporal and Shocktrooper. Rosie was a singer, but the war forced her to join the front lines of the militia effort. Because of certain events in her past, she hates Darcsens, and this instantly causes friction between her and Isara. Witnessing Isara's enthusiasm and bravery and seeing a Darcsen concentration camp do a lot to change her opinion, and Isara's death completely shatters her negative opinion of Darcsens.
Glamorous Wartime Singer: Rosie used to be a barmaid before the war, but still sings occasionally. She remarks that it was hardly glamourous though. She gets back into singing on a full-time basis after the war.
Largo is a sergeant, and a veteran of the First Europan War. He served with Captain Eleanor Varrot and her lover Frederick, and still harbors a crush for her during the events of the game. Largo was at first hesitant of Welkin's leadership, but he quickly becomes one of Welkin's most trusted and supportive soldiers. Largo is also a sort of father figure to the rest of the members of Squad 7.
Anchored Ship: Harbours feelings for Eleanor Varrot, but hasn't said anything about it due to the touchy subject of Frederick.
The Lancer: Both literally (being a Lancer class) and to Welkin.
Old Soldier: He's even peeved at first at taking orders from the much younger Welkin... until Welkin pulls a Crowning Moment of Awesome so massively badass that Largo literally has to shut up and follow orders.
Daughter of the genius Darcsen engineer Theimer, and adopted daughter of General Gunther, hence making her Welkin's adopted sister. Isara is gentle and good-hearted, and very brave for such a small girl. She is also an absolute engineering genius, constantly coming up with innovations during the game that save Squad 7 countless times, including waterproofing the Edelweiss for immersion and creating smoke mortars (which border on Game Breaker territory). She gets gunned down by a sniper, in the game's definitive Tear Jerker moment. Prepare a hanky.
Beware the Nice Ones: Not a kinder soul in Squad 7. Except when she's gunning down a fully armed enemy soldier in the beginning of the game, or piloting a giant-ass battle tank.
"I will thank you to watch your tongue in this house. You have to leave. Now."
Darcsen engineer who helps Squad 7 as an informant. Squad 7 first meets him inside one of the Empire's Darcsen concentration camps. He does a lot to change Rosie's perception of Darcsens, and proves a resourceful, intelligent ally. Eventually, he joins Squad 7 as a tank driver, piloting the tiny-yet-powerful light tank, the Shamrock.
Eyes Always Shut: Well one of them anyways. It opens during a few cutscenes.
Friend to All Children: Spends his time entertaining children while off-duty. In the ending, he opens Fouzen Toy Factory.
Gentle Giant: Lampshaded when Ellet calls him a "grizzly bear", Zaka replies that he'd rather think himself as a "teddy bear".
Turn The Other Cheek: Doesn't believe in revenge, even when most of his people are burnt to death inside a concentration camp, saying it won't bring them back to life.
Hot Scientist: Goes on to continue her studies of microorganisms, eventually discovery a new, medically valuable bacteria that she chooses to name after "a certain EWII hero."
Meganekko: Though a lot more assertive than the norm.
Hypocritical Humor: Wonders how Alicia can like "a rube like him," except him and Welkin come from the same town and Welkin spent most of his young adult life studying in the capital.
Apologetic Attacker: Her biography basically defines her as a mellow person, and has the (not-exactly-useful) "Humanitarian" potential to back it up. That doesn't stop her from shouting words and doing things that contradict each other while in combat, since she is yelling things indignantly while carrying out Welkin's orders under obligation by law.. And FYI, also check out Jane for her apparent mirror-reverse.
The Load: Kind of borders on this, thanks to her "Humanitarian" potential, which keeps her from getting the job done.
Bond One-Liner: Expected of someone constantly in "performance mode":
"I'll knock 'em dead!"
"Hi, I'm Ted."
"I guarantee this one'll slay ya."
"Thank you. Thank youuu."
Bi the Way: He's the only character with both the "Fancies Men" and "Fancies Women" Potentials. Also, when you heal him, regardless of whether it's a guy or a girl healing him, he says "I could just kiss you!"
Ted: (being healed with Ragnaid;) "I could just kiss you!"
Ramona Linton
Awesome, but Impractical: She's the only member of the squad to have the Chameleon ability, which is essentially an advanced version of the more common Stealth potential. Yet as nice as that sounds on paper, like Stealth, the list of scenarios in which it would be useful (i.e taking fire from an enemy that doesn't realize they're shooting at you) is rather small.
Not a Morning Person: Described this way in her file, due to being a heavy night owl. This contributes to her firing accuracy being just as sharp on night maps.
Eyepatch of Power: Granted, it has a clear part so he can see out of it, but it's no coincidence that he has an eyepatch and is one of the best Shocktroopers in the game.
Not Allowed to Grow Up: One of the modelers said when designing him, they assumed he'd be at least 24 by the events of this game, yet he seems to be stuck "17 forever."
Mad Bomber: She has all the hallmarks of one, be it her introduction ("heheh Ka-boom! heheh") her background and motivations for joining the milita (accidentally blew up her house, and joined so she could test out some of her creations.) or her epilogue ( becomes part of the Gallian military R&D division, where her pieces of work are described as 'potent' and 'very effective' but too unstable for use by any sane soldier.)
Nice Hat: Everyone thinks she keeps a bomb under it.
Mica Hawkins
The Eeyore: He eventually self-published a gloomy memoir called "I Think I Can't," which ended up selling quite successfully.
What Could Have Been: An old base for Faldio had sleek, black hair and glasses, before his look was finalized. Rather than scrap the design entirely, it was folded into the creation of Mica. This could explain why he has a "main character" appearance.
Magikarp Power: Possibly. All her starting potentials are negative, but her unlockable one is very good, and at higher levels she has access to the Ultimate Damage potential.
Small Girl, Big Gun: Aw, isn't she just the cutest little shocktrooper ever?
The Only One Allowed to Defeat You: Edy's attitude towards Rosie. When she heard that Rosie got shot, she runs across the map to make sure she's alright.
Tsundere: Type B, but even her deredere side can be pretty abrasive.
Unknown Rival: Edy has a one-sided rivalry with fellow Glamorous Wartime Singer Rosie, and thinks Rosie's fame is impeding her own path to stardom. Rosie has no idea about any of this.
Shrinking Violet: So extreme that she freezes up when being sighted by more than 5 enemies. This is considered one of the most detrimental potentials in the game.
Kevin Abbott
The Ditherer: Prevented him from his becoming his preferred class as either a Sniper or Engineer. It shows up as one of his potentials too, with his accuracy dropping when there are too many enemies in the vicinity (he's unable to pick which one to fire at).
Heir to the Dojo: Her father, a fencing instructor to nobility recommended her enlistment. She eventually follows in his footsteps.
Idiot Savant: She's described as being able to master nearly anything, once she's built up enough steam. She eventually gets over the idiot part and her successes in the war and combat prowess sees her become a member of Cordelia's royal guard.
Magikarp Power: She's neither weaker nor particularly more powerful than anyone else in her class, but shines once her Slow Starter potential kicks in.
Small Girl, Big Gun: This could be said of a few of the female Lancers, but Elysse fits this the best.
Jann Walker
Voiced by Keiji Hirai in Japanese and John DiMaggio in English.
Camp Gay: The facts that he wears make-up and lipstick, fancies men AND has a potential called "Largo Lover" do not help. There's also the way he talks... especially in the Japanese track where he uses a feminine pronoun of "I". The Edy Detachment add on gives him a Paul Lynde voice to complete the look.
Macho Camp: As one of the largest, most solidly-built characters in the game, and a Lancer, he also qualifies as this.
Friend to All Children: He used to be a babysitter before enlisting in Squad 7, and he founds a kindergarten after the end of the war.
Face of a Thug: Apparently prevents his restaurant from being as sucessful as he'd hoped.
Finagle's Law: Seems to be a believer in this, seeing as he says "It'll probably miss" whenever he fires. Considering his class, he's usually right.
Gentle Giant: Walter looks intimidating on the battlefield, but when he's off-duty, he enjoys simpler hobbies, such as baking bread.
Mood Swinger: His confidence in battle wanes and waxes rapidly.
Morton's Fork: When at full HP, his evasion suffers due to his Cocky potential. Conversely, his defense goes down when at half HP due to his Pessimist potential. Since units heal every turn, he has to be hit both frequently and in a very specific way to be at his best (which is to say, on the same level as everyone else).
Audrey Heitinga
Ascended Fangirl: In-game example. Audrey, who was so inspired after hearing of Welkin's exploits that she joins the militia hoping to be part of Squad 7.
The Scrounger: One of her potentials is "Mooch", where she "borrows" extra ammo.
Super Strength: She is said be able to crush a watermelon with one hand. It even comes into gameplay - eventually, Audrey can punch through armor better than anyone else in her class.
Heroic Spirit: "Heh, numbers? We've got guts on our side!"
In his backstory, he also routed an unit of Imperials with only a handful of soldiers despite being outgunned and outnumbered.
Mr. Fanservice: Appears to be considered one in-universe. He starts a succesful shipping business after the war, but doesn't seem to realise exactly why it's so popular...
Crack Pairing: In-universe crack, with Cezary in the manga, after she mistakenly thinks that he saved her from an Imperial sniper, when it was actually Marina who saved her.
Hidden Depths: Writes a series of highly successful romance novels after the war.
Hilarious in Hindsight: Which it makes more funnier once you read the manga and realize that her novels might actually be about her and Cezary!
Meaningful Name: Her name is the French form of the Russian name Nadia, which itself is a diminutive of Nadezhda, which means "hope" in Russian.
Ramsey Clement
Brilliant, but Lazy: Has a very lackluster attitude towards weapon maintenance.
Emotionless Girl: Never seems to feel anything, even when the bullets are whizzing around her head or when she's calling for a medic.
Homer Peron
Voiced by Umeka Shoji in Japanese and Candi Milo in English.
Love at First Punch: Implied towards Edy in her DLC. Justified in that he is a masochist, though one must wonder if he winds her up deliberately just to get her to punch him.
Too Kinky to Torture: Homer really enjoys getting hurt; emphasized by one of his potentials which gives a stat boost when his health is depleted to half, complete with a face rubbing animation (and almost orgasmic voice) much like Jane's when her sadist potential is activated. Edy even remarks on it in her DLC. "So pretty, so broken" indeed.
Homer: Oh, woe is me!
Dallas Wyatt
Does Not Like Men: Developed this disposition due to being raised in an all-girls school. This is one of her potentials, and causes her to lose combat prowess in the proximity of males. Put her with women, on the other hand, and...
Schoolgirl Lesbians: She quickly develops crushes on cute girls, most especially Alicia. The focus of her affection switches to Rosie after Alicia gets married to Welkin.
Cosmic Plaything: Claudia suffers from a supernaturally bad streak of luck whenever she leaves the house. Since her home was demolished by a tank shell, this is probably now permanent.
The Klutz: She apparently has a streak of tripping frequently.
Made of Iron: Her last class potential makes her invincible. Sometimes.
Lazy Bum: To the point that he actually took up horse riding so he wouldn't have to use his legs as much, and became quite skilled at it as a result.
Lucky Bastard: Became a millionare overnight when he accidentally came across a huge deposit of ragnite, but couldn't be bothered spending the money, so he gave it all to his brother.
Voiced by Natsuki Dai in Japanese and Cindy Robinson in English
Action Girl: Like any sniper, Marina is slow and vulnerable, but from a comfortable perch, she's a killing machine. Once you get all of her potentials, she's easily the best Sniper in the game.
Cold Sniper: The only one bearing the potential "Ultimate Accuracy". Ultimately subverted if you purchase the add-on content: her potentials imply she is a sociopath, but the Edy's Brigade reveals that she has a soft side. Apparently she just doesn't like being around other people.
Cuteness Proximity: In the downloadable side-mission "Edy's Detachment", Marina is revealed to have a thing for cute animals.
Emotionless Girl: So much that even Ted, the squad's joker, never succeeds in inciting a laugh out of her.
I'm Taking Her Home with Me!: Of all people. She bears some responsibility for getting the detachment lost in Edy's DLC for running after a cute looking puppy.
Crazy-Prepared: Always carries more ammunition than necessary, due to a fear of running out of ammo. This stems from an incident in the First Europan War, where this actually happened and she lost a comrade as a result.
What Could Have Been: Both him and his brother were intended to be main characters who would join Alicia and Welkin the defense of "Border town" (probably an early version of Bruhl). There are even early design materials of them with more detailed sketches.
Heroic Self-Deprecation: His in-game quotes suggest he thinks of himself as The Load, but his Critical Shot and Ammo Refill potentials make him one of the best Snipers next to Marina, and his base-stats range from excellent to decent. His Meadow Bred and Roof Hunter potentials stand in stark contrast to Marina's Pollen Allergy and Nest Master as well, allowing him to occasionally take on jobs she may not be the best suited for.
Hidden Depths: He goes on the become one of the most respected painters in Galia.
Crack Pairing: In-universe crack, with Nadine in the manga.
Dirty Coward: Became a sniper so that he could stay as far away from the fighting as possible, and is all too pleased whenever he is excluded from the squad roster.
Insufferable Genius: Specializes at counter-sniping and is good contender for title of second best sniper in Squad 7 (after, of course, fully-levelled Marina). He's also selfish, obnoxious and cruel.
Why Did It Have To Be Heights: Amazingly, he's a Sniper with a fear of heights. His accuracy suffers if he's in a tower or on a building.
Other Gallian Characters
The MedicSquad 7's dedicated medical specialist. The Medic will valiantly run to the battlefield to evacuate any of your members who has been taken down.
Canon Foreigner / Expy: Looks very much like Fina from Skies Of Arcadia, which was produced by the same team. Given that Vyse and Aika show up in the game as well, this is obviously intentional.
Drill Sergeant NastyWith A Heart of Gold: He may be harsh to the troops during training, but he's genuinely proud of them once a class become Elites, and once all classes reach lv 20.
No Name Given: Subverted. But you'll have to get every class to lv 20 and then check his personel profile to see it.
Rousing Speech: Gives one once every class reaches lv 20.
The Reveal: His name (see above), and that he fought as a Lancer in EW 1.
The Aged GentlemanA retired EW1 veteran who frequents the War Cemetary. Teaches Welkin orders in exchange for experience points.
Lost Forever: Subverted, if you turn down one of his orders, he will offer it again but much later on, leading some players to think they've fallen victim to this trope.
Infinity Plus One Order: Judging by his speech before teaching it, he seems to consider "Recon Request" this. To most players though, it's probably Awaken All.
Commanding officer of Regiment 3, hence making her Squad 7's superior officer. Elle (as she's known to Largo) is a wise, concerned leader for her troops, and she specifically has a fondness for Squad 7, both for their bravery and service and for the fact that Largo is one of the members. She never unnecessarily puts Squad 7 in harm's way, and trusts them to perform any mission to success. She also tends to turn a blind eye to some of Welkin's most outrageous strategies, since, well, they work.
Hot Librarian: Captain Varrot's totally rockin' the look. It helps that she also has an office full of books, and that a local bookshop actually owes its livelihood to her.
If You Kill Him, You Will Be Just Like Him: Takes this attitude towards Geld after encouragement from Largo. Well actually, it's more like If You Kill Him You Will Be Betraying Your Dead Lover's Ideals.
Not So Stoic: In the side chapter dealing with Giorgios Geld.
Longtime friend of Welkin's, and commander of Squad 7's sister unit, Squad 1. Faldio, like Welkin, was drafted as an officer, and is an avid historian. He is one of the lead researchers on Valkyrian lore and technology for the Gallian Army. He also discovers that Alicia is a Valkyria, and shoots her to awaken her powers, an act that brings him much grief but he deems necessary for the war effort.
Action Fashionista: He attempted this at one point, making clear his disdain for the Gallian uniform. His redesign proposal was rejected on the grounds of being "impossibly florid."
I Did What I Had to Do: Considered shooting Alicia necessary to save Gallia, though later comes to regret that decision.
Redemption Equals Death: Sacrifices himself while killing Maximillian in penance for wounding Alicia.
Shipper on Deck: Oddly, despite the fact Faldio hits on Alicia several times in the anime, he also seems to be working his ass off to convince Welkin to hook up with her, though, as a flashback reveals, he was there when Welkin could have married one of the most sought after women in college and let her get away, so it's fair to say most of his attraction, while possibly genuine, is also probably an attempt to get a rise out of Welkin (thus revealing Welkin has a sex drive) and get him to realize there's an attractive young lady and he would make a cute couple with her. In fact, he more or less practically screams that in Welkin's face in Episode 11.
Intrepid reporter extraordinaire. She starts off interviewing the members of the militia to bring the news to the public, but eventually settles on covering Squad 7 exclusively, not only for their news-worthiness but also because she thinks they're good people. She also, against government orders, publishes The Writing On The Wall, a clandestine paper to report the news of the war without censorship, letting the Gallian citizens know exactly what's going on. She is eventually revealed to be Irene Koller, the narrator for the game and author of the book that tells Squad 7's exploits.
Intrepid Reporter: She decides to tag along with Squad 7 after deciding that they're the most interesting of the Gallian military. She eventually writes a book about them.
Narrator All Along: It takes us a while to learn that Ellet is her maiden name and that her first name is Irene, and it brings some Fridge Brilliance about how side-chapters are annexed into the book that serves as your main menu.
A Gallian aristocrat and overall commander of the Gallian military. He was recommended to the post by the Gallian prime minister Borg, in spite of being completely unsuitable for the job.
Glory Hound: General Damon is more worried about his reputation and victory than the welfare of his troops, especially the militia. Most of the missions he issues to the militia are practically suicidal, and would invariably rack up huge body counts if not for the fact that they are far more capable than he gives them credit for.
Kick the Dog: In the anime version, he throws a tantrum after seeing Isara's Darcsen-print poncho draped over the Edelweiss. She died in the previous episode. He's also pretty abusive to Selvaria after you defeat her.
The Neidermeyer: If it weren't for actual competent officers like Captain Varrot and Lieutenant Gunther, Gallia would be doomed.
Small Name, Big Ego: He firmly believe the regular army kicks ass and he's a great commander when the only reason he's in command at all is thanks to having friends in high places.
Stay in the Kitchen: His ideas about the proper place of women would get him repeatedly shot by any random feminist. He's even this way to Varrot, who is far more competent than him even on her worst day while sleep deprived and drunk.
Even Evil Has Standards: Maximillian is very strict on respecting the rules of warfare, and orders Geld to be court-martialed and executed for his atrocities. He also dislikes sellouts to their own country and expects loyalty in his subordinates. In which, even when Borg contributes greatly in his invasion to Gallia and wished to join him, Maximillian instead asks him if he'll eventually stab him in the back for personal gain, then sends him to death.
Freudian Excuse: Maximilian's ambition to conquer Europa was fueled by his low standing at the Imperial court due to his mother being of common birth, and him surviving an assassination attempt from within his family early in life.
Knife Nut: Maximilian is said to be one in his background fluff; justified in that at the time it was for self defence, but it eventually grows to him having a collection of hundreds of knives, if not thousands.
Light Is Not Good: Blonde hair and a white Ermine Cape with gold embroidery do nothing to disguise his ruthlessness.
General of the Empire's Central Forces, the blood of the Valkyrur runs in Selvaria's veins. Their blood gives her incredible powers, making her the deadliest soldier in the Empire's employ. Selvaria is very much devoted to her cause, and would give up her life for Maximillian. Even so, she is not without honor, and is genuinely concerned with the welfare of her soldiers. When Maximillian decides that she is no longer an asset, Selvaria sacrifices herself to destroy Gallia's main army.
Evil Albino: Eventually subverted - she's far less evil than most of the Imperials.
Expy: The similarities, both visual and otherwise, to Reinforce I are so many that it leaves one wondering if Selvaria is this or an outright Captain Ersatz.
Hidden Depths: She apparently enjoys cooking in her spare time.
I Owe You My Life: Her attitude towards Maximillian. However, it's implied he was aware of her former circumstances when he took her in and had something to do with it, meaning he invoked this trope to make her loyal.
Love Martyr: Towards Maximillian, although she holds no illusion of redeeming him.
Villains Dying Grace: Selvaria "begs" General Damon to have the Squad 7 Militia escort her personal troops as POWs out of Ghirlandio. This saves them (and her men) from her Final Flame.
Vitriolic Best Buds: Her and Jaeger in the anime. Granted, she's icy and he acts like a playboy, but he tries to be a nice guy when Maximillian is an asshole and professionally they do work well together.
Dangerously Genre Savvy: The only character who puts armor plating over his tank's radiator - and then develops a strategy to reduce the overheating problem this brought back.
Fire-Forged Friends: Both Jaeger and Gregor are former enemies, but now that they are working together they are quite willing to confide in each other, and despite being total opposites personality wise get along surprisingly well.
Had a slightly smaller scale version of this with Selvaria, who he often tried to be nice to when Maximillian was a prick.
Obfuscating Stupidity: Don't let his affable ladies man attitude fool you. He's very sharp, and in the anime he pretty much figures out someone was trying to kill Maximillian in Episode 9 on his own.
Screw This, I'm Outta Here: Does to Maximillian in both game and anime. In both cases, this happens after he realizes his boss is a coldblooded asshole and he's one by proxy for helping him.
This Is Unforgivable: His misgivings about Maximillian mount throughout the anime, but they hit their peak when he finds out Selvaria's aide Karl, the anime expy for Johann, was shot in cold blood for standing up to Maximillian in defense of Selvaria's well being.
Turns Red: Has a tendency to issue ALL his orders at once when heavily damaged.
General Rock: While Gregor does have a personality fit for The Neidermeyer, he actually has read a book or two on military tactics and actually proves a legitimate threat to the Gallian forces, because, despite the fact he's a Jerkass to his troops (especially in the anime), he's a competent, effective Jerkass.
