Treize is one of the most enigmatic and complex characters in the Gundam Wing series. A dangerously charismatic man, he has won the devotion of those under his command. His appearance is striking - tall and blond, with keen blue eyes beneath winged eyebrows. He also cuts a fine figure in his blue and gold uniform, which may be why he always wears it.Treize is the leader of the military organisation known as OZ, which is an arm of the Romefeller Foundation, a powerful syndicate of arms manufacturers. Treize is the one who masterminds the coup which sweeps the existing Federation government from power. He is an intelligent man, with an uncanny insight into how others will behave. Treize seems to be one of the few people who actually understands what is going on, amid the shifting tides of war and politics. There is a sense that he is somehow always in control. He can be cold-bloodedly calculating, as when he manoeuvres the Federation generals to their deaths.
He is far from being totally ruthless, however. He is a man of principle, and his actions reflect this. He eventually becomes disenchanted by the methods and motives of the Romefeller Foundation, especially their focus on the mass production of mobile dolls - automated fighting machines which are replacing human soldiers in combat. This goes against the core of Treize's beliefs about the nature and purpose of warfare, and he makes the decision to resign his position as commander of OZ. But this does not mean that Treize has exited the world stage...
My attitude towards Treize changed dramatically as the series progressed. At first I viewed him with neutral interest, then puzzlement, then growing fascination, and finally the highest admiration. To explain why would involve spoilers; however, I may someday get around to writing a separate essay detailing my reasons. With the immense popularity of the G-boys, Treize has been unfairly neglected by the websites I've come across.
This was a difficult profile to write, because Treize is a difficult person to understand. His unshakeable self-possession makes it hard to gauge his inner thoughts. He never loses his temper or betrays any revealing emotion. Even now, I still feel I can't get a solid grip on exactly what his purposes were. His true face remains shadowy. This is why he intrigues me so much.
Treize Khushrenada, I salute you.
Ah, Dilandau. Everyone's favourite psychotic pyromaniac. Considering
all the noble and tragic villains swanning around anime these days
(Escaflowne's Folken being a perfect example), it's a refreshing
change to encounter a villain who does laugh maniacally, who takes
great joy in destruction, and who loses it completely when someone
damages his precious face.Dilandau is an officer in the army of Zaibach, a powerful empire which seems hell-bent on dominating the world. He heads an elite unit called the Dragon Slayers, who pilot the dreaded Alseides Guymelefs. (Guymelefs are Escaflowne's species of mecha.) Dilandau himself pilots his distinctive red Guymelef with great skill and fervour. He wields a mean flamethrower, and enjoys his work perhaps a bit too much.
And yet, he's not just your typical insane villain. He's respected by his subordinates, even though he sometimes unleashes his vicious temper upon them; and in turn, he takes serious responsibility for their welfare. In addition, his behaviour can partly be attributed to his difficult past, which is revealed in later episodes.
But in the end, Dilandau is one of my favourite characters because he's simply so much fun to watch. You just know that when he shows up, all hell is about to break loose.
Even though he is an antagonist for much of the series, I can't really think of Zechs as a villain. He's far too honour-bound and noble. He's the kind of person who'll repair his enemy's damaged mecha because it was brought down using treacherous means - someone who will follow his conscience even if it means defying orders or his own death.When we first meet him, he is an ace pilot in the service of OZ, his skills having earned him the nickname 'Lightning Count'. His true identity, however, is Milliard Peacecraft, heir to the Sanc Kingdom, a pacifist nation crushed by the Federation. He works with OZ to bring down the Federation so he can avenge the deaths of his family and the destruction of his homeland.
However, his dream of reviving the Sanc Kingdom is swallowed up by the war and violence perpetuated across the world. Zechs becomes frustrated by the failure of his efforts to restore peace, and disillusioned by the deeds he has committed in the name of his cause. His burning idealism turns into despair and anger, leading him to adopt harsher, more desperate methods. He is not so much a villain as a tragic hero who has been driven by circumstance to the bitter road he takes.
This is my favourite picture of Zechs. It shows him without the silver mask he usually wears to conceal his face. I edited this image myself, so please don't use it without asking first.