DARLING in the FRANXX - Characters & Cast

Initially, Hiro's motivation is simply to find a place where he belongs and prove his worth by piloting a Franxx. This quickly transforms into an all-consuming desire to be with Zero Two, his "darling," whom he remembers from a traumatic childhood encounter. Ultimately, his motivation expands to protecting all of his friends in Squad 13 and ensuring a future where humanity can live freely.

Hiro begins as a disillusioned prodigy who has lost his purpose after failing to pilot a Franxx. His encounter with Zero Two reawakens his spirit and gives him a new reason to exist: to be her wings. Initially, he is passive and defined by his relationship with her. As the series progresses, he regains the confidence and leadership qualities he had as a child. He moves from being a co-pilot to an active agent in his own destiny, challenging the authority of APE and making the ultimate sacrifice to protect the future he and his friends have built, promising to find Zero Two again, no matter what.

Her primary motivation is to reunite with her "darling" from her childhood (Hiro) and become human so she can be with him. This goal is based on her interpretation of a picture book, "The Beast and the Prince." This singular focus later evolves into a desire to protect the world and future that she and Hiro have fought for together, finding fulfillment not in changing her nature, but in being accepted for who she is.

Zero Two is introduced as a wild, dangerous, and alluring pilot who consumes the life force of her partners. Her initial arc is a desperate and destructive quest to become fully human, believing that killing Klaxosaurs will grant her wish. Through her rekindled relationship with Hiro, she learns that humanity is not something to be earned, but is found through connection and love. She transforms from a self-destructive "monster" who uses people into a loving partner who is fiercely protective of Hiro and Squad 13, ultimately sacrificing her physical form to save the world with her darling.

Her main motivation is protecting Hiro, driven by her long-standing love for him. This often conflicts with her responsibility for the safety and cohesion of the entire squad. As the series progresses, her motivation shifts from possessing Hiro to genuinely wanting him to be happy, and ensuring the survival and prosperity of her found family, Squad 13.

Ichigo starts as the serious, by-the-book leader of Squad 13, harboring a deep, unrequited love for her childhood friend, Hiro. Her arc is defined by her struggle to reconcile her feelings for Hiro with his love for Zero Two, and her duty as a leader. Initially, her jealousy causes her to act rashly and against Zero Two. However, she matures significantly, eventually accepting Hiro's choice and supporting him. In the end, she lets go of her past love and finds happiness with Goro, becoming a crucial leader in the new human society.

Goro is motivated by a desire to protect his friends, especially Ichigo. He values the well-being and harmony of the group above his own personal desires. He acts as the emotional anchor for the squad, providing stability and perspective amidst the adolescent drama and the horrors of war. His ultimate goal is to see his friends survive and find happiness.

Goro is the calm, mature, and reliable co-leader of the squad, often called "Go-bro" for his supportive nature. He is deeply in love with Ichigo but selflessly supports her, even knowing her heart belongs to Hiro. His arc is less about dramatic change and more about steadfast emotional maturity. He consistently makes rational decisions for the good of the team, even at personal cost. In the end, his patience and unwavering support are rewarded as he and Ichigo build a life together, and he becomes a world-traveling explorer, helping to rebuild civilization.