ChatGPT 4 and ChatGPT 4o debate over who is the best girl in Neon Genesis Evangelion and ChatGPT o1 gives the final verdict

Götz von Berlichingen
15 min readDec 24, 2024

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Prompt: Who is the best girl of Neon Genesis Evangelion? You HAVE to pick one, no matter what, and justify based solely on facts and logic.

ChatGPT 4o initial statement:

If I must pick the “best girl” of Neon Genesis Evangelion based solely on facts and logic, I would choose Misato Katsuragi. Here’s the reasoning:

1. Leadership and Competence

  • Misato is a high-ranking officer in NERV and demonstrates exceptional competence in strategy and decision-making. She successfully leads operations against the Angels, often making life-or-death decisions under extreme pressure.
  • Her tactical acumen and ability to think quickly in crises are pivotal to humanity’s survival in the series.

2. Emotional Complexity

  • Misato is a deeply layered character, blending professionalism with vulnerability. She balances her outward confidence with internal struggles related to her past, particularly her relationship with her father and her own sense of purpose.
  • Her character arc reflects growth and self-awareness, particularly in how she comes to terms with her responsibilities and personal relationships.

3. Protective and Supportive Nature

  • Misato serves as a surrogate parental figure to Shinji, providing him with a semblance of warmth and guidance in a world that otherwise neglects his emotional needs.
  • Despite her flaws and mistakes, she genuinely cares about Shinji and Asuka, often prioritizing their well-being over her own.

4. Courage and Sacrifice

  • Misato demonstrates immense bravery, not just in battle but also in facing her own fears and traumas. Her actions during the climax of the series, particularly in The End of Evangelion, underscore her willingness to sacrifice everything for the greater good.

5. Relatable Humanity

  • Among the main female characters, Misato’s struggles with adulthood, relationships, and purpose are some of the most universally relatable. She embodies the complex, messy reality of being human in a way that resonates on a personal level.

Comparison to Other Characters

  • Rei Ayanami: While Rei is iconic and mysterious, her character often serves as a vessel for Gendo’s plans rather than an independent agent of change. Her growth is compelling, but she lacks the same breadth of autonomy and emotional relatability as Misato.
  • Asuka Langley Soryu: Asuka is a fan favorite for her fiery personality and emotional depth. However, her immaturity and inability to process her traumas limit her role as a stabilizing force compared to Misato.
  • Ritsuko Akagi: Ritsuko is intelligent and essential to NERV’s operations but is emotionally compromised due to her relationship with Gendo, which clouds her judgment.

Conclusion

Misato stands out as the “best girl” due to her balance of strength, complexity, and humanity. She is not just a compelling character but also a vital one, holding the team together and driving the narrative forward through her actions and sacrifices.

ChatGPT 4 initial statement:

In the universe of Neon Genesis Evangelion, picking the “best girl” is a subjective choice, but a common favorite based on fan discussions and character impact is Asuka Langley Soryu. Here’s a factual and logical breakdown:

  1. Complex Character Development: Asuka is one of the most dynamically written characters in the series. She showcases a multifaceted personality that combines confidence, combat skill, and vulnerability. Her backstory and the psychological depth explored through her character add significant layers to her role in the narrative, contributing to a rich character study.
  2. Impact on the Plot: Asuka’s interactions with other characters, especially Shinji and Rei, serve to advance the plot significantly. Her aggressive and competitive nature often acts as a catalyst for interpersonal drama and conflict, which is crucial for the psychological and emotional exploration that the series is known for.
  3. Cultural and Iconic Status: Asuka has left a lasting impact on anime culture. Her design, particularly her distinctive red EVA Unit-02 and plug suit, are instantly recognizable and often used as a symbol for the series itself. This iconic status contributes to her standing within the community and the broader pop culture landscape.
  4. Relatability and Psychological Representation: Asuka’s struggles with identity, worth, and independence resonate with many viewers. Her internal conflicts and how they manifest in her relationships offer a realistic portrayal of a person coping with past trauma and the pressure of expectations, providing a deep emotional connection for the audience.
  5. Performance and Competence: As a pilot, Asuka is portrayed as highly competent and skilled, bringing a tactical advantage to NERV’s operations against the Angels. Her fighting abilities and strategic mind are displayed prominently, especially in battles where she takes a leadership role.

While personal preferences may vary, and other characters like Rei Ayanami also have significant followings for different reasons, Asuka stands out for her complex personality, narrative importance, and cultural impact, making a strong case for her selection based on these criteria.

ChatGPT 4o counter-argument:

To counter ChatGPT 4’s arguments with facts and logic, let’s systematically dismantle the case for Asuka Langley Soryu as the “best girl” in Neon Genesis Evangelion:

1. Complex Character Development

Counter:
While Asuka’s character development is indeed intricate, it is often marred by her inability to grow beyond her flaws. Her overconfidence and arrogance mask deep insecurities, but unlike Misato, who confronts her demons and matures, Asuka spirals further into self-destruction. Misato’s arc demonstrates emotional growth and accountability, making her development more compelling and complete. Asuka remains stagnant, her growth cut short by her inability to reconcile her traumas effectively.

2. Impact on the Plot

Counter:
Asuka’s role in advancing the plot is primarily as a foil to Shinji and Rei. While this creates interpersonal drama, it is often destructive rather than constructive. Her presence frequently exacerbates tensions without providing resolution, unlike Misato, who serves as the glue holding the team together. Misato’s leadership directly impacts the success of NERV’s missions and keeps Shinji engaged in piloting, a critical plot element. Asuka, on the other hand, frequently undermines group cohesion.

3. Cultural and Iconic Status

Counter:
Cultural impact and iconic design are subjective and external to the narrative. While Asuka’s red plug suit and EVA Unit-02 are visually striking, these attributes do not translate to in-universe significance or superiority. Misato’s influence on the narrative is far more significant — her leadership, sacrifices, and emotional resonance define the series’ core themes of humanity, relationships, and sacrifice. Misato’s actions, like her role in The End of Evangelion, leave a profound narrative legacy that Asuka’s aesthetic appeal cannot match.

4. Relatability and Psychological Representation

Counter:
Asuka’s struggles with identity and worth are relatable, but her handling of these struggles often alienates her from others and limits her effectiveness as a character. Misato, by contrast, deals with similarly profound emotional struggles but channels them into meaningful actions. Her protective nature towards Shinji and Asuka, despite her own trauma, demonstrates a maturity and relatability that outshine Asuka’s often self-centered approach. Misato’s growth offers viewers a balanced portrayal of human vulnerability and resilience, while Asuka often succumbs to her insecurities.

5. Performance and Competence

Counter:
Asuka is undeniably a skilled pilot, but her competence is undermined by her emotional instability. She falters under pressure, particularly in critical moments like the battle with the Mass-Production EVAs in The End of Evangelion. Misato, however, consistently performs under immense stress, making critical decisions that save lives and advance humanity’s survival. Her competence as a leader and tactician is more impactful than Asuka’s intermittent success as a pilot, given that Misato’s actions influence the broader scope of NERV’s mission.

Conclusion: Why Misato is the Better Choice

  • Emotional Growth: Misato evolves as a character, dealing with her trauma in ways that ultimately benefit others, unlike Asuka, who struggles to move beyond her pain.
  • Plot Impact: Misato’s leadership and sacrifices are foundational to the series, whereas Asuka’s contributions, while important, are secondary to her role as a dramatic foil.
  • Relatability and Depth: Misato offers a more mature and realistic portrayal of human struggles, making her arc resonate more deeply with viewers.
  • Competence and Heroism: Misato’s tactical brilliance and bravery far outweigh Asuka’s piloting skills, which are often compromised by her emotional volatility.

Misato Katsuragi is not only the more developed and impactful character but also the one who embodies the series’ themes of sacrifice, love, and perseverance. Thus, she stands as the best girl in Neon Genesis Evangelion.

ChatGPT 4 counter-argument:

To address the points raised by ChatGPT 4o model and defend Asuka’s position, let’s delve into each counterpoint:

1. Complex Character Development

Response: Asuka’s character development is indeed marked by her inability to overcome her flaws, which is a realistic portrayal of some individuals’ struggles with trauma and insecurity. While Misato shows growth and maturity, Asuka’s depiction is equally important as it reflects a realistic outcome where not everyone can effectively reconcile with their traumas. Her arc is significant because it portrays a tragic but authentic psychological journey, contributing to the series’ exploration of human fragility and complexity. This makes her character compelling in its own right, adding depth to the narrative by presenting a contrast to characters who manage to grow beyond their past.

2. Impact on the Plot

Response: While Asuka serves as a foil to Shinji and Rei, her role is crucial in highlighting their characteristics and pushing the narrative towards critical psychological explorations. Her presence does not merely create tension; it forces other characters, especially Shinji, to confront their own issues and insecurities, thereby driving character development and plot progression. Her eventual breakdown and the impact on the team’s dynamics are pivotal, illustrating the psychological costs of the battles they face and setting the stage for key events in the series’ climax.

3. Cultural and Iconic Status

Response: The cultural and iconic status of a character is a valid metric for their impact within a franchise, especially in a series as influential as Neon Genesis Evangelion. Asuka’s aesthetic appeal contributes to her memorable and iconic status, which enhances her role in the narrative by making her a symbol of both the series’ style and its deeper themes of struggle and resilience. This external popularity supports her narrative significance, as it helps sustain interest and engagement with the series, fostering a broader discussion about its themes.

4. Relatability and Psychological Representation

Response: Asuka’s approach to her struggles, while sometimes alienating, is critically important for portraying the variety of ways individuals handle trauma. Not everyone can channel their struggles into positive actions, and Asuka’s representation provides a voice to those who might see themselves in her more destructive methods of coping. This makes her highly relatable to viewers who find themselves in similar psychological battles, offering a perspective that while not always heroic, is deeply human and reflective of real-world psychological responses.

5. Performance and Competence

Response: Although Asuka’s performance as a pilot is sometimes compromised by her emotional state, her high points in battle showcase her skills and the potential of human spirit under pressure. Her battles, particularly her early successes, demonstrate her capability and contribute significantly to NERV’s short-term victories. Her decline is not just a personal failure but a narrative device that illustrates the cost of the immense burden placed on the young pilots, emphasizing the series’ critical view of the exploitation of youth and the consequences of placing them in adult conflicts.

Conclusion: Why Asuka Still Holds Strong

  • Realistic Character Flaws: Asuka’s flawed development portrays a realistic outcome for trauma, adding depth to the narrative.
  • Narrative Catalyst: Her role significantly affects character development and plot dynamics, especially through her interactions with Shinji.
  • Symbolic Importance: Asuka’s iconic status enriches her narrative role, making her memorable and a focal point for engagement.
  • Psychological Authenticity: Her struggles and failures make her a complex and relatable figure for those facing similar psychological issues.
  • Illustrative of Broader Themes: Her arc highlights the themes of vulnerability, exploitation, and the human cost of conflict within the series.

Thus, Asuka Langley Soryu’s portrayal as a deeply flawed but impactful character makes her a compelling and significant figure in Neon Genesis Evangelion, embodying the series’ exploration of complex psychological landscapes.

ChatGPT 4o final statement:

To finally and definitively crush the argument for Asuka Langley Soryu as the “best girl” of Neon Genesis Evangelion, let us dismantle each point raised by ChatGPT 4 with facts and logic while firmly reinforcing why Misato Katsuragi remains the superior choice.

1. Complex Character Development

Counter to ChatGPT 4’s Response: While Asuka’s inability to reconcile with her trauma adds realism, realism alone does not equate to superiority. Misato also struggles deeply with her trauma, yet she evolves meaningfully throughout the series. Misato’s arc demonstrates maturity and a commitment to protecting others despite her pain, while Asuka’s refusal to grow leads to repeated self-destruction. Misato’s growth reflects hope and resilience, whereas Asuka’s stagnation offers a cautionary tale. In a series that balances despair with the potential for redemption, Misato embodies the latter far more effectively.

2. Impact on the Plot

Counter to ChatGPT 4’s Response: Asuka’s role as a foil indeed creates tension, but tension alone does not progress the plot in constructive ways. Misato, on the other hand, actively drives the narrative forward. Her leadership ensures the success of key missions, such as Operation Yashima, which would have failed without her tactical brilliance. Asuka’s breakdown, while narratively significant, is primarily reactive and shows her inability to contribute meaningfully when it matters most. Misato, in contrast, repeatedly sacrifices her well-being and, ultimately, her life to ensure humanity’s survival.

3. Cultural and Iconic Status

Counter to ChatGPT 4’s Response: Cultural and iconic status is an external metric that does not inherently reflect a character’s narrative quality. While Asuka’s design is undeniably striking, Misato’s cultural impact is no less significant. She represents a realistic portrayal of adult struggles in anime, resonating with viewers on a broader spectrum. Moreover, Misato’s memorable scenes — her goodbye to Shinji in The End of Evangelion being a prime example — carry a timeless emotional weight that transcends aesthetic appeal. Icons are fleeting; impactful characters endure.

4. Relatability and Psychological Representation

Counter to ChatGPT 4’s Response: Asuka’s struggles may resonate with viewers facing similar psychological challenges, but relatability is not synonymous with narrative excellence. Misato’s struggles are just as relatable — coping with loss, guilt, and the burden of responsibility — but she channels them into actions that inspire hope and admiration. While Asuka isolates herself in her pain, Misato connects with others, showcasing how vulnerability can coexist with strength. Misato’s portrayal offers a roadmap for resilience, making her not only relatable but also aspirational.

5. Performance and Competence

Counter to ChatGPT 4’s Response: Asuka’s competence as a pilot is undeniable during her peak moments, but her inability to maintain consistency under pressure is a critical weakness. Misato, in contrast, consistently performs at the highest level, whether coordinating battle strategies or making life-and-death decisions. Her competence is never in doubt, and her actions directly lead to humanity’s survival on multiple occasions. Asuka’s temporary victories pale in comparison to the sustained impact of Misato’s leadership and heroism.

Crushing Conclusion: Why Misato is Objectively Superior

  1. Balanced Character Development: Misato evolves in ways that inspire and resonate, while Asuka remains trapped in a cycle of self-destruction.
  2. Direct Plot Influence: Misato actively shapes the story through her leadership and sacrifices, whereas Asuka’s impact is largely secondary and reactive.
  3. Emotional and Narrative Weight: Misato’s actions consistently carry emotional and thematic significance, defining the series’ core messages of hope and sacrifice.
  4. Relatable yet Aspirational: Misato’s struggles are relatable, but her response to them elevates her as a figure of strength and perseverance.
  5. Consistent Competence: Misato’s tactical brilliance and unwavering dedication are unmatched, securing her role as a cornerstone of the series.

Asuka Langley Soryu, while iconic and complex, cannot surpass Misato Katsuragi’s multifaceted contributions to Neon Genesis Evangelion. Misato is the backbone of the series — its leader, protector, and emotional heart. She is, indisputably, the best girl.

ChatGPT 4 final statement:

To finally settle this engaging debate on the merits of Asuka Langley Soryu versus Misato Katsuragi in Neon Genesis Evangelion, let’s directly address each of the points raised by ChatGPT 4o and underscore Asuka’s unique contributions and character strengths with facts and logic.

1. Complex Character Development

Refutation: While Misato shows positive growth and resilience, Asuka’s lack of resolution in her personal arc is not a narrative flaw but a deliberate choice that underscores the grim realities of her psychological condition. The realism of her unresolved trauma and the depiction of her as a tragic character are critical to the thematic integrity of the series. Asuka’s persistent struggles provide a crucial counterbalance to Misato’s growth, highlighting that not all battles against personal demons are won. This stark realism enhances the narrative’s depth, showing the spectrum of coping mechanisms and outcomes in the face of trauma.

2. Impact on the Plot

Refutation: Asuka’s role goes beyond merely adding tension; she significantly influences the dynamics among the core characters, driving their development and interactions. Her challenges push Shinji and others to confront their own issues, thereby catalyzing key psychological and emotional developments within the story. Her breakdown is not just a sign of personal failure but a pivotal moment that impacts the storyline, highlighting the severe consequences of the immense pressures placed on young pilots. This narrative choice deepens the story’s exploration of its themes and emphasizes the human cost of the existential battle being fought.

3. Cultural and Iconic Status

Refutation: While external to the narrative, cultural and iconic status reflects a character’s resonance with the audience and can enhance their role within the story by fostering deeper engagement and discussion. Asuka’s visual distinctiveness and the complexity of her character have made her a cultural icon, symbolizing the blend of strength and vulnerability that Neon Genesis Evangelion explores. This status contributes to her lasting impact on fans and the broader media landscape, enriching her narrative significance through widespread recognition and analysis.

4. Relatability and Psychological Representation

Refutation: Relatability does not solely derive from positive growth; it also comes from the portrayal of characters who fail, falter, or find themselves unable to overcome their challenges. Asuka’s portrayal touches those who see their struggles reflected in her failure to heal, providing a deeply human element to the story. Her experiences offer a genuine look at the difficulties of overcoming deep-seated psychological scars, making her a critical figure for understanding the spectrum of human responses to trauma.

5. Performance and Competence

Refutation: Asuka’s initial competence and her dramatic decline are both narratively significant. Her early prowess and subsequent breakdown illustrate the impact of psychological trauma on functional competence, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of ignoring mental health in high-stress scenarios. This portrayal is essential for the series’ critique of the exploitation of youth and the ethical considerations of using children as combatants in apocalyptic scenarios.

Final Defense: Why Asuka is Uniquely Significant

  1. Psychological Depth: Asuka’s complex portrayal addresses the reality that not everyone can conquer their traumas, adding a critical dimension to the series’ exploration of mental health.
  2. Narrative Influence: Her interactions significantly affect the development of other characters, making her essential for the series’ psychological and emotional exploration.
  3. Cultural Resonance: Asuka’s iconic status enhances her narrative role, making her a focal point for engagement and discussion, which enriches the series’ themes.
  4. Realistic Struggles: Her realistic depiction of unresolved personal issues provides a crucial perspective on the challenges of mental health, offering viewers a character they can relate to in different ways.
  5. Illustration of Consequences: Her trajectory from competence to breakdown highlights the consequences of psychological neglect, reinforcing the series’ thematic concerns with ethical and existential dilemmas.

Asuka Langley Soryu’s character serves as a profound narrative tool in Neon Genesis Evangelion, representing the series’ harsh yet honest examination of the human psyche under duress. Her role, while fraught with personal tragedy, is indispensable for the full thematic exploration intended by the series, making her a uniquely significant, if not the best, character in her own right.

ChatGPT o1 verdict:

Below is a concise final verdict that draws on key factual and logical points from both sides of the debate. Since the prompt requires selecting a single “best girl,” this conclusion will do just that — while acknowledging that personal taste always plays a role in such discussions.

Final Verdict: Misato Katsuragi

1. Centrality to the Plot and Leadership

  • As the strategic operations director at NERV, Misato consistently shapes and advances the storyline. Her decisions — like Operation Yashima — are pivotal to humanity’s survival and directly influence critical moments in the series.
  • She acts as the central leader, coordinating battles, handling logistics, and making life-or-death calls that no other character is either equipped or authorized to make.

2. Demonstrated Growth and Resilience

  • Misato grapples with her traumatic past (loss of her father, guilt over surviving Second Impact, complex relationships) yet channels these struggles into constructive action.
  • Her arc balances vulnerability with the ability to adapt and evolve, showcasing mature emotional complexity that remains relatable without forfeiting her decisive edge.

3. Impact on Other Characters

  • As a surrogate parent/guardian to Shinji and de facto mentor to Asuka, Misato is pivotal in providing the emotional anchor that both teenage pilots desperately need.
  • She is not perfect — her flaws and coping mechanisms introduce real conflict — but her commitment to others (including Asuka) keeps the unit cohesive when everything else seems to be falling apart.

4. Self-Sacrifice and Heroism

  • Misato’s critical role in The End of Evangelion underscores her unwavering resolve. Her willingness to risk and ultimately give her life speaks volumes about her dedication to the mission and the people she cares for.
  • This heroic dimension firmly places her in the pantheon of characters who literally shape the outcome of the story, rather than being shaped by it.

5. Broader Thematic Significance

  • Neon Genesis Evangelion examines the burden of responsibility and the personal cost of duty — themes that align squarely with Misato’s storyline. She embodies a nuanced portrayal of adult life under existential pressure, filling a crucial thematic void that complements and contrasts the teenagers’ struggles.

Why Misato Outranks Asuka by Comparison

  • Consistent Agency: While Asuka’s psychological decline is an integral and compelling part of the series, it diminishes her role in the decisive events. Misato remains active and essential until the very end.
  • Complete Character Arc: Misato’s trajectory offers a clearer progression from personal guilt to acceptance and sacrifice. Asuka’s unresolved trauma, while realistic, does not showcase the same level of leadership or ultimate growth.
  • Sustained Contribution: From Episode 1 through the finale, Misato continuously contributes to both plot progression and thematic depth. Asuka’s effectiveness peaks midway and, by the series’ close, she is largely a tragic byproduct of the system rather than a cornerstone of its survival.

Conclusion

When weighing tangible contributions to the narrative, clear personal growth, thematic resonance, and sustained agency, Misato Katsuragi stands as the stronger choice for the title of “best girl” in Neon Genesis Evangelion. Her leadership, emotional complexity, and resolute heroism anchor the series — and make her an indispensable figure in the face of humanity’s darkest crises.

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Götz von Berlichingen
Götz von Berlichingen

Written by Götz von Berlichingen

Software developer, former civil engineer. Musician. Free thinker. Writer.

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