What is the main plot of Fullmetal Alchemist?

The story follows two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who use alchemy in a failed attempt to resurrect their dead mother. The ritual costs Edward his arm and leg, and Alphonse his entire body. They embark on a journey to find the Philosopher's Stone to restore their bodies.

Who are the main characters in Fullmetal Alchemist?

The protagonists are the Elric brothers, Edward (the Fullmetal Alchemist) and Alphonse. Key supporting characters include Winry Rockbell (mechanic), Colonel Roy Mustang (Flame Alchemist), Lieutenant Riza Hawkeye, and antagonists like the Homunculi (Lust, Envy, Gluttony, etc.) and 'Father'.

What is the difference between FMA (2003) and FMA: Brotherhood?

FMA (2003) was produced while the manga was still ongoing and diverges into an original storyline halfway through with a unique ending. FMA: Brotherhood (2009) is a faithful adaptation of the complete manga storyline from start to finish. Brotherhood is generally considered the definitive version.

What genre is Fullmetal Alchemist classified as?

It is a Shonen adventure series that incorporates steampunk, dark fantasy, military drama, and philosophical fiction. It explores heavy themes like war, genocide, religion, and the ethics of science.

Is Fullmetal Alchemist suitable for children?

It is rated TV-14. While it has comedy and adventure, it deals with mature and dark themes including body horror, war crimes, grief, and political corruption. It is best suited for teens and adults.

Who is the creator of Fullmetal Alchemist?

The series was created by Hiromu Arakawa. The manga ran in Square Enix's Monthly Shonen Gangan from 2001 to 2010.

What is the unique power system in Fullmetal Alchemist?

The series uses 'Alchemy,' a science based on the understanding, deconstruction, and reconstruction of matter. It is governed by the Law of Equivalent Exchange: to obtain something, something of equal value must be lost. Alchemists use transmutation circles to direct this energy.

Are there any movies for Fullmetal Alchemist?

Yes. 'Conqueror of Shamballa' concludes the 2003 anime storyline. 'The Sacred Star of Milos' is a standalone side-story set during the Brotherhood timeline. There are also live-action adaptations available on Netflix.

Where can I watch or read Fullmetal Alchemist?

Both anime series (2003 and Brotherhood) are available on Crunchyroll and Hulu. The manga can be read digitally via Square Enix apps or purchased physically from retailers.

Why is Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood so highly rated?

It is consistently ranked as one of the best anime of all time due to its tight, zero-filler plot, complex character development, perfect pacing, emotional depth, and satisfying conclusion that ties up all loose ends.

Overview Characters Weapons & Gear Media Collectibles Places & Experiences

Fullmetal Alchemist Characters

Full character index for Fullmetal Alchemist, including roles, relationships, factions, and key story moments.

Character List

Filter the list by faction

Occupation: Deuteragonist/Soul in Armor

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Edward's partner

Faction: Amestrian State Military (unofficial)

Race: Human

Gender: Male

Age: 14-15

Alphonse Elric

Fullmetal AlchemistDeuteragonist/Soul in Armor

Edward's younger brother whose soul is bound to a suit of armor after losing his body in human transmutation.

Occupation: Deuteragonist/Soul in Armor

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Edward's partner

Faction: Amestrian State Military (unofficial)

Race: Human

Gender: Male

Age: 14-15

Personality

MysteriousGentlePhilosophicalPatientKind

Abilities

AlchemyEnhanced strengthNo need for sleep/foodSoul perceptionCombat skills

Notable Items

Soul-bound armorBlood sealAlchemy knowledge

Quote:

Big brother, you idiot! Think before you do something!

character

Alphonse Elric – Fullmetal Alchemist character profile

Occupation: Deuteragonist/Soul in Armor

Race: Unknown

Gender: Unknown

Age: Unknown

Alphonse Elric

Fullmetal AlchemistDeuteragonist/Soul in Armor

Edward's younger brother whose soul is bound to a suit of armor after losing his body in human trans...

Occupation: Deuteragonist/Soul in Armor

Race: Unknown

Gender: Unknown

Age: Unknown

Deuteragonist/Soul in Armor

Alphonse Elric – Fullmetal Alchemist character profile

Video Coming Soon

Occupation: Protagonist/Fullmetal Alchemist

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: State Alchemist

Faction: Amestrian State Military

Race: Human

Gender: Male

Age: 15-16

Edward Elric

Fullmetal AlchemistProtagonist/Fullmetal Alchemist

The youngest State Alchemist in history, searching for the Philosopher's Stone to restore his and his brother's bodies.

Occupation: Protagonist/Fullmetal Alchemist

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: State Alchemist

Faction: Amestrian State Military

Race: Human

Gender: Male

Age: 15-16

Personality

MysteriousDeterminedHot-temperedProtectiveIntelligent

Abilities

Alchemy without circlesAutomail combatTransmutationHand-to-hand combatStrategic thinking

Notable Items

Automail arm and legState Alchemist watchRed coat

Quote:

To obtain something, something of equal value must be lost.

character

Edward Elric – Fullmetal Alchemist character profile

Occupation: Protagonist/Fullmetal Alchemist

Race: Unknown

Gender: Unknown

Age: Unknown

Edward Elric

Fullmetal AlchemistProtagonist/Fullmetal Alchemist

The youngest State Alchemist in history, searching for the Philosopher's Stone to restore his and hi...

Occupation: Protagonist/Fullmetal Alchemist

Race: Unknown

Gender: Unknown

Age: Unknown

Protagonist/Fullmetal Alchemist

Edward Elric – Fullmetal Alchemist character profile

Occupation: Homunculus/Shapeshifter

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Unknown

Faction: Homunculi

Race: Human

Gender: Genderless (appears male)

Age: Unknown

Envy

Fullmetal AlchemistHomunculus/Shapeshifter

A shapeshifting homunculus representing envy, capable of taking any human form.

Occupation: Homunculus/Shapeshifter

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Unknown

Faction: Homunculi

Race: Human

Gender: Genderless (appears male)

Age: Unknown

Personality

MysteriousJealousCruelSadisticManipulative

Abilities

Perfect shapeshiftingRegenerationCombat skillsPsychological warfare

Quote:

I hate humans! I hate them more than anything!

character

Envy – Fullmetal Alchemist character profile

Occupation: Primary Antagonist/Dwarf in the Flask

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Leader of Homunculi

Faction: Homunculi

Race: Human

Gender: Male

Age: 400+ years

Father

Fullmetal AlchemistPrimary Antagonist/Dwarf in the Flask

The ultimate antagonist, a homunculus created from Van Hohenheim's blood who seeks to become God.

Occupation: Primary Antagonist/Dwarf in the Flask

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Leader of Homunculi

Faction: Homunculi

Race: Human

Gender: Male

Age: 400+ years

Personality

MysteriousArrogantCalculatingRuthlessAmbitious

Abilities

Perfect alchemyPhilosopher's Stone powerSoul manipulationImmortalityGod-like abilities

Notable Items

Multiple Philosopher's StonesHomunculi armyNationwide transmutation circle

Quote:

I am what you humans call God.

character

Father – Fullmetal Alchemist character profile

Occupation: Fﾃｼhrer/Homunculus

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Unknown

Faction: Amestrian State Military/Homunculi

Race: Human

Gender: Male

Age: Unknown

King Bradley/Wrath

Fullmetal AlchemistFﾃｼhrer/Homunculus

The Fhrer of Amestris, secretly the homunculus Wrath with incredible combat abilities.

Occupation: Fﾃｼhrer/Homunculus

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Unknown

Faction: Amestrian State Military/Homunculi

Race: Human

Gender: Male

Age: Unknown

Personality

MysteriousRuthlessCharismaticCalculatingViolent

Abilities

Ultimate EyeMaster swordsmanshipSuperhuman speedCombat expertiseLeadership

Quote:

I am Wrath, and I will have my revenge!

character

King Bradley/Wrath – Fullmetal Alchemist character profile

Occupation: Homunculus/Seductress

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Unknown

Faction: Homunculi

Race: Human

Gender: Female

Age: Unknown

Lust

Fullmetal AlchemistHomunculus/Seductress

The Ultimate Spear, a homunculus representing the sin of lust with deadly finger extensions.

Occupation: Homunculus/Seductress

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Unknown

Faction: Homunculi

Race: Human

Gender: Female

Age: Unknown

Personality

MysteriousSeductiveCruelIntelligentManipulative

Abilities

Ultimate SpearRegenerationSeductionCombat skillsImmortality

Quote:

Humans are so interesting.

character

Lust – Fullmetal Alchemist character profile

Occupation: Xing Princess/Alkahestrist

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Unknown

Faction: Xing Empire

Race: Human

Gender: Female

Age: Unknown

May Chang

Fullmetal AlchemistXing Princess/Alkahestrist

Princess of Xing who practices alkahestry and develops feelings for Alphonse.

Occupation: Xing Princess/Alkahestrist

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Unknown

Faction: Xing Empire

Race: Human

Gender: Female

Age: Unknown

Personality

MysteriousDeterminedProudCaringSkilled

Abilities

AlkahestryMedical alchemyMartial artsChi manipulationRemote transmutation

Quote:

I am May Chang, 17th princess of the Xing Empire!

character

May Chang – Fullmetal Alchemist character profile

Occupation: Colonel/Flame Alchemist

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: State Alchemist, Colonel

Faction: Amestrian State Military

Race: Human

Gender: Male

Age: 29-30

Roy Mustang

Fullmetal AlchemistColonel/Flame Alchemist

Ambitious State Alchemist known as the Flame Alchemist, seeking to become Fhrer to reform the military.

Occupation: Colonel/Flame Alchemist

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: State Alchemist, Colonel

Faction: Amestrian State Military

Race: Human

Gender: Male

Age: 29-30

Personality

MysteriousAmbitiousCharismaticCalculatingProtective

Abilities

Flame AlchemyMilitary tacticsLeadershipStrategic planningCombat expertise

Notable Items

Ignition glovesMilitary uniformState Alchemist certification

Quote:

I'll make this world one where she can cry tears of joy.

character

Roy Mustang – Fullmetal Alchemist character profile

Occupation: Colonel/Flame Alchemist

Race: Unknown

Gender: Unknown

Age: Unknown

Roy Mustang

Fullmetal AlchemistColonel/Flame Alchemist

Ambitious State Alchemist known as the Flame Alchemist, seeking to become Fhrer to reform the milit...

Occupation: Colonel/Flame Alchemist

Race: Unknown

Gender: Unknown

Age: Unknown

Colonel/Flame Alchemist

Roy Mustang – Fullmetal Alchemist character profile

Occupation: Father/Immortal Alchemist

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Unknown

Faction: Independent

Race: Human

Gender: Male

Age: Unknown

Van Hohenheim

Fullmetal AlchemistFather/Immortal Alchemist

Edward and Alphonse's father, an immortal being with a Philosopher's Stone for a soul.

Occupation: Father/Immortal Alchemist

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Unknown

Faction: Independent

Race: Human

Gender: Male

Age: Unknown

Personality

MysteriousWiseGuilt-riddenLovingMysterious

Abilities

Philosopher's Stone alche...ImmortalitySoul communicationAdvanced knowledge

Quote:

I'm sorry, Trisha. I'm sorry, Edward. I'm sorry, Alphonse.

character

Van Hohenheim – Fullmetal Alchemist character profile

Character Battles

A quick, data-driven snapshot of the strongest characters based on the enjoyip Battle Score framework.

Open Battle Simulator

Top Battle Score Characters

A quick, data-driven snapshot of the strongest characters based on the enjoyip Battle Score framework. Try the Battle Simulator.

4 picks

Battle Score Curve

Descending trend from the highest-ranked character downward

Battle Score Table

Rank	Character	Battle Score	Tier
1	Father	9.35	god
2	Wrath	9.03	high-meta
3	Lust	8.57	shonen-top
4	Envy	8.50	high-meta

Battle Score is a composite metric designed for cross-franchise comparisons. It is not a canonical in-universe power level.

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