TecRah

In the episode Neon Genesis Evangelion, Shinji learns that Ayakari is a clone in episode 23 Tear 涙.

Specific episode recap

1 Background

Ayakari is a clone created by Anchor Gendo and Dr. Togetsu based on the DNA of Shinji’s mother and Lilith’s genes. She is not an ordinary human, but an important part of NERV’s program. In previous episodes, the audience was able to learn of her special identity through various hints, but Shinji was unaware of it.

2 The moment Shinji learns

In episode 23, the third apostatized Ayanami Ayanami II body dies in a confrontation with Shinji. Shinji then meets a room full of Ayamari clones in NERV’s labs, and is shocked to realize that Ayamari is not a normal human, but a clone that can be replaced.

This scene reveals the truth that Ayamari has been reborn multiple times, and that her persona was given through specific technology. This not only confuses and pains Shinji, but also gives the audience a deeper understanding of the work’s exploration of humanity and the self.

3 Emotional impact

Shinji is shocked and confused by Ayakari’s identity on the one hand, and on the other hand, he feels the coldness of his father, Anchorado. Ayakari’s clone identity shakes his perception of her, and further deepens his distaste for NERV and the Human Replacement Program.

Shinji’s feelings towards Ayakari do not completely change after he discovers the truth that Ayakari is a clone, despite his shock and confusion. His feelings for Ayakari are complex and deep, containing both concern and attachment to her, mixed with confusion about her identity and ambivalence about his own feelings.

1 Analysis of Shinji’s feelings for Ayakari

1 Care and Attachment

From Initial Encounter to Gradual Proximity Shinji’s feelings for Ayakari first began with a strange and mysterious attraction. Her cold appearance and elusive personality made Shinji feel both distant and unconsciously concerned for her.

Wanting to Protect Her Many times in the story, Shinji shows his concern for Ayakari, especially when she is injured or in danger. This protectiveness persists even after he learns that she is a clone, suggesting that he cares more about her existence as a person than her identity itself.

2 Confusion and Ambivalence

Confusion from Identity Shock Shinji’s feelings for Ayakari become complicated when he learns that she is a clone. His realization that Ayamari is not a unique individual, but a being that can be copied and replaced, confuses him about her humanity and causes him to rethink human relationships.

Continuation of Emotions Despite this, Shinji still sees Ayamari as a real person, especially because of the kindness, tenderness, and subtle fluctuations of emotion she displays, all of which make it difficult for Shinji to lose his feelings for her.

2 Does Shinji still like Ayakari?

It can be argued that his fondness for Ayamari has not disappeared because of her clone status, but the feelings are more complicated.

Shinji’s feelings for Ayamari can hardly be categorized as love. Her presence makes Shinji both protective and somewhat psychologically dependent, probably due to her genetic connection to Shinji’s mother, Ichinoe.

Sympathy and Compassion Shinji’s feelings towards Ayamari, knowing of her loneliness and fate, also contain a strong sympathy for her, and he wants her to escape her instrumentalized fate.

3 Final Performance

In the Neon Genesis Evangelion theatrical release, Ayamari fuses her form with Lilith’s to become the centerpiece of the Human Replacement Program, but she ultimately chooses to help Shinji make key decisions. In this moment, Shinji’s feelings for Ayakari are elevated as he accepts her unique existence and still chooses to trust her. This emotion transcends identity and function and becomes a deeper human connection.

Summarization

Shinji’s feelings for Ayakari do not disappear because she is a clone, but instead become more complex and deeper as the truth is revealed. Regardless of her identity, Shinji’s focus is always on her humanity and existence, an affection that involves fondness, caring, and deep compassion for her fate.