Lelouch’s Fake Brother in ‘Code Geass’ Was the Real Tragic Character of the Series

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion may not be a mainstream title, but it remains one of the most iconic anime series of all time. From thrilling action scenes to splendid rebellion storytelling, Code Geass grips fans with Lelouch’s rebellious stand against the Britannia Kingdom.

Unlike many anime, where villains are bad just for being so, Code Geass makes a difference by creating moral ambiguity. The Code Geass franchise is filled with good and interesting characters who play a significant role in driving its intricately crafted storyline across each series.

Lelouch’s genius as a strategist has left an indelible mark, but the series’ cast was full of interesting characters that added to the emotional depth of the story. While Lelouch’s tragic end was unforgettable, another character suffered greater tragedy from birth till the last moment, making him arguably the most tragic figure in the entire series.

Unveiling the Heart-Wrenching journey of Code Geass’ most tragic character?

Revenge is a dish best served cold, but rebellion always burns bright. Code Geass is viewed as an alternate-history sci-fi anime that gives one an opportunity to reflect upon the brutal wars of the empires and colonization resistances.

The story is as grand as anime can get in terms of both scale and nuance, and with such a satisfying conclusion, the series is remembered fondly by many for its complex themes, morally ambiguous characters, and scale of the overall conflict.

Lelouch has been the star of the series because of his noble intentions to make the world a better place for his sister. He manipulated his own army and betrayed their trust to commit mass murders of Britannians and Japanese to achieve his goal, all for the sake of securing a future where his beloved sister, Nunnally Lamperouge, could live in peace.

Lelouch’s deep love and care for Nunnally was undoubtedly the most sympathetic and relatable aspect of his character. While he manipulated many and sacrificed others to achieve his aims, his unwavering devotion to Nunnally above all else resonated with fans, allowing them to understand his morally gray actions for the greater good.

While Lelouch’s love for Nunnally was pure, the same cannot be said for his relationship with his brother, Rolo, whom Lelouch despised from the start, despite Rolo’s unwavering love for him.

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion – R1 End Scene

Suzaku and Kallen discover Zero's true identity pic.twitter.com/vHtFeWU59A

— daily lelouch (@lelouchbot) December 7, 2020

Lelouch’s preference for Nunnally over Rolo was understandable, given that Rolo wasn’t his blood relative, and they never shared a true brotherly bond, at least from Lelouch’s perspective.

Rolo was originally an assassin for the secret organization “Geass Order,” posing as Lelouch’s younger brother. While Lelouch’s memories were altered by Charles’s Geass, Rolo was assigned to watch over him but eventually betrayed the organization and sided with Lelouch.

Rolo’s Tragic Fate in Code Geass

Rolo’s tragic life is defined by a deep longing for family and love that he never experienced. From the age of six, he was manipulated, brainwashed, and raised as a weapon by the Geass Order.

With no parents to care for him and only the cold, harsh training of an assassin, Rolo never knew the warmth of love or connection. When he met Lelouch, their bond began as a calculated act, but for Rolo, it became his greatest hope — the chance to have a real family.

Even knowing Lelouch’s plans to betray him, Rolo clung to the belief that he had found a place to belong. After killing Shirley, Rolo’s guilt is compounded when Lelouch expresses his hatred, yet Rolo still chooses to protect him.

In his final moments, Rolo sacrificed his life for someone who had never truly embraced him. The heartbreaking irony is that despite all the manipulation, betrayal, and hatred, Lelouch remained the only person Rolo ever felt truly cared for him.

Rolo’s story is one of unrelenting devotion to someone who could never fully return his love, making his fate all the more tragic.

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion is available to stream on Crunchyroll