Hugo

Hugo is initially laid-back, sociable, and complacent about the Titan threat. Having lived through decades in which the Walls have apparently worked exactly as intended, he sees Eren's anxiety about military preparedness as excessive. He and the other Shiganshina Garrison soldiers are comfortable enough to drink and socialize while assigned to protect the district.

He can also be argumentative when his pride is challenged. Earlier events show him reacting angrily when a merchant criticizes the Garrison soldiers for wasting taxpayers' money, though Hannes initially attempts to restrain him.

That casual behavior changes once the district actually comes under attack. Hugo begins giving orders and helping coordinate the defense rather than abandoning his post, revealing that his complacency is not the same thing as complete cowardice.

Hugo is a trained Garrison soldier familiar with ODM gear, cannons, district evacuation procedures, and defensive operations around the Walls.

His assignment in Shiganshina places him among the personnel responsible for the inner gate and the artillery intended to stop Titans approaching the district. Once the emergency begins, he helps direct other soldiers while civilians evacuate.

No exceptional individual Titan-killing ability is established for Hugo. His role represents the ordinary Garrison rank and file rather than the elite combat skill associated with Survey Corps veterans.

Hugo first appears among the Shiganshina soldiers whom Eren criticizes for drinking instead of constantly preparing for Titan attacks. Hugo counters that there has been no major incident in a century and assures him that the Walls remain secure.

The Colossal Titan's appearance immediately disproves that confidence. Hugo subsequently participates in Shiganshina's defense, helping coordinate artillery and evacuation efforts as Titans enter the outer district.

When the Armored Titan charges the inner gate, Hugo and the other Garrison soldiers are unable to stop it. The gate is destroyed, breaching Wall Maria and throwing the defenders aside.

His brief arc illustrates the shock experienced by soldiers whose entire careers had been built during an era of apparently permanent peace.

Hannes is a fellow Garrison soldier who drinks and socializes with Hugo in Shiganshina. Hannes also restrains him during an earlier argument with a merchant.

Eren Yeager criticizes Hugo and the other guards for becoming complacent about the Titans. Hugo initially dismisses the boy's fears because the Walls have remained intact for a century.

Mikasa Ackerman and Armin Arlert are among the children Hugo sees around Shiganshina before the district's fall.