Marlo Freudenberg

Marlo is serious, principled, and unusually idealistic for a Military Police recruit. He recognizes that corruption is deeply embedded in the organization but believes someone can reach a position of authority and remove dishonest officials from above.

His conviction occasionally makes him naive. Marlo initially imagines institutional reform as a problem that can be solved by a sufficiently determined individual, while Hitch recognizes how easily the organization absorbs or marginalizes people who challenge its culture.

He is nevertheless capable of reconsidering his assumptions. Experiences with other soldiers gradually force him to compare his comfortable position with people who willingly expose themselves to greater danger.

Marlo also possesses a strong sense of personal responsibility. After the political upheaval within the Walls, he transfers from the Military Police to the Survey Corps, abandoning the safer career he had originally secured.

Marlo is a trained soldier capable of using ODM gear, firearms, and standard military equipment. His initial Military Police service gives him less practical Titan-combat experience than veteran Survey Corps soldiers, but his training remains substantial.

He is physically fit and disciplined enough to qualify among the cadets eligible for Military Police service. His greatest strength, however, is his willingness to act under pressure rather than exceptional individual combat talent.

After transferring to the Survey Corps, Marlo participates in the operation to retake Wall Maria. His willingness to maintain formation under catastrophic conditions demonstrates considerable courage despite his relative lack of expedition experience.

Marlo first appears in Stohess as a newly assigned Military Police soldier working alongside Hitch and Annie Leonhart. His complaints about corruption establish him as an ideological outsider within the regiment.

He later encounters Jean Kirstein and members of the Survey Corps during the military's internal conflict. Initially placed on the opposing side, Marlo listens to their explanation and ultimately assists them rather than blindly following orders.

After the old regime falls, Marlo chooses to join the Survey Corps. He subsequently participates in the expedition to Shiganshina and becomes one of the recruits caught in the Beast Titan's bombardment.

Marlo joins Erwin's suicidal cavalry charge against the Beast Titan, continuing forward despite knowing that survival is extremely unlikely. He is killed during the charge, with his thoughts briefly returning to Hitch and wondering what she might be doing.

Hitch Dreyse is Marlo's closest recurring companion. Their personalities clash constantly, but Hitch cares deeply about him beneath her teasing and cynicism.

Annie Leonhart serves in the same Stohess Military Police unit. Marlo's earnestness contrasts sharply with Annie's detached attitude.

Jean Kirstein recognizes similarities between Marlo's stubborn idealism and Eren Yeager. Their encounter helps Marlo reconsider where his principles should lead him.

Erwin Smith becomes Marlo's commander after his transfer to the Survey Corps. Marlo ultimately follows Erwin in the final cavalry charge against the Beast Titan.

Floch Forster is among the other inexperienced Survey Corps recruits who participate in the same operation and charge.