Russell Tringham

Russell is proud, stubborn and intensely driven by his father's legacy. He treats completing Nash's research as proof of his own worth and initially refuses to acknowledge evidence that the work may be impossible or dangerous.

His personality closely resembles Edward's in several respects. Both are talented older brothers with quick tempers, strong pride and a tendency to respond to provocation by arguing or fighting. Their similarities contribute to their immediate dislike of one another.

Russell's arrogance does not mean he lacks compassion. He cares deeply about Fletcher, and his certainty begins to weaken when confronted with the suffering Red Water has caused and with his younger brother's objections.

Russell is a skilled alchemist with particular expertise in plant-based transmutation. Like Fletcher, he can rapidly manipulate vegetation and use plants as part of larger environmental transmutations.

During his work in Xenotime, Russell possesses an incomplete Philosopher's Stone derivative created through Red Water research. Its amplification allows him to perform transmutations with capabilities that initially surprise Edward.

Russell is also capable of using alchemy aggressively. His confrontation with Edward demonstrates that he can hold his own against another highly talented young alchemist, although Edward has considerably greater practical combat experience.

Russell and Fletcher arrive in Xenotime hoping to finish Nash's research into Red Stones. Russell assumes Edward's identity and persuades Fletcher to pose as Alphonse, believing the deception is justified if it gives them the opportunity to complete their father's work.

The genuine Elric brothers soon discover the impostors. Edward and Russell clash repeatedly while Alphonse and Fletcher form a much friendlier relationship. Russell initially refuses to abandon his research even as evidence accumulates that Red Water is poisoning Xenotime.

Mugear eventually reveals that he knew the brothers were impostors and had merely exploited their skills. After learning more about Nash's rejection of the research, Russell helps the Elrics stop Mugear and abandons the attempt to reproduce the Philosopher's Stone.

Russell and Fletcher later return near the end of the series. After being arrested for impersonating the Elrics, they become involved in Edward's investigation of Central and provide information about the underground city beneath the capital.

Fletcher Tringham is Russell's younger brother. Russell often dominates their decisions, but Fletcher's objections eventually force him to reconsider the consequences of their research.

Nash Tringham is Russell's father and the figure whose unfinished research Russell is desperate to complete. His desire to prove Nash's work valid drives much of Russell's early behavior.

Edward Elric is Russell's counterpart and immediate rival. Their similar pride and temper produce repeated arguments and fights before the two develop mutual respect.

Alphonse Elric has a far calmer relationship with Russell than Edward does and becomes particularly close to Fletcher.

Mugear provides the resources Russell needs to continue the Red Water research. Russell eventually learns that Mugear has knowingly manipulated both brothers and was responsible for Nash's death.

Belsio knew Nash and provides the Tringham brothers with a perspective on their father that differs from Russell's idealized image.