The Exile

The Exile is scholarly, patient and largely resigned to his ostracism. Unlike most Ishbalans, he believes alchemy is knowledge worth studying despite the religious taboo surrounding it.

His isolation has not erased his connection to his people. He understands their hostility toward him and rarely responds with equivalent hatred, even when other refugees attack or reject him because of the mark he carries.

He is also willing to share dangerous knowledge when he believes the listener understands its consequences. His conversations with Scar and later Edward are direct about the human cost of producing a Philosopher's Stone.

The Exile is an alchemist and expert on the Grand Arcanum, which the 2003 anime presents as an Ishbalan alchemical system. His knowledge includes the arrays and principles connected to creating a Philosopher's Stone.

The large array displayed in his dwelling resembles the tattoo carried on Scar's arm. He recognizes the markings and explains their connection to the research Scar's brother pursued.

The Exile's importance lies primarily in theoretical knowledge rather than combat. He understands that the creation of a true Philosopher's Stone requires human lives and knows how the Grand Arcanum can be applied on a large scale.

Scar encounters the Exile after reaching the southern refugee settlements. Recognizing him as the man who introduced his brother to forbidden alchemy, Scar initially approaches him with hostility.

The Exile explains that Scar's tattoo represents part of the Grand Arcanum and reveals the purpose of the research his brother pursued. Scar uses this knowledge to continue his brother's work and prepares a massive alchemical array in Reole intended to create a Philosopher's Stone from human lives.

Edward later questions the Exile about whether a Philosopher's Stone can be produced without human sacrifice. The Exile confirms that there is no alternative method known to him, convincing Edward that Scar's plan threatens everyone drawn into the coming battle at Reole.

Scar's Brother studied the Grand Arcanum under the Exile despite Ishbalan religious law. The Exile's teachings form part of the research later inherited by Scar.

Scar initially resents the Exile for influencing his brother but later seeks his knowledge to understand the tattooed alchemical array on his arm.

Edward Elric questions the Exile about the creation of Philosopher's Stones and learns that the method he knows requires human sacrifice.

Old Man belongs to the traditional Ishbalan community from which the Exile has been cast out. The difference between them reflects the religious dispute over whether Ishbalans may practice alchemy.

Leo initially shares the community's hostility toward the Exile. By the end of the series, Leo helps the elderly Exile rather than rejecting him, showing that some of the prejudice surrounding his status has begun to weaken.