Van Hohenheim

Hohenheim is soft-spoken, contemplative and noticeably uncomfortable with emotional intimacy. His long absence makes him appear cold to Edward, but his awkwardness around his family is different from indifference. He cares deeply for his wife and children yet struggles to communicate those feelings, particularly when confronted by Edward's anger.

Centuries of experience have given Hohenheim an unusually patient perspective. He rarely boasts about his extraordinary abilities and does not share the contempt for ordinary humans displayed by the Homunculi. Instead, he values individual lives and gradually comes to regard the people contained within his Philosopher's Stone as individuals rather than an anonymous source of power.

His demeanor changes sharply when circumstances demand it. Hohenheim can be stern toward Father, whose contempt for humanity stands in direct opposition to his own outlook, and he is willing to spend years preparing for a confrontation he knows could determine the fate of Amestris.

Hohenheim is an extraordinarily knowledgeable alchemist. His body contains a Philosopher's Stone created from part of the population of ancient Xerxes, allowing him to perform powerful transmutations without drawing a conventional circle and to regenerate severe injuries by consuming the Stone's stored souls. His long life has given him centuries to refine his understanding of alchemy.

Unlike Father, Hohenheim communicates with the individual souls within his Stone. Over many years he speaks with them, learns their identities and gains their cooperation, allowing him to use their power with unusual precision rather than treating them merely as fuel.

He can perform alchemy remotely and can create complex transmutations on an enormous scale. Hohenheim also possesses extensive knowledge of both Amestrian alchemy and the principles that influenced Xingese alkahestry. His understanding of Amestris's subterranean energy system enables him to recognize the artificial interference affecting alchemists throughout the country.

Hohenheim initially exists in Edward and Alphonse's story as their absent father. His departure from Resembool contributes heavily to Edward's anger, especially because Trisha Elric was left to raise their sons without him. When he eventually returns, his apparently unchanged appearance immediately suggests that his history is far stranger than Edward realizes.

Hohenheim was originally Slave Number 23 in ancient Xerxes. A being created from his blood—the entity later known as Father—gave him the name Van Hohenheim and taught him alchemy. Father subsequently manipulated the king of Xerxes into activating a nationwide transmutation that sacrificed the population, dividing the resulting Philosopher's Stone between himself and Hohenheim.

After wandering for centuries, Hohenheim eventually reached Xing and helped transmit knowledge that contributed to the development of alkahestry. He later settled in Resembool, married Trisha and became the father of Edward and Alphonse. His departure from the family was motivated by his discovery of Father's plans and his desire to prepare a countermeasure, rather than a desire to abandon them.

Hohenheim spends years traveling across Amestris and placing portions of his Philosopher's Stone at specific points. On the Promised Day, these souls activate a counter-circle that prevents Father from permanently retaining the souls of Amestris's population. He then joins the battle against Father alongside his sons and their allies.

Edward Elric is Hohenheim's elder son. Edward resents his father's disappearance for much of the story and initially responds to his return with hostility. As Edward learns why Hohenheim left, their relationship becomes less antagonistic, although neither becomes especially comfortable expressing affection.

Alphonse Elric is Hohenheim's younger son. Alphonse is more willing than Edward to speak with him calmly and gradually learns about his father's past and intentions.

Trisha Elric is Hohenheim's wife and the person who gives him a genuine home after centuries of wandering. Hohenheim hopes to become mortal so that he can grow old alongside her, and her death leaves him carrying considerable grief and regret.

Father originated from Hohenheim's blood and was once the Dwarf in the Flask who befriended him in Xerxes. Their paths diverge completely: Father seeks to transcend humanity, while Hohenheim comes to embrace human mortality and connection.

Pinako Rockbell is one of Hohenheim's oldest friends in Resembool and knew him decades before the main story. Their familiarity allows Pinako to speak to him with a bluntness few others do.