7. Shinji Aragaki
Shinji is so low on this list simply because he doesn’t get as much screen time as everyone else. He’s a catalyst that pushes everyone into the next phase of their own story, as his death in Persona 3’s second act sends SEES into a tailspin. The reconciliation and refocusing that follows leads to some of Persona 3’s best moments, but Shinji is most effective as a symbol for the group.
However, Persona 3 Reload’s new social link-esque “linked episodes” help fill in the gaps, and make Shinji an even more well-rounded character. He knows that his use of Persona-suppressing drugs is likely going to lead to his death, so he has a decision to make: What is he going to do with the time he has left, and what can he do to provide comfort to his friends when he’s gone? Shinji personifies Persona 3’s theme of making the most of your life as you barrel toward its inevitable end. The death he gets isn’t the one he envisioned, but he does good with what life he has left. If it hadn’t been for his sacrifice, who knows if SEES would have succeeded in their quest at all?
