Shinji is a very troubled individual, however, most of his problems are worsened, and are often cause by his lack of self-confidence.  He has trouble expressing feelings towards others because he's afraid of getting emotionally hurt.

Shinji doesn't have the best relationships with his father, Gendo Ikari.  And his father's stern manner has Shinji develop a habit of running away from his problems.

Shinji pilots the Test-type model Evangelion Unit 01. 

Age: 14

Gender: Male

Occupation: Student and Evangelion pilot

Asuka is extremely confident and constantly struggles onwards trying to better over others.  Since her mother went insane after an accident, in which she tried to synchronize with EVA-02, and later committed suicide many years ago.  Asuka has immersed herself in her own pride (possibly her way of dealing with her tragic loss).  As a result of this, she is often unwilling to accept any kind of help and advice from others, and will rarely ever admit to making a mistake.  She can also be very annoying at times and is known to look down on people, however, she would never intentionally hurt the feelings of others.

Askua is also the proud pilot of EVA-02, and is probably the only Eva pilot who actually enjoys and has pride in being a pilot.  Although she puts a lot of effort into piloting EVA-02, she is not a naturally talented pilot like Shinji.

Age: 14

Gender: Female

Occupation: Student and Evangelion pilot

Rei is extremely timid, shy, and at times almost seems withdrawn from the world around her.  She finds it incredibly hard to express her feelings towards others and as a consequence, isn't the kind of person who makes friends that easily.  All of Rei's personal records have been erased, she has parents and there is no trail leading to her past, it would seem that her existence begins at a dead end.

She was the first child to be chosen to pilot an Eva, in particular EVA-00.  The truth is, Rei is not human, well not entirely human.  She is the by-product of the human instrumentality project, artificially created and implanted with the soul of Yui Ikari.  Rei has only one soul, however, NERV have created multiple bodies, or vessels, for Rei's soul in the event of her death.  Indeed Rei is killed twice.

Age: 14

Gender: Female

Occupation: Student and Evangelion pilot

Misato is an energetic, determined, and strong individual who's not afraid to take charge of a bad situation, that is when she's not busy drinking.  Misato joined NERV after the death of her father, who died saving her life during the second impact.  She soon acquired the rank of to command Evas 00, 01, and 02 in the absence of both Commanders.

As well as working for NERV, she is Shinji's voluntary guardian.  Misato does mange to help Shinji over come his problems and open up a little.

Age: 29

Gender: Female

Occupation: NERV operation director

Ritsuko is very secretive and seldom talks about herself or her family, but it known that she didn't get along with her mother, creator of the MAGI super computers used by NERV.  She works closely with the Commanders and knows a great deal of the truths behind the mysteries surrounding the second impact.

Age: 30

Gender: Female

Occupation: NERV head technician

Kaoru is not all that dissimilar to Rei in that he to has had his personal records erased from existence, though it is known that he was born on the same day of the second impact.  While an explanation on how Kaoru came to be is not given and is sent by SEELE directly to NERV to instigate the third impact, it is likely that SEELE created Kaoru in much the same way as Rei was created.

The fact that Kaoru was created from Adam explains his ability to synchronize with an Evangelion with ease, and at any desired synchronization ratio provided that his soul is more dominant that that of the Eva's.  The ability is useful in that he was allegedly sent to NERV to replace Asuka as the pilot of EVA-02, though not so when is true motive comes to light.

Age: 14

Gender: Male (appearance)

Occupation: Evangelion pilot

Pen Pen permanently wears a portable air conditioner on his back for use during his walkabouts around Misato's apartment.  Pen Pen lives a comfortable lifestyle in Misato's somewhat over sized refrigerator, that's when he's not busy relaxing in her bath.

Age: 2

Gender: Male

Occupation: Domestic Penguin