Author: Amanda Wells
Source: Noise In My Brain
Dated: Circa August 6, 2002
Question: How can a character that appeared in one episode of a TV series become a member of The List, beating out characters with fifty episodes or whole novels to their names? Answer: Because he's interesting. I can't say I'm surprised that the only character I like in Neon Genesis Evangelion is really an Angel (By an odd coincidence, Kaworu is the 17th Angel and the 17th member of the current List). I ultimately consider most of NGE's characters specters of the terrible things that can happen to a person, in their own way compelling, but not likable. Kaworu Nagisa provides a respite. He is a character who can find your heart and treat it gently. I also like how Kaworu seems to be a dreamer and a bit of a philosopher.
Another reason why I like Kaworu is that he's intriguing and enigmatic, walking the line between lovable and unnerving, depending on the scene. Kaworu's thoughts and motivations are uncertain, and his interactions with other characters invite speculation. How can he relate to Shinji? What does he think about his destiny? His Angel name, Tabris, also means "free will", one of the things I value the most.
Also, I believe that Kaworu did love Shinji in some fashion or another, and was aware of the implications of his actions. However, part of me can't truly accept this romance as much as others involving favorite characters. This has NOTHING to do with how they're both male. Rather, I'm a bit leery of this relationship because there's no foundation other than Kaworu being so damn lovable and Shinji needing to be loved. I think Kaworu and Shinji make a cute couple, but I can see none of the multiple facets and highs and lows that make up a "real" relationship. While Kaworu's personality is exempt from my usual cynicism about "perfect" characters, the possibility of a romance with Shinji is not. I find it too good to be wholly acceptable.
Kaworu Nagisa was a character that had my attention from his first appearence, initially because he was in a class by himslef. Kaworu was humanlike and nonthreatening in mannerisms, unlike the other Angels; he was not hiding deep turmoil or being consumed by it, unlike most of the human characters.
Furthermore, Kaworu was interesting. Because of his short appearence, it's hard to know what goes on inside his head, but fun to speculate on his thoughts and motivations. I also like how Kaworu seems to be a dreamer and a bit of a philosopher, since I value imagination and introspection. There is also an eerie quality to Kaworu that I can't quite describe, but is notable. Also, Kaworu's Angel name, Tabris, means he is the Angel of Free Will, a concept. Free will is one of the things I value the most. Kaworu lives up to his namesake by discarding his natural mission and letting himself die so that humanity will live. I just have to like a character that goes against his programming. :)
Also, I believe that Kaworu did love Shinji in some fashion or another; I consider Kaworu and Shinji more alike than they appear. I believe Kaworu does have turmoil, it just doesn't eat him alive like so many others in the cast. This turmoil stems from the fan-crated realization that Kawouru loves life and wants to experience it as much as possible, yet he is doomed to attempt initiation of Third Impact. There is an analogy between this and how Shinji is trapped by his own insecurities and depends on his EVA for a sense of self-worth.