Riza Hawkeye
- Also known as
- Hawkeye
- Rank
- First Lieutenant
- Team
- Amestrian State Military
- Occupation
- Military officer and marksman
- Japanese voice
- Michiko Neya
- English voice
- Colleen Clinkenbeard
- Affiliation
- Amestrian State Military
- Series
- Fullmetal Alchemist
Who is Riza Hawkeye?
Riza Hawkeye is a disciplined officer and Roy Mustang’s trusted aide. A skilled marksman, she combines calm judgment with a clear-eyed understanding of the dangers of military power. Her loyalty to Roy is not blind: she challenges him when needed and helps keep his ambitions connected to the consequences of his actions. She is also a reliable ally to the Elric brothers.
Appearance
Riza has straight, light-blond hair, usually gathered at the back of her head, and clear, watchful eyes. Her military uniform consists of a fitted dark-blue jacket with a high collar, gold details, and shoulder boards, worn with a white shirt and dark trousers. She carries a sidearm and is often shown with a rifle when assigned to a shooting position. Her controlled posture and steady expression suit her role as a disciplined officer. Away from combat, she keeps a practical appearance and moves with quiet purpose.
Personality
Riza is composed, observant, and intensely disciplined. She rarely wastes words, but her restraint is not indifference: she pays close attention to the people around her and acts decisively when they are in danger. She is loyal to Roy, though her loyalty does not prevent her from questioning his choices or insisting that he face the consequences of his ambitions. Her experience in the Ishbal war has made her wary of unchecked power and the harm military orders can cause. She carries responsibility quietly and prefers practical action to displays of emotion, but her compassion is evident in the protection she offers others.
Background
Riza is the daughter of Berthold Hawkeye, an alchemist whose research involved flame alchemy. She learned about his work and eventually entrusted its secrets to Roy, who had studied under her father. She later served as a sniper in the Ishbal conflict, where she witnessed the devastation caused by State Alchemists and the military. That experience shaped her understanding of the cost of violence and her sense of responsibility for what she had helped enable. After the war, she continued her military career and became Roy's close aide. Her service combines technical skill with a personal commitment to monitor the power Roy hopes to gain.
Role in Fullmetal Alchemist
Early Military and Liore
Riza appears as Roy's capable first lieutenant, handling communications, assignments, and the practical demands of his office. Her calm demeanor contrasts with his joking manner, and she often keeps his work on course. She also observes Edward and Alphonse's investigations, providing the brothers with military support when their discoveries intersect with State Military affairs.
Ishbal Conflict and Its Aftermath
Flashbacks establish Riza's service as a sniper during the Ishbal war and show how deeply the conflict shaped her. She carries the memory of the destruction and understands the danger posed by alchemy used as a weapon. Her relationship with Roy is rooted in shared history and an agreement that he must remain accountable for the power he seeks.
Central Conspiracy
As Roy investigates the military's hidden leadership, Riza remains close to him and helps protect his unit from the consequences of their inquiries. Her accuracy and composure become essential in confrontations around Central. She also faces the moral strain of serving a system that has concealed atrocities, balancing duty with her determination to prevent further harm.
Abilities and techniques
Marksmanship
Riza is an exceptional rifle shot, capable of hitting targets accurately from a distance. Her work as a sniper requires patience, steady aim, and careful assessment of the battlefield. She can provide cover for allies while limiting the chance of striking bystanders.
Firearms proficiency
Riza is skilled with military firearms beyond her rifle, including a sidearm in close encounters. She handles weapons confidently and makes quick decisions under pressure. Her training allows her to remain effective when a confrontation shifts from long-range shooting to immediate defense.
Observation
Riza notices changes in people's behavior and in the conditions around her. Her attentiveness helps her identify threats, assess a situation, and anticipate what Roy or her fellow officers may need. She is cautious about trusting appearances, especially within the military.
Military coordination
As a first lieutenant and Roy's aide, Riza organizes information and helps direct military activity. She can translate a plan into clear, practical action and maintain order during a crisis. Her calm judgment makes her an effective partner in both investigation and combat.
Relationships
- Roy Mustang
- Superior officer and trusted partner
- Riza is Roy's first lieutenant, aide, and closest professional confidante. She supports his plan to change the military but also serves as a moral check, reminding him through her actions that authority brings responsibility. Their shared history gives their working relationship unusual depth.
- Berthold Hawkeye
- Father
- Berthold's alchemical research shaped Riza's early life and linked her to Roy's training. The knowledge associated with his work carries serious consequences, and Riza's decisions about it affect the direction Roy takes. Their family connection is revealed through the history of flame alchemy.
- Edward Elric
- Associate and fellow investigator
- Riza encounters Edward through Roy's military work and the brothers' investigations. She treats him with professional seriousness despite his tendency to challenge authority. When their goals align, she provides practical support and helps him understand the risks posed by the military's concealed activities.
Notable moments
- Riza's memories of the Ishbal war reveal her work as a military sniper.
- She supports Roy's investigation while remaining alert to the danger his ambition may create.
- Her marksmanship provides cover for Roy and other officers during combat.
- Riza continues to serve beside Roy as the military conspiracy is brought into the open.
Trivia
- Riza holds the rank of first lieutenant in the Amestrian military.
- Her surname is also used as her military callsign.
- She is Roy's close aide and a skilled rifle marksman.
- Her Japanese voice in this series is performed by Michiko Neya.