Roy Mustang

Roy Mustang is a high-ranking State Alchemist whose ambition to lead Amestria is shaped by the military’s history of bloodshed. He recruits and watches over Edward, using the boy’s talents while trying to keep him away from the institution’s darkest schemes. Beneath his polished confidence and dry humor, Roy carries the weight of past decisions and seeks a different future for the country.

Roy is a lean, dark-haired man with sharp features and a composed expression that can shift into a knowing smirk. His military uniform is dark blue, with a high collar, gold trim, shoulder boards, and a white shirt beneath. He wears gloves marked with the transmutation array needed for his flame alchemy. His hair is neatly styled, and his posture is usually relaxed but authoritative. In combat, his gloves and focused gaze make his movements appear deliberate, even when he is directing a sudden burst of fire.

Roy is ambitious, self-assured, and skilled at using charm and humor to manage the people around him. He presents himself as a career-minded officer, but his pursuit of advancement is tied to a desire to take responsibility for the military's crimes and change the country from within. The Ishbal war left him with deep guilt, which he often conceals behind confidence. He can be calculating and willing to manipulate situations, yet he is protective of his subordinates and respects their judgment. His resolve can become ruthless when confronting threats to those in his care or obstacles to his plans for reform.

Before the main events, Roy studied alchemy under Berthold Hawkeye, whose research concerned flame alchemy. He learned to use the technique through transmutation arrays on specially prepared gloves. Roy later joined the State Military and became a State Alchemist, gaining authority and a route to advancement. During the Ishbal conflict, he served as a military alchemist and used his destructive ability against the population. The experience left him burdened by the consequences of his actions. He came to believe that changing the military and the nation required reaching the highest levels of authority, and he began building a circle of trusted officers who could support that goal.

1. Early Military and Liore

   Roy first appears as a high-ranking officer who directs Edward and Alphonse toward assignments while keeping their work connected to the State Military. He uses a teasing, self-serving manner to disguise how closely he follows their progress. His position gives the brothers access to information and resources, while his own attention to their investigations helps him assess threats to the military.

2. Ishbal Conflict and Its Aftermath

   Through flashbacks and present-day encounters, the series reveals Roy's role in the Ishbal war and the guilt he carries from using flame alchemy against civilians. The history gives context to his political ambition: he wants to take control of the military rather than leave its violence unchallenged. His friendship with Hughes and loyalty to his own unit are also shaped by that legacy.

3. Central Conspiracy

   As evidence accumulates that the military leadership is tied to the homunculi, Roy investigates while trying to protect his people from retaliation. Hughes's death turns his suspicions into a personal pursuit of the truth. Roy confronts the Fuhrer and fights to expose the danger at the center of the government, accepting severe consequences for opposing those in power.

Riza Hawkeye

Subordinate and trusted confidante

Riza serves as Roy's close aide and one of the people he trusts most. Their working relationship rests on years of shared military experience and an understanding of each other's motives. She can challenge him directly, while he relies on her judgment and marksmanship.

Maes Hughes

Friend and fellow officer

Hughes is Roy's close friend and an important source of information within the military. Their friendship includes teasing and mutual support, but it also reflects shared experience in the Ishbal war. Hughes's death deeply affects Roy and intensifies his investigation into Central.

Edward Elric

State Alchemist and associate

Roy supervises Edward's military work and often provokes him with jokes or assignments. Beneath their friction, Roy recognizes Edward's persistence and investigative ability. Their interests overlap as the brothers uncover evidence of a conspiracy involving the military and alchemy.

• Roy uses flame alchemy to defeat enemies during the military's conflict with the homunculi.
• He confronts the consequences of his actions in the Ishbal war through memories and encounters with survivors.
• After Hughes is killed, Roy pursues the truth behind the murder despite the danger to his career.
• Roy faces the Fuhrer in a direct battle as the conspiracy within Central reaches its climax.

• Roy's State Alchemist title is the Flame Alchemist.
• His flame alchemy depends on ignition cloth gloves bearing transmutation arrays.
• The 2003 series gives Roy a prominent role in the military and political storyline.
• His English voice in this series is performed by Travis Willingham.

• Edward Elric
• Alphonse Elric
• Winry Rockbell
• Riza Hawkeye
• Scar

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