nagisa kaworu

Age: 29
Sex: Male
Height: 175cm
Birthday: September 13, 2000
Relations: Shinji Ikari (Ally)

Kaworu Nagisa is both the 17th Angel and the Fifth Child. Although classified as an Angel, Kaworu resembles Rei Ayanami in being a Seed of Life inhabiting a human body. Despite his human form, Kaworu does not consider himself human, referring to humans as "the Lilin."

Kaworu appears humming the fourth movement of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, the same music that plays during his descent into Terminal Dogma, serving as a leitmotif for his character. The Ninth Symphony incorporates Friedrich Schiller's Ode to Joy, dedicated to the unity of all men under God. When Kaworu opens the doors to Terminal Dogma, it synchronizes with the line "Und der Cherub steht vor Gott"—"And the Cherub (Angel) stands before God."

Kaworu’s body seems to have been created through the Contact Experiment with Adam, where DNA from an unknown human donor fused with Adam's flesh. This explains Hyuga's discovery that Kaworu was "born" on the day of Second Impact. SEELE salvaged Adam’s disembodied soul into Kaworu, possibly recovered in embryonic form in Antarctica.
In Sadamoto's manga, Kaworu's origin from Adam is explicitly stated, whereas it is only hinted at in the anime.

Since SEELE delivered Kaworu to NERV, it is believed he lived under their surveillance prior to his appearance in the series. He replaces Asuka as Unit-02's pilot since its soul is hiding. In his first test, Kaworu achieves impressive synchronization results, indicating he can choose his synchronization level with Unit-02.
(Source: Evangelion Wikia)
Rebuilds 1-4
Introduction in Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone
Kaworu is briefly introduced at the end of the first film, waking up on the moon in a coffin-like container surrounded by empty coffins. His dialogue hints at foreknowledge of Shinji’s existence: "So this is the boy... I look forward to meeting you, Shinji Ikari." This scene establishes Kaworu as a key figure linked to the overarching mysteries of the Rebuild series.
(Source: Kaworu Nagisa/Rebuild - Evangelion Wiki & EvaGeeks)
Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance
Kaworu has a slightly expanded presence in the second film. His primary scenes reinforce his awareness of Shinji and the cyclical nature of events unfolding. He descends from the moon in Evangelion Unit-06, landing on Earth at the movie's end. His Evangelion, constructed under SEELE’s supervision, displays mysterious and autonomous qualities. He declares, "This time, I’ll make you happy, Shinji," implying a loop or repetition of events.
Although his role is limited, his interactions and cryptic lines foreshadow his deeper connection to Shinji and the impending Third Impact.
(Source: Kaworu Nagisa/Rebuild - Evangelion Wiki & EvaGeeks)
Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo
Kaworu becomes central in the third film, set 14 years after 2.0.
Introduction as Shinji’s Companion: Kaworu introduces himself to Shinji as a kindred spirit, forming a close bond. He guides Shinji through his confusion about the world post-stasis. They share a love for music; Kaworu teaches Shinji piano in a symbolic sequence highlighting their connection.
Revealing the Truth: Kaworu explains Shinji’s actions triggered Near Third Impact, deepening Shinji’s guilt. He introduces concepts like the "Spears of Longinus" and "Cassius," explaining they are crucial for resetting the world.
Tragic Sacrifice: Piloting Evangelion Unit-13 alongside Shinji, Kaworu believes retrieving the Spears will restore the world. However, discovering the spears differ from expectations leads to Fourth Impact. Realizing he triggers Instrumentality, Kaworu sacrifices himself by detonating the DSS Choker around his neck, sparing Shinji and halting catastrophe.
Kaworu’s death reinforces his role as both savior and tragic figure doomed to repeat suffering cycles.
(Source: Kaworu Nagisa/Rebuild - Evangelion Wiki & EvaGeeks)
Background and the Five Adams (Explored in Thrice Upon a Time)
The Five Adams are primordial beings tied to Evangelion creation and Impact cycles. They represent key elements in Rebuild of Evangelion’s backstory. Kaworu, as the First Angel, connects directly to these beings, often called an "Adams' Vessel." Flashbacks during 3.0+1.0 show the Adams’ foundational role leading to the world’s near-apocalyptic state.
Kaworu’s Nature and Purpose: Created by SEELE, embodying human and Angelic traits, Kaworu oversees Impact events toward SEELE’s intended Instrumentality. His feelings for Shinji lead him to act against these goals. Cyclic appearances suggest he’s trapped in repeating timelines, striving to bring happiness to Shinji.
(Source: Kaworu Nagisa/Rebuild - Evangelion Wiki & EvaGeeks)
Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time
Anti-Universe and Closure: Kaworu reappears during Shinji’s journey through the Anti-Universe, helping him confront guilt and regrets. He acknowledges perpetuating Shinji’s suffering, apologizing for failing to provide happiness. Bound to repeating loops caused by Instrumentality, he expresses hope for breaking the cycle.
Flashback with Kaji: A flashback shows Kaworu attempting a normal life, interacting peacefully with Ryoji Kaji. This highlights his longing for a simpler existence, free from angelic burdens.
Final Liberation: Kaworu’s final act is acceptance. Letting go of attachment to Shinji and the cyclic timeline, he helps Shinji forge a new reality without Evangelion burdens. His smile symbolizes peace and freedom from the cycle.
(Source: Kaworu Nagisa/Rebuild - Evangelion Wiki & EvaGeeks)

(add on) In Thrice Upon a Time, Kaworu’s farewell to Shinji signifies his character arc culmination. By letting go of their attachment, Kaworu ends Instrumentality’s cyclical nature, paving way for a new world. His final smile embodies acceptance and hope, profoundly impacting Shinji and the audience. Kaworu's role is integral to the film’s resolution, embodying closure, forgiveness, and moving forward into an uncertain yet hopeful future.
(Source: Kaworu Nagisa/Rebuild - Evangelion Wiki & EvaGeeks)