Lelouch is the main protagonist of the anime/manga series Code Geass. He is the Eleventh Prince of the Holy Britannian Empire and son of the 98th Emperor of Britannia, Charles zi Britannia.
Lelouch is a highly intelligent individual who is calm, sophisticated, and somewhat arrogant due to his aristocratic upbringing. At school, Lelouch acts as a friendly, likable, and easygoing student, but this is merely a facade to hide his true nature. As Zero, he reveals his true self, gaining the trust and respect of many soldiers and leaders through his charisma and belief in justice.
He has a stoic personality, showing little interest in academic pursuits, which he views as trivial despite his high intelligence. He enjoys seeking challenges, often playing chess against nobles. Generally, Lelouch treats daily affairs with open disinterest, often not noticing the affection of others, especially from Shirley, his classmate. He harbors a strong dislike for nobles, seeing them as tepid and "overprivileged parasites."
Characters often note that Lelouch is entirely selfish, driven by his desire to remake the world for his mother's vengeance and Nunnally's sake. However, over time, he realizes this goal extends to benefiting the entire world. Despite his cold, calculating demeanor and ruthlessness in battle, he shows compassion towards friends and loved ones. To Nunnally, he is a loving older brother, and to Suzaku, a loyal friend, even though they are enemies. Lelouch cares deeply for his subordinates, viewing them as valuable allies.
As the series progresses, Lelouch suffers traumas and losses that deepen his resolve but also make him less merciful to enemies if he cannot use Geass on them.
Lelouch was born on December 5, 1999, as Lelouch vi Britannia, son of Charles Zi Britannia and Imperial Consort Marianne. After his mother's assassination and sister's injury, he confronted the Emperor, accusing him of negligence. Banished to Japan, he became a political hostage during the Sakuradite conflict. Later, he hid their identities and sought help from the Ashford family, allies of his mother. His mother's death and father's indifference were significant blows, motivating him to create a better world for Nunnally.
Shortly after gaining Geass from C.C., Lelouch assumes the identity of Zero, forming the Black Knights. Initially, they aimed to combat oppressive individuals but expanded into reforming Japan as an independent nation. Lelouch is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals, even lying to followers or using people as bait. However, he struggles with putting close friends in harm's way, particularly hindered by his feelings for Nunnally.
In the first season, Lelouch starts as a student at Ashford Academy, brilliant at chess. He lives with Nunnally and Sayoko. During a confrontation between Britannia and Japanese Resistance Operatives, Lelouch gains Geass from C.C., using it to manipulate pursuers. He leads Ohgi's resistance group against Britannian forces but faces setbacks from Suzaku's Lancelot. Eventually, he confronts and kills Clovis about his mother's murder. Afterward, he discovers Kallen Stadtfeld, one of the terrorists he helped, attends the same school.
Lelouch forms the Black Knights during the Japanese Liberation Front Hotel Incident, leading a rebellion and gaining popular support among Elevens. A turning point comes when Euphemia declares the Special Administrative Zone of Japan, giving Japanese their name and country back. Lelouch tries to have her shoot him, hoping to become a martyr. Instead, his Geass activates, forcing her to kill Japanese, leading Lelouch to end the massacre by killing her. Using newfound support, Lelouch announces the United States of Japan and attacks the Tokyo Settlement. When Nunnally gets kidnapped, Lelouch abandons the battle to rescue her.
In the second season, Lelouch's memories are rewritten by Charles Zi Britannia, erasing his past. He resumes leadership of the Black Knights after C.C. restores his memories. Initially, he falls into depression over impeding Nunnally's wishes but realizes his mission concerns more than just her. Lelouch engineers the Black Knights' legal exile, forming alliances to rival Britannia. After learning of C.C.'s wish to die, he encourages her to live. Lelouch becomes the 99th Emperor of Britannia, abolishing oppressive laws and freeing colonies. However, his benevolent acts mask his intention to take over the world, culminating in the Zero Requiem.
Lelouch's Geass allows him to plant commands within a person's mind upon eye contact. Initially, he could toggle Geass activation at will but lost control near the end of the first series. In the second season, C.C. gives him a contact lens to block his Geass. His Geass evolves to cover both eyes, requiring a second contact lens later.
Lelouch's Geass has several restrictions and side effects:
- Only affects the nervous system.
- Commands must be issued verbally.
- The victim must make direct eye contact for commands to be issued.
- Commands may be issued only once to any given individual.
- The victim will not perform actions beyond physical or mental capabilities.
- An action will be carried out for as long as dictated in its command.
- The victim's memories for the duration of command issue and execution are sealed.
- A victim may resist a commanded action if it is morally incomprehensible.
