Shinji Ikari is the main protagonist of the anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion. He is a 14-year-old boy who is recruited by his estranged father, Gendo Ikari, to pilot the Evangelion Unit-01 in order to protect humanity from mysterious beings known as Angels. Shinji struggles with deep-seated insecurities and a desire for acceptance, often caught between his own fears and the expectations placed upon him. His journey is a central narrative of self-discovery, personal growth, and the complex dynamics of human relationships in a post-apocalyptic world.