relationships » homunculi

In the world of Fullmetal Alchemist, the homunculi are artificial beings created by a person they call Father, not really a human himself. Each homunculus is named after the seven deadly sins, in reference to the part of himself Father was getting rid of when he created them. The homunculi are made of a high number of souls, something which gives them regenerative powers — that is, until they run out those souls to come back to life.

The one homunculus Hawkeye has had more contact with is none other than Fuhrer King Bradley, head of the country of Amestris — and otherwise known as Wrath. Bradley is different from his brothers in the sense that he was originally human but turned into a homunculus when he was made to absorb Father's Wrath.

Unlike the other homunculi, Wrath can (and does) age. He's still incredibly powerful, no matter his mortality and the fact that he's, technically, the youngest one. He was created to lead the country, which was also founded for a higher, sinister objective. Right next to him stands the very first homunculus created by Father, Pride, who poses as his son Selim.

Hawkeye: You're just playing house, aren't you? Laughing in the shadows while you pretend to be humans, all the while thinking us a foolish, ignorant species?
Bradley: "Playing house." Indeed. I was given a "son" to make the game more realistic. But it doesn't end with him. I was given "power", "subordinates" and the position of "Fuhrer". However, I chose my wife myself. [v20 ch080]

Only Hawkeye and Roy have been present during a few moments of "humanity" from Bradley. He hates humans, but can't help to admire them at the same time. At least a few of them. It doesn't seem like he remembers anything from when he was a human, or even if he retains the same personality he had back then. Still, you somehow wonder if there could be more to this "monster" than what he's letting on.

Hawkeye's had a few clashes with other homunculi. The first one was Gluttony, who nearly killed her at first and then tried to eliminate Roy. Then there was Lust, as cunning as she was powerful, she used Hawkeye's loyalty against her.

Then there's Pride, disguised in the form of a little kid and uncovered by Hawkeye only. Despite his threats, she managed to let Roy know of the charade. Pride is, without any shadow of doubt, one of the most powerful and dangerous homunculi of all. He won't hesitate to use (even kill) one of his own if it's for his benefit.

And finally there's the shape-shifter Envy, cruel and cheeky, even if a bit pathetic. He was the one who murdered Roy's best friend Maes Hughes and had no problem in gloating about it. More of a threat to Roy's soul rather than his life, Envy proved to be a dangerous adversary for reasons different than expected.