TV-Series
Description
Andrew Waltfeld, also known by the nickname Andy, is a prominent character in the Cosmic Era timeline. Born on July 20, he is a Coordinator who serves as a military officer, first for ZAFT and later aligned with the Orb Union and the civilian organization Terminal. He is most famously known by his moniker, the Desert Tiger, a title earned for his exceptional tactical skill in desert warfare, notably after defeating a Eurasian Federation tank corps at El Alamein.
In terms of personality, Waltfeld is characterized by a laid-back, open-minded, and philosophical nature. Unlike many soldiers in the conflict, he is deeply introspective about the nature of war and its futility. He is known for his love of coffee, which he brews and experiments with constantly, often offering his bitter concoctions to visitors and colleagues regardless of their appreciation. He possesses a豁达, or magnanimous, disposition, treating his enemies with respect and engaging them in conversation about the morality of their actions rather than simply trying to destroy them. He remains calm under pressure and is noted for his sharp insight, often seeing through the chaos of battle to the human struggles beneath.
Waltfeld’s background and motivations evolve significantly throughout the story. Initially serving as the commander of the ZAFT North African garrison aboard the land battleship Lesseps, his primary motivation is to secure the region for the PLANTs. His life changes forever when he encounters the crew of the Archangel. After a series of skirmishes, he personally confronts the young pilot Kira Yamato, challenging Kira to consider whether winning a war simply means killing all enemies. This encounter leads to a final battle where Waltfeld and his lover and gunner, Aisha, are shot down. While Aisha perishes, Waltfeld survives but suffers catastrophic injuries, losing his left arm, left eye, and a leg.
Following his recovery and the fitting of prosthetic limbs, his motivations shift from pure military duty to a higher ideal. Though he initially serves under Chairman Patrick Zala, he secretly aligns with the Clyne Faction, believing Zala’s path is one of meaningless destruction. He becomes the captain of the warship Eternal, helping to steal it for Lacus Clyne and joining the Three Ships Alliance to end the first war. After the war, he lives in seclusion in the Orb Union, watching world affairs. The assassination attempt on Lacus Clyne compels him to act again, reviving the Desert Tiger to protect his friends and prevent a new conflict from spiraling out of control.
Waltfeld’s key relationships define much of his arc. His relationship with Aisha is a deep, professional, and romantic partnership; her death is a profound loss that he carries with him. He shares a unique bond with Kira Yamato, acting as a mentor figure and a philosophical rival who helps Kira mature past simple notions of enemy and ally. He becomes a trusted comrade and advisor to Lacus Clyne, serving as the military backbone of her faction. In the second war, he works closely with Murrue Ramius, living in the same household and providing tactical support and friendship. He also maintains a long-standing camaraderie with his aide, Martin DaCosta.
Throughout the series, Waltfeld demonstrates notable abilities. He is a highly competent military strategist, capable of leading large-scale operations and commanding space warships like the Eternal. As a mobile suit pilot, he was formidable enough to earn the title Desert Tiger, though his skills are noted to be far inferior to a top coordinator like Kira Yamato, especially after his injuries. He adapts to his physical limitations, using a prosthetic arm that conceals a shotgun for personal defense. In the second war, he proves he can still pilot effectively, using a custom yellow MVF-M11C Murasame and later capturing and piloting a ZGMF-X88S Gaia Gundam to protect the Eternal during critical moments.
In terms of personality, Waltfeld is characterized by a laid-back, open-minded, and philosophical nature. Unlike many soldiers in the conflict, he is deeply introspective about the nature of war and its futility. He is known for his love of coffee, which he brews and experiments with constantly, often offering his bitter concoctions to visitors and colleagues regardless of their appreciation. He possesses a豁达, or magnanimous, disposition, treating his enemies with respect and engaging them in conversation about the morality of their actions rather than simply trying to destroy them. He remains calm under pressure and is noted for his sharp insight, often seeing through the chaos of battle to the human struggles beneath.
Waltfeld’s background and motivations evolve significantly throughout the story. Initially serving as the commander of the ZAFT North African garrison aboard the land battleship Lesseps, his primary motivation is to secure the region for the PLANTs. His life changes forever when he encounters the crew of the Archangel. After a series of skirmishes, he personally confronts the young pilot Kira Yamato, challenging Kira to consider whether winning a war simply means killing all enemies. This encounter leads to a final battle where Waltfeld and his lover and gunner, Aisha, are shot down. While Aisha perishes, Waltfeld survives but suffers catastrophic injuries, losing his left arm, left eye, and a leg.
Following his recovery and the fitting of prosthetic limbs, his motivations shift from pure military duty to a higher ideal. Though he initially serves under Chairman Patrick Zala, he secretly aligns with the Clyne Faction, believing Zala’s path is one of meaningless destruction. He becomes the captain of the warship Eternal, helping to steal it for Lacus Clyne and joining the Three Ships Alliance to end the first war. After the war, he lives in seclusion in the Orb Union, watching world affairs. The assassination attempt on Lacus Clyne compels him to act again, reviving the Desert Tiger to protect his friends and prevent a new conflict from spiraling out of control.
Waltfeld’s key relationships define much of his arc. His relationship with Aisha is a deep, professional, and romantic partnership; her death is a profound loss that he carries with him. He shares a unique bond with Kira Yamato, acting as a mentor figure and a philosophical rival who helps Kira mature past simple notions of enemy and ally. He becomes a trusted comrade and advisor to Lacus Clyne, serving as the military backbone of her faction. In the second war, he works closely with Murrue Ramius, living in the same household and providing tactical support and friendship. He also maintains a long-standing camaraderie with his aide, Martin DaCosta.
Throughout the series, Waltfeld demonstrates notable abilities. He is a highly competent military strategist, capable of leading large-scale operations and commanding space warships like the Eternal. As a mobile suit pilot, he was formidable enough to earn the title Desert Tiger, though his skills are noted to be far inferior to a top coordinator like Kira Yamato, especially after his injuries. He adapts to his physical limitations, using a prosthetic arm that conceals a shotgun for personal defense. In the second war, he proves he can still pilot effectively, using a custom yellow MVF-M11C Murasame and later capturing and piloting a ZGMF-X88S Gaia Gundam to protect the Eternal during critical moments.