OVA
Description
Raised in isolation by her alchemist father Berthold Hawkeye after her mother's early death, Riza Hawkeye witnessed his descent into distant obsession with flame alchemy. To prevent misuse, Berthold encoded his complete research as a transmutation array tattooed across her back. Following his death in 1905, she arranged his funeral with his former apprentice, Roy Mustang, and entrusted him with the tattoo's secrets for Amestris's benefit. She then enrolled in the military academy.
During the 1908 Ishval Civil War, Riza served as a cadet sniper, her exceptional accuracy earning her the moniker "The Hawk's Eye." Witnessing military atrocities and the destructive application of alchemy, she confronted Roy, despairing over the betrayal of her idealistic beliefs. After the war ended in 1909, burdened by guilt for her voluntary role, she demanded Roy burn the tattoo off her back to erase the secrets that fueled the devastation.
Post-war, Riza became Roy Mustang's adjutant and bodyguard, rising to First Lieutenant. She managed his administrative duties, ensured his safety, and maintained discipline within his team. Carrying multiple firearms with unparalleled proficiency in pistols, rifles, and sniper weapons, she viewed her guns as "tools for protection" rather than "tools for destruction," accepting killing as a necessary duty to prevent greater harm, a perspective forged in Ishval and aligned with Roy's goal of reforming Amestris.
Stoic, disciplined, and reserved, Riza often appeared strict or cold, rarely relaxing on duty and frequently enforcing discipline. Yet she displayed kindness and concern towards younger individuals like the Elric brothers and Winry Rockbell, and affection for her Shiba Inu, Black Hayate. Her friendship with academy comrade Rebecca Catalina revealed a dry sense of humor off-duty. Profoundly shaped by Ishval's trauma, she resolved to bear guilt and continue serving to atone and ensure peace, concealing her emotional struggles behind a composed exterior.
Her relationship with Roy Mustang is defined by profound mutual loyalty, trust, and implied romantic feelings. She acts as his conscience, holding his permission to execute him should he stray from their righteous path. Roy entrusted her with his life, referring to her as his indispensable "Queen" in a chess metaphor. Their bond, forged through shared Ishval trauma and a unified vision for Amestris, was noted by creator Hiromu Arakawa as prevented from formalization by military anti-fraternization laws. Moments across media, including the "Chibi Party" OVA and the 20th-anniversary omake, underscore their deep connection.
Physically, Riza is a woman in her late twenties with a moderately muscular build, blonde hair typically in an updo resembling a bird's tail, and light brown eyes. Her bangs fall in a hawk-wing pattern over her left eye. Broad-shouldered from training, she kept her back meticulously covered to hide the tattoo and burn scars. Her standard attire was the Amestrian military uniform: a blue jacket with gold accents, high-waisted pants, a distinctive "butt cape," and a black turtleneck underneath. She occasionally wore civilian clothing like long skirts and boots or used disguises like faux eyeglasses.
During the Promised Day uprising, Riza played a critical role. Temporarily reassigned as King Bradley's assistant to gather intelligence, she coordinated Roy's coup attempt. Injured by Pride, she continued fighting and later provided sniper support for Roy against Envy. Her capture by homunculi forced Roy into a lethal transmutation circle to save her, a sacrifice she resisted due to their mission. Following the conflict, she remained in the military, assisting Roy's political ascent. Manga and Brotherhood epilogue imagery show her with shorter hair, still serving as his bodyguard and advisor.
During the 1908 Ishval Civil War, Riza served as a cadet sniper, her exceptional accuracy earning her the moniker "The Hawk's Eye." Witnessing military atrocities and the destructive application of alchemy, she confronted Roy, despairing over the betrayal of her idealistic beliefs. After the war ended in 1909, burdened by guilt for her voluntary role, she demanded Roy burn the tattoo off her back to erase the secrets that fueled the devastation.
Post-war, Riza became Roy Mustang's adjutant and bodyguard, rising to First Lieutenant. She managed his administrative duties, ensured his safety, and maintained discipline within his team. Carrying multiple firearms with unparalleled proficiency in pistols, rifles, and sniper weapons, she viewed her guns as "tools for protection" rather than "tools for destruction," accepting killing as a necessary duty to prevent greater harm, a perspective forged in Ishval and aligned with Roy's goal of reforming Amestris.
Stoic, disciplined, and reserved, Riza often appeared strict or cold, rarely relaxing on duty and frequently enforcing discipline. Yet she displayed kindness and concern towards younger individuals like the Elric brothers and Winry Rockbell, and affection for her Shiba Inu, Black Hayate. Her friendship with academy comrade Rebecca Catalina revealed a dry sense of humor off-duty. Profoundly shaped by Ishval's trauma, she resolved to bear guilt and continue serving to atone and ensure peace, concealing her emotional struggles behind a composed exterior.
Her relationship with Roy Mustang is defined by profound mutual loyalty, trust, and implied romantic feelings. She acts as his conscience, holding his permission to execute him should he stray from their righteous path. Roy entrusted her with his life, referring to her as his indispensable "Queen" in a chess metaphor. Their bond, forged through shared Ishval trauma and a unified vision for Amestris, was noted by creator Hiromu Arakawa as prevented from formalization by military anti-fraternization laws. Moments across media, including the "Chibi Party" OVA and the 20th-anniversary omake, underscore their deep connection.
Physically, Riza is a woman in her late twenties with a moderately muscular build, blonde hair typically in an updo resembling a bird's tail, and light brown eyes. Her bangs fall in a hawk-wing pattern over her left eye. Broad-shouldered from training, she kept her back meticulously covered to hide the tattoo and burn scars. Her standard attire was the Amestrian military uniform: a blue jacket with gold accents, high-waisted pants, a distinctive "butt cape," and a black turtleneck underneath. She occasionally wore civilian clothing like long skirts and boots or used disguises like faux eyeglasses.
During the Promised Day uprising, Riza played a critical role. Temporarily reassigned as King Bradley's assistant to gather intelligence, she coordinated Roy's coup attempt. Injured by Pride, she continued fighting and later provided sniper support for Roy against Envy. Her capture by homunculi forced Roy into a lethal transmutation circle to save her, a sacrifice she resisted due to their mission. Following the conflict, she remained in the military, assisting Roy's political ascent. Manga and Brotherhood epilogue imagery show her with shorter hair, still serving as his bodyguard and advisor.