Talia Gladys commands ZAFT's advanced battleship Minerva, exhibiting veteran composure and leadership while directing a crew of primarily novice soldiers. Her consistently sharp tactical judgment enables swift adaptation to unforeseen battle scenarios and effective deployment of her inexperienced team’s strengths, positioning her at the forefront of multiple major military clashes.

Her significant romantic history with PLANT Supreme Council Chairman Gilbert Durandal grants her unique insight into his character and motivations. Despite unwavering loyalty to ZAFT and a professional rapport with Durandal, this perspective occasionally fuels private doubts about his decisions as the conflict intensifies—particularly his strategic choices and underlying intentions. Her internal conflict escalates with the unveiling of Durandal’s "Destiny Plan," a controversial proposal to assign societal roles through genetic analysis.

During the final assault on Durandal’s Messiah headquarters, she confronts him directly aboard the fortress amid fierce combat between ZAFT forces and opponents of the Destiny Plan. After Rey Za Burrel fatally wounds Durandal, Talia chooses to remain aboard Messiah rather than evacuate. She shares Durandal’s fate, perishing in the fortress’s destruction. This act concludes her command of Minerva and her wartime role, reflecting the intricate convergence of her professional duty, personal history, and evolving ethical stance toward Durandal’s vision for humanity.