Hange Zoë became the 14th Commander of the Survey Corps, appointed by Erwin Smith before his demise. Initially a Squad Leader directing Titan research, Hange sported a characteristically unkempt look: shoulder-length dark brown hair often tied in a high ponytail, thick-rimmed glasses secured by head straps, and later, a permanent black eyepatch covering their left eye after an injury from Bertolt Hoover's Colossal Titan transformation during the battle for Wall Maria. Their gender remains intentionally ambiguous per the manga creator, though animated adaptations often depict feminine traits.

Hange displayed a dual nature: fiercely energetic and intellectually consumed by Titans, exhibiting obsessive fascination during experiments, yet capable of profound ruthlessness. Early on, discovering Ilse Langnar's notebook on Titan behavior solidified their research authority. Though initially hating Titans, a pivotal moment came when kicking one revealed its abnormal lightness, shifting their focus to scientific inquiry. They showed compassion for Titan subjects, grieving Sawney and Beane's deaths and expressing anguish during painful procedures. Conversely, Hange participated in torturing military police officer Djel Sannes and threatened Pastor Nick by dangling him off Wall Sina for withholding Titan secrets.

As a researcher, Hange deduced the trigger for Eren Yeager's Titan transformations—a clear objective combined with self-injury—after observing his Titanized arm grasping a teaspoon. They masterminded inventions like Thunder Spears to counter the Armored Titan and designed tactical weapons such as the "Executioner from Hell" guillotine. Proficient with omni-directional mobility gear, they efficiently eliminated Titans despite prioritizing research.

Promoted to Commander after Erwin's death, Hange assumed responsibility for expeditions, recruitment, and strategy. The role intensified their stress and exhaustion, particularly during conflicts with Marley and Eren Yeager's radicalization. Opposing the Rumbling's genocide, Hange prioritized global humanity over Paradis Island's survival, joining the alliance to stop Eren. In their final act, Hange sacrificed themselves to delay advancing Colossal Titans, allowing allies to escape via airship. Fighting with Thunder Spears and blades until succumbing to intense heat, they died wishing to "look cool" and passed command to Armin Arlert.

Key relationships defined Hange's journey: Levi Ackerman maintained mutual respect while mocking their eccentricities; Erwin Smith entrusted leadership based on their intellect; and Eren Yeager served as both research subject and ideological adversary. In spin-offs like *Attack on Titan: Junior High*, Hange appeared as a Titan-obsessed student, reflecting their main-series persona.