Shouta Aizawa, hero name Eraser Head, serves as homeroom teacher for U.A. High School's Class 1-A. His background fundamentally shapes his heroism and teaching philosophy. As a U.A. student, he forged close bonds with Hizashi Yamada (Present Mic) and Oboro Shirakumo. A pivotal work-study mission saw Shirakumo sacrifice his life protecting children during a villain attack, an event that deeply impacted Aizawa. This loss solidified his commitment to heroism and forged a relentless drive to rigorously prepare future heroes for harsh realities, preventing similar tragedies. His appearance reflects his demanding profession: typically unkempt shoulder-length black hair, tired eyes, and stubbled facial hair. He wears a standard black outfit with boots, a utility belt, and his signature binding cloth scarf, doubling as a weapon. Yellow goggles are concealed beneath the scarf for combat. Significant injuries mark his later years: a scar under his right eye from the U.S.J. incident, a second scar and eyepatch covering the right eye after confronting Tomura Shigaraki, and a prosthetic right leg resulting from self-amputation during the Paranormal Liberation War to preserve his Quirk. Post-Final War, his hair is shorter and parted to the right. Specializing in underground heroics focused on stealth and direct combat, Aizawa's Quirk, Erasure, nullifies emitter- and transformation-type abilities by maintaining eye contact. He compensates for its non-offensive nature with exceptional combat skills, expertly wielding his binding cloth for mobility, restraint, and defense. This weapon demands extensive mastery and can immobilize multiple opponents. He exhibits high pain tolerance and stamina, fighting through severe injuries like skull fractures or limb loss. Aizawa's teaching emphasizes realism and survival over idealism, stemming directly from Shirakumo's death. Believing hero work involves life-or-death stakes, he drills students through intense practical training and simulated scenarios. He is known for expelling underperforming students—often re-enrolling them later—to instill the gravity of their path, ensuring competence and resilience avert preventable fatalities. He tailors challenges to individual weaknesses, pairing conflicting students to forge teamwork or designing exams forcing reliance on strategy over Quirks alone. In "My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising," Aizawa supervises Class 1-A's safety work program on Nabu Island. During the villain Nine's invasion, which severs communications and escape routes, he coordinates evacuations and supports defensive strategies alongside students. His role prioritizes civilian safety and tactical backup over direct confrontation with primary antagonists. Personality-wise, Aizawa presents as stern, reserved, and pragmatic, often appearing apathetic or fatigued. He prioritizes logic and efficiency, avoiding unnecessary social interactions and frequently resting in a sleeping bag. Despite this exterior, he holds deep concern for his students' well-being and growth, intervening at personal risk, such as shielding Tsuyu Asui from decay during the U.S.J. attack. He extends this protectiveness to Eri, whom he fosters attentively. Grief over Shirakumo's fate—especially the revelation Shirakumo's body created the Nomu Kurogiro—fuels intense protectiveness and occasional rage against those harming loved ones, as seen confronting the responsible scientist. Following the Final War, Aizawa semi-retires from active hero duty to dedicate himself fully to teaching. His later years show him continuing to mentor students, including Hitoshi Shinso, while adapting to prosthetic replacements for his physical limitations.