Marco Bodt trained as a cadet in the 104th Cadet Corps, graduating seventh overall. He stood above average in height with a broad, muscular frame, short parted brown or black hair, freckles, and light brown eyes. His attire aligned with standard cadet uniforms or casual wear featuring a light button-up shirt, dark vest, and pants. Idealism defined Marco’s character; he consistently prioritized collective welfare over personal ambition and openly acknowledged his own limitations. Respected as a natural leader, he aspired to join the Military Police Brigade out of authentic loyalty to the king—distinct from peers seeking mere safety. He demonstrated sharp judgment of character, notably identifying Jean Kirstein’s leadership potential and urging him to embrace it. During conflicts, Marco maintained order among cadets, remaining composed under pressure and acting as a steadying voice of reason. His first notable appearance occurred during cadet initiation when he declared his Military Police ambitions, drawing instructor scrutiny. Later, he mediated when cadets overwhelmed Eren Jaeger with questions about Wall Maria’s fall. When Eren struggled with mobility gear training, Marco advised seeking guidance from Reiner Braun and Bertholdt Hoover. In exercises, he prioritized teamwork—locating Titan mannequins for others instead of eliminating them himself—and fostered a close strategic partnership with Jean, discussing gear efficiency and aspirations. Two years pre-graduation, Marco led a wilderness expedition. He managed group tensions between Eren and Jean, then coordinated the response when kidnappers stole their gear and captured Christa Lenz. His tactics aided gear recovery, though he later conceded Jean would have led more effectively. At the Battle of Trost, Marco commanded the 19th Cadet Squad. Stranded without gas after the retreat order, he joined Mikasa Ackerman’s charge to headquarters. Inside, he restrained Jean from attacking hesitant soldiers and collaborated with Armin Arlert on a plan to eliminate Titans occupying the supply room. Marco calmed cadets during execution, coordinating rifle fire to blind Titans for counterattacks. Later, he bolstered morale among survivors, physically stopping Daz from suicide and urging resilience. He joined the operation to seal Trost’s breach, acting as Titan bait. Spotting Jean stranded with broken gear, Marco, Annie Leonhart, and Conny Springer lured Titans away to enable his rescue. Immediately after, Marco overheard Reiner and Bertholdt confessing their identities as the Armored and Colossal Titans. Dismissing it as a joke, he admonished them before Reiner pinned him to a building, ordering Annie to remove his gear. Abandoned as he pleaded for discussion, Marco perished to Titan predation. Jean later discovered his half-eaten remains. Marco’s death resonated deeply: Jean abandoned his Military Police goal, citing Marco’s solitary death as motivation to join the Survey Corps. Annie suffered recurring nightmares about the incident. Armin recognized Marco’s stolen gear in Annie’s possession, implicating her. Years later, Reiner confessed his role in Marco’s death and revealed his final words, provoking Jean’s violent outburst. Eren Jaeger acknowledged Marco among casualties stemming from his father’s actions.