Edward Elric, a prodigious alchemist born in Resembool, Amestris, channels his determination and intellect into a relentless quest for redemption. After losing his mother Trisha, he and younger brother Alphonse attempted human transmutation, triggering a catastrophic failure: Edward sacrificed his left leg and right arm, while Alphonse’s soul became bound to armor. Driven to restore their bodies, Edward became Amestris’ youngest State Alchemist at age 12, earning the title "Fullmetal Alchemist" through his steel prosthetics and unyielding resolve. Standing initially at 149 cm (4'11"), Edward’s stature and golden hair—tied in a braid with a signature upturned strand—contrast his commanding presence. His red Flamel-emblazoned cloak, a mark of mentorship under Izumi Curtis, covers oil-stained black attire. Winry Rockbell’s automail craftsmanship equips him with durable prosthetics, later upgraded to carbon-rich models for icy terrains. These limbs transform into combat tools, morphing into blades or shields through alchemy. Guilt over Alphonse’s condition fuels Edward’s stubbornness and fiery temper, particularly when mocked about his height. Yet his loyalty and compassion emerge when aiding others, guided by the principle of equivalent exchange. Over time, he evolves from cynical self-reliance to collaborative resilience, rejecting lethal force and recognizing alchemy’s limitations. Izumi Curtis’ training honed Edward’s martial prowess and alchemic skill, enabling transmutations without circles after his encounter with Truth. He manipulates environments to forge weapons or trigger chemical reactions, like deploying ammonia gas. A temporary Philosopher’s Stone mends mortal wounds at great cost, while later automail modifications—including a gas-powered arm in *Conqueror of Shamballa*—expand his adaptability. Edward’s bond with Alphonse anchors his every action, often prioritizing his brother’s restoration above his own. Winry Rockbell, his childhood friend and automail mechanic, evolves into both technical ally and emotional cornerstone. Though respecting figures like Roy Mustang and Izumi, he challenges corruption alongside allies Ling Yao and Scar. A hard-won reconciliation with estranged father Van Hohenheim shifts resentment into acceptance. His journey concludes diversely: the manga and *Brotherhood* depict Edward sacrificing alchemy to reclaim Alphonse’s body, marrying Winry and fathering two children. The 2003 anime diverges, showing his self-sacrifice to restore Alphonse’s youth, stranding him in an alternate Earth. Both arcs trace his growth from guilt-driven obsession to embracing life’s imperfections and the irreplaceable value of human bonds.