>>3080759Exactly why Kaworu is such a special character. He destroys the self-insert fan's escapist fantasy. Shinji’s love for Kaworu changes him from an everyman into a unique individual.
Kaworu’s focus on Shinji specifically, when he could have chosen anyone else, solidifies Shinji’s very existence. Kaworu loves Shinji Ikari only, not the fan who has inserted themselves into Shinji’s place or anyone who relates to him. Shinji always just let things happen to him, but with Kaworu, Shinji began to make his own decisions (the mark of individuality) such as deciding to wait for Kaworu, and ultimately, deciding to kill him.
