Allen Walker
Allen Walker |
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| Kanji | アレン・ウォーカー |
| Rōmaji | Aren Wōkā |
| Age: | 50+ (chronologically) |
| Birthday: | December 25th (date of adoption) |
| Height: | 174 cm (5’8½”) (currently) |
| Voice Actor | |
| Japanese | Sanae Kobayashi |
| English | Todd Haberkorn |
Allen Walker (アレン・ウォーカー, Aren Wōkā), is the main protagonist of D.Gray-man, a former Exorcist and member of the European Branch of the Black Order. Known for his kind-hearted nature and unwavering determination, Allen possesses the Innocence known as Crown Clown, which gives him enhanced combat abilities to fight against the Millennium Earl and the Noah Clan.
He is the adoptive son of Mana Walker and the former apprentice of General Cross Marian, whose teachings shape his abilities and mindset as an Exorcist. Over time, Allen’s true origins and connections to the 14th Noah, Nea D. Campbell, place him at the center of a conflict that threatens both the Exorcists and the Noah Clan.
Background
Appearance in anime
Allen Walker was originally abandoned by his biological parents due to his deformed left arm, which he later learned was an Innocence fragment. He was taken in by Mana Walker, a traveling clown who raised him like a son. After Mana’s tragic death, Allen unknowingly revived him using his Innocence, causing Mana to be reborn as an Akuma under the control of the Millennium Earl. In the ensuing chaos, Mana cursed Allen by scratching his left eye, giving him the ability to see the souls trapped within Akuma.
Devastated by this incident, Allen was found and trained by General Cross Marian, an unpredictable and ruthless Exorcist. Under Cross’s mentorship, Allen developed his Innocence abilities, learning both combat and survival skills. After completing his training, he joined the Black Order as an Exorcist, where he formed close bonds with fellow Exorcists such as Lenalee Lee, Lavi, and Yu Kanda.
As the series progresses, Allen’s connection to the 14th Noah, Nea D. Campbell, is revealed, leading to distrust from the Black Order and conflicts with the Noah Clan, forcing him into a complex struggle between his humanity and his growing Noah side.
Appearance
Allen Walker is a young man with silver-white hair and pale skin, giving him an ethereal, almost ghostly presence. His most distinctive feature is the scar running down the left side of his face, extending from his forehead to his jaw. This scar, a result of Mana’s curse, allows Allen to see the souls of Akuma trapped within their bodies.
He usually wears the standard Black Order Exorcist uniform, a black and silver coat adorned with the Order’s insignia, though his outfit evolves over time as he gains new ranks and responsibilities.
His left arm, initially deformed, transforms when activating Crown Clown, his parasitic-type Innocence, into a powerful weapon capable of exorcising Akuma. When under the influence of the 14th Noah, his appearance partially changes, with his Noah markings becoming more visible.
Personality
Allen is known for his selflessness, compassion, and unwavering determination. Despite his tragic past, he remains kind and optimistic, often putting others before himself. He deeply values human life, refusing to kill even when faced with enemies who want him dead.
However, his kind-hearted nature is often tested as he is forced to make difficult choices, especially regarding his connection to Nea D. Campbell. His sense of justice is strong, and he believes that both Akuma and Noah should not have to suffer because of the eternal war.
While Allen presents himself as polite and composed, he has a mischievous and sarcastic side, particularly when dealing with his mentor, Cross Marian, or his rival, Kanda. Over time, his struggles with his Noah side create inner turmoil, but he continues to fight for his ideals and the people he loves.
Role in the Story
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Joining the Black Order
Allen becomes an Exorcist after training under Cross Marian and joins the European Branch of the Black Order. Upon arriving, he befriends Lenalee, Lavi, and Kanda, and begins his mission of eliminating Akuma and collecting Innocence to stop the Millennium Earl. During his time with the Order, Allen faces increasingly powerful enemies, including Tyki Mikk, Road Kamelot, and the other Noah, as well as Level 4 Akuma, some of the most dangerous threats to humanity. -
Revealing His Connection to the 14th Noah
As the war intensifies, Allen begins to experience memories that are not his own, revealing his connection to Nea D. Campbell, the 14th Noah. Nea was betrayed and killed by the Noah Clan, but his memories and essence were embedded within Allen, causing a conflict between his Exorcist identity and his Noah transformation. This revelation makes Allen a target of both the Black Order and the Noah Clan, forcing him to flee the Order and embark on a journey to uncover the truth about himself and his destiny. -
Struggles Between His Humanity and Noah Side
As Allen struggles to retain control over his body, Nea’s presence grows stronger. The more Nea awakens, the more Allen is forced to confront his own identity crisis. Despite this, Allen refuses to succumb to his Noah side, determined to find a way to end the war without losing himself. Allen’s story takes a tragic and complex turn as he becomes a fugitive from both factions, fighting to protect those he loves while uncovering the true history of the world’s ongoing battle between Innocence and the Noah.
Relationships
Mana Walker (Adoptive Father)
Mana was Allen’s most cherished parental figure, raising him as his own son. However, after Mana’s death and resurrection as an Akuma, Allen was forced to destroy him, leading to lifelong emotional trauma. Despite this, Allen continues to hold onto Mana’s teachings, using them as his moral compass.
Cross Marian (Mentor)
Allen trained under Cross Marian, a mysterious and unpredictable General of the Black Order. Cross was a harsh and demanding mentor, frequently abandoning Allen in dangerous situations to toughen him up. Despite their rocky relationship, Allen respects Cross, even though he harbors deep-seated frustration toward him.
Lenalee Lee
Lenalee is one of Allen’s closest friends and confidants. The two share a deep emotional connection, with Lenalee often supporting Allen during his struggles. While their relationship is not explicitly romantic, there is strong mutual affection and trust between them.
Lavi
Lavi is one of Allen’s best friends, frequently teasing him but also supporting him when necessary. Their bond is tested as Lavi struggles between his duty as a Bookman and his personal attachments to his friends.
Yu Kanda (Rival and Ally)
Kanda initially disliked Allen, viewing him as too soft-hearted and weak. However, over time, the two develop a begrudging respect and rivalry, fighting alongside each other against common enemies. Kanda later becomes one of the few Exorcists who stands by Allen after his exile.
Millennium Earl & The Noah Clan
The Noah Clan sees Allen as a threat due to his Exorcist status but also desire to reclaim him due to Nea’s presence inside him. The Millennium Earl, in particular, has a complex relationship with Allen, as he was once closely connected to Nea.