Natarle Badgiruel

Natarle Badgiruel (ナタル・バジルール, Nataru Bajirūru) is the executive officer of the Archangel in Mobile Suit Gundam SEED. A strict military officer who adheres rigidly to protocol, Natarle serves as a foil to Murrue Ramius, the Archangel’s captain. Her character arc explores the conflict between military duty and moral principles, ultimately leading to a tragic end.

Biography

Early career

Natarle Badgiruel was born in Cosmic Era 51 and joined the Earth Alliance military, rising through the ranks to become a Lieutenant Commander. Her career was characterised by strict adherence to military protocol and regulations, earning her a reputation as a by-the-book officer. Her dedication to duty and her belief in following orders made her a reliable officer, but also limited her ability to adapt to unusual circumstances.

Natarle’s personality was shaped by her commitment to military discipline and her belief that following orders and protocol was essential to maintaining order and effectiveness. This rigid approach would later create conflicts when she was placed in situations that required flexibility and moral judgment.

Mobile Suit Gundam SEED

Natarle was assigned as the executive officer of the Archangel when the ship was deployed during the First Alliance-PLANT War. Her strict adherence to military protocol often put her at odds with Murrue Ramius, the ship’s captain, who was more willing to make exceptions for civilians and to prioritise moral considerations over strict regulations.

Throughout the series, Natarle’s relationship with Murrue becomes increasingly strained as their approaches to command diverge. Natarle believes that military protocol must be followed without exception, whilst Murrue is willing to make exceptions when circumstances demand it. This conflict reflects the broader tension between rigid military discipline and the need for moral judgment in wartime.

Natarle’s character development focuses on her struggle to reconcile her commitment to military duty with her growing awareness of the moral complexities of the war. Her rigid adherence to protocol makes it difficult for her to adapt to the unusual circumstances aboard the Archangel, where civilians and Coordinators work alongside Earth Alliance personnel.

Tragic end

Natarle’s story ends tragically when she is reassigned from the Archangel and later participates in operations that conflict with her moral principles. Her strict adherence to orders leads her to participate in actions that she comes to question, highlighting the moral costs of blind obedience to authority.

Natarle’s death serves as a tragic conclusion to her character arc, demonstrating the consequences of rigid adherence to protocol without moral judgment. Her story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of placing duty above conscience.

Personality & traits

Natarle is characterised by her strict adherence to military protocol and regulations. She believes strongly in following orders and maintaining discipline, viewing these as essential to military effectiveness. Her rigid approach to command often creates conflicts with others who prioritise flexibility and moral considerations.

Natarle’s personality reflects her commitment to duty and her belief in the importance of military discipline. However, her inability to adapt to unusual circumstances and to question orders creates limitations that contribute to her tragic fate.

Skills & abilities

As a Lieutenant Commander and executive officer, Natarle possesses strong organisational and leadership abilities. Her knowledge of military protocol and procedures makes her an effective administrator, capable of managing the Archangel’s operations according to regulations. Her dedication to duty and her attention to detail contribute to her effectiveness as an officer.

However, Natarle’s rigid approach to command limits her ability to adapt to unusual circumstances and to make moral judgments when protocol conflicts with ethical considerations. These limitations contribute to the conflicts she faces throughout the series.

Relationships

Murrue Ramius

Natarle’s relationship with Murrue Ramius, the Archangel’s captain, is central to her character arc. Their conflicting approaches to command create tension throughout the series, as Natarle’s strict adherence to protocol conflicts with Murrue’s more flexible and morally-driven leadership style. Their relationship explores the tension between military discipline and moral judgment.

Earth Alliance command

Natarle’s loyalty to Earth Alliance command and her commitment to following orders reflects her belief in military hierarchy and discipline. However, her blind obedience to authority eventually leads her to participate in actions that conflict with her moral principles, contributing to her tragic fate.

Legacy

Natarle’s character serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of rigid adherence to protocol without moral judgment. Her story demonstrates the moral costs of placing duty above conscience and the importance of questioning orders when they conflict with ethical principles. Her tragic end highlights the need for military leaders to balance discipline with moral judgment.

Appearances

• Mobile Suit Gundam SEED

External links

• Natarle Badgiruel on the Gundam Wiki
• Natarle Badgiruel on Wikipedia