Arthur Trine
Arthur Trine is a male character appearing in Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY and its theatrical sequel Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM. A Coordinator belonging to ZAFT, he serves as the executive officer aboard the battleship Minerva, supporting Captain Talia Gladys. Later seconded to the global peace-monitoring organization COMPASS, he takes up a deputy captain role on the new battleship Millennium. Warm-hearted and highly expressive, his slightly unreliable yet approachable nature makes him a comforting mood-maker among the bridge crew.
Overview
Arthur Trine is a male character appearing in Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY and its theatrical sequel Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM. A Coordinator belonging to ZAFT, he serves as the executive officer aboard the battleship Minerva, supporting Captain Talia Gladys. Later seconded to the global peace-monitoring organization COMPASS, he takes up a deputy captain role on the new battleship Millennium. Warm-hearted and highly expressive, his slightly unreliable yet approachable nature makes him a comforting mood-maker among the bridge crew.
Appearance
He features brown hair neatly parted down the middle. While serving in ZAFT, he wears a black officer uniform, and later changes into a COMPASS uniform upon joining the organization.
Personality
Earnest yet somewhat clumsy, Arthur is easily overwhelmed by sudden tactical decisions, often reacting with dramatic disbelief. He is susceptible to flattery and possesses a soft-hearted, sensitive nature that leaves him visibly shaken by the horrors of war. Despite his comic flustered moments, he exhibits genuine care and consideration for his subordinates, serving as a soothing presence who reduces tension around his colleagues.
Abilities
As a ZAFT elite officer wearing a black uniform, Arthur possesses the required administrative and operational qualifications to serve as executive officer on advanced warships like the Minerva and Millennium. He efficiently handles bridge instruments, communications, and command transmissions, and is capable of issuing direct attack orders from the captain's chair during critical combat scenarios.
Background
Born in Cosmic Era 47, Arthur served as the deputy commander on the Minerva, assisting Captain Talia Gladys through numerous battles. Following the defeat of their ship during the Messiah campaign, he carried out the final order to evacuate the crew. In the post-war cleanup, he met Talia's orphaned son, William Gladys, and chose to become his legal guardian. Driven by his personal sense of duty, he later joined COMPASS alongside younger crew members, taking the post of major and executive officer on the Millennium.
Relationships
Arthur deeply respected his commander, Talia Gladys, often engaging in lively banter with her. After her death, he assumed guardianship over her son, William Gladys. He looked after subordinates such as Shinn Asuka, Lunamaria Hawke, and Meyrin Hawke with warm affection, despite being frequently stressed by their actions. He also bonded with Athrun Zala while resolving matters concerning William. On the Millennium, he provided support to Captain Alexei Konoe.
Trivia
He is recognized among fans for prompting the formal inclusion of the 'executive officer' position in the SD Gundam G Generation game series. In the official character popularity poll for Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM, he ranked 36th overall. A side story mentions his misfortune of accidentally dropping and smashing a ceremonial champagne bottle during a ship launching ceremony.