Ivan and Alfred

Ivan Braginsky: Appearance He is the tallest country In the world. WWII Russia wears a long, heavy tan coat, green pants, brown or black gloves, and a long tan or pink scarf. When not wearing his scarf, he is shown to wear bandages around his neck. He is very pale, and has a round, childish face with a prominent and distinctive nose. His hair is slightly wavy and a pale ashen blond, and his eyes are violet, though they were initially colored blue in early color artwork. Compared to the first drawings Russia's bangs fall to the left as Himaruya found that they looked better that way from the front. His expression is a calm and gentle smile almost all the time. Behind his constant smile, it's said no one knows what he's thinking.[1] In response to a fan question asking if Russia was fat, Russia claimed to be big boned[2] and was also drawn with a shirt saying such.[3] Himaruya confirmed this in a later blog post addressing some of the nation's body types.[4] He also said that Russia was drawn with a sturdy and robust frame due to the cold weather in Russia, however he commented that weather changes there resulted in very hot summers and that "maybe this Russia will melt (haha)."[1] In Hetalia: Axis Powers W Academy Story: Advancing Very Little! W Academy Newspaper Club, Russia is described as bulky and muscular.

Personality and Interests A large yet childlike young man. At the first impression, he seems simplistic and pure in heart. But in reality, he holds a cruelty, in the same manner as a small child.[5] Many of his things are big, like him. Quick to forgive and always looking for friends,[6] he's shy and unsociable around people he doesn't consider friends. However he considers everyone his friend,[7] and thus this side to him is rarely seen (He does, however, seem to have his doubts at times, such as when he sent a letter to France's radio show asking how to get people to love him back.[8]). He comes off as intimidating without saying a word,[9] his gentle smile and disposition only intensifying the aura of dread which seems to constantly hang over him. However, according to Lithuania, he has his calm moments at the strangest of times. Russia was also described as gentle and naive, and not malicious, just extremely scary.[7] He finds amusement in tormenting others or watching arguments, to see the reactions. According to Lithuania, he loves people who cry and laugh easily. [10] Russia says he likes listening to people argue because of the long, silent and eerie winters in his home, which make him feel lonely. Hearing arguing voices reminds him everybody is alive and he's not alone. But too much can get on his nerves.

He is often pushy and manipulative to get his way. He claims there is "no such service" as compromise in Russia, but he has also said that each one of his bosses have encouraged him to use force to make friends. Though he is capable of being incredibly cruel-minded, Russia himself is unaware of this. Whenever he thinks of how his sisters have become strange, he becomes very depressed, such depression being seen as an "absolutely awful omen" by England.[11]

He has been tormented since his childhood, having seen many tragedies and wars, which have cracked his mentality. His childhood was tough, troubled, and full of forced servitude, bullying, and constant pursuing by other countries.[12] General Winter haunts and attacks him every year, which has caused him to hate the snow and long for the warm Southern sea. However, in the face of war, General Winter is his best ally.[5]

When Russia greets people, he does so with a kiss on the lips. When Germany denied him the greeting, and pushed his hand on his face to ensure he didn't kiss him, Russia immediately became very sad and pouted, beginning to walk away, before Germany insisted that he greet him any way but with a kiss to the mouth. Russia then said he would blow him a kiss, instead.[13] Russia will move in very close when he talks, which can be intense in many ways.

He ends many of his sentences with 'da', an informal form of 'desu' used to confirm the topic of the sentence, the ubiquitous form of 'to be,' as well as the Russian word for 'yes'.

During the Soviet period, when Russia was upset, he would begin to chant "KolKolKol" to threaten and frighten others into submission. However, there has been speculation that there are other possible meanings for 'kol' than those involving kolkhoz:

Tzar Ivan The Terrible's favorite way to deal with disobedience was impaling. 'To impale', pronounced in Russian as сажать на кол (sazhat' na kol), or just на кол 'na kol' is easily understood. So, Russia is possibly trying to intimidate people by the threat of impalement, although he is saying the noun 'kol' (which means 'stake', in this context being thrust towards a person). There is also the possibility that Russia could be issuing a warning to others. 'Kolokol' means 'bell' in Russian, and 'kol' is often used as an onomatopoeia in Russian for the tolling of a bell Another interpretation offered by the Japanese fandom is that "kolkolkol" is "korukorukoru", which sounds similar to "korosu", the Japanese word referring to killing. However, in the Comic Birz serialization featuring Russia, instead of the usual kolkolkol, the normal sound effect for an intimidating aura was used, and Russia stayed silent, making it possible that this was retconned. He's an early riser, but "only God knows what he's doing at any given time", and has little patience for lateness. He is said to be superstitious and believes in many legends and traditions, such as knocking on wood.

Russia mentions that he has been "tweaking" technology as a hobby. He was able to interfere with Finland's cell phone and audio devices, causing them to ring constantly, and said this was easy for him. He did this in order to force Finland to spend the day with him. However, this was stopped by Estonia, who Russia referred to as his rival tweaker.[14] He has also been shown to enjoy knitting and cooking.[15]

He loves vodka.[9] Vodka is his fuel. Whenever he does anything, vodka is somehow involved. [5][16]What Russia also loves are sunflowers. He loves sunflowers so much, he dreams of one day living in a warm place surrounded by them.He is fascinated by the common water faucet, a reference to water pipes being a favorite war trophy of Russian soldiers. He is often seen carrying one around. It's said that he'll pull the pipe out and put things that don't belong in it, such as food, only to pull them out and eat them later.[9] He has also been shown using a pipe to "settle" conflicts (that is, using it for violence), while calling it a "magical stick."

His heart seems to sometimes fall out of his chest. However, he simply blushes and acknowledges it as something that "just pops out of me, sometimes."[17]

As a young boy, Russia was often picked on and tormented by other countries as he was much more timid than he currently is. During times he was being targeted by others, he would usually seek support from his sister Ukraine but her advice was not well received. Seemingly after an encounter with Prussia, a young Russia seemed to snap and he began growing into the intimidating figure he would grow into as an adult.

Over many years of expanding his borders by war and alliances, Russia grew into one of the major powers of the world and often unintentionally frightens others with his size, power, and frightening atmosphere. During World War 2, he joined the Allied Forces to fight against the Axis countries.

Relationships Ukraine Main article: Ukraine Russia's older sister, who acted as mother to both him and Belarus. She was the one who gave Russia his scarf when they were children. Though she wants to be with him again, she either winds up running away at the chance due to the issues that have arisen between them (such as paying for gas), or due to being blocked from seeing him in some way (such as her boss prohibiting her from seeing him). In his own way, Russia also cares about her, describing her in quite fond terms in the manga.

Belarus Main article: Belarus Although Belarus is Russia's sister, she has a deep, obsessive love for him, to the point of stalking him and wanting him to marry her, but Russia is terrified of her and does not return these feelings and often tries to stay clear of her. Despite the feelings Belarus has toward him, Russia does care about her but does not hide how he does not see her as anything more than his sister.

China Main article: ChinaThough Russia and China had a close relationship throughout their history, China is very suspicious and fearful of him, especially after the Sino-Soviet Split. In return, Russia has been shown to stalk China, especially when disguised in a panda suit, and takes a very special interest in him. Despite this, they do get along well.

France Main article: France France and Russia seem to get along well. Russia sees France as a person worth seeking advice from, while France seems to care about how Russia feels, often inquiring about how Russia seems happy after the gatherings of the Allied Forces. When Russia and other countries went to France's home, Russia seemed to be really happy when staying at France's house. It made France happy knowing that Russia was enjoying it.As another one of the allies, Russia is often in America's company but appears to sometimes be at odds ends with the younger country. While Russia is mostly amused at many of America's antics, he also is not afraid to threaten him when he feels America is going too far, especially when America unintentionally insults Russian culture; although the threats do not often work since America is one of few who is not afraid of Russia. Russia has admitted to admiring America's free spirit and cocky side since he does not have to worry about formalities as much as the older countries but does look forward to being the one to crush America if he ever gets out of hand.

Lithuania Main article: Lithuania In the past, Lithuania was Russia's subordinate and is not-too-subtly hinted to be a victim of his abuse; Lithuania is once shown wearing a maid costume with Russia lashing him with a whip in the While You Were Gone strip. In the present, Russia wishes that Lithuania, along with the rest of the world, was "one with Russia". When he visited America, who was taking care of Lithuania after WWI, he told America to be good to his 'ex'; but during the Great Depression, Lithuania returned to Russia's home. Once, Russia listened to Lithuania's dreams and went so far as to share his own of "living in a warm place with sunflowers"; soon after, Russia allowed Lithuania to fall asleep on his shoulder, though he replaced himself with a panda when Lithuania woke up the second time. It should be noted that Poland is not afraid of Russia; he actively defends Lithuania from Russia, despite the inherent threat.

Estonia Main article: Estonia Russia is a terrifying figure to Estonia, though most of it is unintentional as he views Estonia as one of his closest friends. Similar to Lithuania and Latvia, Russia labels Estonia as a close friend and subordinate who does various tasks for Russia although Estonia will keep clear of his sight when possible to avoid any potential wrath being directed at him.

Latvia Main article: Latvia Another of his subordinates/friends, Russia is shown to be the most intimidating toward Latvia. When Latvia tries to do things he thinks Russia will approve of, Russia will usually press down on his head to show his displeasure; Latvia stating this method being the reason he's shorter than he possibly should be. Russia often asks several tasks of Latvia, a possible indication of his dependability of the smaller country and acknowledgement of Latvia's capabilities.

Poland: The two have argued with each other at least since the early 1600s, when Poland succeeded in capturing Moscow. Russia's revenge for this was taking part, together with Prussia and Austria, in the partitions of Poland. In 1939, Russia decided to partition Poland again, this time in conjunction with Germany. Their relationship was further soured by the years of post-war Soviet domination.

Alfred F Jones: America is a young man of average height with short, golden blond hair and a cowlick which represents Nantucket.[4][5] He has blue eyes, and his glasses are said to represent the state of Texas.[4][6] When America initially appeared in the webcomic,[7] he was lacking the distinctive cowlick.

In blog notes from 2011,[8] Himaruya stated about America's physique that "because he is still young, he isn't brawny even though he has muscles". He also added that he tries drawing America with a lean body type.

Personality America is a cheerful, energetic, yet somewhat conceited young man who is obsessed with heroes, justice, and freedom. He has the habit of sticking his nose into everyone else's business, which causes him to have difficulty making friends. He loves hamburgers and junk food, to the point of an obsession, and can even eat strange and inedible things due to inheriting England's sense of taste (or lack thereof).

America is also known for not being aware of how "the atmosphere" is when he is around others (which, at one point, he was told to read it), but it has been noted that it is not that he lacks the ability to "assess the situation", he simply chooses not to. His profile states that his hobbies are sports, games, and making movies, but he also enjoys watching movies specifically of the horror genre. On multiple occasions, he has forced Japan to watch movies that he calls "Too freaking scary!" because they are about ghosts and paranormal activity. Japan gives him zombie video games to come over his fear of ghosts. Furthermore, in the side-story Black Ships Have Come, in introducing himself to Japan, he states that his hobbies are "quick-draw, archaeology, and adventures" (which is translated to Japan as America's hobby being lechery).

He possesses an abnormal amount of strength, shown even as a child by easily swinging a full-grown buffalo around, and has been once seen running around dragging a heavy Rolls Royce that belong to England with one hand behind him for an hour in order to ask permission to borrow it. In the NotoSama 6 game, America was able to stop a car with the heel of his foot.

America is shown to be ignorant of the geography outside his own home, believing that maps of the United States constitute the "world map" and believes that he can simply get to other countries by car travel. He is shown becoming concerned about his weight in the strip Supersize You! and it is mentioned that he has invented strange diet machines as well as becoming obsessed with exercise which has caused him to become paranoid about his rising weight, as he is unaware of his building muscle. Aside from being afraid of ghosts, scary movies, and weighing scales, he also fears marmite. As America is obsessed with heroes and happy endings, he hopes that his future will be that way.

Though he is friends with a space alien named Tony, he does not believe in England's magical friends, fairies, or unicorns, except on Halloween.

Biography Childhood Found as a young child during the early years of European's traveling to a new land, America was fought over by Britain and France for both rights as a sibling and control over government. Britain eventually won both these rights and America was taken into his care, although it would be rumored that it would only be a few decades under Britain's care that America eventually grew strong enough to care for himself and fight for his own independence.America's kind-hearted brother, who is frequently overshadowed by him and is constantly mistaken for him. While most other nations either ignore or don't notice Canada, America seems to have no trouble noticing Canada most of the time and is actually the one who spends the most time with Canada. The two have a typical sibling relationship, with America being the more dominate one and trying to get Canada to be tougher and Canada simply wanting to be recognized as himself.

China Main article: China America appears to have a decent relationship with China. He seems aware enough to know China is a capable fighter as he right away chose him to single handedly fight the Axis countries. When China falls into an angry fit and starts to become somewhat destructive, America is often the one to try to settle him, though this may possibly be due to America being the only one physically strong enough to restrain himAs a young boy, America was friends with a boy named Davie who was searching for blue flowers. America joined his search, but he noticed how, as the years went by, Davie seemed to not remember who America was. Despite this treatment, America still viewed Davie as a close friend and continued to search for the flowers to make him happy. When seeing Davie had passed away, America appears to have taken it rather hard.

England Main article: England When America was young, he looked up to England and loved his cooking. However, their relationship became heavily strained when America started to become more independent and no longer needed Britain's support. Over the years after the Revolution, they appear to have re-established their bond, but both are still haunted by those events. They work well as part of the Allied Forces but many, if not all, of America's suggestions are met with disapproval and heavy criticism from England. While they often argue with one another, it is hinted they truly care about each other. America often teases England for acting like an "old man" and his love of tea, calling him "Limey" during arguments.Unlike many other characters, America does not seem instantly afraid of Russia as he can often be seen speaking directly with him without any sign of nervousness. In fact, America once stated he thought Russia was cool after hearing he fought tanks with his hands.America has been close friends with Japan since he got him to open his borders but appears unaware of how he made Japan feel during that time. They stayed friends as they would visit each other's house often even as America struggled with Japan's culture, such as cute things being reported as news and the difference in size regarding food portions. America often tries to get Japan to loosen up but finds the task quite difficult since Japan is so set in his ways. Although he occasionally teases Japan, America is aware of some of Japan's concerns and fears, the biggest one being that Japan was worried about not being able to make friends with others when he opened the country. While they are different in many ways, they do share several interests.Due to his economy plummeting after WWI, Lithuania lived with America[Note 10] for a brief period of time and worked for him as his housekeeper (events of the whole Lithuania's Out-Sourcing[9][10][11] series plus Cleaning out the Storage,[12] adapted in Episode 17 and Episode 20).

At first England regularly visited, as he doubted America's ability to treat Lithuania well, but the latter proved to be enjoying his new lifestyle and was well-received both by America himself, but also by the other occupants of the house (America's whale and Tony). England was shocked by the ease with which Lithuania tackled his workload, to which Lithuania reponded that "if you once lived with Poland 24/7 and then got invaded by Russia, you would know".[9]

Tony specifically displayed an odd liking for Lithuania, to the point of repeatedly beaming him up into his spacecraft out of jealousy, should Lithuania spend too much time with the whale.[9] Another instance from Comic Diary Summary Part 6 shows Tony confessing to Lithuania that he would like him to meet his parents, and offers Lithuania to come with him (to the whale's clear annoyance).[13]

After the Great Depression hit, Russia came to take Lithuania back home with him, claiming that America was no longer fit to care for him.[11] Lithuania showed reluctance to leave America, but he ultimately did not have much of a choice.

Even though America was his employer, Lithuania still regarded him with the softness of a more experienced, wiser Nation. He patiently deals with America's anxiety after he just watched a horror movie by accepting to sleep with him, and answers America's many questions about his younger days during the Commonwealth[10] (Lithuania mentally notes that in that aspect, America hasn't changed from when he himself was a child). In Cleaning out the Storage[12] (or Episode 17 and Episode 20), when America sheepishly tells him he might be becoming a sentimental old man after being unable to throw away most of the storage's contents, Lithuania simply replies that he's just becoming an adult.

In the strip Happy Birthday![14] set in the mid-2000s,[Note 11] Lithuania returned to America's house to celebrate his birthday, fulfilling his long-time promise to hang out with him again once the times are brighter.[11]

Molossia Main article: Molossia America is one of the few people who is aware of Molossia's true soft nature. Molossia acts calm, polite, and formal with him, and it is stated that he "can't lift his head against America". America does not seem to even be aware of his tough guy façade, expressing surprise when Molossia accidentally snapped at him (thinking America was Sealand). America exclaimed that Molossia used to be such a mild person, embarrassing Molossia as Sealand actually approached. It is possible the two are brothers due to Molossia being an American micronation.