Character Profile: Suzaku Kururugi

Suzaku Kururugi is the son of Japan's last prime minister, Genbu Kururugi. His existence was kept a secret until after the war between Britannia and Japan. Suzaku met Lelouch Lamperouge and his sister Nunnally when they moved to the Kururugi residence as a diplomatic peace trade. At first, Suzaku despised Lelouch, thinking he was a prince who cared less about everyone else. But, as time passed, Suzaku came to know Lelouch better. As a result, they became best friends. They became separated when Britannia invaded Japan, and were reunited in the Shinjuku Ghetto, in Area 11.

When Britannia began its invasion of Japan, Suzaku was mortified by the violence and his father's belief, resisting to the bitter end was preferable to surrender. Unable to change his father's mind, Suzaku murdered him. Japan's government was thrown into disarray and they surrendered to Britannia. Suzaku's guilt over the incident causes him to constantly place himself on the front lines in the hope of atoning for his actions with his death.

Suzaku is introduced in the first episode as an Honorary Britannian soldier. While searching the Shinjuku ghetto for a poison bomb stolen by resistance members, he finds Lelouch at the crash site. He refuses to carry out an order to kill Lelouch, and is shot by his superior officer for his insubordination. The bullet, however, is stopped by a broken pocket watch belonging to his deceased father.

Suzaku is Lelouch's childhood, and closest friend. He is the son of Japan's last prime minister. He is strongly against violence, despite the fact that he can take care of himself. He is stronger than Lelouch in body, but as Lelouch constantly reminds him, he can beat Suzaku in chess. He joins the Britiannian army, even though he himself does not believe that the empire is worth saving. He believes that changing it from the inside is the best route. Suzaku has a strong sense of justice, and if given the chance he would choose the path with the least amount of bloodshed.