Lelouch vi Britannia, aka Lelouch Lamperouge, takes on many roles in Code Geass, from son of the 98th Emperor of Britannia, Charles vi Britannia, to leader of the Black Knights and secret outlaw by the name of Zero.
He's a fan-favorite character, and even the actor who voiced him in the anime won an award for his work. Still, like any great hero, he's not without his flaws and had moments where he was downright unlikable. When push comes to shove, he often decides that the ends justify the means, and it can be lethal for those who get in the way.
10 He Ignored C.C.’s Warnings, & Then Put Her Life At Risk
In Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion Episode 7, Cornelia is set on drawing out Zero. They've set a trap at the Saitama Ghetto, with similar conditions to the Skirmish at Shinjuku Ghetto. C.C. warns him, but Lelouch decides to right into the trap anyway.
When Cornelia gets the upper hand, C.C. takes the heat off by putting on the Zero costume and getting the attention of the Britannian Army. It's an example of his willingness to put not only his own life, but that of others on the line.
9 The Way He Becomes Endowed With Geass Isn’t Exactly Heroic
Lelouch is trapped with the terrorists. Suzaku is told to kill him and then is shot himself when he refuses. On the run and under fire, C.C. is shot protecting Lelouch. Despite C.C.'s sacrifice, Lelouch is thinking of Nunnally—touching in a way, but not particularly grateful.
When C.C. offers him the contract to use Geass, his first act is to make the Britannian Royal Guard chasing him kill themselves. He openly accepts the idea that his life is essentially a lie.
8 His Treatment Of Suzaku Is Self-Serving
Lelouch won't use his Geass on Suzaku, but he doesn't seem to have a problem with letting him take the heat for killing Prince Clovis, or putting his life at risk. Suzaku, for his part, looks at the exiled prince as a best friend, at least for a time, but at the same time, strongly disagrees with his relative take on morality.
The end of the first season ends with the two shooting at each other. But, Lelouch won’t hesitate to ask for his help again when it serves his purpose.
7 He Goes The Extra Step To Kill His Half-Brother Clovis
Clovis la Britannia, original Viceroy of Area 11, and half-brother to Lelouch, is certainly a snob, and doesn't blink at ordering the deaths of hundreds in the Shinjuku Ghetto if it means securing his position.
He gets swept up in Lelouch's quest for revenge against his family. He wasn't involved in Lelouch's mother's death, and knows little about it, but Lelouch coldly shoots him in the head. It’s an example of his cold-blooded approach to getting what he wants.
6 His Treatment Of Euphemia Is Quick, Ruthless, & Selfish
Lelouch was close to his half-sister Euphemia when they were both children. Even much later, she’s able to convince him to cease his rebellion and recognize the Administrative Zone of Japan.
It’s true that his use of Geass on her was accidental, and a purely objective view would say he was justified in quickly shooting her to avoid her going on a rampage against the Japanese. Still, did he actually have to capitalize on her death, making her the scapegoat for the massacre, and claiming the status of hero?
5 When He Regains His Memories, He Once Again Kills Everyone
When Lelouch loses his memories as a result of his father’s Geass, he’s back at Ashford Academy. He’s leading a relatively peaceful existence. It’s when he leaves the Academy to go gambling that he runs into the Black Knights, and gets cornered by OSI agents. C.C. appears just in time to restore his memories. His immediate reaction is to use his Geass to kill virtually everyone present.
Newly restored to his memories, ruthlessness is his first instinct. It’s one of the scenes that depict his descent from heroism to something darker.
4 He Thinks Nothing Of Playing High Stakes Political Games
Lelouch may often be successful in his attempts to change and influence the history and development of his world. After he escapes Nunnally's Japan for the Chinese Federation, he begins scheming.
First, he begins reaching out to other countries with a view to creating a federation big enough to take on Britannia. Then he works to shift the power in the Chinese Federation back to the Empress. He doesn't care who, or just how many millions of people, are swept up in his large-scale schemes.
3 His Talk Of Freedom From Oppression Is Just Window Dressing
An Emperor, by definition, doesn’t care much for equality. In his favor, Emperor Lelouch does put an end to the rigid class systems in Britannia, and its archaic and oppressive laws. He frees the colonies and does away with the Numbers concept. But, as always, Lelouch never hesitates to use force to stop any resistance to his radical reforms.
All of the progressive acts, though, are just a front for his real plan, Zero Requiem, which essentially involves him taking over the world.
2 Even Nunnally Is Swept Up In His Grand Plan
Younger sister of Lelouch, Nunnally vi Britannia is arguably the kindest, nicest, most understanding character in all of Code Geass. She's blinded and paralyzed after witnessing her mother’s murder, but bears it all with a smile.
Lelouch is concerned for her, and loves her in his own way. But, he still uses Geass on her, and she becomes an unwilling pawn in his grand plan to take over. Sure, she ends up as the 100th Empress of Britannia, but it was a traumatic route for her.
1 Was This Really The Only Way He Could Have Achieved World Peace?
Suzaku, in the guise of Zero, interrupts the execution of the Black Knights leaders to plunge a sword into Lelouch. It’s all part of the Zero Requiem plan. It turns out that Lelouch was in control of the narrative the whole time, becoming a villain in the eyes of the world in order to bring it together.
He wanted Nunnally to live in a world of peace. But... seriously, was this really the only way that could have been achieved? And, what about all the bodies along the way?
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