>>Sounds like me. Back to Asuka... I think she is at least not a dummy,
> >and, besides, is a good person at heart. Grades have little to do with
> >that.
>
> Actually, I cannot think of a single occurrence in which Asuka is
> demonstrated to be anything other than cruel, vindictive and immature.
> I appreciate that her childhood was traumatic, and that this may
> explain her behavior to an extent, but it in no way excuses it.

There are small occurances throughout the series. She's not a wonderful,
spread-the-love kind of person, but she's not totally heartless. She invites
Rei to Misato's promotion party. She decides upon a ramen place for Misato
to take the Children to so Misato won't be broke and so Rei can come because
of the lack of meat. Despite her initial shock when Hikari tells her she
likes Touji, Asuka quickly reassures and encourages her with her attitue.
And her whole friendship with Hikari. They were good enough friends that
Hikari took her in and let her stay with her after he mind-rape. When all
the power is sabotaged and Shinji's phone call with his father is cut off,
Asuka is surprisingly tactful in saying, "Maybe the Commander was just
really busy," instead of her usual verbal sparring with Shinji.

Asuka certainly isn't completely heartless.

--Taryn