Alexander Anderson is one of the most compelling antagonists in the anime series Hellsing, and his presence leaves a lasting impression on both the story and its viewers. As a devoted member of the Vatican’s Section XIII—also known as Iscariot—Alexander Anderson dedicates his life to eliminating what he sees as unnatural or unholy, particularly targeting non-human creatures. His actions are deeply rooted in his unwavering faith; Alexander Anderson genuinely believes he is carrying out God’s will by ridding the world of evil, no matter how extreme the methods may seem.
A man of intense conviction, Alexander Anderson is not only a devout Catholic but also a fearsome warrior with superhuman strength, speed, and precision. He’s especially recognized for wielding his signature weapon—“Helena’s Nail,” a bayonet-like blade that has become synonymous with his identity. From the moment Alexander Anderson first appears in Hellsing, it’s clear he’s a force to be reckoned with. Sent initially to destroy Alucard, the series’ main protagonist, Alexander Anderson views him as a blasphemous abomination that must be eradicated at all costs.
At first, their relationship is purely adversarial—two powerful figures on opposite sides of a moral and spiritual war. But over time, something unexpected develops between them: a grudging respect. As Alexander Anderson and Alucard clash repeatedly, they begin to understand each other’s purposes, motivations, and unyielding dedication. This evolving dynamic adds depth to Alexander Anderson’s role, transforming him from a mere villain into a more complex figure whose beliefs, while extreme, are undeniably sincere.
Faith is at the very core of who Alexander Anderson is. He doesn’t just follow religious doctrine—he lives it, breathes it, and fights for it. To him, he isn’t just a priest or an agent; he sees himself as a divine instrument, a holy warrior chosen to uphold justice in a corrupt world. Yet, this absolute certainty sometimes leads him down a dark path, where innocent lives are caught in the crossfire. Despite these morally gray moments, Alexander Anderson is often portrayed with sympathy. His integrity, courage, and self-sacrifice stand in stark contrast to the more ambiguous ethics displayed by other characters in the series.
In terms of personality, Alexander Anderson fits the profile of an ESTJ—Extroverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging. He exudes confidence and authority, naturally stepping into leadership roles within Iscariot. Alexander Anderson thrives on structure, order, and duty, always acting with a clear sense of purpose. He’s pragmatic and results-driven, relying on logic rather than emotion when making critical decisions. His extroverted nature shines through in how he engages with others—whether preaching, confronting enemies, or commanding allies—with boldness and charisma.
Moreover, Alexander Anderson demonstrates strong sensing traits, being acutely aware of his environment and using tactical precision in combat. Every movement, every strike, is calculated and grounded in reality. His thinking preference reveals itself in his objective approach to morality—he judges actions based on principles, not feelings. And his judging side comes through in his need for control, organization, and timely execution of his missions. All of these qualities reinforce the idea that Alexander Anderson embodies the ESTJ type.
Looking deeper into his psychological makeup, Alexander Anderson also aligns closely with the Enneagram Type 1—the Perfectionist. This aspect of his character explains his relentless pursuit of moral purity and his intolerance for corruption or weakness. Alexander Anderson holds himself—and others—to impossibly high standards, driven by a vision of a world cleansed of sin and evil. His discipline, sense of justice, and constant striving for righteousness are hallmarks of this type.
He doesn’t just fight monsters—he refines himself into the perfect weapon against them. Alexander Anderson trains relentlessly, polishes his skills without pause, and adheres strictly to his religious code. When others falter or compromise, Alexander Anderson is quick to rebuke them, seeing deviation from doctrine as a failure of moral fiber. It’s this uncompromising idealism that defines him.
Ultimately, Alexander Anderson stands out as a multifaceted character whose strength lies not just in his physical prowess, but in the depth of his convictions. While he serves as an antagonist, Alexander Anderson is far from one-dimensional. His internal struggles, spiritual devotion, and evolving rivalry with Alucard make him one of the most memorable figures in Hellsing. Whether you see him as a zealot or a hero depends on perspective—but there’s no denying that Alexander Anderson leaves a powerful impact.
There is no hope, no happiness. No one but me can win in this endless, pitiless war.