Introduction to Roy Mustang aka the Flame-Colonel

Roy Mustang is first introduced in chapter 4, tankoubon 1 of the manga. At that point in time, however, several years have already passed since he first came in contact with the Elric brothers (though the story line that the manga covers starts with the Elrics visit to the town of Reole/Leore). The gaps of past events are filled in from time to time in various other chapters (via flash backs/character monologue).

As we fist are introduced, Roy Mustang is a Colonel within the National Amestris Army. He was born in 1885 (the FMA world's time line) making him 29 years old at the beginning of the manga (from where the story "starts" if you will). Mustang is stationed at East City Headquarters, in charge of a myriad of activities (from run-of-the-mill routine inspections to ever-exciting criminal investigations). He works under the direct supervision of Lieutenant General Grumman (an elder man who trusts and relies on Mustang rather heavily. Lt. Gen. Grumman also happens to be the grandfather of Lt. Riza Hawkeye.)

As having one of the higher ranks in East City, Roy has a decent number of men under his command. Interestingly enough, however, is that those whom Roy considers closest to him can all be counted on one hand: First Lieutenant Riza Hawkeye is without a doubt his right hand (as well as the person he's known for the longest time), Second Lieutenant Jean Havoc, Second Lieutenant Heymans Breda, Sergeant Major Kain Fuery, and Warrant Officer Vato Falman.
Roy trusts these five with his life, and they in turn trust their lives with him. These five are also willing to risk everything for him and his goals.

As the mangas continue, more is being uncovered about Roy (before he met the Elrics and after as well) There is a large time gap during Roy's stationing at East City. Despite this, it is implied that one of the most significant events in Roy's life was the Ishbal War. It was there that he (as the Flame Alchemist), along with other National Certified Alchemists, was dispatched to serve as a human weapon by Führer King Bradley. A more in depth look at Roy's past is covered in the Personality and Ideals section.

Right off the bat, Roy's first impressions are strong. The Flame-Colonel is a man who is not afraid to speak his mind (in public or elsewhere). He has a penchant for talking openly about a date, or how the murder of one of his superiors would mean having a higher rank available for him, and never fails to point out how certain actions/situations will further lead him to a promotion in the ranks. He also bolsters a facade of unyielding confidence--one who is sure of his own abilities and experience. He is also quite fairly easy-going, laid-back, and has a penchant for severe procrastination.

What makes Roy's character so intriguing (as well as the manga as a whole), is that facades are indeed just that. Roy's personality is deliberately misleading by nature, and it takes a whole lot more to know/understand him/his actions than just a couple of pages, or even a couple of tankoubons (with numerous chapters ^_^). The persona Roy portrays is a methodically calculated, making for an interesting character as the reader begins to understand that Roy's openness should not be merely taken at face-value. As a result, much of his actions/language/dialogue has a double meaning, which is rather fun to try and decode. Such an element only adds to the intrigue and intellect of his character.

As the mangas continue to unfold, without a doubt more about the Flame-Colonel will unravel. As it does, it shall be posted here...