Maes Hughes is a major supporting character in the manga/anime franchise Fullmetal Alchemist. He is a Major in the Amestrian State Military working in the Investigations Department and a close friend to the Flame Alchemist Roy Mustang. He is also a loving husband and father, frequently showing off photos of his daughter to his friends and co-workers and irritating them by talking non-stop about his ideal family. Throughout his appearances in both the 2003 and 2009 series, Hughes has been a loyal and supportive friend and ally to Edward and Alphonse Elric.
Japanese Voice: Keiji Fujiwara
English Voice: Sonny Strait
History[]
In both series, Hughes befriends the Elric brothers shortly after they begin their journey. After the boys arrive in Central, Hughes introduces them to his wife Gracia and the boys witness his daughter's birth whilst celebrating Ed's birthday at the Hughes household. While Hughes frequently talked about Elicia to an obsessive and irritating degree, he was one of the few people that Edward and Alphonse could rely on wholeheartedly. He kept them informed about certain investigations that may have tied in with the boys search for the Philosopher's Stone and provided them with leads and clues to assist them.
Hughes was also a close friend to Roy Mustang. Following the Ishvalan Civil War, Hughes had found Mustang suffering from post-traumatic stress and contemplating suicide and offered him advice and support. Mustang revealed his desire to become Fuhrer of Amestris at this time and Hughes promised to help Mustang achieve his goal by working behind the scenes.
Death[]
In both series, Maes Hughes is murdered by the homunculus Envy. The exact circumstances behind his death vary slightly but in both series he is investigating high-level corruption in the military's chain of command. He becomes concerned that the homunculi that Edward had encountered before may be manipulating these events, a theory that is confirmed when the homunculi try to kill him. He runs for a phone booth in order to call Mustang who is in East City at the time, but is unable to get through. He realises that the officer protecting him, Lt. Ross, is actually an imposter due to the lack of a mole on her cheek. Hughes uses a push knife to slash Envy's neck, but as he walks away Envy gets up, this time taking on the form of Maes' wife Gracia. Envy then shoots Hughes dead.