This post will explore Hungary’s canon big sister characterization. But, before I do that, I believe it’s important to go over the juxtaposing complexes that define her personality.
While Hungary is described as a big sister type, she’s also posited to be the manliest person in the comic. In tandem to that, while she may have formed an empire with Austria, abandoning her nomadic lifestyle to fulfill a maid’s role in his household, it’s said that she had a complex over settling down and feared that her battle skills would get rusty.
Source: Volume 2 + Hetarchive, Notes & Etc.
Both complexes give more depth to Hungary, making her into a well-rounded multi-faceted character. So, while she is ‘maternal’—for lack of a more neutral, universal word—and adopts the role of a caregiver, she’s also a contender for one of the most formidable (i.e., badass) characters in the series.
That said, let’s go over some of these examples.
Holy Rome and Chibitalia:
She adopted a big sister role over these two while under the Holy Roman Empire.
Source: Hetarchive, Chibitalia + Hetarchive, Christmas Event 2011.
Hungary’s big sister role still carries over into Italy’s adulthood. What’s interesting is that she seems to have a better memory of Italy’s childhood than he does…
Source: Hetarchive (Bamboo Thicket, eng trans., Nov 10th 2013).
Canonically, Germany has trouble speaking to women. For Hungary, it’s a bit different. He seems to have no trouble talking to her. Perhaps it’s just because it’s formal business, or, as I’ve speculated before, her androgyny makes it easier for him. Either way, Hungary still acts informally, referring to him as “sweetie.”
Source: Hetarchive, Volume 6, Germany and Co-habitation.
While her relationship with Austria doesn’t quite fall into a big sister role, she does go out of her way to care for him. Note that this takes place after their empire had been dissolved.
Ex: She cleans Austria’s place and doesn’t want any credit for it, choosing instead to keep her kind deed a secret.
Since this took place in WW2, she may have been too shy to confront Austria given how recent their divorce was. Romantic feelings could also be a factor, as she declined to see Austria due to the messiness of her hair.
However, it’s also important to note that Hungary’s role of the caregiver also goes in hand with a protective role. She was a great ally in battle and came to Austria’s defense on countless occasions.
Source: Hetarchive, Maria Theresa & the War of Austrian Succession
All in all, Hungary has a personality that doesn’t convene to one trope. It’s what makes for a novel and truly enjoyable character.