underappreciated Edward Elric detail; as his character progresses, he actually avoids speaking in jargon too much when he’s talking to people who don’t understand alchemy, such as Ling. When they ask, he deliberately simplifies it without so much as batting an eye or complaining; he’s calm, patient and explains things in a straightforward way that also conveys information accurately.
this is especially noteworthy given the prevalence of secrecy among alchemists (the emphasis on hiding all information in code, and refusing to reveal any research if possible); Ed has no problem telling trade secrets to a layman when that seems to be a huge deal among non-military alchemists.
Considering that Ed’s biggest issue is his own pride and arrogance, this is a huge character detail for him. Compare him rattling off the chemical composition of the human body in chapter one, seemingly just to make a point to Rose, to how he carefully explains complex technical details as simply as possible to his friends and allies.
it stands as a big contrast to, say, Pride, who simply goes with a ‘a mere insect like you could NEVER understand’, which makes sense. Pride is, after all, Edward’s greatest failing.
