Rin Tohsaka,
A tale of inner strength and self preservation:

Rin despite how she may appear on the first glance, is in my opinion one of the best characters in Fate Stay Night.

One of her defining traits is her no nonsense attitude and her capability. We can trace these virtues even back to her childhood. Rin is strong willed, eager to grow and motivated to cultivate her own talents.

She's a hard worker. Who as Kirei said never gives up but accepts reality. As contradicting as that is, it showcases her immense inner-strength. Even though she is strong Rin still hides her kindness and selflessness in order to preserve her image as a mage and honor student.

She uses that as a protective shell, but in many subtle ways and through other characters we see how willing she is to help anyone out. From Shirou to Sakura. She describes her relationships with the as debt and repay dynamics.

But that's just a cover for her wanting to be close to both of them and using her usual attitude as an excuse, so she can avoid breaking her shell and being genuine about her feelings.

Rin unlike Shirou genuinely believes in being good to yourself and working towards being the best version of yourself. That's why she never gave Sakura any pity as cold as it seems. Rin always wanted Sakura to grow and find her inner strength.

Rin never abandoned her sister she always supported her in her own way. Wanting her to shine with her own strength. She likewise always encouraged both Shirou and Archer to be better to themselves.

Sakura and many others idolize Tohsaka. Saying she is blessed, when the story's always hinted at that Rin was very lonely and pressured and even felt guilt for what happened to her sister.

Her selflessness comes from her own experience with pain. She wants to help others not compare themselves to her but shine just as bright along with her.

It's sometimes easy to dismiss someone we see as perfect and idolize them. But deep down everyone is human and have their own set of pain and doubt.

I love how the story portrayed that with Rin and how it showed a great inspirational character who is very kind and down to earth at the same time. Her strength has always been something I admired in characters and people around me.