personality
When examining Kitajima as a character, several of her dominant personality traits become apparent. As an individual she is determined (to the point of recklessness) and focused, but with little self-belief. Her progress over the course of the series relies heavily on her relationship with Nozaki and coming to terms with what a Resonance between species means.
determined
In everything she does Kitajima is a determined individual. She never attempts
anything half-heartedly and her commitment to the D-Project before the time-skip
is absolute. The goal she is so determined to achieve is quite simply having
her research recognized on an international level. For this, she is willing
to commit any number of sins. This is where the double-edged nature of
this personality trait lies — although her determination brings countless
scientific accomplishments, it dually robs her of the ability to see right
from wrong. All she sees are things that aid in the accomplishment of her
goal and things that hinder her. Good, bad or otherwise.
focused
Heavily linked to Kitajima's determination is her focus. She has the ability
to block out anything that doesn't relate to her goals. Once again, this
is something that proves to be both a positive and negative. Kitajima's
focus allows her to analyze data methodically but it also hinders her judgment.
Nozaki constantly chastises her for thinking about the impact of her research
on a personal level but not on a global scale. The darker side of her focused nature is shown fairly clearly after her swim to Tartarus
(in order to raise the alarm about Toa's abduction by the Gillard forces). All Kitajima can do is mutter about Album, completely oblivious to the
two dragons (Gio and Widow) that have come to stand directly in front of
her.
reckless
If there's one thing Kitajima rarely considers, it is her own personal well-being. In this sense, she frequently has to be rescued from the
dangerous situations she puts herself in. Far from stupid, she simply prizes
research over her own safety (something not at all uncommon amongst cutting-edge
researchers). As the series progresses, Kitajima does get somewhat less
careless with her own life. Her passion for science turns into a passion
for preservation and as such, she chooses her battles a little more wisely.
selfish
It cannot be denied that Kitajima has a particularly selfish streak, with Nozaki going so far as to note her selfishness during their dinner date in episode nine. This shocks the good doctor a great deal as she has never considered her actions to be anything but altruistic. Sadly, Nozaki is right — she is a woman motivated by selfish desires. While Kitajima states repeatedly that she wishes to study dragons for the benefit of mankind, her studies are intrinsically linked to her own self-esteem: she wants to know more about dragons, therefore humanity does. This isn't to say that she doesn't want to help save Earth (she quite clearly does), but so much of what she passes off as altruism is, in truth, egotism.
This is particularly noticeable when Album is stolen and Nozaki destroys Ravum's body — Kitajima cannot help but take these events as personal attacks against her ambition. Album is stolen from her, Nozaki robs her of Ravum's corpse, her academic ambition is being injured. Further emphasising this, despite his apparent selflessness, Nozaki maintains a similar selfish streak — he loves Earth and the Resonance he experienced, therefore dragons should be raised by humans. While both of them have nothing but the best intentions, their personal investment in issues close to their hearts is unmistakable.
It must be noted that Kitajima's selfishness lessons considerably as the series goes on. After being forced to confront the reality of her Resonance, she quite willingly takes on the burden of leaving her ISDA position. Sheltering the dragon eggs and protecting Earth take priority over Kitajima's own academic ambitions, her selfish needs no longer dictating her every move.
lacking self-belief
For all her strength and determination, Kitajima retains
little belief in her own abilities. The reason she works so hard
to achieve success appears to be because she needs to be recognised by others
before she can truly recognise herself. Which is why Kitajima mistakenly
relies on experimental material instead of her own knowledge. She places
more value on Toa's physical form than she does on her own established theories.
For this she is repeatedly chastised by Nozaki, who knows she can
accomplish her goals without relying on Toa's presence. But Kitajima
clings to these ideas and breaks down in episode twelve when she feels that
others have robbed her of the material she needs in order to be
truly recognised as a scientist. After Nozaki disposes of Ravum's corpse,
Kitajima begins to sob:
Kitajima: Why do you take everything from me, both you and Nanami?
Nozaki: You don't need to rely on such things.
Kitajima:Why?! Are you that averse to me accomplishing anything?!
It is later established that all the attributes Kitajima envies in Nozaki were originally gifted to him by her in the first place. The brilliance, the heart, the soul — all of the admirable elements within Nozaki were fostered during their Resonance. After the time-skip, the pair work together to protect the remaining dragon eggs. Now fully aware of what she is capable of thanks to the unmasking of her companion's true nature, Kitajima finds a modest sense of self-belief. No longer hindered by goals tied to recognition and her low self-esteem, she is able to truly work for the good of both mankind and dragons.