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* TheGenericGuy: Evolves into this over the course of the series. His major character arcs revolved around him supporting Bolin (who became self sufficient by Season 2, first as a movie star and later military officer) and his relationships with Korra and Asami (he breaks up with both by Season 3). By Season 4 he's just a disgruntled security guard towards Prince Wu, and good to his friends whenever they need his help. This is highlighted in the clip show episode where he was shown to be the only member of the core team without anything on the line going into the finale or any real motivation beyond loyalty to the others and goodwill towards people in general. His clips were just him casually talking about events to the people in his house in contrast to Korra in a mentoring session with Tenzin or Bolin in an exaggerated movie plot at sea with Varrick. He's easily the most regular guy of the main cast, somewhat of an aversion of the tropes usually associated with the [[PlayingWithFire Fire]] [[HotBlooded elemental]] [[RedOni of a team roster.]]
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* TheGenericGuy: Evolves into this over the course of the series. His major character arcs revolved around him supporting Bolin (who became self sufficient by Season 2, first as a movie star and later military officer) and his relationships with Korra and Asami (he breaks up with both by Season 3). By Season 4 he's just a disgruntled security guard towards Prince Wu, and good to his friends whenever they need his help. This is highlighted in the clip show episode where he was shown to be the only member of the core team without anything on the line going into the finale or any real motivation beyond loyalty to the others and goodwill towards people in general. His clips were just him casually talking about events to the people in his house family and Wu in Asami's manor in contrast to Korra in a mentoring session with Tenzin or Bolin in an exaggerated movie plot at sea with Varrick. He's easily the most regular guy of the main cast, somewhat of an aversion of the tropes usually associated with the [[PlayingWithFire Fire]] [[HotBlooded elemental]] [[RedOni of a team roster.]]
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!!!'''Voiced by:''' Creator/DavidFaustino,Leszek Zduń(Polish)
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!!!'''Voiced by:''' Creator/DavidFaustino,Leszek Zduń(Polish)
Creator/DavidFaustino, Richard Richter (German), Olivier Martret (French), Leszek Zduń (Polish)
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!!!'''Voiced by:''' Creator/DavidFaustino
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!!!'''Voiced by:''' Creator/DavidFaustino
Creator/DavidFaustino,Leszek Zduń(Polish)
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* EnergyAbsorption: As a variation of lightning redirection, Mako can absorb electricity like a living conductor, and then weaponize the electric energy he absorbed.
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* DeconstructedCharacterArchetype: Of the usual PrettyBoy lead especially in a WishFulfillment-loaded BettyAndVeronica LoveTriangle. In Book 1, he's introduced as both handsome and competent in [[TheAce deftly]] taking down an entire team by himself and spends most of the season being fawned over by two attractive yet contrasting women and ultimately ends up with the heroine with whom he's had a purely BelligerentSexualTension-type dynamic. It's not until Book 2 when the deconstruction hits that he and Korra don't really work well together, and that same dynamic leads to him breaking up with Korra, [[OnTheRebound rebounding]] to Asami [[TriangRelations then back with Korra]] under confused circumstances, ultimately ending with him single, embarrassed and looking like a jerk to most of the cast.
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* DeconstructedCharacterArchetype: Of the usual PrettyBoy lead especially in a WishFulfillment-loaded BettyAndVeronica LoveTriangle. In Book 1, he's introduced as both handsome and competent in [[TheAce deftly]] taking down an entire team by himself and spends most of the season being fawned over by two attractive yet contrasting women and ultimately ends up with the heroine with whom he's had a purely BelligerentSexualTension-type dynamic. It's not until Book 2 when the deconstruction hits that he and Korra don't really work well together, and that same dynamic leads to him breaking up with Korra, [[OnTheRebound rebounding]] to Asami [[TriangRelations then back with Korra]] Korra under confused circumstances, ultimately ending with him single, embarrassed and looking like a jerk to most of the cast.
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Grumpy Bear is no longer a trope; grammar corrections
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** The "Veronica" (the aloof, GrumpyBear) to Bolin's "Betty" (the sweet-hearted, BigFun) with Korra as "Archie". [[LoveDodecahedron Yes, two connected love triangles.]] In the Book 1 finale, she is with Mako...only to break up with him by the Book 2 finale.
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** The "Veronica" (the aloof, GrumpyBear) (aloof, TheCynic) to Bolin's "Betty" (the sweet-hearted, sweet-hearted BigFun) with Korra as "Archie". [[LoveDodecahedron Yes, two connected love triangles.]] In the Book 1 finale, she is with Mako...only to break up with him by the Book 2 finale.
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* GrumpyBear: Has been described as a "grouch".
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* TheUnapologetic: Combined with his [[NeverMyFault blame-shifting]], Mako also doesn't actually apologize for his wrongdoings against his friends.
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* FingerlessGloves: Part of the pro-bending uniform quota, but he also has his own personal pair.
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[[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraNewTeamAvatar New Team Avatar]] ([[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraAvatarKorra Avatar Korra]], [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraAsamiSato Asami Sato]], '''Mako''') | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraTenzinsFamily Tenzin's Family]] | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraBeifongFamily Beifong Family]] | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraAllies Allies]] ([[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraVarrickAndZhuLi Varrick and Zhu Li]]) | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraEnemiesSeasons1And2 Seasons 1 & 2 Enemies]] ([[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraAmon Amon]]) | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraEnemiesSeasons3And4 Seasons 3 & 4 Enemies]] ([[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraZaheer Zaheer]], [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraKuvira Kuvira]]) | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraPastCharacters Past Characters]] | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraOtherCharacters Other Characters]] | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraComicCharacters Comic Characters]]]]]]-]
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[[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraNewTeamAvatar New Team Avatar]] ([[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraAvatarKorra Avatar Korra]], [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraAsamiSato Asami Sato]], '''Mako''') '''Mako''', [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraBolin Bolin]]) | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraTenzinsFamily Tenzin's Family]] | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraBeifongFamily Beifong Family]] | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraAllies Allies]] ([[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraVarrickAndZhuLi Varrick and Zhu Li]]) | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraEnemiesSeasons1And2 Seasons 1 & 2 Enemies]] ([[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraAmon Amon]]) | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraEnemiesSeasons3And4 Seasons 3 & 4 Enemies]] ([[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraZaheer Zaheer]], [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraKuvira Kuvira]]) | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraPastCharacters Past Characters]] | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraOtherCharacters Other Characters]] | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraComicCharacters Comic Characters]]]]]]-]
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[[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraNewTeamAvatar New Team Avatar]] ([[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraAvatarKorra Avatar Korra]], [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraAsamiSato Asami Sato]], '''Mako''') | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraTenzinsFamily Tenzin's Family]] | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraBeifongFamily Beifong Family]] | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraAllies Allies]] ([[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraVarrickAndZhuLi Varrick and Zhu Li]]) | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraEnemiesSeasons1And2 Seasons 1 & 2 Enemies]] ([[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraAmon Amon]]) | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraEnemiesSeasons3And4 Seasons 3 & 4 Enemies]] ([[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraKuvira Kuvira]]) | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraPastCharacters Past Characters]] | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraOtherCharacters Other Characters]] | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraComicCharacters Comic Characters]]]]]]-]
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[[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraNewTeamAvatar New Team Avatar]] ([[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraAvatarKorra Avatar Korra]], [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraAsamiSato Asami Sato]], '''Mako''') | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraTenzinsFamily Tenzin's Family]] | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraBeifongFamily Beifong Family]] | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraAllies Allies]] ([[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraVarrickAndZhuLi Varrick and Zhu Li]]) | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraEnemiesSeasons1And2 Seasons 1 & 2 Enemies]] ([[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraAmon Amon]]) | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraEnemiesSeasons3And4 Seasons 3 & 4 Enemies]] ([[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraKuvira ([[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraZaheer Zaheer]], [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraKuvira Kuvira]]) | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraPastCharacters Past Characters]] | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraOtherCharacters Other Characters]] | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraComicCharacters Comic Characters]]]]]]-]
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* MixedAncestry: Half-Fire Nation, half-Earth Kingdom.
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* NotHelpingYourCase: Despite ostensibly being the [[PromotedToParent de facto parent,]] he's [[IncrediblyLamePun burned]] all three of his teammates at least once:
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* NotHelpingYourCase: Despite ostensibly being the [[PromotedToParent [[PromotionToParent de facto parent,]] he's [[IncrediblyLamePun burned]] all three of his teammates at least once:
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This trope is about not having friends in the character's background and having trouble making friends now. Mako may be an aloof loner. He has made friends and become part of a friend group even if he has difficulty maintaining relationships.
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* FriendlessBackground: Mako’s an aloof guy and has trouble forming relationships with others let alone maintaining healthy ones. Before he met Korra the only person he was close to was his only brother Bolin. From his childhood to the present time he is shown to live a very solitary life and is close to very few people. Contrasted with Bolin who is very sociable and eager to make friends with everyone.
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[[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraNewTeamAvatar New Team Avatar]] ([[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraAvatarKorra Avatar Korra]], [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraAsamiSato Asami Sato]], '''Mako''') | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraTenzinsFamily Tenzin's Family]] | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraBeifongFamily Beifong Family]] | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraAllies Allies]] ([[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraVarrickandZhuLi Varrick and Zhu Li]]) | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraEnemiesSeasons1And2 Seasons 1 & 2 Enemies]] ([[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraAmon Amon]]) | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraEnemiesSeasons3And4 Seasons 3 & 4 Enemies]] ([[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraKuvira Kuvira]]) | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraPastCharacters Past Characters]] | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraOtherCharacters Other Characters]] | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraComicCharacters Comic Characters]]]]]]-]
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[[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraNewTeamAvatar New Team Avatar]] ([[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraAvatarKorra Avatar Korra]], [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraAsamiSato Asami Sato]], '''Mako''') | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraTenzinsFamily Tenzin's Family]] | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraBeifongFamily Beifong Family]] | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraAllies Allies]] ([[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraVarrickandZhuLi ([[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraVarrickAndZhuLi Varrick and Zhu Li]]) | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraEnemiesSeasons1And2 Seasons 1 & 2 Enemies]] ([[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraAmon Amon]]) | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraEnemiesSeasons3And4 Seasons 3 & 4 Enemies]] ([[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraKuvira Kuvira]]) | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraPastCharacters Past Characters]] | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraOtherCharacters Other Characters]] | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraComicCharacters Comic Characters]]]]]]-]
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[[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraNewTeamAvatar New Team Avatar]] ([[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraAvatarKorra Avatar Korra]], [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraAsamiSato Asami Sato]], '''Mako''') | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraTenzinsFamily Tenzin's Family]] | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraBeifongFamily Beifong Family]] | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraAllies Allies]] | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraEnemiesSeasons1And2 Seasons 1 & 2 Enemies]] ([[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraAmon Amon]]) | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraEnemiesSeasons3And4 Seasons 3 & 4 Enemies]] ([[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraKuvira Kuvira]]) | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraPastCharacters Past Characters]] | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraOtherCharacters Other Characters]] | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraComicCharacters Comic Characters]]]]]]-]
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[[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraNewTeamAvatar New Team Avatar]] ([[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraAvatarKorra Avatar Korra]], [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraAsamiSato Asami Sato]], '''Mako''') | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraTenzinsFamily Tenzin's Family]] | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraBeifongFamily Beifong Family]] | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraAllies Allies]] ([[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraVarrickandZhuLi Varrick and Zhu Li]]) | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraEnemiesSeasons1And2 Seasons 1 & 2 Enemies]] ([[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraAmon Amon]]) | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraEnemiesSeasons3And4 Seasons 3 & 4 Enemies]] ([[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraKuvira Kuvira]]) | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraPastCharacters Past Characters]] | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraOtherCharacters Other Characters]] | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraComicCharacters Comic Characters]]]]]]-]
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* UptightLovesWild: {{Deconstructed|Trope}}. When the reserved and stoic Mako was dating the HotBlooded and energetic Korra, their personalities didn’t work out. The problems that happen in Book 2 (Korra finding out her father and Tenzin lying to her about why she was kept at the compound, her uncle manipulating, the war between the Southern and Northern Water Tribes) has them both on opposing ways to deal with it – Mako remains objective and gives Korra the best answer he can think of, but Korra acts rash and impulsive, even willing to use a Republic City military vessel to carry out her plans. [[RealityEnsues Unsurprisingly,]] they get into a heated argument over how the other one is handling the situation, leading to their break-up.
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* UptightLovesWild: {{Deconstructed|Trope}}. When the reserved and stoic Mako was dating the HotBlooded and energetic Korra, their personalities didn’t work out. The problems that happen in Book 2 (Korra finding out her father and Tenzin lying to her about why she was kept at the compound, her uncle manipulating, the war between the Southern and Northern Water Tribes) has them both on opposing ways to deal with it – Mako remains objective and gives Korra the best answer he can think of, but Korra acts rash and impulsive, even willing to use a Republic City military vessel to carry out her plans. [[RealityEnsues Unsurprisingly,]] Unsurprisingly, they get into a heated argument over how the other one is handling the situation, leading to their break-up.
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[[WMG:[[center: [- ''WesternAnimation/TheLegendOfKorra'' '''[[Characters/TheLegendOfKorra Main Character Index]]'''\\
[[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraNewTeamAvatar New Team Avatar]] ([[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraAvatarKorra Avatar Korra]], [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraAsamiSato Asami Sato]], '''Mako''') | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraTenzinsFamily Tenzin's Family]] | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraBeifongFamily Beifong Family]] | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraAllies Allies]] | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraEnemiesSeasons1And2 Seasons 1 & 2 Enemies]] ([[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraAmon Amon]]) | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraEnemiesSeasons3And4 Seasons 3 & 4 Enemies]] ([[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraKuvira Kuvira]]) | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraPastCharacters Past Characters]] | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraOtherCharacters Other Characters]] | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraComicCharacters Comic Characters]]]]]]-]
!!This is a partial character sheet for ''WesternAnimation/TheLegendOfKorra''. Subjective trope and audience reactions should go on the [[YMMV/TheLegendOfKorra YMMV page]].
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!!Mako
!!!'''Voiced by:''' Creator/DavidFaustino
[[quoteright:200:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/tumblr_m1l6hc9blx1qbkg3oo1_50024.jpg]]
[[caption-width-right:200:"Don't worry about it, I'll figure something out. I always do."]]
[[caption-width-right:200:[[labelnote:Click here for his Book 4 appearance.]]https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/screen_shot_2014_10_12_at_9_18_11_pm.png[[/labelnote]]]]
The elder of two brothers from a mixed-ethnicity union. With Korra and his younger brother Bolin, they form a pro-bending team. Having been a [[StreetUrchin street rat]] after his parents' death, Mako took it upon himself to care for his brother, and would do anything for him. Around strangers he shows an icy, controlled personality, but around close friends and family can show a much sweeter side.
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[[foldercontrol]]
[[folder:A-F]]
* TheAce: He's [[TallDarkAndHandsome handsome]], a skilled probender, and someone you can depend on when things get tough.
* AesopAmnesia: The lessons about being honest and straight-forward take a ''long'' time to kick in considering he ''still'' makes the same mistakes by "Remembrances" where he simultaneously admits he should be quit lying yet immediately lies about lying ''again'' with Prince Wu, Tu and Grandma Yin calling him out on this.
* AllForNothing: His ''intentions'' were good in not wanting to hurt Korra and Asami's feelings while dating them, but did exactly just that.
* AllLovingHero: Mako [[CharacterDevelopment grows]] into one by Book 4, stating to Wu in "Remembrances" that he now dedicates his life to helping others just for the sake of doing so.
* AloneAmongTheCouples: [[spoiler: At the end of the series he is the only person in the Krew to not be in a relationship. Adding extra {{Irony}} to this is that not only did he not get back together with either of his exes, they end up with each other.]]
* AloofBigBrother: Mako in Book 2 has been distant and unconcerned with his brother's issues. He makes up for this in Book 3 by spending more time with his brother.
* AlwaysSomeoneBetter: Bolin sees Mako as this, when it comes to bending or girls.
* AmateurSleuth: Mako proved to be a skilled detective in Book 2, despite being a beat cop at the time.
* AmazonChaser: Mako joins his brother in that account, mentioning that Korra's strong and a good athlete in the list of good qualities in their conversation of her being girlfriend material.
* AmicableExes: Sorta with his two ex-girlfriends. He and Asami still care about each other despite how messed up their relationship became. In Book 2, they even seem to have gotten past their problems altogether and still make an awesome team when they're helping Korra. Later, he and Korra come to this arrangement, after they break up for real. At the beginning of Book 3, while Mako is not negative towards Korra or Asami and they are still very friendly to him, he is a little awkward towards them, but they warm up as it goes on. In Book 4, he's a little annoyed to find out that the two are closer to each other [[LockedOutOfTheLoop than either are to him]], but gets over it.
* AntiHero: Going with his hard edge, Mako has a wrathful side to him as well, having the capacity to kill or harm anyone who wrongs his brother and friends. This was particularly evident when he threatened an Equalist by raising a flaming fist when seeking information regarding Korra's whereabouts.
* TheAtoner: Book 3-onwards, he makes up for his previous bad [[BadLiar behavior]] by being supportive to both the rest of the team and others in general as summed up in "Remembrances."
* BadassBiker: In Book 2, being a motorcycle cop.
* BadassLongcoat: Well, it's more of a tail coat, but creates the same effect.
* BadLiar: [[DamnedByFaintPraise Better than Korra and Bolin,]] has only fooled those two, has fibbed at least OnceASeason whether about romantic issues or [[ItMakesSenseInContext sitting with]] [[LivingLieDetector Aiwei,]] and is finally called out on in "Remembrances."
* BashBrothers: With Bolin. It's more common in Book 3, since the two are usually split up in the previous seasons.
* BattleCouple:
** Him and Korra become this by the end of season one, with "Endgame" showing off this trope beautifully in tagteam against Amon. Although the battle comes just before the couple, the feelings were already on the table. Subverted in that they don't ''remain'' a couple, as they decide to stay as JustFriends in season 2.
** {{Downplayed|Trope}} with Asami. Both of them show their fighting skills before (Mako) and during (Asami) their romance, but rarely fought together. Which doesn't matter in the end, since they broke up by the Book 1 finale and ''again'' in Book 2 when an amnesiac Korra returns.
* BeCarefulWhatYouWishFor:
** In Book 2, he aspired to be a detective, but a combination of his selfishness/tactlessness and Varrick's trickery estranged him from his team and did a stint in jail to end up single and ''gradually'' making amends (after some embarrassed alone time) to [[TheAtoner atone]] and after that, such accomplishments caught the eye of Prince Wu, who was looking for a personal bodyguard.
** Dating Korra and to a lesser extent, Asami. He was inexplicably under the impression that dating [[TheMessiah The]] [[TheChosenOne Avatar]], the occupation responsible for protecting ''the entire world and Spirit World,'' would be a cakewalk while said girlfriend supported ''him'' instead of such a relationship requiring him to be an advisor and sounding board, which involves traits he lacks. Instead, his tactlessness, impatience and lack of understanding leads to jokes about [[ItsAllAboutMe "it's harder being The Avatar's boyfriend"]] and more frequent arguing until breaking up twice with Korra. While dating Asami had relatively less on the line and could be doted on again, the fact that he still couldn't commit to her, ''either'' meant that such relationships were easier in theory than the responsibilities in actually dating such high-profile women.
* BelatedLoveEpiphany: In "Out Of The Past", when searching for the missing Korra, Mako realizes he's in love with her. Stated in "Endgame", several episodes later.
* BeleagueredAssistant: To Prince Wu of the Earth Kingdom in Book 4, as his personal bodyguard. He even has to follow him on most bathroom breaks.
* BelligerentSexualTension: {{Deconstructed|Trope}} with Korra. She and Mako have a bit of this going on in the first half of Book 1 as they constantly butt heads but admit to being attracted to each other and become an OfficialCouple by the Book One finale. However, by Book 2, the real-life consequences to having this kind of relationship is in full play -- They have contrasting personalities but a similar stubborn and short-temperedness, differing opinions on how to handle the Water Tribe civil war, which only gets more complicated due to the different but equally important responsibilities their jobs have ultimately leads to an official break-up by the Book Two season finale and both agreeing that while they make great friends [[BetterAsFriends they don't really work as a couple]].
-->'''Mike:''' The earlier episodes had set up that Korra and Mako were kinda at each other's throats but they also kinda have a little attraction to each other.
* BetterAsFriends: After ending his relationships with Asami and Korra he has assured both that he still cares for them and will always be there to help. Making him essentially the Big Brother to the whole team.
* BettyAndVeronica:
** The "Archie" for Asami's "Betty" (SpoiledSweet nonbender) and Korra's "Veronica" (HotBlooded Avatar). The LoveTriangle is a...complicated one. Initially, Mako and Asami are a couple, but the former has a small GreenEyedEpiphany moment when Bolin wants to seriously date Korra, leading to a confrontation between her and Mako resulting in a ShutUpKiss...while he's still in a relationship with Asami. Over time, his feelings for Korra become more obvious, and that plus Asami learning of their kiss from Bolin, results in her and Mako ending their relationship. Come Book 2, Korra and Mako are dating, but are having disagreements with one another due to conflicting loyalties and temperament, leading to their break-up; and later on, he gets back together with Asami...only to tell an amnesiac Korra that she and him are still dating. At the end of Book 2, all three of them decide they are BetterAsFriends.
** The "Veronica" (the aloof, GrumpyBear) to Bolin's "Betty" (the sweet-hearted, BigFun) with Korra as "Archie". [[LoveDodecahedron Yes, two connected love triangles.]] In the Book 1 finale, she is with Mako...only to break up with him by the Book 2 finale.
* BigBrotherInstinct: Regardless of his rough edges, Mako loves Bolin, and he's [[UndyingLoyalty fiercely loyal]] and ''very'' protective of him. He willingly took (and presently still does take) most burdens and responsibilities of their living conditions.
** There is a shade of {{deconstruction}} to this trope as it applies to Mako. He sheltered his brother from the harsh realities and darker nature of their environment, which led to Bolin's current naiveté and dependency.
** Even after breaking up with them Mako is still incredibly protective of both Asami and Korra. This also extends to Wu who he treats with much the same exasperation and protective nature as he did Bolin.
* BondingOverMissingParents: During his romance with Asami, they bond over both of them losing a parent (or, in Mako's case, ''parents'').
* BondOneLiner: In Book 2, he keeps an entire list on hand to use when he captures criminals.
* TheBore: Something that becomes more apparent in the last two seasons. Mako is not very good at communicating with people in a lively manner, or keeping people's attention when he's asked to write a letter, act in a play or make a public announcement, often defaulting to emotionless, official expo-babble.
* BothSidesHaveAPoint: Mako and Korra during the Water Tribe Civil War. Korra, a member of the Tribe, is trying to get the Republic involved in the said war on the side she supports, and engages in what ''actually'' amounts to sedition (conspiring with senior officers to flout the civilian government's policy of neutrality) to do so once her legal options are exhausted. Whereas Mako, a Republic citizen and officer in the police, cannot condone this and reveals the plot to the President, who then proceeds to decisively clip the wings of the conspiracy (though Korra herself gets off with a stern warning). The results: Korra is mad at Mako and feels he has betrayed her and her people, who are struggling for their lives against oppression, while Mako is mad at Korra for putting him in an impossible situation and essentially ''expecting'' him to betray ''his own'' country for her. While Korra comes off worse as far as their personal relationship goes, both still have good reasons to act as they do, as each of them is only being loyal to his or her own people.
* BoxingBattler: His style of firebending that he developed in his pro-bending days. Critics of the sport note his use of a distinct "cool under fire" technique, which primarily involves a series of defensive weaving and dodging patterns quickly followed by successive spurts of offense. Mako once won a pro-bending match by himself using this style.
* BrokenAce: While not as bad as Korra, Mako does have shades of this trope (mostly seen in the first book). His parents were murdered right in front of him as a boy which gave Mako a very [[TheCynic cynical]] outlook on life, he spend the better part of his early life pickpocketing and stealing to keep Bolin and himself alive, has difficulty interacting with other people and admits that before meeting Korra he cared more about making money then helping other people. He eventually grows out of this though, becoming more self-sacrificing and selfless to other people besides his brother, thanks to Korra's example ([[SociallyAwkwardHero although he's still pretty awkward around people]]).
* BrokeYourArmPunchingOutCthulhu: [[spoiler: In the SeriesFinale Mako shoots a continuous beam of lightning into the spirit vine core of Kuvira's Colossus in order to make it unstable and cause it to explode. While this does work the resulting feedback from the core burns Mako's arm up to his elbow and a bolt of energy knocks him unconscious (which would have killed him if Bolin hadn't returned in time to save him from the explosion). When we see him again at Varrick's party his arm is in a sling so it's unknown exactly how much damage the attack did]].
** In [[ComicBook/TheLegendOfKorraTurfWars Turf Wars]], he's been seeing Kya regularly for healing, but isn't sure if he'll be able to firebend with that arm again. At the end of the main fight, they're in the Spirit World and Korra offers to heal him herself as soon as they find some spirit water. By [[ComicBook/TheLegendOfKorraRuinsOfTheEmpire Ruins of the Empire]], the bandages are off and it's heavily scarred, but he can firebend again.
* BrutalHonesty: Mako will tell his opinion regardless of what others might be feeling. This trait comes in handy in Book 4 when he's bodyguarding [[RoyalBrat Wu]]; his harsh, but truthful honesty over the young prince's ineptitude and him not being ready to be King, actually allowed Wu to admit those flaws and work his way to being a good king.
* ButtMonkey: At the start of Book 3, he's noticeably been on the receiving end of several pranks and misfortunes including but not limited to: Having a door airbended into his face, being made to act "evil" for a show and getting tossed around by Korra mid-performance, having to sleep in a trash pile (along with Bolin) and being the subject of a lot of teasing by Korra and Asami. Apart from that, he ends up getting into all sorts of trouble ever since Kai came along. Overcomes it by the end of Book 3, gaining mutual respect/understanding with Kai and demonstrating again that he is a quick-thinking force to be reckoned with in a life or death fight.
** "Remembrances" not only takes the piss out of him over his past foibles (and as a TakeThatUs on a meta-level,) but also on him in the present for still trying to lie and/or deny his wrongdoing such as pretending he never dated Asami. By the end of the segment, he's smacked upside the head and left to groan in exasperation.
** ''Turf Wars'' also has some fun at his expense over [[spoiler: both his ex-girlfriends now dating each other.]]
* BystanderSyndrome: In Book 2. Too focused on his job that he doesn't help Bolin or Korra with their problems and only helps Asami with hers because it aligns with said job.
* ByTheBookCop: When he joins the police force, he does his best to be this. He often finds himself in situations that the Book wasn't meant to cover, though, and he's not completely inflexible when that happens. However, his attitude to play by the book is what gets him in conflict with Korra's recklessness and risk-taking, which leads to their breakup.
** ''Turf Wars'' has him go off-book shy of going full CowboyCop when Keum puts up too much red tape to be formally investigated, which actually does pay off.
* CannotSpitItOut: Mako is unable to be honest about his feelings (i.e. The LoveTriangle mess), [[FatalFlaw causing strain in his relationships.]]
* TheCaptain: Of the pro-bending team, the Fire Ferrets. However, after Book 1, he quits when he becomes an off-duty cop.
* CassandraTruth: The police refuse to listen to his suspicions about the Southern Water Tribe Cultural Center bombing because he's a rookie and once was a Triad.
* CelibateHero: After all that's happened, he gives up on relationships altogether and decides it's for the best. However, WordOfGod states that his experiences with Asami and Korra will help him become a better partner in any future relationships.
* CharacterDevelopment:
** In "Remembrances", Mako's gets outlined, which is important given how seldom he talks about himself or his feelings. It basically shows how he has gone from a guy who cared mostly about making enough money to make his and his brother's lives better, to someone who wants to live for the sake of others, including strangers. All thanks to Korra's example, who continues to inspire him despite all the negative things that have passed between them.
** [[spoiler: His development also applies to his future romantic relationships post series. Word of God has [[http://bryankonietzko.tumblr.com/post/105916338157/korrasami-is-canon-you-can-celebrate-it-embrace confirmed]] that even though Mako didn't get back together with either Korra or Asami his experiences with both will make him a better partner in any new relationships he has in the future.]]
** By Book 4, while Mako does keep his [[TheStoic stoic demeanor]], he's a lot less brooding and angsty than in Book 1.
* CharlesAtlasSuperpower: Not as big an example as Korra, but Mako has shown considerably more upper-body strength than his body type would normally allow. He [[PapaWolf grabbed an Equalist that held his brother from behind]], and ''launched'' him over his head somewhere yonder and far off-screen. Then in episode five, he effortlessly carried muscled, stocky Bolin (who ''just'' ate and was flailing around) on his shoulder like a rag doll without an inkling of weight strain. And possibly took him home the distance from the noodle shop to the pro-bending arena that way.
* ChickMagnet:
** Has obtained the affections of both Korra and Asami and more. It's also lampshaded.
--->'''Bolin''': Leave some ladies for the rest of us!
** However, this ends up being [[DeconstructedTrope deconstructed]] as he can certainly ''attract'' the ladies, but he can never ''maintain'' relationships with said ladies due to his flaws, thus the relationships are just as shallow as their interest in him.
* ChromaticArrangement: Red, but his personality fits the typical blue more.
* CloudcuckooLandersMinder: In Book 4, is Prince Wu's bodyguard, and has to put up with his absolutely insane antics.
* CombatPragmatism: If he has to win a fight Mako's not afraid to fight dirty. This is best shown in his final fight with Ming-Hua [[spoiler: where instead of fighting the MultiArmedAndDangerous waterbender face on he instead gets up to a vantage point above the pool of water their fighting in [[LogicalWeakness and immediately fires a bolt of lightning into it]]]]. Suffice it to say that [[spoiler: [[HighVoltageDeath things don't end well for Ming-Hua]]]].
* CommitmentIssues: Part of the whole LoveTriangle debacle between him, Korra, and Asami had to deal with Mako's inability to properly decide who he wanted to be with.
* ConflictBall: If the other tropes haven't spelled this out enough, his love life would've gone a ''lot'' smoother had he ''not'' consistently and reflexively lied and/or dithered. Whether it's Korra in "The Spirit of Competition", Asami during the latter half of Book 1 (after she even ''gave'' him an easy out!) [[RuleOfThree or]] Korra ''and'' Asami by the end of Book 2, the LoveTriangle wouldn't have been the convoluted mess it was and he might've even remained with either one had he been honest and decisive ASAP.
* ConflictingLoyalty: Mako has to choose between helping Korra or his duty as a cop. Mako ultimately chooses his job, leading to their breakup. This, decision however was motivated by the fact that Korra was acting out of line.
* CrashIntoHello: How he meets Asami -- she accidentally hits him with her moped due to his jaywalking.
* CrazyPrepared: Book 2 reveals that he's started to write and memorize lists of [[BondOneLiner one-liners]] that he can use after winning a fight. Some of these are context-sensitive.
* TheCynic: He tends to look at the negative side of things.
* DarkAndTroubledPast: Seeing his parents killed in a mugging when he was eight, then growing up on the street and later working for the Triple Threat Triads qualifies.
* DeadpanSnarker: Can throw a few out here and there.
* DeclarationOfProtection: He says he's always trying to look after Bolin.
* DeconstructedCharacterArchetype: Of the usual PrettyBoy lead especially in a WishFulfillment-loaded BettyAndVeronica LoveTriangle. In Book 1, he's introduced as both handsome and competent in [[TheAce deftly]] taking down an entire team by himself and spends most of the season being fawned over by two attractive yet contrasting women and ultimately ends up with the heroine with whom he's had a purely BelligerentSexualTension-type dynamic. It's not until Book 2 when the deconstruction hits that he and Korra don't really work well together, and that same dynamic leads to him breaking up with Korra, [[OnTheRebound rebounding]] to Asami [[TriangRelations then back with Korra]] under confused circumstances, ultimately ending with him single, embarrassed and looking like a jerk to most of the cast.
* DefrostingIceKing: At the beginning of season 4, Mako is annoyed and irritated with Prince Wu and can not wait until the Prince would returns to Ba Sing Se. However, throughout the season he grows closer and more sympathetic to Prince Wu when he sees his positive traits, like how he can freely accept criticism, is genuinely grateful to Mako for his help, and sees him become a more thoughtful and mature person. The ending of the last episode shows that Mako is proud of Prince Wu and it is implied that Mako and Korra are warming up to him and becoming friends with him.
* {{Determinator}}:
** Redirecting lightning while being electrocuted and frying one of the platinum {{Mini Mecha}}s by it in episode ten also counts.
** He's also the first person to ever get the better of Amon, which Amon himself compliments. He did this by firing lightning while being bloodbended.
** He's able to fire off a sustained blast of lightning [[spoiler: to overload The Colossus' energy reactor]], when most firebenders would be able to fire very short bursts of lightning at best.
** ''Turf Wars'' showed that he'll still use his broken arm to [[spoiler: tank an explosion big enough to otherwise kill the entire squad.]] Bear in mind this is just ''days'' since the above example and put said arm back into the sling immediately afterwards so it was a purely emergency situation.
* TheDitherer: As Korra's {{Foil}}, he does his best to avoid conflict and will ignore problems, suppress his own feelings, or follow a YouDidntAsk policy if it means avoiding awkward conversations. His cousin Tu finally calls this out: "You're so afraid about disappointing anyone that you end up disappointing ''everyone''."
* TheDragAlong: By Book 3, he's more reluctant to go on adventures after everything that's happened to him, and is less willing to get in any sort of trouble. All it took to convince him was for Bolin to guilt-trip him.
* ElementalEyeColors: A Firebender with amber eyes.
* EmotionsVsStoicism: We have headstrong, brash Korra and cheerful, earnest Bolin vs. serious, "cool under fire" Mako.
* ExpositoryHairstyleChange:
** Like Bolin, in Book 4 he now has a hairstyle that is more restrained and kempt than what he wore previously, as befits his role as a bodyguard to royalty.
** In ''Turf Wars'', he switches back to his old look after resuming his duties as a cop.
* FairCop: As of Book 2, the resident ChickMagnet became a cop.
* FamilyEyeResemblance: As his grandmother states, Mako has his mother's eyes.
* FatalFlaw:
** {{Downplayed|Trope}}. While it hasn't led to serious injury or the ultimate destruction of his relationships, Mako has often put a strain on them with his inability to properly express his feelings.
** Additionally, while he'll immediately own up to it if pressed, but he'll immediately [[BadLiar lie]] and/or [[NeverMyFault blame-shift,]] ([[WhatTheHellHero usually to Bolin or Korra,]]) before accepting responsibility.
* FingerlessGloves: Part of the pro-bending uniform quota, but he also has his own personal pair.
* FireIsRed: {{Downplayed|Trope}}. Most of his outfit is in neutral colors except for red trim, and his [[IconicItem red scarf]].
* FirstLove: For Asami and Korra, who, after the romantic fiasco that was Book 2, have lost all romantic interest in him. [[spoiler:For added irony, the SecondLove for both end up being each other.]]
* {{Foil}}: To Korra -- Mako is a light-skinned native from Republic City. His and Bolin's parents were killed when they were quite young, and since then, they had to always try to make ends meet. Mako is the "cool-under-fire" guy, meaning he doesn't let his emotions cloud his judgement, making it hard to express his real feelings; Korra is the dark-skinned native from the Southern Water Tribe, and is of Mixed Ancestry because her parents were born into different Water Tribes (Mother-Southern, Father-Northern). Her parents were with her entire life, and admitted that other people (her parents and the White Lotus) were always taking care of her. Before a huge amount of Character Development, she was prone to emotional outbursts and never was afraid to let people know what she thought. In addition, Mako believes in structure and plays by the book, while Korra does things her way and leads Team Avatar as a free-for-all.
* FoolishSiblingResponsibleSibling: The responsible to Bolin's foolish. Even more so in Book 3, where he's trying to stay out of trouble that Bolin or Kai get into.
* FourTemperamentEnsemble: Melancholic- Analytical ([[HiddenDepths his detective skills]]), [[TheCynic can be quite cynical]], practical (verging on OnlySaneMan), and yet impractical (the whole LoveTriangle dilemma was largely due to his inability to express his feelings).
* FriendlessBackground: Mako’s an aloof guy and has trouble forming relationships with others let alone maintaining healthy ones. Before he met Korra the only person he was close to was his only brother Bolin. From his childhood to the present time he is shown to live a very solitary life and is close to very few people. Contrasted with Bolin who is very sociable and eager to make friends with everyone.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:G-L]]
* TheGenericGuy: Evolves into this over the course of the series. His major character arcs revolved around him supporting Bolin (who became self sufficient by Season 2, first as a movie star and later military officer) and his relationships with Korra and Asami (he breaks up with both by Season 3). By Season 4 he's just a disgruntled security guard towards Prince Wu, and good to his friends whenever they need his help. This is highlighted in the clip show episode where he was shown to be the only member of the core team without anything on the line going into the finale or any real motivation beyond loyalty to the others and goodwill towards people in general. His clips were just him casually talking about events to the people in his house in contrast to Korra in a mentoring session with Tenzin or Bolin in an exaggerated movie plot at sea with Varrick. He's easily the most regular guy of the main cast, somewhat of an aversion of the tropes usually associated with the [[PlayingWithFire Fire]] [[HotBlooded elemental]] [[RedOni of a team roster.]]
* GreatDetective: He has amazing perception and has been able to lead Team Avatar to look beneath the surface when things seem fishy. After finding a steady job as a policeman, he very quickly rises to detective rank after Chief Beifong becomes impressed with his abilities.
* GreenEyedMonster:
** To his chagrin in "The Spirit of Competition", when Bolin and Korra head out on their date. Korra [[YoureJustJealous calls him out on it]] after he wrongly accuses her of using his brother for an OperationJealousy ploy.
** It also serves as a small GreenEyedEpiphany. It's implied that whatever he's feeling for Korra has been suppressed, and for good reason (his brother and Asami are core causes). It isn't until Bolin takes his interest for her ''seriously'' that Mako begins to confront what he's been denying. The ensuing mess that occurred there (which led to Bolin's heart being broken), had Mako and Korra decide to be JustFriends, at least until Book 1's end.
* GrumpyBear: Has been described as a "grouch".
* HanlonsRazor: He's the root of all the romantic problems between he, Korra and Asami though it's clearly not out of deliberate maliciousness, but of [[InnocentlyInsensitive well-intentioned tactlessness.]]
* HarmfulToMinors: He witnessed both his parents get burned to death when he was eight. He and his brother then had to fend for themselves on the streets, getting into more than their share of scuffles and gang violence.
* HeroicWillpower: In some form. Mako resists Amon's bloodbending enough to shoot an unpredictable lightning attack at him.
* HeterosexualLifePartners: A sibling example, with Bolin. They've always had each other backs and often give each other advice, be it with their bending or with the ladies. He also, eventually, develops one with Wu in Book 4.
* HiddenDepths: Book 2 shows Mako with great detective skills. Mako is also good at reading maps, as he figured out where the Equalist rally was located by looking at the maps he and Korra obtained from the Equalist protester.
* HonestAdvisor:
** To Korra, though it causes them to break up in Book 2.
** To Prince Wu after being assigned as his bodyguard in Book 4. When Mako gets fed up with Wu's immature behavior, he tells Wu that he's just not ready to be a King. And Wu agrees.
* {{Hypocrite}}: Mako more or less admits this to Bolin in the Book 2 episode "Harmonic Convergence", when he is unable to follow his own advice he had previously given to Bolin.
** Also in Book 2, he didn't want to risk his career/break the law to help Korra yet wasted little time to assist Asami with her problem despite the same risk.
** In "Remembrances," he admits Asami was right that it was time to man up... only for him to ''presently'' still continue to vainly lie and gets called out on it again by Wu, Tu and Yin.
** Generally speaking, he's the first to [[WhatTheHellHero wag the finger]] (usually to Korra) yet the last to admit his own guilt unless pressed.
* IconicItem: [[ScarfOfAsskicking His red scarf.]] He gives it to his grandmother in Book 3, believing she needed it more.
* IDidWhatIHadToDo: His justification for his past dealings with the Triple Threat Triad. He needed to provide for himself and Bolin somehow, and didn't have many options.
* InnocentlyInsensitive: He isn't purposefully insensitive all the time, but has had to apologize for his mistakes/behavior more than twice. Especially evident when he doesn't realize that his excessive attention on Korra when she gets kidnapped upsets Asami.
* IronicName: Mako's name is Japanese for "child of truth", but given his lack of truth during the LoveTriangle fiasco... Yeah, Mako needs definite work with being honest about his feelings.
* ItRunsInTheFamily: According to Mako's grandmother, his commitment issues are something he inherited from his grandfather.
* ItsAllAboutMe: Admits in "Remembrances" that he used to have this mindset, (especially in Book 2,) seeking only the cash to get he and Bolin out of the gutter before Korra inspired him to be altruistic.
* JerkassHasAPoint: Mako may [[GoodIsNotNice not be the nicest]], but he's not wrong about certain things.
** His initial brushing off of Bolin at the start of Book 2 is cold, but since a war between the Water Tribes were going on and Mako had a busy job, it's not unusual for him to not have time to help his brother. Plus, Mako also correctly stated that Bolin had to figure out what he wanted to do on his own.
** Mako gives a major WhatTheHellHero moment to Korra for how her rash behavior and need for everyone to be on her side is immature and ridiculous on her part.
** His suspicions of Kai being a trouble making thief turns out to be true, thankfully the young airbender turns over a new leaf.
** After putting up with Wu's immature behavior, Mako rightfully tells Wu that he's not ready to be king and that while Kuvira may be an extremist, she at least has the maturity and focus to complete tasks.
* JerkWithAHeartOfGold: In contrast to his brother, Mako can come off rather grouchy and irritable. While Bolin is initially very friendly with Korra, Mako clashes with her. But he's capable of kindness, rather warm-hearted to those he knows well, and acknowledges when he's in the wrong as well as gives credit where credit is due.
* JustifiedCriminal: He once worked for the Triple Threat Triad for money. While he only ran numbers and "stuff", he's not proud of what he did and forbids Bolin from doing the same once they cut ties with them.
* TheLancer: To Korra, as both a personality foil, and as the most stalwart ally and deputy. In the finale he pledges undying loyalty to her for any future adventures.
* TheLastDJ: In a sense, he's this to New Team Avatar, as he's the only person who hasn't been won over by Varrick in some way.
* TheLeader: Of the Level-headed variety as [[TheCaptain Captain]] of the Fire Ferrets, being easily the most mature, practical and experienced member of the group.
* LightningBruiser: When it comes to pro-bending, as the sport calls for it. In his introduction in "A Leaf in the Wind" he defeats a pro-bending team single-handedly while demonstrating power, speed, and endurance. He was considered one of the top players in the pro-bending arena with reason.
* LongRangeFighter: Type II. While Mako somewhat held his own when fighting the Lieutenant at close-quarters, he still got quickly overwhelmed (more so when compared to Korra and Asami). He's much more formidable when he keeps his distance and uses ranged attacks.
* LovableJock: {{Downplayed}}. Mako is more gruff than his brother, but will give credit to his teammates when they do a good job.
* LoveAtFirstSight: Blushed the second he laid eyes on Asami, and then later had floating hearts surrounding his head. They dated pretty quickly after. Unfortunately, it fell into the disillusionment category.
* LoveHurts: Mako's love life is one big convoluted mess.
* LoveMartyr: There isn't much he won't do for someone he loves. Unfortunately, one of those things is ''asking them for help or comfort''. The only way he knows ''how'' to express his love is by waiting on them hand-and-foot or [[MartyrWithoutACause getting the crap kicked out of him on their behalf]]. Being unable to actually ''participate'' in a relationship results in breakdowns in communication, and [[spoiler:ultimately repeated break-''ups''. He ends the series single]].
[[/folder]]
[[folder:M-R]]
* MasterOfTheMixedMessage: In episodes 9-11, he keeps showing excessive concern and attention to Korra, ignoring his girlfriend Asami while still denying having feelings for Korra. Asami is not happy about it and [[WhatTheHellHero calls him out of it]].
* MeaningfulName: His name means "child of truth" and [[IronicName despite the occasional irony with his name]], Mako isn't one to hide the hard truths (''after'' learning what lying to his girlfriends got him) to someone (see his BrutalHonesty section).
* MixedAncestry: Half-Fire Nation, half-Earth Kingdom.
* MoralityPet: {{Deconstructed|Trope}}. Whenever Korra tackles a situation emotionally, he often tries to remind her that her not getting her way happens for a good reason. Korra, however, just dismisses it as him taking another person's side, which upsets Mako greatly. Finally, just when Korra didn't take well the president's (well-meaning) refusal to help her, he was tired of having to worry about Korra messing up, so he decided to tell the president about what she was planning.
* MundaneUtility: He uses his lightning skill to earn money by working at a power plant.
* NamedAfterSomebodyFamous: He's named after Creator/{{Mako}}, prominent Japanese-American actor who performed the original series' role of Iroh until his death.
* NeverMyFault: Another main recurring flaw with Mako. Whenever he makes a mistake in something, he downplays his wrong actions, shifting the blame to someone else. He's usually [[CantGetAwayWithNothing called out on it immediately.]]
** When he and Korra shared their first kiss and Bolin catches them and runs away heartbroken, Mako puts all the blame on Korra. Yes, she did initiate it through a ShutUpKiss, but Mako reciprocated it, making them both equally at fault.
** And when Asami finds about their kiss, Mako's first reaction is to get angry at Bolin for telling the truth, but Asami immediately tells hims off -- saying he shouldn't blame Bolin for ''his'' mistake and that Mako, himself, should've told her about the kiss.
** This is brought up in "Remembrances" by his cousin Tu and Prince Wu, as when Mako attempts to divert responsibility for his bad actions toward both Korra and Asami, the two rightfully call him out on it.
* NoSocialSkills: In terms of relationship conventions. It's pretty clear that he doesn't know how to deal with people and personal feelings very well.
* NotHelpingYourCase: Despite ostensibly being the [[PromotedToParent de facto parent,]] he's [[IncrediblyLamePun burned]] all three of his teammates at least once:
** His leaving [[SuperGullible Bolin]] to do whatever came back to bite Mako in both needing Bolin's help and [[CassandraTruth proving]] [[EvilGenius Varrick]] wasn't on the level.
** In Book 2, while he can accurately point out Korra's going off the rails, he can't be bothered to actually ''help'' her situation beyond [[CaptainObvious "that's a bad idea."]]
** Him guilt-tripping Korra over not writing him during the three-year TimeSkip is not only unjustified because trust was a ''big'' factor in their previous relationship, but during the rescue mission, [[HereWeGoAgain repeats]] all the same problems of said relationship as a reminder why not to.
** His segment in "Remembrances" in talking about his CharacterDevelopment is muddied by him ''still'' lying until pressed such as dating Asami, which the others call out on.
* NotSoAboveItAll: Surprisingly, despite his normal stoic demeanor he has his goofy moments, such as making a list of BondOneLiners for when he catches criminals. His first encounter with Asami leaves him a slack-jawed, love-drunk idiot emitting [[CardiovascularLove pink hearts]]. There's also when he and Bolin were shoving each other underwater in Asami's pool, the way two brothers would mess around with each other.
* NotSoStoic: The mask does slip from time to time, though, such as in his [[DistractedByTheSexy reaction to Asami]] and behavior when [[spoiler:Korra is kidnapped]]. It's also a pretty bad idea to threaten Bolin.
* NotWithThemForTheMoney: He isn't interested in Asami for her money. He does appreciate the luxury that comes from being her boyfriend, though. However, it [[NotHelpingYourCase didn't help his case]] that his interest in her started waning around the time she was cut off from said luxury.
* OfficialCouple: Seemingly with Asami through most of Book 1, but she turns out to be a RomanticFalseLead and the real OfficialCouple is him and Korra. However, they break up mid-Book 2 and he's been focused on work ever since.
* OldFlame: He and Asami went on a few dates in "The Guide", but events (namely Mako going to prison until he was proven innocent, and then Mako not immediately telling Korra they had broken up) spoil that. Bolin calls them out on it at the time mere ''days'' since Korra left and then in "Remembrances," Wu, Tu and Grandma Yin call him out on trying to act as if he'd ''never'' dated Asami at all.
* OneHeadTaller: Than Korra.
* OneHourWorkWeek: Mako may be a cop, but he's got plenty of time for adventures without it compromising his job. It's also justified due to the fact that not only is his boss Lin Beifong (usually) in on what the Avatar does, but she occasionally accompanies him on his adventures too.
* OneManArmy: Moments after we meet him, he finds himself alone against a full team in a pro-bending match, takes said [[RuleOfThree third]] round in an impressive show of skill, and wins it by himself when he knocks all [[RuleOfThree three]] of his opponents into the water. In about the span of about a minute or so. Simply by [[VictoryByEndurance tiring them out while he dodged everything they threw at him]]... in the [[RuleOfThree third zone]]. "This Mako's got moxie!" indeed.
* OnlyFriend: Mako is forced to work with and be around Prince Wu, and Team Avatar saves him. None of them bother hiding dislike at his antics and the friendliest behavior he gets from them is stone-faced tolerance. He still says they're the best friends a guy could have. Is this pure obliviousness, or has he never had friends? Despite some supporters early on he also suggests that he's never had a girlfriend. In the second half of the season however Mako start to warm up to Prince Wu when he see his positive traits when Prince Wu grow into a more mature and thoughtful person and at the end of the last episode both Mako and Korra are proud of Prince Wu and it implied they are warming up to him, and are becoming his friends.
* OnlyInItForTheMoney: Being a past StreetUrchin and understandably needing cash (he and Bolin are still poor) to keep them from having to return to that life, this is Mako's main goal for competing in the pro-bending tournaments -- to hit that jackpot. It's no surprise that he quits in the following season to join the police force, which doubtless pays a decent wage.
* OnlySaneMan: Shares the role with Asami, being one of the more level-headed members of the team. [[spoiler:Becomes the sole voice of reason after "The Sting", being the only one who knows Varrick is behind the sabotage of Future Industries, and now no one believes him, not even his own brother.]]
* OohMeAccentsSlipping: In-universe example. He has only a slight Brooklyn accent around people he doesn't know personally (Korra, Butakha), but it gets heavier when he talks to Bolin or other street kids.
* OppositesAttract: With Korra. Mako is serious and collected, Korra is hotheaded and headstrong. Ultimately subverted as their opposite natures (as well as tense situations) end up pushing them apart, but they remain good friends.
* OutOfFocus: In Seasons 3 and 4 he has noticeably less screentime than usual, being relegated to a comic relief subplot and disappearing for three episodes in a row in Season 4. He is also the only lead character not to have his own personal subplot in Season 4, whereas Korra, Asami and Bolin all are given their own personal obstacles to overcome as the season goes on. Mako, on the other hand, is used to further the character arc of a secondary character, Prince Wu. Of course, Administrivia/TropesAreNotBad considering the first half of the series had him rivaling Korra herself in screentime.
* PalsWithJesus: Invoked in "The Sting" where he offered to convince Korra to restore the bending of one of the Triple Threats members if they aided him.
* PlayingWithFire: Mako demonstrated great skill in firebending combat. He can maintain his fire streams for a period of time for feats such as propelling himself through the air. He can perform techniques such as the breath of fire and with precise control create fire daggers. The raw strength of his firebending is also considerable, able to offset a large and point-blank explosion unharmed.
* PoorCommunicationKills: He has a major problem with this, and it often causes him to look bad in front of everyone. When it came to Varrick trying to get the president to go to war, he was just too uncomfortable to let it pass, taking matters into his own hands without trying to fully explain to everyone the harsh implications of doing so.
* PowerStereotypeFlip: [[FieryStoic A melancholic Firebender]] (when most Firebenders would be choleric).
* PragmaticAntiHero: When push comes to shove, if his back is to the wall, Mako isn't afraid [[spoiler: to kill]] if it means defeating his enemies. [[spoiler: [[HighVoltageDeath Just ask Ming-Hua]]]].
* PrettyBoy: Visually, of course, as well as outright called a "beautiful man" by the creators.
* PromotionToParent: Mako took care of Bolin at a young age, while the two of them were living on the streets.
* RavenHairIvorySkin: He has black hair and pale skin like most people of Fire Nation descent. His voice actor describes him as "[[TallDarkAndHandsome tall and handsome]]" and the official bios consistently state that he's good-looking.
* RealMenCook: He's shown cooking for himself and Bolin in their apartment. Unsurprising when you take in PromotionToParent. Also, his firebending would help greatly.
* TheReasonYouSuckSpeech: Delivers a quick one to Korra during their argument in "Peacekeepers":
-->'''Mako:''' Enough! Look, I have a job to do! I can't constantly be worrying about keeping you from making another huge mistake!
* RedOniBlueOni: The blue to Korra's red. In addition to their different temperaments, he's powerful, but more focused and technical as opposed to Korra's [[{{Hotblooded}} usual method of dealing with opponents]].
* RelationshipSabotage: A minor case with trying to deflect Bolin's interest in Korra by claiming she is not girlfriend material after saying ''aloud to Bolin a sentence earlier that she was''. And emphasizing that dating a teammate is a bad idea. Of course, this doesn't deter Bolin at all, and it could be said that a part of Mako ''was'' looking out for him in some way. It's likely the reasons he gave Bolin were also reasons he'd given ''himself'' to not explore his own attraction to Korra (especially since not dating a teammate is valid advice). So he had probably already decided to sabotage his own relationship with Korra, too, resulting in choosing to date Asami.
* RelationshipUpgrade: At the end of Book 1, he becomes an OfficialCouple with Korra, but they eventually break up due to their conflicting personalities and priorities as well as the fact he took advantage of her memory loss when she forgot they broke up in the first place which resulted in their final break-up.
* TheReliableOne: One dominant aspect about Mako is that he's someone you can count on when things get tough. However, this trope is zigzagged from Book 2 onwards as he initially too focused on his work for the others to count on him for help then in Book 3 starts as TheDragAlong though starts to commit before immediately playing it straight in Book 4.
* RomanticFalseLead: [[spoiler: At the end of the series Mako is revealed to have been this for both Korra and Asami as the two of them become each other's true OfficialCouple. WordOfGod even [[http://bryankonietzko.tumblr.com/post/105916338157/korrasami-is-canon-you-can-celebrate-it-embrace confirmed]] that, even if Korrasami wasn't made canon at the end of the series, Mako was only intended to be Korra's love interest for the end of season 1.]]
* RomanticRunnerUp: [[spoiler: Based on the finale, Mako ultimately ended up being this for ''both'' Korra and Asami, who end up with ''each other''. It's actually one of the things the girls bonded over in Book 3.]]
[[/folder]]
[[folder:S-Y]]
* SavvyGuyEnergeticGirl: The cool-under-fire Savvy Guy to Korra's loud, full-of-energy Energetic Girl.
* ScarfOfAsskicking: His TragicKeepsake he always wears and unlike most scarfs this one actually has been used to kick ass. Korra did it but it was still a wicked [[ImprovisedWeapon Jason Bourne-style]] ass-kicking.
* SensitiveGuyAndManlyMan: The stoic, blunt Manly Man to Bolin's comical, InLoveWithLove Sensitive Guy.
* SexualKarma: He has a problem with [[TheDitherer dithering]] behavior concerning his romances with Asami and Korra which ultimately ended up sinking both. He is also the only member of Team Avatar not paired up with a significant other by series end; even Bolin finds love in Opal's arms. [[spoiler:Ironically, the two women with whom he had messy relationships ended up together in the end.]]
* ShipperOnDeck:
** Gives Bolin advice on how to spend time with Opal. Even before that, he initially supported Bolin with Korra... before Mako got interested in her, too.
** Downplayed in regards to [[spoiler:Korra and Asami]]. Unlike how the other [[ShipperOnDeck shippers]] who were ''immediately'' excited, Mako was taken aback because his [[spoiler:exes were now dating each other]]. However, he later told [[spoiler:Korra]] that she and [[spoiler:Asami]] were perfect for each other.
* ShockAndAwe: He can both generate and redirect lightning, as well as being able to shoot long, sustained blasts as well as short bursts of lightning.
* SiblingRivalry: Bolin and Mako fell out with each other Book 2, that Bolin decided to move out on his own. They eventually patch things up.
* SiblingTeam: With Bolin, either with pro-bending or intense battles.
* SiblingTriangle: Both he and Bolin liked Korra at the beginning of season one. It came to its peek in "The Spirit of Competition" and to an end when Bolin realized that his romantic interest in Korra wasn't reciprocated.
* SiblingYinYang: Mako's serious, though not quite as downcast as his clone. Life in the streets toughened him up, and he feels responsible for both himself and his younger brother, being he's the only family he has left. Bolin is the easygoing, naive one of the two. They are a bit opposite in body builds as well: Mako is more wiry while Bolin is stocky.
* SickeninglySweethearts: With Asami, much to Korra's dismay.
* SleepCute: Shared one with Korra in "The Revelation". Upon waking, he freaks out a little.
* SoProudOfYou:
** Wu's suggestion that they evacuate the civilians of Republic City in advance of Kuvira's assault makes Mako feel this way about him. Subverted when we find out it was just a ploy to impress Korra.
** Played straight in "Kuvira's Gambit" after he gives a good RousingSpeech that convinces the citizens of Republic City to calmly evacuate, both Lin and Mako give him props (especially after the latter completely botched his attempt to do the same). Mako was speechless afterwards.
** And in the series finale, Mako again expresses praise when he hears about how level-headed Prince Wu was during the evacuation. And Korra herself expresses praise when [[spoiler: he reveals his intent to dissolve the monarchy and let the states govern themselves. She even promises to help him make the transition as smooth as possible.]]
* TheSpock: To Korra's [[TheMcCoy McCoy]] and Bolin's and Asami's [[TheKirk Kirk]]. He always thinks with his head and often is the voice of reason. However, this is deconstructed in Book 2, Korra needs ''emotional'' support in addition to practical solutions, but he can only point out the perspective of others and/or her own flaws.
* TheStoic: He's controlled, keeps a cool head under pressure, and masks his expression with indifference.
* TheStoolPigeon: Of the Whistleblower Wilson variety. He sold Korra (along with Varrick, Asami, and Bolin) out to the President, but he truly believed the whole plan was a terrible, amoral idea.
* StraightManAndWiseGuy: The [[TheStoic stoic]], aloof Straight Man to Bolin's silly, goofy Wise Guy. Later, after Bolin signs up with Kuvira, Prince Wu takes the place as the Wise Guy.
* TheStrategist: Came up with a plan to get Bolin and escape the rally. In fact, his rationality and analytical mind are often highlighted.
* StreetUrchin: Before the events of the show. Mako is still well-versed in street info and connections, knowing the location of the Triple Threat Triad headquarters after working for them, and about chi-blocking and the Equalists. He also uses this knowledge to know Kai's StreetUrchin status shouldn't be overlooked.
* StrongFamilyResemblance:
** To his late mother. His paternal grandmother mentions that they both have the same eyes.
** Although it's hard to see normally, since they use different hairstyles, color scheme and wear very different expressions, Mako and Bolin do look quite alike, as seen when Bolin does an impression of his brother and [[http://i.imgur.com/HXDkoLT.png becomes nearly identical.]]
* StrongGirlSmartGuy: Mako is a thoughtful and rational guy with an analytical mind that is often highlighted when he comes up with smart plans, while Korra is a tough-as-nails master of the four elements who almost always tries to solve any problem with fighting.
* SugarAndIcePersonality: To those he doesn't know or doesn't care for, he is generally cold. To people he either knows or wants to know better, like Asami's father, he is much warmer.
* SuspiciouslySimilarSubstitute: To a small extent. The creators said he reminds them of Zuko "without the angst"; a bit of a brooder but he's "lighter". This is ironic, considering that much of the fandom compare his personality to that of Katara.
* TallDarkAndHandsome: A straight example. Even his voice actor described him as "tall and handsome", and his official bios are consistent in restating this fact. The show isn't shy about it either.
-->'''Jinora:''' Oooh, he's ''cute''. Korra, is that the handsome firebender boy that drives you ''crazy''?
* TallDarkAndSnarky: Occasionally, such as when NaiveNewcomer Korra makes a mistake he will snark about it. Having to ferry clueless Prince Wu about brings it out as well, along with some amazing long-suffering expressions.
* TeamDad: He's the level headed one who keeps Korra from going guns a' blazing to handle a dilemma, and is a stickler about rules. This isn't even adding his whole relationship [[PromotionToParent dynamic]] with his brother. "And The Winner Is..." had him step in defense of Korra during a round with the Wolfbats, attempting to block a three-on-one attack that almost knocked them both out the ring. He also shows concern about her going after Amon and the Equalists, telling her to be careful. Once she comes out of that fight unscathed, he runs up to her fretfully and gives her a hug, glad to see she's okay. He's certainly very protective about people he cares about.
* TechnicianVersusPerformer: The Technician to Korra's and Bolin's Performer.
* ThouShaltNotKill: Averted - [[spoiler: Mako is one of the only members of either Team Avatar to explicitly kill an opponent when he fries Ming-Hua with a blast of Lightning.]]
* ToBeLawfulOrGood: The President was increasingly suspicious of Korra's activity, and asked Mako if she was planning something. He had to remind Mako that he made an oath to his country. This is enough to tip the balance between Mako's love for Korra and his own morals and duties in favor of the later, and he tells Raiko about Korra and Varrick's plan to go directly to the military of Republic City. However, he explains he made this decision for Korra's own sake as well, because he can't constantly worry about her making a wrong decision. At the end, it all evens out because it led Korra to see what she was really up against, and he finds out Varrick isn't entirely their ally.
* TookALevelInBadass: Goes from an average probender who only cared about money and Bolin to an ace detective who has improved his bending drastically and has also become a full-on AllLovingHero.
* TookALevelInCheerfulness: Mako still keeps his stoic demeanor, but by Book 4 he is less sulky and angst-ridden than he was in Book 1.
* TookALevelInIdealism: In Book 1, Mako only cared about his and Bolin's well being. By Book 4, he is now putting the welfare of other people, (not just him, Bolin, or his friends) first.
* TookALevelInKindness: As of the second season, he's less jerk, more heart of gold. He's trying his best to be supportive and understanding of Korra, at least. Took on another level in Book 3, when he starts to be more supportive of Bolin. By the series finale, Mako has fully evolved into an AllLovingHero.
* TragicKeepsake: His red scarf is confirmed to have belonged to his father. He gives it to his grandmother when he and Bolin meet his father's family in Ba Sing Se.
* TroubledButCute: Tough past? Check. Stand-offish? Check. Good-looking? ''Check''.
* {{Tuckerization}}: Mako is named after [[Creator/{{Mako}} Mako Iwamatsu]], the original voice actor of Iroh in [[WesternAnimation/AvatarTheLastAirbender the original series]] who died near the end of production for Book 2.
* UnbrokenVigil: He stays by Korra's side as she lies resting after [[spoiler:her escape from Tarrlok]].
* UnderestimatingBadassery: [[BadCopIncompetentCop Detectives Lu and Gang]] look down on Mako in Book 2 though they should know what he did last season.
* UndyingLoyalty: To Bolin. The majority of Mako's life has been spent protecting and caring for the basic needs of his little brother, something that doesn't appear to be changing at all as they enter adulthood. In the end, he declares his loyalty to Korra, pledging to follow her anywhere.
* UnresolvedSexualTension: Has this mechanic with Korra. As of the Book 1 finale, it's been resolved.
* UnusualEyebrows: Of the "kinked" type. Inherited from his mother.
* UptightLovesWild: {{Deconstructed|Trope}}. When the reserved and stoic Mako was dating the HotBlooded and energetic Korra, their personalities didn’t work out. The problems that happen in Book 2 (Korra finding out her father and Tenzin lying to her about why she was kept at the compound, her uncle manipulating, the war between the Southern and Northern Water Tribes) has them both on opposing ways to deal with it – Mako remains objective and gives Korra the best answer he can think of, but Korra acts rash and impulsive, even willing to use a Republic City military vessel to carry out her plans. [[RealityEnsues Unsurprisingly,]] they get into a heated argument over how the other one is handling the situation, leading to their break-up.
* VitriolicBestBuds: This is pretty much his regular dynamic with Korra, and even lampshades it in "Reunions" stating that getting on each others nerves is like old times.
* WeakButSkilled: Compared to Korra and Bolin. Korra is [[PhysicalGod the Avatar]] with all the power that implies, while Bolin approaches being a PersonOfMassDestruction by the end of the series. Mako is ''exceptionally'' talented, but lacks the [[IncrediblyLamePun firepower]] his bending teammates possess.
* WhatTheHellHero: Gives this to Korra in "Peacekeepers", when she participates in insurrectionist bordering behavior in her attempts to solve the Water Tribes' civil war.
** However, as "Remembrances" cheerfully points out, he's often on the ''receiving'' end of this trope far more often than he'd like to admit.
* WishFulfillment: For the first couple seasons, specifically the first. He's a powerful PrettyBoy that has two [[BettyAndVeronica equally beautiful yet distinctly different]] high-status women throwing themselves at him to the extent of offering him (''and'' [[AndZoidberg his brother]]) free room and board so he gets to live the high life in a mansion then on a famous island with the only catches being to be honest and committed to either girlfriend. He cheats on one, but only gets a stern talking to from her before moving on to end up with the other and then gets a second chance with the former when the latter didn't work out and then a second chance with the latter due to amnesia. The trope eventually gets Deconstructed, with both his relationships ultimately falling apart, so that by Book 3, both girlfriends have had their fill with him on a romantic level due to such constant lying and cheating while he has to get over his shame of what he did wrong.
* WorkingWithTheEx:
** With Asami as of the Book 1 finale after he realizes his feelings for Korra. They briefly get back together during Book 2 after his break up with Korra, but after he refuses to tell an amnesiac Korra of their break up, his and Asami's romance ends for good. Come Book 3, they are now friends, but he is still awkward around her because of their past history. He gets over it.
** With Korra after their official break up in the Book 2 finale. Like Asami, Mako acts awkward around Korra for the same reasons but gets over it.
* WorthyOpponent: Gets this from Amon, after resisting his bloodbending and electrocuting him at point-blank range.
-->'''Amon''': I'm impressed. No one has ever gotten the better of me like that. It is almost a shame to purify someone so talented. ''Almost''.
* WouldHitAGirl: During Book 3, he fights Ming-Hua of the Red Lotus twice, [[spoiler: ultimately killing her with a blast of Lightning.]] In his defense, it was her or him.
* YesMan: The other failed way he tries to please Korra while they dated since BrutalHonesty wasn't working and this way didn't work either as he was ''still'' useless/unsupportive only now he was phony about it, too.
[[/folder]]
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[[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraNewTeamAvatar New Team Avatar]] ([[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraAvatarKorra Avatar Korra]], [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraAsamiSato Asami Sato]], '''Mako''') | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraTenzinsFamily Tenzin's Family]] | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraBeifongFamily Beifong Family]] | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraAllies Allies]] | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraEnemiesSeasons1And2 Seasons 1 & 2 Enemies]] ([[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraAmon Amon]]) | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraEnemiesSeasons3And4 Seasons 3 & 4 Enemies]] ([[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraKuvira Kuvira]]) | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraPastCharacters Past Characters]] | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraOtherCharacters Other Characters]] | [[Characters/TheLegendOfKorraComicCharacters Comic Characters]]]]]]-]
!!This is a partial character sheet for ''WesternAnimation/TheLegendOfKorra''. Subjective trope and audience reactions should go on the [[YMMV/TheLegendOfKorra YMMV page]].
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!!Mako
!!!'''Voiced by:''' Creator/DavidFaustino
[[quoteright:200:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/tumblr_m1l6hc9blx1qbkg3oo1_50024.jpg]]
[[caption-width-right:200:"Don't worry about it, I'll figure something out. I always do."]]
[[caption-width-right:200:[[labelnote:Click here for his Book 4 appearance.]]https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/screen_shot_2014_10_12_at_9_18_11_pm.png[[/labelnote]]]]
The elder of two brothers from a mixed-ethnicity union. With Korra and his younger brother Bolin, they form a pro-bending team. Having been a [[StreetUrchin street rat]] after his parents' death, Mako took it upon himself to care for his brother, and would do anything for him. Around strangers he shows an icy, controlled personality, but around close friends and family can show a much sweeter side.
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[[foldercontrol]]
[[folder:A-F]]
* TheAce: He's [[TallDarkAndHandsome handsome]], a skilled probender, and someone you can depend on when things get tough.
* AesopAmnesia: The lessons about being honest and straight-forward take a ''long'' time to kick in considering he ''still'' makes the same mistakes by "Remembrances" where he simultaneously admits he should be quit lying yet immediately lies about lying ''again'' with Prince Wu, Tu and Grandma Yin calling him out on this.
* AllForNothing: His ''intentions'' were good in not wanting to hurt Korra and Asami's feelings while dating them, but did exactly just that.
* AllLovingHero: Mako [[CharacterDevelopment grows]] into one by Book 4, stating to Wu in "Remembrances" that he now dedicates his life to helping others just for the sake of doing so.
* AloneAmongTheCouples: [[spoiler: At the end of the series he is the only person in the Krew to not be in a relationship. Adding extra {{Irony}} to this is that not only did he not get back together with either of his exes, they end up with each other.]]
* AloofBigBrother: Mako in Book 2 has been distant and unconcerned with his brother's issues. He makes up for this in Book 3 by spending more time with his brother.
* AlwaysSomeoneBetter: Bolin sees Mako as this, when it comes to bending or girls.
* AmateurSleuth: Mako proved to be a skilled detective in Book 2, despite being a beat cop at the time.
* AmazonChaser: Mako joins his brother in that account, mentioning that Korra's strong and a good athlete in the list of good qualities in their conversation of her being girlfriend material.
* AmicableExes: Sorta with his two ex-girlfriends. He and Asami still care about each other despite how messed up their relationship became. In Book 2, they even seem to have gotten past their problems altogether and still make an awesome team when they're helping Korra. Later, he and Korra come to this arrangement, after they break up for real. At the beginning of Book 3, while Mako is not negative towards Korra or Asami and they are still very friendly to him, he is a little awkward towards them, but they warm up as it goes on. In Book 4, he's a little annoyed to find out that the two are closer to each other [[LockedOutOfTheLoop than either are to him]], but gets over it.
* AntiHero: Going with his hard edge, Mako has a wrathful side to him as well, having the capacity to kill or harm anyone who wrongs his brother and friends. This was particularly evident when he threatened an Equalist by raising a flaming fist when seeking information regarding Korra's whereabouts.
* TheAtoner: Book 3-onwards, he makes up for his previous bad [[BadLiar behavior]] by being supportive to both the rest of the team and others in general as summed up in "Remembrances."
* BadassBiker: In Book 2, being a motorcycle cop.
* BadassLongcoat: Well, it's more of a tail coat, but creates the same effect.
* BadLiar: [[DamnedByFaintPraise Better than Korra and Bolin,]] has only fooled those two, has fibbed at least OnceASeason whether about romantic issues or [[ItMakesSenseInContext sitting with]] [[LivingLieDetector Aiwei,]] and is finally called out on in "Remembrances."
* BashBrothers: With Bolin. It's more common in Book 3, since the two are usually split up in the previous seasons.
* BattleCouple:
** Him and Korra become this by the end of season one, with "Endgame" showing off this trope beautifully in tagteam against Amon. Although the battle comes just before the couple, the feelings were already on the table. Subverted in that they don't ''remain'' a couple, as they decide to stay as JustFriends in season 2.
** {{Downplayed|Trope}} with Asami. Both of them show their fighting skills before (Mako) and during (Asami) their romance, but rarely fought together. Which doesn't matter in the end, since they broke up by the Book 1 finale and ''again'' in Book 2 when an amnesiac Korra returns.
* BeCarefulWhatYouWishFor:
** In Book 2, he aspired to be a detective, but a combination of his selfishness/tactlessness and Varrick's trickery estranged him from his team and did a stint in jail to end up single and ''gradually'' making amends (after some embarrassed alone time) to [[TheAtoner atone]] and after that, such accomplishments caught the eye of Prince Wu, who was looking for a personal bodyguard.
** Dating Korra and to a lesser extent, Asami. He was inexplicably under the impression that dating [[TheMessiah The]] [[TheChosenOne Avatar]], the occupation responsible for protecting ''the entire world and Spirit World,'' would be a cakewalk while said girlfriend supported ''him'' instead of such a relationship requiring him to be an advisor and sounding board, which involves traits he lacks. Instead, his tactlessness, impatience and lack of understanding leads to jokes about [[ItsAllAboutMe "it's harder being The Avatar's boyfriend"]] and more frequent arguing until breaking up twice with Korra. While dating Asami had relatively less on the line and could be doted on again, the fact that he still couldn't commit to her, ''either'' meant that such relationships were easier in theory than the responsibilities in actually dating such high-profile women.
* BelatedLoveEpiphany: In "Out Of The Past", when searching for the missing Korra, Mako realizes he's in love with her. Stated in "Endgame", several episodes later.
* BeleagueredAssistant: To Prince Wu of the Earth Kingdom in Book 4, as his personal bodyguard. He even has to follow him on most bathroom breaks.
* BelligerentSexualTension: {{Deconstructed|Trope}} with Korra. She and Mako have a bit of this going on in the first half of Book 1 as they constantly butt heads but admit to being attracted to each other and become an OfficialCouple by the Book One finale. However, by Book 2, the real-life consequences to having this kind of relationship is in full play -- They have contrasting personalities but a similar stubborn and short-temperedness, differing opinions on how to handle the Water Tribe civil war, which only gets more complicated due to the different but equally important responsibilities their jobs have ultimately leads to an official break-up by the Book Two season finale and both agreeing that while they make great friends [[BetterAsFriends they don't really work as a couple]].
-->'''Mike:''' The earlier episodes had set up that Korra and Mako were kinda at each other's throats but they also kinda have a little attraction to each other.
* BetterAsFriends: After ending his relationships with Asami and Korra he has assured both that he still cares for them and will always be there to help. Making him essentially the Big Brother to the whole team.
* BettyAndVeronica:
** The "Archie" for Asami's "Betty" (SpoiledSweet nonbender) and Korra's "Veronica" (HotBlooded Avatar). The LoveTriangle is a...complicated one. Initially, Mako and Asami are a couple, but the former has a small GreenEyedEpiphany moment when Bolin wants to seriously date Korra, leading to a confrontation between her and Mako resulting in a ShutUpKiss...while he's still in a relationship with Asami. Over time, his feelings for Korra become more obvious, and that plus Asami learning of their kiss from Bolin, results in her and Mako ending their relationship. Come Book 2, Korra and Mako are dating, but are having disagreements with one another due to conflicting loyalties and temperament, leading to their break-up; and later on, he gets back together with Asami...only to tell an amnesiac Korra that she and him are still dating. At the end of Book 2, all three of them decide they are BetterAsFriends.
** The "Veronica" (the aloof, GrumpyBear) to Bolin's "Betty" (the sweet-hearted, BigFun) with Korra as "Archie". [[LoveDodecahedron Yes, two connected love triangles.]] In the Book 1 finale, she is with Mako...only to break up with him by the Book 2 finale.
* BigBrotherInstinct: Regardless of his rough edges, Mako loves Bolin, and he's [[UndyingLoyalty fiercely loyal]] and ''very'' protective of him. He willingly took (and presently still does take) most burdens and responsibilities of their living conditions.
** There is a shade of {{deconstruction}} to this trope as it applies to Mako. He sheltered his brother from the harsh realities and darker nature of their environment, which led to Bolin's current naiveté and dependency.
** Even after breaking up with them Mako is still incredibly protective of both Asami and Korra. This also extends to Wu who he treats with much the same exasperation and protective nature as he did Bolin.
* BondingOverMissingParents: During his romance with Asami, they bond over both of them losing a parent (or, in Mako's case, ''parents'').
* BondOneLiner: In Book 2, he keeps an entire list on hand to use when he captures criminals.
* TheBore: Something that becomes more apparent in the last two seasons. Mako is not very good at communicating with people in a lively manner, or keeping people's attention when he's asked to write a letter, act in a play or make a public announcement, often defaulting to emotionless, official expo-babble.
* BothSidesHaveAPoint: Mako and Korra during the Water Tribe Civil War. Korra, a member of the Tribe, is trying to get the Republic involved in the said war on the side she supports, and engages in what ''actually'' amounts to sedition (conspiring with senior officers to flout the civilian government's policy of neutrality) to do so once her legal options are exhausted. Whereas Mako, a Republic citizen and officer in the police, cannot condone this and reveals the plot to the President, who then proceeds to decisively clip the wings of the conspiracy (though Korra herself gets off with a stern warning). The results: Korra is mad at Mako and feels he has betrayed her and her people, who are struggling for their lives against oppression, while Mako is mad at Korra for putting him in an impossible situation and essentially ''expecting'' him to betray ''his own'' country for her. While Korra comes off worse as far as their personal relationship goes, both still have good reasons to act as they do, as each of them is only being loyal to his or her own people.
* BoxingBattler: His style of firebending that he developed in his pro-bending days. Critics of the sport note his use of a distinct "cool under fire" technique, which primarily involves a series of defensive weaving and dodging patterns quickly followed by successive spurts of offense. Mako once won a pro-bending match by himself using this style.
* BrokenAce: While not as bad as Korra, Mako does have shades of this trope (mostly seen in the first book). His parents were murdered right in front of him as a boy which gave Mako a very [[TheCynic cynical]] outlook on life, he spend the better part of his early life pickpocketing and stealing to keep Bolin and himself alive, has difficulty interacting with other people and admits that before meeting Korra he cared more about making money then helping other people. He eventually grows out of this though, becoming more self-sacrificing and selfless to other people besides his brother, thanks to Korra's example ([[SociallyAwkwardHero although he's still pretty awkward around people]]).
* BrokeYourArmPunchingOutCthulhu: [[spoiler: In the SeriesFinale Mako shoots a continuous beam of lightning into the spirit vine core of Kuvira's Colossus in order to make it unstable and cause it to explode. While this does work the resulting feedback from the core burns Mako's arm up to his elbow and a bolt of energy knocks him unconscious (which would have killed him if Bolin hadn't returned in time to save him from the explosion). When we see him again at Varrick's party his arm is in a sling so it's unknown exactly how much damage the attack did]].
** In [[ComicBook/TheLegendOfKorraTurfWars Turf Wars]], he's been seeing Kya regularly for healing, but isn't sure if he'll be able to firebend with that arm again. At the end of the main fight, they're in the Spirit World and Korra offers to heal him herself as soon as they find some spirit water. By [[ComicBook/TheLegendOfKorraRuinsOfTheEmpire Ruins of the Empire]], the bandages are off and it's heavily scarred, but he can firebend again.
* BrutalHonesty: Mako will tell his opinion regardless of what others might be feeling. This trait comes in handy in Book 4 when he's bodyguarding [[RoyalBrat Wu]]; his harsh, but truthful honesty over the young prince's ineptitude and him not being ready to be King, actually allowed Wu to admit those flaws and work his way to being a good king.
* ButtMonkey: At the start of Book 3, he's noticeably been on the receiving end of several pranks and misfortunes including but not limited to: Having a door airbended into his face, being made to act "evil" for a show and getting tossed around by Korra mid-performance, having to sleep in a trash pile (along with Bolin) and being the subject of a lot of teasing by Korra and Asami. Apart from that, he ends up getting into all sorts of trouble ever since Kai came along. Overcomes it by the end of Book 3, gaining mutual respect/understanding with Kai and demonstrating again that he is a quick-thinking force to be reckoned with in a life or death fight.
** "Remembrances" not only takes the piss out of him over his past foibles (and as a TakeThatUs on a meta-level,) but also on him in the present for still trying to lie and/or deny his wrongdoing such as pretending he never dated Asami. By the end of the segment, he's smacked upside the head and left to groan in exasperation.
** ''Turf Wars'' also has some fun at his expense over [[spoiler: both his ex-girlfriends now dating each other.]]
* BystanderSyndrome: In Book 2. Too focused on his job that he doesn't help Bolin or Korra with their problems and only helps Asami with hers because it aligns with said job.
* ByTheBookCop: When he joins the police force, he does his best to be this. He often finds himself in situations that the Book wasn't meant to cover, though, and he's not completely inflexible when that happens. However, his attitude to play by the book is what gets him in conflict with Korra's recklessness and risk-taking, which leads to their breakup.
** ''Turf Wars'' has him go off-book shy of going full CowboyCop when Keum puts up too much red tape to be formally investigated, which actually does pay off.
* CannotSpitItOut: Mako is unable to be honest about his feelings (i.e. The LoveTriangle mess), [[FatalFlaw causing strain in his relationships.]]
* TheCaptain: Of the pro-bending team, the Fire Ferrets. However, after Book 1, he quits when he becomes an off-duty cop.
* CassandraTruth: The police refuse to listen to his suspicions about the Southern Water Tribe Cultural Center bombing because he's a rookie and once was a Triad.
* CelibateHero: After all that's happened, he gives up on relationships altogether and decides it's for the best. However, WordOfGod states that his experiences with Asami and Korra will help him become a better partner in any future relationships.
* CharacterDevelopment:
** In "Remembrances", Mako's gets outlined, which is important given how seldom he talks about himself or his feelings. It basically shows how he has gone from a guy who cared mostly about making enough money to make his and his brother's lives better, to someone who wants to live for the sake of others, including strangers. All thanks to Korra's example, who continues to inspire him despite all the negative things that have passed between them.
** [[spoiler: His development also applies to his future romantic relationships post series. Word of God has [[http://bryankonietzko.tumblr.com/post/105916338157/korrasami-is-canon-you-can-celebrate-it-embrace confirmed]] that even though Mako didn't get back together with either Korra or Asami his experiences with both will make him a better partner in any new relationships he has in the future.]]
** By Book 4, while Mako does keep his [[TheStoic stoic demeanor]], he's a lot less brooding and angsty than in Book 1.
* CharlesAtlasSuperpower: Not as big an example as Korra, but Mako has shown considerably more upper-body strength than his body type would normally allow. He [[PapaWolf grabbed an Equalist that held his brother from behind]], and ''launched'' him over his head somewhere yonder and far off-screen. Then in episode five, he effortlessly carried muscled, stocky Bolin (who ''just'' ate and was flailing around) on his shoulder like a rag doll without an inkling of weight strain. And possibly took him home the distance from the noodle shop to the pro-bending arena that way.
* ChickMagnet:
** Has obtained the affections of both Korra and Asami and more. It's also lampshaded.
--->'''Bolin''': Leave some ladies for the rest of us!
** However, this ends up being [[DeconstructedTrope deconstructed]] as he can certainly ''attract'' the ladies, but he can never ''maintain'' relationships with said ladies due to his flaws, thus the relationships are just as shallow as their interest in him.
* ChromaticArrangement: Red, but his personality fits the typical blue more.
* CloudcuckooLandersMinder: In Book 4, is Prince Wu's bodyguard, and has to put up with his absolutely insane antics.
* CombatPragmatism: If he has to win a fight Mako's not afraid to fight dirty. This is best shown in his final fight with Ming-Hua [[spoiler: where instead of fighting the MultiArmedAndDangerous waterbender face on he instead gets up to a vantage point above the pool of water their fighting in [[LogicalWeakness and immediately fires a bolt of lightning into it]]]]. Suffice it to say that [[spoiler: [[HighVoltageDeath things don't end well for Ming-Hua]]]].
* CommitmentIssues: Part of the whole LoveTriangle debacle between him, Korra, and Asami had to deal with Mako's inability to properly decide who he wanted to be with.
* ConflictBall: If the other tropes haven't spelled this out enough, his love life would've gone a ''lot'' smoother had he ''not'' consistently and reflexively lied and/or dithered. Whether it's Korra in "The Spirit of Competition", Asami during the latter half of Book 1 (after she even ''gave'' him an easy out!) [[RuleOfThree or]] Korra ''and'' Asami by the end of Book 2, the LoveTriangle wouldn't have been the convoluted mess it was and he might've even remained with either one had he been honest and decisive ASAP.
* ConflictingLoyalty: Mako has to choose between helping Korra or his duty as a cop. Mako ultimately chooses his job, leading to their breakup. This, decision however was motivated by the fact that Korra was acting out of line.
* CrashIntoHello: How he meets Asami -- she accidentally hits him with her moped due to his jaywalking.
* CrazyPrepared: Book 2 reveals that he's started to write and memorize lists of [[BondOneLiner one-liners]] that he can use after winning a fight. Some of these are context-sensitive.
* TheCynic: He tends to look at the negative side of things.
* DarkAndTroubledPast: Seeing his parents killed in a mugging when he was eight, then growing up on the street and later working for the Triple Threat Triads qualifies.
* DeadpanSnarker: Can throw a few out here and there.
* DeclarationOfProtection: He says he's always trying to look after Bolin.
* DeconstructedCharacterArchetype: Of the usual PrettyBoy lead especially in a WishFulfillment-loaded BettyAndVeronica LoveTriangle. In Book 1, he's introduced as both handsome and competent in [[TheAce deftly]] taking down an entire team by himself and spends most of the season being fawned over by two attractive yet contrasting women and ultimately ends up with the heroine with whom he's had a purely BelligerentSexualTension-type dynamic. It's not until Book 2 when the deconstruction hits that he and Korra don't really work well together, and that same dynamic leads to him breaking up with Korra, [[OnTheRebound rebounding]] to Asami [[TriangRelations then back with Korra]] under confused circumstances, ultimately ending with him single, embarrassed and looking like a jerk to most of the cast.
* DefrostingIceKing: At the beginning of season 4, Mako is annoyed and irritated with Prince Wu and can not wait until the Prince would returns to Ba Sing Se. However, throughout the season he grows closer and more sympathetic to Prince Wu when he sees his positive traits, like how he can freely accept criticism, is genuinely grateful to Mako for his help, and sees him become a more thoughtful and mature person. The ending of the last episode shows that Mako is proud of Prince Wu and it is implied that Mako and Korra are warming up to him and becoming friends with him.
* {{Determinator}}:
** Redirecting lightning while being electrocuted and frying one of the platinum {{Mini Mecha}}s by it in episode ten also counts.
** He's also the first person to ever get the better of Amon, which Amon himself compliments. He did this by firing lightning while being bloodbended.
** He's able to fire off a sustained blast of lightning [[spoiler: to overload The Colossus' energy reactor]], when most firebenders would be able to fire very short bursts of lightning at best.
** ''Turf Wars'' showed that he'll still use his broken arm to [[spoiler: tank an explosion big enough to otherwise kill the entire squad.]] Bear in mind this is just ''days'' since the above example and put said arm back into the sling immediately afterwards so it was a purely emergency situation.
* TheDitherer: As Korra's {{Foil}}, he does his best to avoid conflict and will ignore problems, suppress his own feelings, or follow a YouDidntAsk policy if it means avoiding awkward conversations. His cousin Tu finally calls this out: "You're so afraid about disappointing anyone that you end up disappointing ''everyone''."
* TheDragAlong: By Book 3, he's more reluctant to go on adventures after everything that's happened to him, and is less willing to get in any sort of trouble. All it took to convince him was for Bolin to guilt-trip him.
* ElementalEyeColors: A Firebender with amber eyes.
* EmotionsVsStoicism: We have headstrong, brash Korra and cheerful, earnest Bolin vs. serious, "cool under fire" Mako.
* ExpositoryHairstyleChange:
** Like Bolin, in Book 4 he now has a hairstyle that is more restrained and kempt than what he wore previously, as befits his role as a bodyguard to royalty.
** In ''Turf Wars'', he switches back to his old look after resuming his duties as a cop.
* FairCop: As of Book 2, the resident ChickMagnet became a cop.
* FamilyEyeResemblance: As his grandmother states, Mako has his mother's eyes.
* FatalFlaw:
** {{Downplayed|Trope}}. While it hasn't led to serious injury or the ultimate destruction of his relationships, Mako has often put a strain on them with his inability to properly express his feelings.
** Additionally, while he'll immediately own up to it if pressed, but he'll immediately [[BadLiar lie]] and/or [[NeverMyFault blame-shift,]] ([[WhatTheHellHero usually to Bolin or Korra,]]) before accepting responsibility.
* FingerlessGloves: Part of the pro-bending uniform quota, but he also has his own personal pair.
* FireIsRed: {{Downplayed|Trope}}. Most of his outfit is in neutral colors except for red trim, and his [[IconicItem red scarf]].
* FirstLove: For Asami and Korra, who, after the romantic fiasco that was Book 2, have lost all romantic interest in him. [[spoiler:For added irony, the SecondLove for both end up being each other.]]
* {{Foil}}: To Korra -- Mako is a light-skinned native from Republic City. His and Bolin's parents were killed when they were quite young, and since then, they had to always try to make ends meet. Mako is the "cool-under-fire" guy, meaning he doesn't let his emotions cloud his judgement, making it hard to express his real feelings; Korra is the dark-skinned native from the Southern Water Tribe, and is of Mixed Ancestry because her parents were born into different Water Tribes (Mother-Southern, Father-Northern). Her parents were with her entire life, and admitted that other people (her parents and the White Lotus) were always taking care of her. Before a huge amount of Character Development, she was prone to emotional outbursts and never was afraid to let people know what she thought. In addition, Mako believes in structure and plays by the book, while Korra does things her way and leads Team Avatar as a free-for-all.
* FoolishSiblingResponsibleSibling: The responsible to Bolin's foolish. Even more so in Book 3, where he's trying to stay out of trouble that Bolin or Kai get into.
* FourTemperamentEnsemble: Melancholic- Analytical ([[HiddenDepths his detective skills]]), [[TheCynic can be quite cynical]], practical (verging on OnlySaneMan), and yet impractical (the whole LoveTriangle dilemma was largely due to his inability to express his feelings).
* FriendlessBackground: Mako’s an aloof guy and has trouble forming relationships with others let alone maintaining healthy ones. Before he met Korra the only person he was close to was his only brother Bolin. From his childhood to the present time he is shown to live a very solitary life and is close to very few people. Contrasted with Bolin who is very sociable and eager to make friends with everyone.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:G-L]]
* TheGenericGuy: Evolves into this over the course of the series. His major character arcs revolved around him supporting Bolin (who became self sufficient by Season 2, first as a movie star and later military officer) and his relationships with Korra and Asami (he breaks up with both by Season 3). By Season 4 he's just a disgruntled security guard towards Prince Wu, and good to his friends whenever they need his help. This is highlighted in the clip show episode where he was shown to be the only member of the core team without anything on the line going into the finale or any real motivation beyond loyalty to the others and goodwill towards people in general. His clips were just him casually talking about events to the people in his house in contrast to Korra in a mentoring session with Tenzin or Bolin in an exaggerated movie plot at sea with Varrick. He's easily the most regular guy of the main cast, somewhat of an aversion of the tropes usually associated with the [[PlayingWithFire Fire]] [[HotBlooded elemental]] [[RedOni of a team roster.]]
* GreatDetective: He has amazing perception and has been able to lead Team Avatar to look beneath the surface when things seem fishy. After finding a steady job as a policeman, he very quickly rises to detective rank after Chief Beifong becomes impressed with his abilities.
* GreenEyedMonster:
** To his chagrin in "The Spirit of Competition", when Bolin and Korra head out on their date. Korra [[YoureJustJealous calls him out on it]] after he wrongly accuses her of using his brother for an OperationJealousy ploy.
** It also serves as a small GreenEyedEpiphany. It's implied that whatever he's feeling for Korra has been suppressed, and for good reason (his brother and Asami are core causes). It isn't until Bolin takes his interest for her ''seriously'' that Mako begins to confront what he's been denying. The ensuing mess that occurred there (which led to Bolin's heart being broken), had Mako and Korra decide to be JustFriends, at least until Book 1's end.
* GrumpyBear: Has been described as a "grouch".
* HanlonsRazor: He's the root of all the romantic problems between he, Korra and Asami though it's clearly not out of deliberate maliciousness, but of [[InnocentlyInsensitive well-intentioned tactlessness.]]
* HarmfulToMinors: He witnessed both his parents get burned to death when he was eight. He and his brother then had to fend for themselves on the streets, getting into more than their share of scuffles and gang violence.
* HeroicWillpower: In some form. Mako resists Amon's bloodbending enough to shoot an unpredictable lightning attack at him.
* HeterosexualLifePartners: A sibling example, with Bolin. They've always had each other backs and often give each other advice, be it with their bending or with the ladies. He also, eventually, develops one with Wu in Book 4.
* HiddenDepths: Book 2 shows Mako with great detective skills. Mako is also good at reading maps, as he figured out where the Equalist rally was located by looking at the maps he and Korra obtained from the Equalist protester.
* HonestAdvisor:
** To Korra, though it causes them to break up in Book 2.
** To Prince Wu after being assigned as his bodyguard in Book 4. When Mako gets fed up with Wu's immature behavior, he tells Wu that he's just not ready to be a King. And Wu agrees.
* {{Hypocrite}}: Mako more or less admits this to Bolin in the Book 2 episode "Harmonic Convergence", when he is unable to follow his own advice he had previously given to Bolin.
** Also in Book 2, he didn't want to risk his career/break the law to help Korra yet wasted little time to assist Asami with her problem despite the same risk.
** In "Remembrances," he admits Asami was right that it was time to man up... only for him to ''presently'' still continue to vainly lie and gets called out on it again by Wu, Tu and Yin.
** Generally speaking, he's the first to [[WhatTheHellHero wag the finger]] (usually to Korra) yet the last to admit his own guilt unless pressed.
* IconicItem: [[ScarfOfAsskicking His red scarf.]] He gives it to his grandmother in Book 3, believing she needed it more.
* IDidWhatIHadToDo: His justification for his past dealings with the Triple Threat Triad. He needed to provide for himself and Bolin somehow, and didn't have many options.
* InnocentlyInsensitive: He isn't purposefully insensitive all the time, but has had to apologize for his mistakes/behavior more than twice. Especially evident when he doesn't realize that his excessive attention on Korra when she gets kidnapped upsets Asami.
* IronicName: Mako's name is Japanese for "child of truth", but given his lack of truth during the LoveTriangle fiasco... Yeah, Mako needs definite work with being honest about his feelings.
* ItRunsInTheFamily: According to Mako's grandmother, his commitment issues are something he inherited from his grandfather.
* ItsAllAboutMe: Admits in "Remembrances" that he used to have this mindset, (especially in Book 2,) seeking only the cash to get he and Bolin out of the gutter before Korra inspired him to be altruistic.
* JerkassHasAPoint: Mako may [[GoodIsNotNice not be the nicest]], but he's not wrong about certain things.
** His initial brushing off of Bolin at the start of Book 2 is cold, but since a war between the Water Tribes were going on and Mako had a busy job, it's not unusual for him to not have time to help his brother. Plus, Mako also correctly stated that Bolin had to figure out what he wanted to do on his own.
** Mako gives a major WhatTheHellHero moment to Korra for how her rash behavior and need for everyone to be on her side is immature and ridiculous on her part.
** His suspicions of Kai being a trouble making thief turns out to be true, thankfully the young airbender turns over a new leaf.
** After putting up with Wu's immature behavior, Mako rightfully tells Wu that he's not ready to be king and that while Kuvira may be an extremist, she at least has the maturity and focus to complete tasks.
* JerkWithAHeartOfGold: In contrast to his brother, Mako can come off rather grouchy and irritable. While Bolin is initially very friendly with Korra, Mako clashes with her. But he's capable of kindness, rather warm-hearted to those he knows well, and acknowledges when he's in the wrong as well as gives credit where credit is due.
* JustifiedCriminal: He once worked for the Triple Threat Triad for money. While he only ran numbers and "stuff", he's not proud of what he did and forbids Bolin from doing the same once they cut ties with them.
* TheLancer: To Korra, as both a personality foil, and as the most stalwart ally and deputy. In the finale he pledges undying loyalty to her for any future adventures.
* TheLastDJ: In a sense, he's this to New Team Avatar, as he's the only person who hasn't been won over by Varrick in some way.
* TheLeader: Of the Level-headed variety as [[TheCaptain Captain]] of the Fire Ferrets, being easily the most mature, practical and experienced member of the group.
* LightningBruiser: When it comes to pro-bending, as the sport calls for it. In his introduction in "A Leaf in the Wind" he defeats a pro-bending team single-handedly while demonstrating power, speed, and endurance. He was considered one of the top players in the pro-bending arena with reason.
* LongRangeFighter: Type II. While Mako somewhat held his own when fighting the Lieutenant at close-quarters, he still got quickly overwhelmed (more so when compared to Korra and Asami). He's much more formidable when he keeps his distance and uses ranged attacks.
* LovableJock: {{Downplayed}}. Mako is more gruff than his brother, but will give credit to his teammates when they do a good job.
* LoveAtFirstSight: Blushed the second he laid eyes on Asami, and then later had floating hearts surrounding his head. They dated pretty quickly after. Unfortunately, it fell into the disillusionment category.
* LoveHurts: Mako's love life is one big convoluted mess.
* LoveMartyr: There isn't much he won't do for someone he loves. Unfortunately, one of those things is ''asking them for help or comfort''. The only way he knows ''how'' to express his love is by waiting on them hand-and-foot or [[MartyrWithoutACause getting the crap kicked out of him on their behalf]]. Being unable to actually ''participate'' in a relationship results in breakdowns in communication, and [[spoiler:ultimately repeated break-''ups''. He ends the series single]].
[[/folder]]
[[folder:M-R]]
* MasterOfTheMixedMessage: In episodes 9-11, he keeps showing excessive concern and attention to Korra, ignoring his girlfriend Asami while still denying having feelings for Korra. Asami is not happy about it and [[WhatTheHellHero calls him out of it]].
* MeaningfulName: His name means "child of truth" and [[IronicName despite the occasional irony with his name]], Mako isn't one to hide the hard truths (''after'' learning what lying to his girlfriends got him) to someone (see his BrutalHonesty section).
* MixedAncestry: Half-Fire Nation, half-Earth Kingdom.
* MoralityPet: {{Deconstructed|Trope}}. Whenever Korra tackles a situation emotionally, he often tries to remind her that her not getting her way happens for a good reason. Korra, however, just dismisses it as him taking another person's side, which upsets Mako greatly. Finally, just when Korra didn't take well the president's (well-meaning) refusal to help her, he was tired of having to worry about Korra messing up, so he decided to tell the president about what she was planning.
* MundaneUtility: He uses his lightning skill to earn money by working at a power plant.
* NamedAfterSomebodyFamous: He's named after Creator/{{Mako}}, prominent Japanese-American actor who performed the original series' role of Iroh until his death.
* NeverMyFault: Another main recurring flaw with Mako. Whenever he makes a mistake in something, he downplays his wrong actions, shifting the blame to someone else. He's usually [[CantGetAwayWithNothing called out on it immediately.]]
** When he and Korra shared their first kiss and Bolin catches them and runs away heartbroken, Mako puts all the blame on Korra. Yes, she did initiate it through a ShutUpKiss, but Mako reciprocated it, making them both equally at fault.
** And when Asami finds about their kiss, Mako's first reaction is to get angry at Bolin for telling the truth, but Asami immediately tells hims off -- saying he shouldn't blame Bolin for ''his'' mistake and that Mako, himself, should've told her about the kiss.
** This is brought up in "Remembrances" by his cousin Tu and Prince Wu, as when Mako attempts to divert responsibility for his bad actions toward both Korra and Asami, the two rightfully call him out on it.
* NoSocialSkills: In terms of relationship conventions. It's pretty clear that he doesn't know how to deal with people and personal feelings very well.
* NotHelpingYourCase: Despite ostensibly being the [[PromotedToParent de facto parent,]] he's [[IncrediblyLamePun burned]] all three of his teammates at least once:
** His leaving [[SuperGullible Bolin]] to do whatever came back to bite Mako in both needing Bolin's help and [[CassandraTruth proving]] [[EvilGenius Varrick]] wasn't on the level.
** In Book 2, while he can accurately point out Korra's going off the rails, he can't be bothered to actually ''help'' her situation beyond [[CaptainObvious "that's a bad idea."]]
** Him guilt-tripping Korra over not writing him during the three-year TimeSkip is not only unjustified because trust was a ''big'' factor in their previous relationship, but during the rescue mission, [[HereWeGoAgain repeats]] all the same problems of said relationship as a reminder why not to.
** His segment in "Remembrances" in talking about his CharacterDevelopment is muddied by him ''still'' lying until pressed such as dating Asami, which the others call out on.
* NotSoAboveItAll: Surprisingly, despite his normal stoic demeanor he has his goofy moments, such as making a list of BondOneLiners for when he catches criminals. His first encounter with Asami leaves him a slack-jawed, love-drunk idiot emitting [[CardiovascularLove pink hearts]]. There's also when he and Bolin were shoving each other underwater in Asami's pool, the way two brothers would mess around with each other.
* NotSoStoic: The mask does slip from time to time, though, such as in his [[DistractedByTheSexy reaction to Asami]] and behavior when [[spoiler:Korra is kidnapped]]. It's also a pretty bad idea to threaten Bolin.
* NotWithThemForTheMoney: He isn't interested in Asami for her money. He does appreciate the luxury that comes from being her boyfriend, though. However, it [[NotHelpingYourCase didn't help his case]] that his interest in her started waning around the time she was cut off from said luxury.
* OfficialCouple: Seemingly with Asami through most of Book 1, but she turns out to be a RomanticFalseLead and the real OfficialCouple is him and Korra. However, they break up mid-Book 2 and he's been focused on work ever since.
* OldFlame: He and Asami went on a few dates in "The Guide", but events (namely Mako going to prison until he was proven innocent, and then Mako not immediately telling Korra they had broken up) spoil that. Bolin calls them out on it at the time mere ''days'' since Korra left and then in "Remembrances," Wu, Tu and Grandma Yin call him out on trying to act as if he'd ''never'' dated Asami at all.
* OneHeadTaller: Than Korra.
* OneHourWorkWeek: Mako may be a cop, but he's got plenty of time for adventures without it compromising his job. It's also justified due to the fact that not only is his boss Lin Beifong (usually) in on what the Avatar does, but she occasionally accompanies him on his adventures too.
* OneManArmy: Moments after we meet him, he finds himself alone against a full team in a pro-bending match, takes said [[RuleOfThree third]] round in an impressive show of skill, and wins it by himself when he knocks all [[RuleOfThree three]] of his opponents into the water. In about the span of about a minute or so. Simply by [[VictoryByEndurance tiring them out while he dodged everything they threw at him]]... in the [[RuleOfThree third zone]]. "This Mako's got moxie!" indeed.
* OnlyFriend: Mako is forced to work with and be around Prince Wu, and Team Avatar saves him. None of them bother hiding dislike at his antics and the friendliest behavior he gets from them is stone-faced tolerance. He still says they're the best friends a guy could have. Is this pure obliviousness, or has he never had friends? Despite some supporters early on he also suggests that he's never had a girlfriend. In the second half of the season however Mako start to warm up to Prince Wu when he see his positive traits when Prince Wu grow into a more mature and thoughtful person and at the end of the last episode both Mako and Korra are proud of Prince Wu and it implied they are warming up to him, and are becoming his friends.
* OnlyInItForTheMoney: Being a past StreetUrchin and understandably needing cash (he and Bolin are still poor) to keep them from having to return to that life, this is Mako's main goal for competing in the pro-bending tournaments -- to hit that jackpot. It's no surprise that he quits in the following season to join the police force, which doubtless pays a decent wage.
* OnlySaneMan: Shares the role with Asami, being one of the more level-headed members of the team. [[spoiler:Becomes the sole voice of reason after "The Sting", being the only one who knows Varrick is behind the sabotage of Future Industries, and now no one believes him, not even his own brother.]]
* OohMeAccentsSlipping: In-universe example. He has only a slight Brooklyn accent around people he doesn't know personally (Korra, Butakha), but it gets heavier when he talks to Bolin or other street kids.
* OppositesAttract: With Korra. Mako is serious and collected, Korra is hotheaded and headstrong. Ultimately subverted as their opposite natures (as well as tense situations) end up pushing them apart, but they remain good friends.
* OutOfFocus: In Seasons 3 and 4 he has noticeably less screentime than usual, being relegated to a comic relief subplot and disappearing for three episodes in a row in Season 4. He is also the only lead character not to have his own personal subplot in Season 4, whereas Korra, Asami and Bolin all are given their own personal obstacles to overcome as the season goes on. Mako, on the other hand, is used to further the character arc of a secondary character, Prince Wu. Of course, Administrivia/TropesAreNotBad considering the first half of the series had him rivaling Korra herself in screentime.
* PalsWithJesus: Invoked in "The Sting" where he offered to convince Korra to restore the bending of one of the Triple Threats members if they aided him.
* PlayingWithFire: Mako demonstrated great skill in firebending combat. He can maintain his fire streams for a period of time for feats such as propelling himself through the air. He can perform techniques such as the breath of fire and with precise control create fire daggers. The raw strength of his firebending is also considerable, able to offset a large and point-blank explosion unharmed.
* PoorCommunicationKills: He has a major problem with this, and it often causes him to look bad in front of everyone. When it came to Varrick trying to get the president to go to war, he was just too uncomfortable to let it pass, taking matters into his own hands without trying to fully explain to everyone the harsh implications of doing so.
* PowerStereotypeFlip: [[FieryStoic A melancholic Firebender]] (when most Firebenders would be choleric).
* PragmaticAntiHero: When push comes to shove, if his back is to the wall, Mako isn't afraid [[spoiler: to kill]] if it means defeating his enemies. [[spoiler: [[HighVoltageDeath Just ask Ming-Hua]]]].
* PrettyBoy: Visually, of course, as well as outright called a "beautiful man" by the creators.
* PromotionToParent: Mako took care of Bolin at a young age, while the two of them were living on the streets.
* RavenHairIvorySkin: He has black hair and pale skin like most people of Fire Nation descent. His voice actor describes him as "[[TallDarkAndHandsome tall and handsome]]" and the official bios consistently state that he's good-looking.
* RealMenCook: He's shown cooking for himself and Bolin in their apartment. Unsurprising when you take in PromotionToParent. Also, his firebending would help greatly.
* TheReasonYouSuckSpeech: Delivers a quick one to Korra during their argument in "Peacekeepers":
-->'''Mako:''' Enough! Look, I have a job to do! I can't constantly be worrying about keeping you from making another huge mistake!
* RedOniBlueOni: The blue to Korra's red. In addition to their different temperaments, he's powerful, but more focused and technical as opposed to Korra's [[{{Hotblooded}} usual method of dealing with opponents]].
* RelationshipSabotage: A minor case with trying to deflect Bolin's interest in Korra by claiming she is not girlfriend material after saying ''aloud to Bolin a sentence earlier that she was''. And emphasizing that dating a teammate is a bad idea. Of course, this doesn't deter Bolin at all, and it could be said that a part of Mako ''was'' looking out for him in some way. It's likely the reasons he gave Bolin were also reasons he'd given ''himself'' to not explore his own attraction to Korra (especially since not dating a teammate is valid advice). So he had probably already decided to sabotage his own relationship with Korra, too, resulting in choosing to date Asami.
* RelationshipUpgrade: At the end of Book 1, he becomes an OfficialCouple with Korra, but they eventually break up due to their conflicting personalities and priorities as well as the fact he took advantage of her memory loss when she forgot they broke up in the first place which resulted in their final break-up.
* TheReliableOne: One dominant aspect about Mako is that he's someone you can count on when things get tough. However, this trope is zigzagged from Book 2 onwards as he initially too focused on his work for the others to count on him for help then in Book 3 starts as TheDragAlong though starts to commit before immediately playing it straight in Book 4.
* RomanticFalseLead: [[spoiler: At the end of the series Mako is revealed to have been this for both Korra and Asami as the two of them become each other's true OfficialCouple. WordOfGod even [[http://bryankonietzko.tumblr.com/post/105916338157/korrasami-is-canon-you-can-celebrate-it-embrace confirmed]] that, even if Korrasami wasn't made canon at the end of the series, Mako was only intended to be Korra's love interest for the end of season 1.]]
* RomanticRunnerUp: [[spoiler: Based on the finale, Mako ultimately ended up being this for ''both'' Korra and Asami, who end up with ''each other''. It's actually one of the things the girls bonded over in Book 3.]]
[[/folder]]
[[folder:S-Y]]
* SavvyGuyEnergeticGirl: The cool-under-fire Savvy Guy to Korra's loud, full-of-energy Energetic Girl.
* ScarfOfAsskicking: His TragicKeepsake he always wears and unlike most scarfs this one actually has been used to kick ass. Korra did it but it was still a wicked [[ImprovisedWeapon Jason Bourne-style]] ass-kicking.
* SensitiveGuyAndManlyMan: The stoic, blunt Manly Man to Bolin's comical, InLoveWithLove Sensitive Guy.
* SexualKarma: He has a problem with [[TheDitherer dithering]] behavior concerning his romances with Asami and Korra which ultimately ended up sinking both. He is also the only member of Team Avatar not paired up with a significant other by series end; even Bolin finds love in Opal's arms. [[spoiler:Ironically, the two women with whom he had messy relationships ended up together in the end.]]
* ShipperOnDeck:
** Gives Bolin advice on how to spend time with Opal. Even before that, he initially supported Bolin with Korra... before Mako got interested in her, too.
** Downplayed in regards to [[spoiler:Korra and Asami]]. Unlike how the other [[ShipperOnDeck shippers]] who were ''immediately'' excited, Mako was taken aback because his [[spoiler:exes were now dating each other]]. However, he later told [[spoiler:Korra]] that she and [[spoiler:Asami]] were perfect for each other.
* ShockAndAwe: He can both generate and redirect lightning, as well as being able to shoot long, sustained blasts as well as short bursts of lightning.
* SiblingRivalry: Bolin and Mako fell out with each other Book 2, that Bolin decided to move out on his own. They eventually patch things up.
* SiblingTeam: With Bolin, either with pro-bending or intense battles.
* SiblingTriangle: Both he and Bolin liked Korra at the beginning of season one. It came to its peek in "The Spirit of Competition" and to an end when Bolin realized that his romantic interest in Korra wasn't reciprocated.
* SiblingYinYang: Mako's serious, though not quite as downcast as his clone. Life in the streets toughened him up, and he feels responsible for both himself and his younger brother, being he's the only family he has left. Bolin is the easygoing, naive one of the two. They are a bit opposite in body builds as well: Mako is more wiry while Bolin is stocky.
* SickeninglySweethearts: With Asami, much to Korra's dismay.
* SleepCute: Shared one with Korra in "The Revelation". Upon waking, he freaks out a little.
* SoProudOfYou:
** Wu's suggestion that they evacuate the civilians of Republic City in advance of Kuvira's assault makes Mako feel this way about him. Subverted when we find out it was just a ploy to impress Korra.
** Played straight in "Kuvira's Gambit" after he gives a good RousingSpeech that convinces the citizens of Republic City to calmly evacuate, both Lin and Mako give him props (especially after the latter completely botched his attempt to do the same). Mako was speechless afterwards.
** And in the series finale, Mako again expresses praise when he hears about how level-headed Prince Wu was during the evacuation. And Korra herself expresses praise when [[spoiler: he reveals his intent to dissolve the monarchy and let the states govern themselves. She even promises to help him make the transition as smooth as possible.]]
* TheSpock: To Korra's [[TheMcCoy McCoy]] and Bolin's and Asami's [[TheKirk Kirk]]. He always thinks with his head and often is the voice of reason. However, this is deconstructed in Book 2, Korra needs ''emotional'' support in addition to practical solutions, but he can only point out the perspective of others and/or her own flaws.
* TheStoic: He's controlled, keeps a cool head under pressure, and masks his expression with indifference.
* TheStoolPigeon: Of the Whistleblower Wilson variety. He sold Korra (along with Varrick, Asami, and Bolin) out to the President, but he truly believed the whole plan was a terrible, amoral idea.
* StraightManAndWiseGuy: The [[TheStoic stoic]], aloof Straight Man to Bolin's silly, goofy Wise Guy. Later, after Bolin signs up with Kuvira, Prince Wu takes the place as the Wise Guy.
* TheStrategist: Came up with a plan to get Bolin and escape the rally. In fact, his rationality and analytical mind are often highlighted.
* StreetUrchin: Before the events of the show. Mako is still well-versed in street info and connections, knowing the location of the Triple Threat Triad headquarters after working for them, and about chi-blocking and the Equalists. He also uses this knowledge to know Kai's StreetUrchin status shouldn't be overlooked.
* StrongFamilyResemblance:
** To his late mother. His paternal grandmother mentions that they both have the same eyes.
** Although it's hard to see normally, since they use different hairstyles, color scheme and wear very different expressions, Mako and Bolin do look quite alike, as seen when Bolin does an impression of his brother and [[http://i.imgur.com/HXDkoLT.png becomes nearly identical.]]
* StrongGirlSmartGuy: Mako is a thoughtful and rational guy with an analytical mind that is often highlighted when he comes up with smart plans, while Korra is a tough-as-nails master of the four elements who almost always tries to solve any problem with fighting.
* SugarAndIcePersonality: To those he doesn't know or doesn't care for, he is generally cold. To people he either knows or wants to know better, like Asami's father, he is much warmer.
* SuspiciouslySimilarSubstitute: To a small extent. The creators said he reminds them of Zuko "without the angst"; a bit of a brooder but he's "lighter". This is ironic, considering that much of the fandom compare his personality to that of Katara.
* TallDarkAndHandsome: A straight example. Even his voice actor described him as "tall and handsome", and his official bios are consistent in restating this fact. The show isn't shy about it either.
-->'''Jinora:''' Oooh, he's ''cute''. Korra, is that the handsome firebender boy that drives you ''crazy''?
* TallDarkAndSnarky: Occasionally, such as when NaiveNewcomer Korra makes a mistake he will snark about it. Having to ferry clueless Prince Wu about brings it out as well, along with some amazing long-suffering expressions.
* TeamDad: He's the level headed one who keeps Korra from going guns a' blazing to handle a dilemma, and is a stickler about rules. This isn't even adding his whole relationship [[PromotionToParent dynamic]] with his brother. "And The Winner Is..." had him step in defense of Korra during a round with the Wolfbats, attempting to block a three-on-one attack that almost knocked them both out the ring. He also shows concern about her going after Amon and the Equalists, telling her to be careful. Once she comes out of that fight unscathed, he runs up to her fretfully and gives her a hug, glad to see she's okay. He's certainly very protective about people he cares about.
* TechnicianVersusPerformer: The Technician to Korra's and Bolin's Performer.
* ThouShaltNotKill: Averted - [[spoiler: Mako is one of the only members of either Team Avatar to explicitly kill an opponent when he fries Ming-Hua with a blast of Lightning.]]
* ToBeLawfulOrGood: The President was increasingly suspicious of Korra's activity, and asked Mako if she was planning something. He had to remind Mako that he made an oath to his country. This is enough to tip the balance between Mako's love for Korra and his own morals and duties in favor of the later, and he tells Raiko about Korra and Varrick's plan to go directly to the military of Republic City. However, he explains he made this decision for Korra's own sake as well, because he can't constantly worry about her making a wrong decision. At the end, it all evens out because it led Korra to see what she was really up against, and he finds out Varrick isn't entirely their ally.
* TookALevelInBadass: Goes from an average probender who only cared about money and Bolin to an ace detective who has improved his bending drastically and has also become a full-on AllLovingHero.
* TookALevelInCheerfulness: Mako still keeps his stoic demeanor, but by Book 4 he is less sulky and angst-ridden than he was in Book 1.
* TookALevelInIdealism: In Book 1, Mako only cared about his and Bolin's well being. By Book 4, he is now putting the welfare of other people, (not just him, Bolin, or his friends) first.
* TookALevelInKindness: As of the second season, he's less jerk, more heart of gold. He's trying his best to be supportive and understanding of Korra, at least. Took on another level in Book 3, when he starts to be more supportive of Bolin. By the series finale, Mako has fully evolved into an AllLovingHero.
* TragicKeepsake: His red scarf is confirmed to have belonged to his father. He gives it to his grandmother when he and Bolin meet his father's family in Ba Sing Se.
* TroubledButCute: Tough past? Check. Stand-offish? Check. Good-looking? ''Check''.
* {{Tuckerization}}: Mako is named after [[Creator/{{Mako}} Mako Iwamatsu]], the original voice actor of Iroh in [[WesternAnimation/AvatarTheLastAirbender the original series]] who died near the end of production for Book 2.
* UnbrokenVigil: He stays by Korra's side as she lies resting after [[spoiler:her escape from Tarrlok]].
* UnderestimatingBadassery: [[BadCopIncompetentCop Detectives Lu and Gang]] look down on Mako in Book 2 though they should know what he did last season.
* UndyingLoyalty: To Bolin. The majority of Mako's life has been spent protecting and caring for the basic needs of his little brother, something that doesn't appear to be changing at all as they enter adulthood. In the end, he declares his loyalty to Korra, pledging to follow her anywhere.
* UnresolvedSexualTension: Has this mechanic with Korra. As of the Book 1 finale, it's been resolved.
* UnusualEyebrows: Of the "kinked" type. Inherited from his mother.
* UptightLovesWild: {{Deconstructed|Trope}}. When the reserved and stoic Mako was dating the HotBlooded and energetic Korra, their personalities didn’t work out. The problems that happen in Book 2 (Korra finding out her father and Tenzin lying to her about why she was kept at the compound, her uncle manipulating, the war between the Southern and Northern Water Tribes) has them both on opposing ways to deal with it – Mako remains objective and gives Korra the best answer he can think of, but Korra acts rash and impulsive, even willing to use a Republic City military vessel to carry out her plans. [[RealityEnsues Unsurprisingly,]] they get into a heated argument over how the other one is handling the situation, leading to their break-up.
* VitriolicBestBuds: This is pretty much his regular dynamic with Korra, and even lampshades it in "Reunions" stating that getting on each others nerves is like old times.
* WeakButSkilled: Compared to Korra and Bolin. Korra is [[PhysicalGod the Avatar]] with all the power that implies, while Bolin approaches being a PersonOfMassDestruction by the end of the series. Mako is ''exceptionally'' talented, but lacks the [[IncrediblyLamePun firepower]] his bending teammates possess.
* WhatTheHellHero: Gives this to Korra in "Peacekeepers", when she participates in insurrectionist bordering behavior in her attempts to solve the Water Tribes' civil war.
** However, as "Remembrances" cheerfully points out, he's often on the ''receiving'' end of this trope far more often than he'd like to admit.
* WishFulfillment: For the first couple seasons, specifically the first. He's a powerful PrettyBoy that has two [[BettyAndVeronica equally beautiful yet distinctly different]] high-status women throwing themselves at him to the extent of offering him (''and'' [[AndZoidberg his brother]]) free room and board so he gets to live the high life in a mansion then on a famous island with the only catches being to be honest and committed to either girlfriend. He cheats on one, but only gets a stern talking to from her before moving on to end up with the other and then gets a second chance with the former when the latter didn't work out and then a second chance with the latter due to amnesia. The trope eventually gets Deconstructed, with both his relationships ultimately falling apart, so that by Book 3, both girlfriends have had their fill with him on a romantic level due to such constant lying and cheating while he has to get over his shame of what he did wrong.
* WorkingWithTheEx:
** With Asami as of the Book 1 finale after he realizes his feelings for Korra. They briefly get back together during Book 2 after his break up with Korra, but after he refuses to tell an amnesiac Korra of their break up, his and Asami's romance ends for good. Come Book 3, they are now friends, but he is still awkward around her because of their past history. He gets over it.
** With Korra after their official break up in the Book 2 finale. Like Asami, Mako acts awkward around Korra for the same reasons but gets over it.
* WorthyOpponent: Gets this from Amon, after resisting his bloodbending and electrocuting him at point-blank range.
-->'''Amon''': I'm impressed. No one has ever gotten the better of me like that. It is almost a shame to purify someone so talented. ''Almost''.
* WouldHitAGirl: During Book 3, he fights Ming-Hua of the Red Lotus twice, [[spoiler: ultimately killing her with a blast of Lightning.]] In his defense, it was her or him.
* YesMan: The other failed way he tries to please Korra while they dated since BrutalHonesty wasn't working and this way didn't work either as he was ''still'' useless/unsupportive only now he was phony about it, too.
[[/folder]]
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