Characters / The Legend of Korra - Mako

The Legend of Korra Main Character Index
New Team Avatar (Avatar Korra, Asami Sato, Mako, Bolin) | Tenzin's Family | Beifong Family | Allies (Varrick and Zhu Li) | Seasons 1 & 2 Enemies (Amon) | Seasons 3 & 4 Enemies (Zaheer, Kuvira) | Past Characters | Other Characters | Comic Characters

This is a partial character sheet for The Legend of Korra. Subjective trope and audience reactions should go on the YMMV page.

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Mako

Voiced by: David Faustino, Richard Richter (German), Olivier Martret (French), Leszek Zduń (Polish)

"Don't worry about it, I'll figure something out. I always do."

^{Click here for his Book 4 appearance.}

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 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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A-E

• The Ace: He's handsome, a skilled probender, and someone you can depend on when things get tough.
• Aesop Amnesia: 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.
• All for Nothing: His intentions were good in not wanting to hurt Korra and Asami's feelings while dating them, but did exactly just that.
• All-Loving Hero: Mako 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.
• Alone Among the Couples: 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.
• Aloof Big Brother: 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.
• Always Someone Better: Bolin sees Mako as this, when it comes to bending or girls.
• Amateur Sleuth: Mako proved to be a skilled detective in Book 2, despite being a beat cop at the time.
• Amazon Chaser: 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.
• Amicable Exes: 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 than either are to him, but gets over it.
• Anti-Hero: 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.
• The Atoner: Book 3-onwards, he makes up for his previous bad behavior by being supportive to both the rest of the team and others in general as summed up in "Remembrances."
• Badass Biker: In Book 2, being a motorcycle cop.
• Badass Longcoat: Well, it's more of a tail coat, but creates the same effect.
• Bad Liar: Better than Korra and Bolin, has only fooled those two, has fibbed at least Once a Season whether about romantic issues or sitting with Aiwei, and is finally called out on in "Remembrances."
• Bash Brothers: With Bolin. It's more common in Book 3, since the two are usually split up in the previous seasons.
• Battle Couple:
  • 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 Just Friends in season 2.
  • Downplayed 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.
• Be Careful What You Wish For:
  • 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 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 The 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 "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.
• Belated Love Epiphany: 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.
• Beleaguered Assistant: To Prince Wu of the Earth Kingdom in Book 4, as his personal bodyguard. He even has to follow him on most bathroom breaks.
• Belligerent Sexual Tension: Deconstructed 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 Official Couple 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 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.
• Better as Friends: 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.
• Betty and Veronica:
  • The "Archie" for Asami's "Betty" (Spoiled Sweet nonbender) and Korra's "Veronica" (Hot-Blooded Avatar). The Love Triangle is a...complicated one. Initially, Mako and Asami are a couple, but the former has a small Green-Eyed Epiphany moment when Bolin wants to seriously date Korra, leading to a confrontation between her and Mako resulting in a "Shut Up" Kiss...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 Better as Friends.
  • The "Veronica" (aloof, The Cynic) to Bolin's "Betty" (the sweet-hearted Big Fun) with Korra as "Archie". 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.
• Big Brother Instinct: Regardless of his rough edges, Mako loves Bolin, and he's 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.
• Bonding over Missing Parents: During his romance with Asami, they bond over both of them losing a parent (or, in Mako's case, parents).
• Bond One-Liner: In Book 2, he keeps an entire list on hand to use when he captures criminals.
• The Bore: 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.
• Both Sides Have a Point: 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.
• Boxing Battler: 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.
• Broken Ace: 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 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 (although he's still pretty awkward around people).
• Broke Your Arm Punching Out Cthulhu: In the Series Finale 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 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 Ruins of the Empire, the bandages are off and it's heavily scarred, but he can firebend again.
• Brutal Honesty: Mako will tell his opinion regardless of what others might be feeling. This trait comes in handy in Book 4 when he's bodyguarding 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.
• Butt-Monkey: 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 Take That Us 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 both his ex-girlfriends now dating each other.
• Bystander Syndrome: 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.
• By-the-Book Cop: 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 Cowboy Cop when Keum puts up too much red tape to be formally investigated, which actually does pay off.
• Cannot Spit It Out: Mako is unable to be honest about his feelings (i.e. The Love Triangle mess), causing strain in his relationships.
• The Captain: Of the pro-bending team, the Fire Ferrets. However, after Book 1, he quits when he becomes an off-duty cop.
• Cassandra Truth: 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.
• Celibate Hero: After all that's happened, he gives up on relationships altogether and decides it's for the best. However, Word of God states that his experiences with Asami and Korra will help him become a better partner in any future relationships.
• Character Development:
  • 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.
  • His development also applies to his future romantic relationships post series. Word of God has 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 stoic demeanor, he's a lot less brooding and angsty than in Book 1.
• Charles Atlas Superpower: Not as big an example as Korra, but Mako has shown considerably more upper-body strength than his body type would normally allow. He 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.
• Chick Magnet:
  • 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 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.
• Chromatic Arrangement: Red, but his personality fits the typical blue more.
• Cloudcuckoo Landers Minder: In Book 4, is Prince Wu's bodyguard, and has to put up with his absolutely insane antics.
• Combat Pragmatism: 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 where instead of fighting the Multi-Armed and Dangerous waterbender face on he instead gets up to a vantage point above the pool of water their fighting in and immediately fires a bolt of lightning into it. Suffice it to say that things don't end well for Ming-Hua.
• Commitment Issues: Part of the whole Love Triangle debacle between him, Korra, and Asami had to deal with Mako's inability to properly decide who he wanted to be with.
• Conflict Ball: 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!) or Korra and Asami by the end of Book 2, the Love Triangle 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.
• Conflicting Loyalty: 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.
• Crash-Into Hello: How he meets Asami — she accidentally hits him with her moped due to his jaywalking.
• Crazy-Prepared: Book 2 reveals that he's started to write and memorize lists of one-liners that he can use after winning a fight. Some of these are context-sensitive.
• The Cynic: He tends to look at the negative side of things.
• Dark and Troubled Past: 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.
• Deadpan Snarker: Can throw a few out here and there.
• Declaration of Protection: He says he's always trying to look after Bolin.
• Deconstructed Character Archetype: Of the usual Pretty Boy lead especially in a Wish-Fulfillment-loaded Betty and Veronica Love Triangle. In Book 1, he's introduced as both handsome and competent in 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 Belligerent Sexual Tension-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, rebounding to Asami then back with Korra under confused circumstances, ultimately ending with him single, embarrassed and looking like a jerk to most of the cast.
• Defrosting Ice King: 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 Mechas 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 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 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.
• The Ditherer: As Korra's Foil, he does his best to avoid conflict and will ignore problems, suppress his own feelings, or follow a You Didn't Ask 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."
• The Drag-Along: 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.
• Elemental Eye Colors: A Firebender with amber eyes.
• Emotions vs. Stoicism: We have headstrong, brash Korra and cheerful, earnest Bolin vs. serious, "cool under fire" Mako.
• Energy Absorption: As a variation of lightning redirection, Mako can absorb electricity like a living conductor, and then weaponize the electric energy he absorbed.
• Expository Hairstyle Change:
  • 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.

F-O

• Fair Cop: As of Book 2, the resident Chick Magnet became a cop.
• Family Eye Resemblance: As his grandmother states, Mako has his mother's eyes.
• Fatal Flaw:
  • Downplayed. 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 lie and/or blame-shift, (usually to Bolin or Korra,) before accepting responsibility.
• Fire Is Red: Downplayed. Most of his outfit is in neutral colors except for red trim, and his red scarf.
• First Love: For Asami and Korra, who, after the romantic fiasco that was Book 2, have lost all romantic interest in him. For added irony, the Second Love 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.
• Foolish Sibling, Responsible Sibling: 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.
• Four-Temperament Ensemble: Melancholic- Analytical (his detective skills), can be quite cynical, practical (verging on Only Sane Man), and yet impractical (the whole Love Triangle dilemma was largely due to his inability to express his feelings).
• The Generic Guy: 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 his 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 Fire elemental of a team roster.
• Great Detective: 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.
• Green-Eyed Monster:
  • To his chagrin in "The Spirit of Competition", when Bolin and Korra head out on their date. Korra calls him out on it after he wrongly accuses her of using his brother for an Operation: Jealousy ploy.
  • It also serves as a small Green-Eyed Epiphany. 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 Just Friends, at least until Book 1's end.
• Hanlon's Razor: 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 well-intentioned tactlessness.
• Harmful to Minors: 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.
• Heroic Willpower: In some form. Mako resists Amon's bloodbending enough to shoot an unpredictable lightning attack at him.
• Heterosexual Life-Partners: 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.
• Hidden Depths: 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.
• Honest Advisor:
  • 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 wag the finger (usually to Korra) yet the last to admit his own guilt unless pressed.
• Iconic Item: His red scarf. He gives it to his grandmother in Book 3, believing she needed it more.
• I Did What I Had to Do: 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.
• Innocently Insensitive: 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.
• Ironic Name: Mako's name is Japanese for "child of truth", but given his lack of truth during the Love Triangle fiasco... Yeah, Mako needs definite work with being honest about his feelings.
• It Runs in the Family: According to Mako's grandmother, his commitment issues are something he inherited from his grandfather.
• It's All About Me: 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.
• Jerkass Has a Point: Mako may 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 What the Hell, Hero? 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.
• Jerk with a Heart of Gold: 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.
• Justified Criminal: 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.
• The Lancer: 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.
• The Last DJ: 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.
• The Leader: Of the Level-headed variety as Captain of the Fire Ferrets, being easily the most mature, practical and experienced member of the group.
• Lightning Bruiser: 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.
• Long-Range Fighter: 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.
• Lovable Jock: Downplayed. Mako is more gruff than his brother, but will give credit to his teammates when they do a good job.
• Love at First Sight: 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.
• Love Hurts: Mako's love life is one big convoluted mess.
• Love Martyr: 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 getting the crap kicked out of him on their behalf. Being unable to actually participate in a relationship results in breakdowns in communication, and ultimately repeated break-ups. He ends the series single.
• Master of the Mixed Message: 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 calls him out of it.
• Meaningful Name: His name means "child of truth" and 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 Brutal Honesty section).
• Morality Pet: Deconstructed. 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.
• Mundane Utility: He uses his lightning skill to earn money by working at a power plant.
• Named After Somebody Famous: He's named after Mako, prominent Japanese-American actor who performed the original series' role of Iroh until his death.
• Never My Fault: 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 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 "Shut Up" Kiss, 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.
• No Social Skills: In terms of relationship conventions. It's pretty clear that he doesn't know how to deal with people and personal feelings very well.
• Not Helping Your Case: Despite ostensibly being the de facto parent, he's burned all three of his teammates at least once:
  • His leaving Bolin to do whatever came back to bite Mako in both needing Bolin's help and proving 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 "that's a bad idea."
  • Him guilt-tripping Korra over not writing him during the three-year Time Skip is not only unjustified because trust was a big factor in their previous relationship, but during the rescue mission, repeats all the same problems of said relationship as a reminder why not to.
  • His segment in "Remembrances" in talking about his Character Development is muddied by him still lying until pressed such as dating Asami, which the others call out on.
• Not So Above It All: Surprisingly, despite his normal stoic demeanor he has his goofy moments, such as making a list of Bond One-Liners for when he catches criminals. His first encounter with Asami leaves him a slack-jawed, love-drunk idiot emitting 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.
• Not So Stoic: The mask does slip from time to time, though, such as in his reaction to Asami and behavior when Korra is kidnapped. It's also a pretty bad idea to threaten Bolin.
• Not with Them for the Money: He isn't interested in Asami for her money. He does appreciate the luxury that comes from being her boyfriend, though. However, it didn't help his case that his interest in her started waning around the time she was cut off from said luxury.
• Official Couple: Seemingly with Asami through most of Book 1, but she turns out to be a Romantic False Lead and the real Official Couple is him and Korra. However, they break up mid-Book 2 and he's been focused on work ever since.
• Old Flame: 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.
• One Head Taller: Than Korra.
• One-Hour Work Week: 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.
• One-Man Army: Moments after we meet him, he finds himself alone against a full team in a pro-bending match, takes said third round in an impressive show of skill, and wins it by himself when he knocks all three of his opponents into the water. In about the span of about a minute or so. Simply by tiring them out while he dodged everything they threw at him... in the third zone. "This Mako's got moxie!" indeed.
• Only Friend: 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.
• Only in It for the Money: Being a past Street Urchin 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.
• Only Sane Man: Shares the role with Asami, being one of the more level-headed members of the team. 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.
• Ooh, Me Accent's Slipping: 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.
• Opposites Attract: 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.
• Out of Focus: 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, Tropes Are Not Bad considering the first half of the series had him rivaling Korra herself in screentime.

P-Y

• Pals with Jesus: 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.
• Playing with Fire: 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.
• Poor Communication Kills: 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.
• Power Stereotype Flip: A melancholic Firebender (when most Firebenders would be choleric).
• Pragmatic Anti Hero: When push comes to shove, if his back is to the wall, Mako isn't afraid to kill if it means defeating his enemies. Just ask Ming-Hua.
• Pretty Boy: Visually, of course, as well as outright called a "beautiful man" by the creators.
• Promotion to Parent: Mako took care of Bolin at a young age, while the two of them were living on the streets.
• Raven Hair, Ivory Skin: He has black hair and pale skin like most people of Fire Nation descent. His voice actor describes him as "tall and handsome" and the official bios consistently state that he's good-looking.
• Real Men Cook: He's shown cooking for himself and Bolin in their apartment. Unsurprising when you take in Promotion to Parent. Also, his firebending would help greatly.
• "The Reason You Suck" Speech: 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!
• Red Oni, Blue Oni: 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 usual method of dealing with opponents.
• Relationship Sabotage: 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.
• Relationship Upgrade: At the end of Book 1, he becomes an Official Couple 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.
• The Reliable One: 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 The Drag-Along though starts to commit before immediately playing it straight in Book 4.
• Romantic False Lead: 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 Official Couple. Word of God even 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.
• Romantic Runner-Up: 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.
• Savvy Guy, Energetic Girl: The cool-under-fire Savvy Guy to Korra's loud, full-of-energy Energetic Girl.
• Scarf of Asskicking: His Tragic Keepsake 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 Jason Bourne-style ass-kicking.
• Sensitive Guy and Manly Man: The stoic, blunt Manly Man to Bolin's comical, In Love with Love Sensitive Guy.
• Sexual Karma: He has a problem with 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. Ironically, the two women with whom he had messy relationships ended up together in the end.
• Shipper on Deck:
  • 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 Korra and Asami. Unlike how the other shippers who were immediately excited, Mako was taken aback because his exes were now dating each other. However, he later told Korra that she and Asami were perfect for each other.
• Shock and Awe: He can both generate and redirect lightning, as well as being able to shoot long, sustained blasts as well as short bursts of lightning.
• Sibling Rivalry: Bolin and Mako fell out with each other Book 2, that Bolin decided to move out on his own. They eventually patch things up.
• Sibling Team: With Bolin, either with pro-bending or intense battles.
• Sibling Triangle: 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.
• Sibling Yin-Yang: 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.
• Sickeningly Sweethearts: With Asami, much to Korra's dismay.
• Sleep Cute: Shared one with Korra in "The Revelation". Upon waking, he freaks out a little.
• So Proud of You:
  • 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 Rousing Speech 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 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.
• The Spock: To Korra's McCoy and Bolin's and Asami's 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.
• The Stoic: He's controlled, keeps a cool head under pressure, and masks his expression with indifference.
• The Stool Pigeon: 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.
• Straight Man and Wise Guy: The 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.
• The Strategist: Came up with a plan to get Bolin and escape the rally. In fact, his rationality and analytical mind are often highlighted.
• Street Urchin: 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 Street Urchin status shouldn't be overlooked.
• Strong Family Resemblance:
  • 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 becomes nearly identical.◊
• Strong Girl, Smart Guy: 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.
• Sugar-and-Ice Personality: 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.
• Suspiciously Similar Substitute: 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.
• Tall, Dark, and Handsome: 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?
• Tall, Dark, and Snarky: Occasionally, such as when Naïve Newcomer 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.
• Team Dad: 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 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.
• Technician Versus Performer: The Technician to Korra's and Bolin's Performer.
• Thou Shalt Not Kill: Averted - 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.
• To Be Lawful or Good: 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.
• Took a Level in Badass: 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 All-Loving Hero.
• Took a Level in Cheerfulness: Mako still keeps his stoic demeanor, but by Book 4 he is less sulky and angst-ridden than he was in Book 1.
• Took a Level in Idealism: 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.
• Took a Level in Kindness: 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 All-Loving Hero.
• Tragic Keepsake: 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.
• Troubled, but Cute: Tough past? Check. Stand-offish? Check. Good-looking? Check.
• Tuckerization: Mako is named after Mako Iwamatsu, the original voice actor of Iroh in the original series who died near the end of production for Book 2.
• The Unapologetic: Combined with his blame-shifting, Mako also doesn't actually apologize for his wrongdoings against his friends.
• Unbroken Vigil: He stays by Korra's side as she lies resting after her escape from Tarrlok.
• Underestimating Badassery: Detectives Lu and Gang look down on Mako in Book 2 though they should know what he did last season.
• Undying Loyalty: 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.
• Unresolved Sexual Tension: Has this mechanic with Korra. As of the Book 1 finale, it's been resolved.
• Unusual Eyebrows: Of the "kinked" type. Inherited from his mother.
• Uptight Loves Wild: Deconstructed. When the reserved and stoic Mako was dating the Hot-Blooded 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. Unsurprisingly, they get into a heated argument over how the other one is handling the situation, leading to their break-up.
• Vitriolic Best Buds: 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.
• Weak, but Skilled: Compared to Korra and Bolin. Korra is the Avatar with all the power that implies, while Bolin approaches being a Person of Mass Destruction by the end of the series. Mako is exceptionally talented, but lacks the firepower his bending teammates possess.
• What the Hell, Hero?: 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.
• Wish-Fulfillment: For the first couple seasons, specifically the first. He's a powerful Pretty Boy that has two equally beautiful yet distinctly different high-status women throwing themselves at him to the extent of offering him (and 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.
• Working with the Ex:
  • 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.
• Worthy Opponent: 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.
• Would Hit a Girl: During Book 3, he fights Ming-Hua of the Red Lotus twice, ultimately killing her with a blast of Lightning. In his defense, it was her or him.
• Yes-Man: The other failed way he tries to please Korra while they dated since Brutal Honesty wasn't working and this way didn't work either as he was still useless/unsupportive only now he was phony about it, too.

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