Mako


 * This article is about the character. For the voice actor, see Mako (voice actor).

"fire"

- You're the Avatar, and I'm an idiot.

Mako is a firebender from a multicultural family who grew up on the streets of Republic City with his younger brother, Bolin. When his brother introduces him to Avatar Korra, his tightly controlled world gets a little more chaotic.

History
Mako and his brother first began competing in the pro-bending tournaments when a former pro-bender, Toza, discovered Mako fighting in the streets. Toza offered the brothers a place to live in the attic of the arena and let them work odd jobs to pay rent, which allowed them to focus on pro-bending. Mako eventually became the captain of their pro-bending team the Fire Ferrets.

Initially, Mako scarcely acknowledged Korra, mistaking her for another of Bolin's "fangirls". This caused the two of them to get off on the wrong foot; however, he impressed Korra when he single-handedly defeated the Tigerdillos in his pro-bending match. Still, he seemed indifferent to Korra even after he learned that she was the Avatar.

He did not agree to Korra taking the no-show, Hasook's spot on the team in the match prior to the tournament, saying he would rather be disqualified than made a fool of. However, after Korra held her own against a barrage in round three, allowing them to conquer their opponent the Platypus Bears, Mako accepted Korra, and later looked out towards her home on Air Temple Island.

Later, Mako learned that his brother Bolin had been captured by the Equalists. He and Korra set out to rescue him and encountered a group of chi blockers led by the mysterious and fearless Amon.

Personality
Having a stoic and brooding personality, Mako is generally aloof and indifferent, though he is capable of genuine kindness. He tends to be critical and controlling, stemming from a life on the streets and a drive to protect his little brother, which had forced him to take on adult responsibilities at a young age. In light of the brothers' pasts, he cares deeply for Bolin and is very protective of him. Living on the streets has given him a "hard-edge".

Abilities


Mako has shown considerable skill in the art of firebending, implementing a modern style of fire fighting that he uses predominantly in the pro-bending arena. Critics of the sport note his use of a distinct "cool under fire" technique, primarily involving a series of defensive weaving and dodging followed by quick successive spurts of offense. The technique in combination with his superior agility proves to be an effective combination, capable of even defeating an entire pro-bending team by himself

Relatives

 * Bolin (younger brother)

Trivia

 * Mako is named after Mako Iwamatsu, the man who voiced Iroh from Book 1: Water to Book 2: Earth, but died shortly after finishing his lines for Book 2. . His name is a shortened form of the Japanese name Makoto (信), meaning "faithfulness", one of the five Confucian virtues.
 * The creators commented that Mako reminded them of Zuko, but without the angst.
 * Mako's "cool under fire" style of pro-bending bears similarities to the defensive styles of iconic boxers such as Willie Pep and Muhammad Ali.