Bolin

"earth"

- Wish me luck! Not... that I'll need it.

Bolin is an earthbender from a multicultural family who grew up on the streets of Republic City under the protection of his older brother, Mako. Despite a tough childhood, he always has a smile on his face and a lady on his arm.

History
When Mako was eight, he and Bolin lost their parents to a firebender mugger, leaving them alone and as their only family. To survive, the brothers briefly did paper-work for the Triple Threat Triad.

At some point, Bolin found a fire ferret scrounging for food in the garbage and decided to take him in. He later named him Pabu, and soon the pair became close friends, constantly playing practical jokes on Mako. Some time later, Bolin, along with Mako and Hasook, formed a pro-bending team called the Fire Ferrets and competed in Republic City.

Bolin first encountered Korra when Toza caught her exploring the training gym inside the pro-bending arena. He introduced himself to her and invited her to stay for the match that his team was competing in, much to Mako's displeasure. After his team defeated the Tigerdillos, Bolin taught Korra a few pro-bending basics.

Later, the Fire Ferrets' spot in the championship was endangered when Hasook didn't show up for a match. Korra volunteered to take his place and Bolin agreed, forging the new team. In round three of their match against the Platypus Bears, he and Mako were cornered while Korra fell back to zone three. However, after Korra held her own and the opposition exhausted themselves, Bolin and Mako fought back, eventually winning by knockout and advancing to the tournament.

Despite receiving a hefty prize for winning the pro-bending tournament, the Fire Ferrets were still short on the funds they needed to pay for the gym and other necessities required as a pro-bending team. Bolin then decided to use Pabu to earn some money at Central City Station as he had taught him to do some circus tricks, but his efforts were met with futility. He then encountered Shady Shin, who offered him the money he needed in exchange for helping the Triple Threat Triad with security. Later that day, Lightning Bolt Zolt, Shady Shin, some other Triads, and Bolin were captured by Equalists to be the benders that would be exhibited in Amon's "revelation." There, Bolin witnessed Amon's ability to take away one's bending, using the prisoners to showcase this ability. Just as Bolin's earthbending was about to be removed permanently, Mako arrived just in time to rescue him after Korra caused a steam explosion to cover their escape. Bolin and Mako attempted to escape, but were intercepted by Amon's lieutenant. After both were defeated, Korra launched a surprise attack against the Lieutenant, incapacitating him long enough to call Naga and escape with them.

Later, he showed up at Air Temple Island to give Korra a rose and a pastry to thank her for helping him escape Amon. When a messenger of Tarrlok arrived with flowers for the Avatar, Bolin asked Korra if this man was bothering her, he could deal with him, but after Korra explained him the situation, he calmed down. Bolin then attended a party Tarrlok hosted in honor of Korra, where he, excited, told her the news about Hiroshi Sato sponsoring the Fire Ferrets.

Personality
Despite a tough childhood on the street, Bolin is still a laid-back, naive, and goofy person, in contrast to his older brother Mako. He has a good sense of humor, but is still a very capable earthbender. He is also expressive, high-spirited, enthusiastic, and quite comfortable in his own skin. According to Mako, he has a "knack" for getting himself into trouble. He is typically an optimist and enjoys the attention he gets from his fangirls, though he is a novice in the world of dating. Despite differences between Mako's personality and his own Bolin shares a close bond with his brother.

Abilities


As a skilled pro-bender, Bolin has developed good earthbending skills. Bolin describes his earthbending style as "light on [his] feet", which grants him greater maneuverability and evasiveness during matches. Bolin also employs pro-bending-like attacks along with more traditional earthbending outside of matches, sending disk-shaped rocks at the Lieutenant, and then defending himself with an earth wall.

Relatives

 * Mako (older brother)

Trivia

 * Bolin's appearance was inspired by the early ideas of Toph, who was originally going to be male.
 * When Bolin and his brother started to compete in the pro-bending tournament, they were given a place to stay by Toza, a former pro-bender.
 * According to Mako, Bolin apparently has a habit of bringing "crazy fangirls" to the Fire Ferrets' changing room.
 * Korra notes that his "light on your feet" style of earthbending is more useful than the traditional style.
 * Bolin and his brother lost their parents to a firebender, much as Amon lost his entire family to one.
 * Bolin is occasionally nicknamed "Bo" by Mako and the kids in the streets, like Skoochy.
 * Bolin means "gentle rain" in Chinese.