Character Analysis
B A S I C
Full name: Zuko (蘇科)
Reason or meaning of name: In Chinese, "resurrected rule." In Filipino, "madness" or "angry." In another dialect, "surrender." Alternatively, this.
Nickname(s): Zuzu
Reason: His sister gave it to him. He doesn't like it.
P H Y S I C A L A P P E A R A N C E
Age: 16
How old does he look: 16
Eye color: Amber
Glasses or contact lens: None
Hair color: Black
Wears hair how: ...So many styles. As a child, his hair is fairly long and past his shoulders. During that time, he wears it in a high ponytail. In book one, he shaved his head and wore the small square of hair left in a queue. At the beginning of book two, he chops off his queue as a symbol of cutting himself off from the Fire Nation and allows it to grow freely. After six long months, his hair is loose and shaggy. He occasionally wears it in a top-knot in book three once he returns home and when he's crowned Fire Lord. Before his rise to Fire Lord, he has a dream where he's a beautiful Fire Lord. He also has Date Hair.
Weight: ~140lbs
Height: ~5'5"
Type of body or build: Lean and muscular
Skin tone: Very pale
Race: Fire Nation
Shape of face: Egg-shaped. I mean oval. Long.
Distinguishing marks: Oh, not much. Just that giant charred burn scar covering two-fifths of his face.
Predominant feature(s): The scar. His amber eyes. His weird hairstyles.
Looks like: An angry, angsty teenager.
Is he healthy: Some...times.
F A V O R I T E S
Favorite color(s): Probably red.
Favorite music: There is no music in the Fire Nation! But most likely something traditional. And definitely not anything with the Tsungi Horn.
Favorite food: Heavily seasoned, spicy foods.
Favorite literature: No time for reading! But... probably history books.
Favorite expressions: All forms of angry faces. Oh wait. You meant words. Probably "AUUUUUGH" as he's the universe's plaything and gets thrown around a lot.
Favorite expletives: Probably "GRRRRR."
H A B I T S
Smokes: No.
Drinks: No.
Hobbies: Tracking the Avatar. No, really.
B A C K G R O U N D
Hometown: The Royal City of the Fire Nation Capitol.
Type of childhood: ...Um... well... it was not a pleasant one. His angst is very justified, lemme tell you. His mother disappeared when he was around ten or so. Before her disappearance, she was the only person who could protect Zuko from Azula's terrorizing behavior as Iroh was off at war. Zuko has always been the Unfavorite in his father's eyes, too. When he speaks out against a general who wants to sacrifice fresh meat troops, his father challenges his then thirteen-year-old son to an Agni Kai. Note that these duels are often to the death. And Zuko is thirteen. And spoke out against senselessly allowing people to die. So not only does Zuko's father permanently mar and disfigure his face, he adds salt to the wounds by banishing him from his country. As if that wasn't harsh enough, he offers his son redemption if Zuko can find and capture the Avatar. That might seem like it stops Ozai from being a complete monster, except the last time the Avatar was spotted was, oh, I don't know. One hundred years ago. And this is why Zuko is full of all sorts of confliction.
First memory: Probably something small. Like being in the garden with his mother.
Most important event that still affects character: Ev...erything. Mostly his scar. And the poor decisions he's made which resulted in what Zuko thought was his uncle's disappointment in him.
Why: Zuko made a lot of mistakes. Lots and lots of them. But it was because of those mistakes that Zuko ended up where he is now.
Education: He stopped receiving formal education around the age of thirteen. That certainly doesn't make him stupid. He knows a great deal about his country and his survival skills are great.
Religion: There's not much religion in his world. There's spirituality, which Zuko doesn't actively participate in. Though he does respect the spirits.
Practicing: Practicing what? Fighting? Firebending? Safe sex? If so, yes, yes,hopefully yes.
Why/why not: Who knows?
Financial: His family was the riches in his whole nation. Probably the third richest in the world. But once he was banned, he was reduced to... a not-so-luxurious life at sea. Then when he was further... banned... he lived in absolute poverty.
F A M I L Y
Mother: Ursa
Relationship with her: Zuko loves his mommy. She was the biggest positive influence in his childhood. She protected him from the terrors of Azula and Ozai and loved him unconditionally for who he was. She was his sturdy rock. When she disappeared in the middle of the night, it left Zuko traumatized and defenseless.
Father: Ozai
Relationship with him: Just... read the above. Ozai did all that to Zuko. But to continue from there, when Azula told Ozai that Zuko had killed the Avatar, Zuko was allowed to go back home. Ozai sort of appeared to hold respect for Zuko. Zuko even regained the title of Crown Prince. It was everything Zuko wanted but he still wasn't happy. Eventually, once Zuko finally became his own person, he called his old man out. Zuko told Ozai exactly what he thought about him: that he wasn't going to take orders from Ozai any longer; that all he wanted was for Ozai to love and accept him; how challenging a thirteen-year-old boy to an Agni Kai and banishing him was cruel and wrong; how his uncle Iroh had been more of a father than Ozai could ever hope to be. But Ozai tells Zuko that banishment isn't punishment enough for treason, and so the moment he is able to, he generates lightning with the intent of putting down his son for good. Not minding injuring, let alone killing your own flesh and blood... yeah.
Siblings: Azula
Relationship with them: It is very complicated. Zuko cares for her, enough that he feels genuine sorrow for her when he thinks she's going to die and when she's off her rocker in the finale. When not participating in war, they actually do get along fairly well. Azula has always been a better fire bender than him and Zuko spent most of his childhood struggling to catch up.
Others: His uncle, Iroh
Relationship with them: After his mother's disappearance, Iroh became the biggest influence in Zuko's life. When Zuko was banished from the Fire Nation, Iroh took a self-imposed banishment and went along with him. Iroh was always looking out for Zuko, doing his best to keep his nephew on the right path. All he ever wanted was for Zuko to be happy and in the end, they both came to think of their relationship as that of a father and son.
A T T I T U D E
Most at ease when: He's most at ease whenever he's with Mai. Or his uncle... when Iroh isn't getting on his nerves.
Ill at ease when: 99% OF THE TIME. He's... very paranoid. And rightfully so.
Priorities: Before he finds himself, catching the Avatar and restoring his honor. After that, doing good for the world.
Philosophy: The fact he had to suffer and endure horrible things has made him who he is today.
How he feels about self: Like the biggest failure ever. He's getting over it, though.
Past failure he would be most embarrassed to have people know: He didn't speak out against Azula's plan to torch the Earth Kingdom.
If granted one wish, what would it be: To see his mother again.
Why: Because Zuko loves his mommy.
P E R S O N A L I T Y
Greatest source of strength in character's personality (whether he recognizes it
as such or not): The sun. Okay, okay. The fact that he has such a huge amount of determination and a desire to be a good person.
Greatest source of weakness in character's personality (whether he recognizes it
as such or not): The moon. Okay, I'll stop! The fact that up until recently, it took forever for him to take advice to heart.
Character's soft spot: Children. Anyone suffering from war.
Is this obvious to others: Generally no, unless you've been around Zuko a while.
Biggest vulnerability: He can be easily taken advantage of and lied to, especially if it has to do with redemption.
Why: He used to want redemption so very badly, he'd have done nearly anything for it.
T R A I T S
Is he an optimist or pessimist: Both. He feels the universe is completely against him, yet still believes it's possible he'll find the Avatar someday. Sadly, he needs to believe the latter as, at the time, it's all the hope he has left.
Introvert or extrovert: Introvert. He cannot express himself at all. Also, he's very bad at being good when he tries too hard.
Drives and motivations: Be a good person! Make Uncle proud!
Talents: Breakdancing. What? It's true. He's a pretty decent firebender, too. And he can redirect lightning. Right back into his father's face.
Good characteristics: Despite his initial arrogance, he really does care for the people around him.
Character flaws: He's had such a rough life that at one point, he can't even tell the difference between right and wrong.
Mannerisms: When he wants to be, he's very polite and folds his hands ever so gently. He also does this when he's embarrassed and doesn't know what to say (while he's sitting). However, when he's on his ship and looking for the Avatar, he's very stand-offish and in people's faces.
Peculiarities: He's willing to sniff a rogue sandal to see if it's Iroh's. And recognizes its stench.
Biggest regret: Choosing Azula over Iroh in the Crystal Catacombs. Though he knows it was an important decision that helped him grow.
Minor regrets: Believing Azula's lies.
Biggest accomplishment: Joining Team Avatar. Also, standing up to his father.
Minor accomplishments: He was able to set up a new life with Iroh.
His darkest secret: The fact that he's the Blue Spirit.
Who, if anyone knows about it: Aang, Zhao and Iroh.
How did this person discover it: Aang saw Zuko's scar when he was knocked unconscious; Zhao saw the Blue Spirit's dual Dao swords in Zuko's room; Iroh is Iroh, but it also helped that Zuko went "Uncle?" but Iroh knew way before that... because he's Iroh.
P E R C E P T I O N O F S E L F
One word your character would use to describe self: Determined
Complete description of how your character describes self: A person who has made a lot of mistakes. Someone who always gets back up after being knocked down. Someone who used to be arrogant and cocky but later became understanding.
What does your character consider best physical characteristic: Probably his legs so he can breakdance firebend.
Worst characteristic: He's really impatient. And unwilling to try new things "for fun."
Are these realistic assessments: Y...es?
How does your character think others perceive her: As some horrible monster for the most part. This is especially true of the Earth Kingdom.
What would your character change about self: The fact that he wavers too much when it comes to making the right decision sometimes.
Why: For... obvious reasons.
I N T E R R E L A T I O N W I T H O T H E R S
How does character relate with others: He can relate to others very well. He just can't communicate an express himself very well. Probably due to being unallowed to do so as a child. And, you know, when he spoke his mind that one time, he got a scar and was banished. Oops.
How is he perceived by...
Strangers: Because they don't know him, they generally find him to be a good person. Though if they recognize him as Ozai's son, their treatment of him becomes less... kind.
Friends: He's treated with a fair amount of respect.
Wife/husband/lover: Mai, his girlfriend, is just as emotionally repressed as he is. As such, they're a great match! They balance each other out very nicely.
Hero: Iroh.
Your character's first impression of hero: That he was a fat, slovenly old man who failed his nation at Ba Sing Se. Ouch.
Why: That's what he'd been told.
What happened to change his perception: He spent time with Iroh. And probably feels stupid about feeling that way about Iroh from time to time now.
What do friends/family like most about your character: ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. Well, his family, anyway. His friends like him because he has morals. And he care about people.
What do friends/family like least about your character: Even at the end of the series, Zuko still kind of thinks he's always right.
G O A L S
Immediate goals: CATCH THE AVATAR.
Long range goals: RESTORE HIS HONOR.
How does he plan to see these goals accomplished: By catching the Avatar to restore his honor. Except that all changes and he joins the Avatar's group. Oops.
P R O B L E M S / C R I S E S
How does he react in a crisis: He is very prepared. Even when Iroh has been kidnapped by Earthbenders, he's calm, cool and collected. He only panics when someone he loves (re: Iroh) is wounded. Then he freaks out like whoa.
How does he face problems: Head-on. Apply directly to the forehead.
How does your character deal with new problems: He assess them quickly and finds a solution.
How does your character react to change: Fairly well. Unless you're uprooting his life. Again. Or something.
G E N E R A L
Favorite clothes: Loose Fire Nation Robes.
Least favorite clothes: Fire Nation Armor.
Why: He's kind of tired of war.
Jewelry: Nah.
Drives: His feet. His ship. Sometimes hot air balloons.
Why: Because. How else will he follow the Avatar?
Place he wants to live: With his friends. And Iroh. Not so much his family anymore.
Why: ...Because he loves his friends and family?
Spending habits (frugal, spendthrift etc.): He is a very pragmatic spender. Buying only what he needs.
Why: It's stupid to buy stuff you don't need!
What does he do too much of: Frowning.
Too little of: Obviously smiling if the above is frowning.
Most prized possession: Iroh's sandal.
Why: Even if it isn't his, it belongs to Iroh. And Zuko loves Iroh.
U N C A T E G O R I Z E D
Who does your character secretly admire: Since everyone in the entire world knows he admires Iroh, then probably Aang.
Person your character is/was most influenced by: ...I...roh...?
Why: Okay did you pay attention to any of the above?
Who is the most important person in her life before series starts: Iroh. He kind of thought his mom was dead.
Why: ...Just trust me on this.
How does character spend the week before the series starts: Looking for the Avatar. It didn't go so well.
What happened: He did not find the Avatar.
Full name: Zuko (蘇科)
Reason or meaning of name: In Chinese, "resurrected rule." In Filipino, "madness" or "angry." In another dialect, "surrender." Alternatively, this.
Nickname(s): Zuzu
Reason: His sister gave it to him. He doesn't like it.
P H Y S I C A L A P P E A R A N C E
Age: 16
How old does he look: 16
Eye color: Amber
Glasses or contact lens: None
Hair color: Black
Wears hair how: ...So many styles. As a child, his hair is fairly long and past his shoulders. During that time, he wears it in a high ponytail. In book one, he shaved his head and wore the small square of hair left in a queue. At the beginning of book two, he chops off his queue as a symbol of cutting himself off from the Fire Nation and allows it to grow freely. After six long months, his hair is loose and shaggy. He occasionally wears it in a top-knot in book three once he returns home and when he's crowned Fire Lord. Before his rise to Fire Lord, he has a dream where he's a beautiful Fire Lord. He also has Date Hair.
Weight: ~140lbs
Height: ~5'5"
Type of body or build: Lean and muscular
Skin tone: Very pale
Race: Fire Nation
Shape of face: Egg-shaped. I mean oval. Long.
Distinguishing marks: Oh, not much. Just that giant charred burn scar covering two-fifths of his face.
Predominant feature(s): The scar. His amber eyes. His weird hairstyles.
Looks like: An angry, angsty teenager.
Is he healthy: Some...times.
F A V O R I T E S
Favorite color(s): Probably red.
Favorite music: There is no music in the Fire Nation! But most likely something traditional. And definitely not anything with the Tsungi Horn.
Favorite food: Heavily seasoned, spicy foods.
Favorite literature: No time for reading! But... probably history books.
Favorite expressions: All forms of angry faces. Oh wait. You meant words. Probably "AUUUUUGH" as he's the universe's plaything and gets thrown around a lot.
Favorite expletives: Probably "GRRRRR."
H A B I T S
Smokes: No.
Drinks: No.
Hobbies: Tracking the Avatar. No, really.
B A C K G R O U N D
Hometown: The Royal City of the Fire Nation Capitol.
Type of childhood: ...Um... well... it was not a pleasant one. His angst is very justified, lemme tell you. His mother disappeared when he was around ten or so. Before her disappearance, she was the only person who could protect Zuko from Azula's terrorizing behavior as Iroh was off at war. Zuko has always been the Unfavorite in his father's eyes, too. When he speaks out against a general who wants to sacrifice fresh meat troops, his father challenges his then thirteen-year-old son to an Agni Kai. Note that these duels are often to the death. And Zuko is thirteen. And spoke out against senselessly allowing people to die. So not only does Zuko's father permanently mar and disfigure his face, he adds salt to the wounds by banishing him from his country. As if that wasn't harsh enough, he offers his son redemption if Zuko can find and capture the Avatar. That might seem like it stops Ozai from being a complete monster, except the last time the Avatar was spotted was, oh, I don't know. One hundred years ago. And this is why Zuko is full of all sorts of confliction.
First memory: Probably something small. Like being in the garden with his mother.
Most important event that still affects character: Ev...erything. Mostly his scar. And the poor decisions he's made which resulted in what Zuko thought was his uncle's disappointment in him.
Why: Zuko made a lot of mistakes. Lots and lots of them. But it was because of those mistakes that Zuko ended up where he is now.
Education: He stopped receiving formal education around the age of thirteen. That certainly doesn't make him stupid. He knows a great deal about his country and his survival skills are great.
Religion: There's not much religion in his world. There's spirituality, which Zuko doesn't actively participate in. Though he does respect the spirits.
Practicing: Practicing what? Fighting? Firebending? Safe sex? If so, yes, yes,hopefully yes.
Why/why not: Who knows?
Financial: His family was the riches in his whole nation. Probably the third richest in the world. But once he was banned, he was reduced to... a not-so-luxurious life at sea. Then when he was further... banned... he lived in absolute poverty.
F A M I L Y
Mother: Ursa
Relationship with her: Zuko loves his mommy. She was the biggest positive influence in his childhood. She protected him from the terrors of Azula and Ozai and loved him unconditionally for who he was. She was his sturdy rock. When she disappeared in the middle of the night, it left Zuko traumatized and defenseless.
Father: Ozai
Relationship with him: Just... read the above. Ozai did all that to Zuko. But to continue from there, when Azula told Ozai that Zuko had killed the Avatar, Zuko was allowed to go back home. Ozai sort of appeared to hold respect for Zuko. Zuko even regained the title of Crown Prince. It was everything Zuko wanted but he still wasn't happy. Eventually, once Zuko finally became his own person, he called his old man out. Zuko told Ozai exactly what he thought about him: that he wasn't going to take orders from Ozai any longer; that all he wanted was for Ozai to love and accept him; how challenging a thirteen-year-old boy to an Agni Kai and banishing him was cruel and wrong; how his uncle Iroh had been more of a father than Ozai could ever hope to be. But Ozai tells Zuko that banishment isn't punishment enough for treason, and so the moment he is able to, he generates lightning with the intent of putting down his son for good. Not minding injuring, let alone killing your own flesh and blood... yeah.
Siblings: Azula
Relationship with them: It is very complicated. Zuko cares for her, enough that he feels genuine sorrow for her when he thinks she's going to die and when she's off her rocker in the finale. When not participating in war, they actually do get along fairly well. Azula has always been a better fire bender than him and Zuko spent most of his childhood struggling to catch up.
Others: His uncle, Iroh
Relationship with them: After his mother's disappearance, Iroh became the biggest influence in Zuko's life. When Zuko was banished from the Fire Nation, Iroh took a self-imposed banishment and went along with him. Iroh was always looking out for Zuko, doing his best to keep his nephew on the right path. All he ever wanted was for Zuko to be happy and in the end, they both came to think of their relationship as that of a father and son.
A T T I T U D E
Most at ease when: He's most at ease whenever he's with Mai. Or his uncle... when Iroh isn't getting on his nerves.
Ill at ease when: 99% OF THE TIME. He's... very paranoid. And rightfully so.
Priorities: Before he finds himself, catching the Avatar and restoring his honor. After that, doing good for the world.
Philosophy: The fact he had to suffer and endure horrible things has made him who he is today.
How he feels about self: Like the biggest failure ever. He's getting over it, though.
Past failure he would be most embarrassed to have people know: He didn't speak out against Azula's plan to torch the Earth Kingdom.
If granted one wish, what would it be: To see his mother again.
Why: Because Zuko loves his mommy.
P E R S O N A L I T Y
Greatest source of strength in character's personality (whether he recognizes it
as such or not): The sun. Okay, okay. The fact that he has such a huge amount of determination and a desire to be a good person.
Greatest source of weakness in character's personality (whether he recognizes it
as such or not): The moon. Okay, I'll stop! The fact that up until recently, it took forever for him to take advice to heart.
Character's soft spot: Children. Anyone suffering from war.
Is this obvious to others: Generally no, unless you've been around Zuko a while.
Biggest vulnerability: He can be easily taken advantage of and lied to, especially if it has to do with redemption.
Why: He used to want redemption so very badly, he'd have done nearly anything for it.
T R A I T S
Is he an optimist or pessimist: Both. He feels the universe is completely against him, yet still believes it's possible he'll find the Avatar someday. Sadly, he needs to believe the latter as, at the time, it's all the hope he has left.
Introvert or extrovert: Introvert. He cannot express himself at all. Also, he's very bad at being good when he tries too hard.
Drives and motivations: Be a good person! Make Uncle proud!
Talents: Breakdancing. What? It's true. He's a pretty decent firebender, too. And he can redirect lightning. Right back into his father's face.
Good characteristics: Despite his initial arrogance, he really does care for the people around him.
Character flaws: He's had such a rough life that at one point, he can't even tell the difference between right and wrong.
Mannerisms: When he wants to be, he's very polite and folds his hands ever so gently. He also does this when he's embarrassed and doesn't know what to say (while he's sitting). However, when he's on his ship and looking for the Avatar, he's very stand-offish and in people's faces.
Peculiarities: He's willing to sniff a rogue sandal to see if it's Iroh's. And recognizes its stench.
Biggest regret: Choosing Azula over Iroh in the Crystal Catacombs. Though he knows it was an important decision that helped him grow.
Minor regrets: Believing Azula's lies.
Biggest accomplishment: Joining Team Avatar. Also, standing up to his father.
Minor accomplishments: He was able to set up a new life with Iroh.
His darkest secret: The fact that he's the Blue Spirit.
Who, if anyone knows about it: Aang, Zhao and Iroh.
How did this person discover it: Aang saw Zuko's scar when he was knocked unconscious; Zhao saw the Blue Spirit's dual Dao swords in Zuko's room; Iroh is Iroh, but it also helped that Zuko went "Uncle?" but Iroh knew way before that... because he's Iroh.
P E R C E P T I O N O F S E L F
One word your character would use to describe self: Determined
Complete description of how your character describes self: A person who has made a lot of mistakes. Someone who always gets back up after being knocked down. Someone who used to be arrogant and cocky but later became understanding.
What does your character consider best physical characteristic: Probably his legs so he can breakdance firebend.
Worst characteristic: He's really impatient. And unwilling to try new things "for fun."
Are these realistic assessments: Y...es?
How does your character think others perceive her: As some horrible monster for the most part. This is especially true of the Earth Kingdom.
What would your character change about self: The fact that he wavers too much when it comes to making the right decision sometimes.
Why: For... obvious reasons.
I N T E R R E L A T I O N W I T H O T H E R S
How does character relate with others: He can relate to others very well. He just can't communicate an express himself very well. Probably due to being unallowed to do so as a child. And, you know, when he spoke his mind that one time, he got a scar and was banished. Oops.
How is he perceived by...
Strangers: Because they don't know him, they generally find him to be a good person. Though if they recognize him as Ozai's son, their treatment of him becomes less... kind.
Friends: He's treated with a fair amount of respect.
Wife/husband/lover: Mai, his girlfriend, is just as emotionally repressed as he is. As such, they're a great match! They balance each other out very nicely.
Hero: Iroh.
Your character's first impression of hero: That he was a fat, slovenly old man who failed his nation at Ba Sing Se. Ouch.
Why: That's what he'd been told.
What happened to change his perception: He spent time with Iroh. And probably feels stupid about feeling that way about Iroh from time to time now.
What do friends/family like most about your character: ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. Well, his family, anyway. His friends like him because he has morals. And he care about people.
What do friends/family like least about your character: Even at the end of the series, Zuko still kind of thinks he's always right.
G O A L S
Immediate goals: CATCH THE AVATAR.
Long range goals: RESTORE HIS HONOR.
How does he plan to see these goals accomplished: By catching the Avatar to restore his honor. Except that all changes and he joins the Avatar's group. Oops.
P R O B L E M S / C R I S E S
How does he react in a crisis: He is very prepared. Even when Iroh has been kidnapped by Earthbenders, he's calm, cool and collected. He only panics when someone he loves (re: Iroh) is wounded. Then he freaks out like whoa.
How does he face problems: Head-on. Apply directly to the forehead.
How does your character deal with new problems: He assess them quickly and finds a solution.
How does your character react to change: Fairly well. Unless you're uprooting his life. Again. Or something.
G E N E R A L
Favorite clothes: Loose Fire Nation Robes.
Least favorite clothes: Fire Nation Armor.
Why: He's kind of tired of war.
Jewelry: Nah.
Drives: His feet. His ship. Sometimes hot air balloons.
Why: Because. How else will he follow the Avatar?
Place he wants to live: With his friends. And Iroh. Not so much his family anymore.
Why: ...Because he loves his friends and family?
Spending habits (frugal, spendthrift etc.): He is a very pragmatic spender. Buying only what he needs.
Why: It's stupid to buy stuff you don't need!
What does he do too much of: Frowning.
Too little of: Obviously smiling if the above is frowning.
Most prized possession: Iroh's sandal.
Why: Even if it isn't his, it belongs to Iroh. And Zuko loves Iroh.
U N C A T E G O R I Z E D
Who does your character secretly admire: Since everyone in the entire world knows he admires Iroh, then probably Aang.
Person your character is/was most influenced by: ...I...roh...?
Why: Okay did you pay attention to any of the above?
Who is the most important person in her life before series starts: Iroh. He kind of thought his mom was dead.
Why: ...Just trust me on this.
How does character spend the week before the series starts: Looking for the Avatar. It didn't go so well.
What happened: He did not find the Avatar.