Top 10 Best Avatar: The Last Airbender Characters

Here is where you'll find the best Avatar characters.
The Top Ten
1 Zuko Prince Zuko is a fictional character in Nickelodeon's animated television series Avatar: The Last Airbender. Zuko is a master firebender and his younger sister is Azula . He is the son of Prince Ozai and Princess Ursa .

I love how Zuko's 'Crossroads of Destiny' came up multiple times, and he had so many touching internal struggles during the series. He's my third favorite because Sokka and Toph are just better characters. I do love the shame-driven banished prince who turns to good at the end. He's just such a contrasting character to the gang at the beginning, but then becomes a part of them and even defeats his own sister in an Agni-Kai. He continues to be loyal to her in the comics instead of hating her for all she's done.

Zuko is most likely one of the most well-put-together characters I've ever seen in any show in general. He has an excellent backstory and is a very heroic person, although he appears brutal and tough to hide it. He was never evil, even in Book 1. He was just confused in life, vulnerable, and lacking guidance. He hid his vulnerability by acting stubborn and brash, even though deep inside he was crying for help.

All he had left was his Uncle Iroh, and his outer personality was getting the best of him. He constantly denied the love and compassion that Iroh tried to give him. Zuko let his father's teachings on "respect" dictate a destiny for him, causing him to believe that he had to restore his honor. The answer to his dilemma was right in front of him the whole time, but he let his father's judgment cloud his perspective.

He grew up in a broken, unhappy family with a father who treated him like a stranger and a sister who used him as a ragdoll and punching bag. The only people he truly cared for were his mother and, although he didn't realize it as a child, his Uncle Iroh. Once his mother was banished, he was emotionally shattered.

Throughout the series, Zuko probably learned the most of any character. Most importantly, he discovered his own destiny in life. He learned to leave behind his past mistakes and to live in the present, making it better for himself.

2 Iroh Iroh is a major character in the Nickelodeon cartoon, Avatar: The Last Airbender, as well as an minor supporting character in The Legend of Korra.

Iroh is the best character in the series because he just keeps helping everyone. He is first pictured as lazy, but we realize that was just what he wanted everyone to think of him. He, for some reason, doesn't try to take the throne himself. Yeah, that was kinda dumb, but you know. Also, he keeps helping everyone even when he is dead, as shown in Legends of Korra.

Iroh is my favorite character because he's not like his brother (Ozai) who wants to conquer everything. He gives anyone advice and tea, even if they are considered an enemy. He sees the positive in everything and gives lots of wisdom. I love how he never really forces anyone to do what he wants, he tells them to find their path and to believe in themselves. He is so kind and wise that it makes me emotional sometimes.

He cares for Zuko, and I think that Iroh would make a great Fire Lord. Unfortunately, his son died, and he gave up the throne. But he gave the throne to Zuko after Ozai was defeated instead of taking it back. He thinks more about other people rather than himself and wants to make everyone happy. He truly is the best character.

3 Toph Toph Beifong is a fictional character in Nickelodeon's animated television series Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra, voiced by Jessie Flower in the original series and Kate Higgins and Philece Sampler in the sequel series.

My absolute favorite character in TV. Period. Her design, her voice actor, her creativity, her personality, the fact that she practically invented an entire type of bending. She's just perfect. And unlike Katara (who I still really like as a character), they made Katara a bit too perfect to the point where it can get just a LITTLE bit annoying. Toph acts like a normal character who I wish got at least a LITTLE more focus. I mean goodness, they couldn't have replaced ONE of the many Katara episodes for Toph? Really? But she is, in my opinion, the best character in TV history.

If I were to start anywhere with Toph, it would be her introduction. She's introduced as a total beast, then we get more background as she's actually a member of the Beifong family. This adds more depth to her character as she doesn't want to be seen as a helpless little girl, but as the best in her field. Then she joins Team Avatar, when they start making the blind jokes. I have to say, the blind jokes are funny. She soon became the founder of Metalbending, which at that moment, was low-key one of the most badass scenes in the show. She's low-key one of the best, if not THE BEST, character.

4 Aang Avatar Aang is a fictional character and the protagonist of Nickelodeon's animated television series Avatar: The Last Airbender, voiced by Zach Tyler Eisen. Aang is the last surviving Airbender, a monk of the Air Nomads' Southern Air Temple.

First off, Zuko is a great character with a good backstory and everything. Honestly, I love all the characters and the show, but Aang is the best for these reasons.

He ran away in training to be Avatar because the monks were going to take him away from Gyatso. This resulted in him falling into the ocean, surrounding himself in a ball of ice.

He wakes up 100 years later to find out that as soon as he left, the Fire Nation attacked his people, but he doesn't know that yet. He is just a fun-loving, silly, and at most times juvenile until season 3, which was arguably his best season. He goes on epic adventures like the eclipse and to that special library, through Ba Sing Se to find Appa, and then the final battle.

They meshed him together perfectly, showing his progress in maturity through the seasons. Who couldn't love him? He is the most powerful bender ever! Through his epic journeys, he grows up to become the mature, powerful bender he becomes. As he beats the Firelord by taking his bending! That in itself was very tight! Then he finally gets Katara, as everyone has been waiting to see. Perfect character for the best cartoon ever.

Thumbs up if you agree.

5 Sokka Sokka is a fictional character in Nickelodeon's animated television series Avatar: The Last Airbender and its sequel series The Legend of Korra.

Sokka is an underrated character. He was not just comic relief but instead a very complex character with multiple personality traits and dynamic character development. Sokka always felt very real to me because he was not just there to be the eccentric inventor or the trigger for laughs. He was deeper and more complex than people gave him credit for. He desperately wants to be a great warrior like his father, and his insecurities lead to his arrogance and sexism in the first season (arrogance that gets him into many comedic situations).

He realizes throughout the show that he is an asset to the team due to his creativity and ingenuity. He is also very supportive of others and will always make people laugh. In the end, he embraces his abilities and in his own way becomes his father's son. He is also very protective of others, especially his sister. Another interesting part of his personality is his natural skepticism. He is the only one who does not trust Jet when they first meet him.

I could go on and on forever about Sokka. Overall, he is a deep and complex character who is a great example of the show's ability to balance drama and comedy.

6 Azula Princess Azula is a fictional character and antagonist of Nickelodeon's animated television series Avatar: The Last Airbender. She is voiced by Grey DeLisle Griffin.

I think Azula is one of the most interesting characters in the show. But I was also worried about her. When she was little, she bullied Zuko, Ty Lee, and Mai, burned her doll, and apparently threw rocks at ducks. Her mother was right about wondering what was wrong with her and feeling worried about her. She treats her family, servants, friends Mai and Ty Lee, Team Avatar, Suki and the Kyoshi Warriors, animals, flowers, and even dolls a bit cruelly. But I love how smart she is at 14 years old, one year younger than me. She is also really cool.

I hate how Iroh seems to hate her most of the time. And he's supposed to be friendly with everyone. He's nice to Zuko, Team Avatar, Mai, and Ty Lee in the show and books. He loves most of his family, even his brother and father. Why does he hate Azula so much?

I love her so much because she is so funny. Unlike her father, she wasn't evil just so the story could have a plot. She is evil because she just likes it.

7 Katara Katara is a fictional character in Nickelodeon's animated television series Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra, voiced by Mae Whitman.

Female characters in fantasy are usually a disappointment. Too often, the writer will model them into a stereotype of some flawless Mary-Sue, object and prize of affection, or token "girl of the group." Katara is the heart of Team Avatar and its mediator. She is the nurturer who keeps the group together. Her kind nature and her story are flecked with some stubborn and controlling moments, made relatable by the fact that she had to be a mother to her clan early on after losing her own. Her repeatedly dutiful, traditional personality, while common in our world, is one rarely seen in high fantasy. Defying trend and viewer expectation, Katara represents an unobtrusive character that Avatar would be remiss without.

I don't understand how people can call Katara cardboard or boring because her personal growth throughout the series was apparent - from the naïve girl jealous of Aang's waterbending to someone powerful enough to defeat Azula and let go of her fury over her mother's death. I know people tend to prefer Toph because she's a rebellious, powerful, tomboyish character, but even though I like Toph, I love how they made Katara motherly and unafraid to show her emotions, yet also incredibly powerful and feminist.

These days, strong female characters just have to balk at housework and other traditionally feminine tasks and be a masculine warrior, but you can be strong and a little feminine, and Katara showed this to young girls. And, if it weren't for Katara, would Aang have been found in the iceberg?

8 Appa

From the start, he was so adorable. Yip yip! It was so cute seeing the flashback of Aang and Appa together for the first time. When Aang said, "I guess that means we'll always be together," it just warmed my heart!

Appa should be right after Zuko! Appa is the best, besides Zuko. He has saved Team Avatar a couple of times and provides them with fast travel. Boo to the sandbenders who captured him and the circus guy who was cruel to him.

Awesome. Still not entirely sure what kind of creature he is, but I call him a six-legged flying bison with a giant arrow along his head and back.

9 Ty Lee Ty-Lee is a fictional character appearing in the Nickelodeon animated TV show "Avatar: The Last Airbender" voiced by Olivia Hack.

Ty Lee is one of my favorite characters, but I think she has some jealousy issues. She had to grow up with six sisters who got more attention than she did. In the Beach episode, she seemed to envy Mai because she was an only child for most of her life, and she got jealous of Suki and the Kyoshi warriors because she thought they were prettier than she was.

While Ty Lee isn't one of my favorite characters, I would like to talk about one reason I like her: She isn't stupid.

I know it sounds like a given that I wouldn't enjoy a stupid character, but hear me out. She's this very perky and nice person, the kind of character that already makes the audience feel like she's on the wrong side. While this kind of character isn't exclusive to ATLA, the fact that she isn't the stupid comic relief of the villain team. She's smart and a good fighter, making her a valuable member of the team and a better character.

10 Suki

I love Suki. She is one of the coolest characters of the show, along with Zuko, Azula, Mai, and Ty Lee. I like how she's nice and is friends with Mai and Ty Lee at the end of the show and in the books.

I don't even know why people have a problem with the pairing of Sokka and Suki. It was the most developed relationship, as Suki helped him grow. Suki, during Sokka's stay at her village, liked how funny he was and how he was willing to swallow his pride and wear a dress to get stronger. Sokka and Yue were cute, but it really wasn't much better as it was more Sokka that seemed to have developed a crush on her. Toph, he saw her as a friend, the crush was a one-time thing by Toph and she moved on to Zuko once he came in. Azula just plain makes no sense as both showed no interest in each other. Ty Lee, he seemed more intimidated by her than anything and was fine with telling her that he has a girlfriend.

Despite what you might believe otherwise, it was not out of nowhere like Zutara and they trusted each other and got along better than they did, and it wasn't a confusing, half-forced mess like Kataang. And it wasn't just plain forced like Season 1 LoK's Makorra.

Besides that, Taang and Sukka is where it's at. /bricked

Her whole character is about being a strong woman. Nothing bad about that.

The Contenders
11 Mai

Mai is such a baddie, and hands down my favorite character (except maybe Zuko). She saved everyone's asses countless times, and Team Avatar would be nothing without her. Some people argue, "Oh, she doesn't care about Zuko's feelings." LIKE BRUH. Did you forget when she told Azula, "You miscalculated. I love Zuko more than I fear you"? Like, that scene was straight-up fire. Also, when people say that Zuko and Mai shouldn't end up with each other, I'm like, "I'LL WHOOP YOUR ASS," because they're just so cute together! They both had a crush on each other since they were kids! Guys, seriously, they BELONG together! I SHIP THEM.

Mai is a total badass who gets so much hate because of misguided fangirls. Here are some pointless arguments made:

1. She's useless, only created as a love interest. Well, you know what? Without Mai, half of Team Avatar would've taken a nice dip in the boiling lake. Get your facts straight.

2. She and Zuko don't go well together. Once again, she saved his sorry butt even after he dumped her, and she stood up to Azula, straight up saying that she loves him more than she fears her.

3. Her personality is drab and undeveloped. Someone clearly hasn't seen "The Beach". And she's got some funny lines, too. For example: "Just take the bear."

4. She's not a good fighter. Mai has beaten firebenders, Kyoshi warriors, KATARA (in case you forgot), etc.

Mai is awesome, my 2nd favorite female character on the show (yes, I like her more than Katara (though Katara is awesome). However, Toph will always be #1).

12 Momo

Momo is the best. Right now, Momo's all the way down in twelfth place! Momo is funny and smart. I loved the episode in Ba Sing Se where Momo had his own little part all centered on him. That entire thing was great! And the cactus juice! The cactus juice! (You know what I mean by that, right?) The cactus juice Momo and Sokka drank after they found the spirit library in the desert. Momo is the best. Why are everyone else's responses so short? Vote Momo! He should be up there flying with Appa! But he's not. So vote Momo!

Warning: This is long. But if you want someone to help you with your votes, please read it.

Momo is very funny. He's also smart, for an animal. Plus, he's so cute! The way he always sticks with Aang is just adorable. He even got food for Sokka when Sokka first met him and wanted to eat him. In the Tales of Ba Sing Se, he had his own little part that reminds you just how much he actually matters in the series. Besides, we can't leave all the humor to Sokka, now can we? That's Sokka and Momo's job together. They show that when they eat the cactus juice in the desert. I think you should vote Momo. He's too far down. He should be soaring in the sky with Appa and Aang. Not all the way down here. Help me bring Momo higher.

- Kittykitty23

13 Bumi

Bumi is more important than one realizes and is not just any other side character. He was born just around the birthdate Avatar Aang did. He is Aang's last physical living node which bridges/links his past to his present. He greatly symbolizes childhood and past connections to Aang's life way before. He also is important since he thinks in many other different techniques and believes there are better solutions than what seems obvious.

In the second book when Omashu is destroyed, it shows how Aang is losing his childhood and is moving on to when he left/escaped the Western Air Temple. Many of the other complementary items/attachments allocated with Bumi are usually purely comical. However, he is still a huge inspiration that you can always be what you want to be even when it seems impossible while goofing off.

He may seem pretty goofy at first, but he is actually pretty wise. He taught Aang a few valuable lessons and taught him how to find the ideal earth-bending teacher, which would eventually lead to Aang discovering Toph. Bumi's wisdom really helped them throughout the show.

14 Roku

Roku is one of the strongest Avatars ever, and his firebending abilities greatly surpass any Fire Lord. He can also simultaneously bend the elements. In addition, his lava bending abilities are incredibly strong. So strong that he can bend multiple thick streams of magma at once. Lastly, without even trying, he defeated Fire Lord Sozin in less than 15 seconds.

He trained for about a decade, then he got married, intimidated, and infuriated Sozin (provoking him even more to start the Hundred Year War), then he saved the inhabitants (by this I mean about 50 people) of a puny little island, and was left to die, THE END. Didn't do anything to stop the Hundred Year War (which I bet killed millions of people). Real cool Avatar.

I have this theory that Katara is the reincarnation of Avatar Roku's wife, Ta Min.

15 June

A pretty badass character, when you think about it. That mole she has is actually quite a formidable animal.

Am I the only one who remembers this character and hates her with a burning passion?

16 Jet

Jet is an interesting character that meets the eye. I'll admit, I hate how they portray him as the cliché good-looking guy that starts up as the hero, which turns out is not the hero and is actually a villain. What I like about him is his decision to change his ways and become a good guy for once. That's what made him original and a fitting character since he had a horrible past which is by far worse than Zuko's problems.

I'm disappointed that he was killed by Long Feng because he had so much room for great character development. I wish he could've taken his anger out on Colonel Mongke since he was practically cursed by him. Rather than kill him off, why not focus on making him a better character? Team Avatar are great and all, but the protagonists don't have to be the only relevant characters. Give Jet some attention.

Jet is a little different compared to the other characters Team Avatar met. When they first met Jet, he seemed like a great leader who wanted to help out those who suffered with the Fire Nation after his own experience with them. For the most part, it's true, but Sokka was the only character that knew Jet's plot for revenge, making Katara mistrust him when he flooded a whole village in an attempt to kill Fire Benders and innocent lives.

Jet soon realizes his mistakes and wants to make amends, and heads to Ba Sing Se. I think the most memorable moment of Jet is when he met up with Aang and the others again and was willing to help them find Appa by leading them into the Dai Li base of Lake Laogai.

Sadly, this was the first and last good thing he did for anybody. He died after getting hit by Long Feng's Earthbending, which left him fatally wounded. I guess anybody can agree that Jet deserved that second chance. That's why I think Jet is one of the best characters that happened in the series. RIP Jet.

17 Ursa

Just to answer the person who asked about what happened to Ursa, they answer it in the graphic novels. I haven't read them yet, so I don't know how good they are.

Ursa was one of my favorite characters on the show. Her unconditional love for Zuko was just beautiful. She even died to save him! I think she's an underrated character. Plus, she's one of the prettiest characters on the show.

The biggest question I have about Avatar (along with Sparky Sparky Boom Man) is what happened to her? I have no idea. She was banished... and so?! If anyone has information, I would gladly take it.

18 Piandao

He is so amazing. The fact that he sees Sokka as, not a failure, but a masterpiece to be resculpted into something with more worth and more honor than anything.

My favorite OOTWL member, other than Iroh, because he's like Batman. No powers, but he uses his incredible skill to fight alongside bending masters. He also trained Zuko and Sokka very well.

19 Haru
20 Yue

WHAT?! She's so low! She may not be perfect for Sokka, but that is no reason to treat her differently as a character. She was brave and a perfect princess. OK, so she was basic, but she was a side character. She wasn't supposed to be so emotionally built. She's great.

A strong character doesn't have to fight or try to get attention. Yue was a perfect balance between bravery and tenderness. She showed love to Sokka but at the same time did what was right for her people and the world. She should at least be in the top 10!

Yue is too far down. She became the moon to save her tribe. She's in last place! I mean, how's Haru above her? (No offense to Haru lovers.) She should be higher. Even if she wasn't the greatest character.

21 Jin

I didn't know her name was Jin! I LOVE HER! That would have been cute.

Did anyone else but me totally ship her and Zuko?

22 Ozai

People are so focused on what's in their faces (Azula) that they forget about Ozai, the main antagonist of the entire first show.

I hate him, but he was well-crafted. Take notes, writers of the universe, THIS is how you make a villain.

23 Hakoda

He is the best dad ever, so accepting and kind. I want him as my dad!

24 Cabbage Merchant

I LOVE how the cabbage merchant shows up in numerous episodes. That guy has the worst luck ever, but it just makes it even more hilarious. There's also an unfortunate cabbage merchant who appears in The Rise of Kyoshi, which is about (you guessed it) Kyoshi, which I think is even funnier. Maybe this guy is descended from generations of unlucky cabbage merchants whose cabbages were ruined unintentionally by the Avatars.

Building on what someone said about The Rise of Kyoshi, my brother and I actually have a different theory. What if the cabbage merchant is a cabbage spirit, whose purpose is to sell and fail at selling cabbages? Kyoshi did it, Aang did it numerous times, and Korra ruined Cabbage Corp. Maybe it's not a generation, but a forever-living spirit?

He follows his dreams even when the universe is against him.

25 Song
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