thecakewasalie (original) (raw)

So when it comes to our favorite manipulative and evil Firebender, it appears fandom is split in the decision whether her descent into insanity was well-written or not and if there were any hints of foreshadowing Azula's fate. Some argued there were no hints whatsoever that Azula will descend into madness and that she was carrying some unresolved issues with her mother, while others have explained and written well-written essays that the steps into madness were early and subtle and the circumstances that ignited it (Mai and Ty Lee's defection and betrayal, Azula's sudden promotion as Firelord, etc) were very much clear.

As for her character, it seems that the writers were attempting to imply that some amount of jealousy towards Zuko's close relationship with Ursa and yearning for motherly affection some of the reasons for her abusive relationship with her brother, as well as she also desperately wanted her father's love and/or respect/approval. However, some argued there were little to no hints of Azula's feelings and thoughts regarding Zuko's relationship with Ursa, Ursa herself, and Ozai and her (Azula) relationship with him.

Me personally, I thought and still think the reasons why Azula grew insane were understandable, her insanity was bubbling under the surface, and I did and still suspect that she did have unresolved issues with her parents and desperately wanted love, and Ty Lee and Mai's betrayal aggravated her hidden and mental instability. However, I am willing and open to opinions different to my interpretation.

Long story short: do you think Azula's characterization was well-written or was there room for improvements? What is/was your overall assessment of her character? Personal thoughts about her family situation and reasons why it became the way it was? Do you think she truly cared for Mai and Ty Lee or simply saw them as minions who should show her unwavering loyalty and obedience?

(Also, apologies that most of my posts in the community were pairing related.)