Avatar: The Last Airbender introduced the world to a very creative way to work with a classic magic system: the four classical elements. The bending arts are some of the most well-conceived parts of Avatar: The Last Airbender. However, despite not being able to bend, one of the breakout characters of the show was Sokka.
Sokka’s voice actor, Jack DeSena, via Cinemablend, talked about his character, how he fit into the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender, and also about his philosophy for the character. Sokka is a character that has been very important for the show and has managed to cement himself as a character that has really resonated with fans.
Jack DeSena believes Sokka is a character that grounds the narrative of Avatar: The Last Airbender
Jack DeSena, before he appeared on the Avatar: Braving the Elements podcast, talked about how he looked at Sokka’s character in contrast with the world around him. He was keen on exploring how the character allowed not only other characters to shine but was perhaps able to be more relatable for the audience. He said:
“I think Sokka’s presence adds a relatability that makes Aang and Katara and Zuko and Toph feel even more special when you understand the import of these characters. And it was a lovely source of comedy and genuine depth.
I love how much they explored Sokka’s feelings of inadequacy and feeling left out. And where does he belong? And what does he bring to the table? I think they made fantastic use of his status as the non-bender in the group.”
Beyond his presence as a character elevating those around him, DeSena also talked about how the character was able to use his wits exclusively, to reach a level that other benders did with their powers, becoming the brilliant tactician that he has always been.
Sokka was a character that had a lot to prove from the beginning
Sokka started with a slew of insecurities that manifested in very odd ways. Famously sexist, the character had it beaten out of him by his future love interest, Suki.
Further, the character also focused on leading his tribe and fighting in the war, something he was very conscious and insecure about. However, by the end of the show, his character had become a lot more confident. He said:
“I think Sokka is a lovely example of digging down into what makes you special, even when you don’t feel like it. And you know, for him, it’s wits, and leadership and being a supportive team member.
And I think those things are beautiful qualities. And finding that way to feel special when you don’t, is I think a lovely thing for viewers of any age to connect to.”
The character might not have started out as a favorite but rose to prominence with the rest of the cast. With the character’s fate being left largely undecided by the time of Legend of Korra, Avatar Studios has an opportunity to explore the character’s story after the series, which is something the adult Gaang film could explore.
