Avatar: The Last Airbender's Zuko has one of the most memorable character arcs in modern animation. He began as a disgraced prince of an imperialist nation tasked with capturing the Avatar — a near-impossible undertaking — to finally be reaccepted by his family. Over the series, he undergoes various evolutions, many of which are catalyzed by his uncle, Iroh, and his precarious position as a royal hated by his family and the many nations caught in a war with the Fire Nation.

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Eventually, his mistakes catch up with him and he must change his ways, join his foes, and oppose his own father. Through the series, there were several notable scenes where Zuko won respect from characters and viewers alike and began his journey towards good.

10 As The Blue Spirit, He Saves Aang From Capture

Zuko fights to save Aang as the Blue Spirit

One of the first times fans see Zuko do something out of character in opposition to the Fire Nation is when he infiltrates Zhao's facilities to rescue Aang. Zuko shrouds himself in black clothing and a mask of the Blue Spirit to avoid being discovered.

His real motivation for doing this was to ensure that the arrogant Zhao wouldn't get the credit for capturing the Avatar, as Zuko's capture of the Avatar was the only way for him to be reaccepted into his family.

9 He Saves Innocent Townsfolk, Despite Knowing They'll Hate Him When They Find Out Who He Is

Zuko covers face with straw hat

In the episode "Zuko Alone," Zuko goes off on his own for a bit, and while he does, he ventures into an impoverished town being terrorized by soldiers who bully the villagers instead of protecting them. There, he meets a young boy named Lee who gets himself into hot water with the soldiers and later gets captured.

By this point, Zuko had stayed the night with the family and made a rapport with Lee, so when Lee's mother asks Zuko for help, Zuko obliges. He saves Lee, but in doing so, he reveals he's a firebender, and the town ousts him.

8 He Releases Appa From Captivity In The Dai Li Hide Out

Iroh lectures Zuko and asks him to free Appa

Zuko dons the Blue Spirit disguise once again to sneak into the Dai Li's headquarters underneath Lake Laogai. He eventually stumbles upon Team Avatar's sky bison, Appa, but before he can do anything, Uncle Iroh appears behind him.

Iroh tells Zuko that it's time to finally start making decisions that aren't based on what Ozai wants but based on what Zuko thinks is right. After struggling with himself, Zuko releases Appa and relinquishes the Blue Spirit identity, signaling a turning point for his destiny.

7 He Confronts His Father And Relinquishes His Newfound Acceptance

Zuko redirects Ozai's lightning on the Day of the eclipse

Zuko betrays his uncle and attacks Aang to sway his sister and father into accepting him back at the Fire Nation palace. However, once he gets there, he realizes that this wasn't the fate he wanted, and he feels guilty for all that transpired.

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When the eclipse rolls around, Zuko finally makes the decision to confront Ozai. In a scene mirroring Zuko's Agni Kai with his father when he was a kid, Zuko is attacked by his father and forced to redirect the lightning, sending Ozai into the wall.

6 He Gathers The Courage To Apologize To Team Avatar

Aang elbows a frowning Zuko

Now that Zuko is once again exiled, he decides to make amends for his crimes by apologizing to Team Avatar, offering his services as a firebending instructor, and helping with their quest to stop Ozai. Both he and the audience know this will not go well, but after a few hilarious scenes of Zuko practicing his apology, he finally resolves to do it.

It goes as poorly as expected, but Zuko doesn't give up. Zuko's newfound humility reflects his desire to change his destiny and make right what he wronged.

5 He Helps Sokka Break His Father Out Of Boiling Rock Prison

Zuko, Chit Sang, Suki, and Sokka attempt to push freeze cell to escape Boiling Rock prison

As the newest addition to Team Avatar, Zuko tries to exude wisdom, confidence, and coolness while also helping the team and gaining their trust. To do this, he goes on various field trips with the characters.

During one of these adventures, Zuko teams up with Sokka to rescue Sokka's father and Suki, the Kyoshi Warrior, from the Boiling Rock prison. Though the odds are stacked against them, Zuko goes anyway, and the two find themselves in both hilarious and intense situations before ultimately succeeding in their venture.

4 He Doesn't Judge Or Criticize Katara And Helps Her Get Revenge

Katara lets Southern Raider go

During another one of Zuko's adventures with individual members of Team Avatar, Zuko helps Katara on her quest to find the Southern Raider who killed her mother. Zuko understands Katara's need for an anti-hero-esque revenge mission, and he neither tells her what to do nor judges her.

When the first person they find isn't the right one, he continues to help her. When she ultimately decides to spare the man who killed her mother, Zuko accepts this too. Right up to the end, Zuko is supportive and listens to Katara's needs.

3 He Passes The Dragons' Test With Aang

The red and blue dragons breathe fire on Zuko and Aang

Aang and Zuko set off on a quest to find a new source of firebending when it's discovered that the lack of anger and hatred will no longer serve as a reliable source of firebending inspiration. They meet the Sun Warriors and the two dragon firebending masters, Ran and Shaw. The two dragons reveal the secrets of the origins of firebending to Aang and Zuko, revealing that they have both become worthy.

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Zuko's dedication to the mission despite certain danger, his worthiness according to the dragons, and his interest in the origins of firebending show just how much he has grown.

2 He Defeats Azula But Shows Her Mercy

Zuko poses in preparation for his Agni Kai with Azula

One of the most climactic moments in the series is Zuko's duel with Azula. His sister has always been the stronger firebender, the more ruthless fighter, and the more aggressive sibling. In their past fights, she stood on top.

However, when these two finally meet in an Agni Kai, the tables turn. Zuko wins, and this causes Azula to finally break. But despite all the horrible things she has said and done to Zuko, he shows her mercy and doesn't kill her.

1 He Waits All Night To Apologize To Iroh

Iroh forgives a crying Zuko for betraying him

One of the most touching moments in Avatar: The Last Airbender is Zuko's reconciliation with Iroh. He had grievously betrayed him, landing Iroh in a Fire Nation prison. When Zuko finally sets out to apologize to Iroh in the White Lotus camp, he waits all night for Iroh to be ready to talk to him.

When Iroh awakens, Zuko says his piece and reveals that he has finally joined the path of good, and Iroh embraces him. This is the ultimate culmination of all of Zuko's character development.

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