This is How You Write a Compelling Protagonist (Ninjago: Dragons Rising)

[@cosm1x264]

19:33 I’m glad her parents didn’t get a redemption arc. I like that ninjago kept it realistic bc in irl a lot of kids parents act like sora’s. and in most cartoons they always make the parents “good” and “always knows what’s best” when some people don’t get that luxury. “You should never have to prove your worth to your own parents” that quote will always stick with me. I just love what ninjago did with her character

[@musingsofahomeschooler5332]

Sora: I learned to stop doubting myself Arin: I learned to be wise and trust my instincts Wyldfire: I learned to be slightly less obnoxious

[@SushiKat_Studios]

Nice pfp

[@Lolbitdrangonmaster]

Just wait for the wyldfyre shorts.

[@Pkm_master]

I noticed a parallel between Sora and Cole’s true potentials both stemming from family however Cole’s was linked to acceptance while her’s was linked to realising that a refusal to accept herself instead of relying on her parents acceptance. I don’t know if it means anything but something I noticed.

[@PaigeRobins-ky4qc]

Me too.🔎🥷🐉

[@Dawid23_Gamer]

Something I just realized about Sora's arc: It's a message of how accepting yourself for who you are, and finding others who accept you for who you are being superior to seeking this acceptance within your parents that they never gave you, and perhaps never will. It's a message most important for the LGBTQ+ community, while the arc itself has nothing to do with that, instead using the concept of Sora being against Beatrix while her parents are blinded by the cult of personality she has that did not break even after it was shown to everyone in Imperium how horrible she actually was, which again, parallels our world where despite us as a collective pushing towards progressive and accepting mindsets, some people simply won't budge. And *this* is the perfect illustration of the difference between a company that geniuenely supports LGBTQ+ and a company that is pandering towards the group for the big buck, the difference between progressive and woke. LEGO has perfectly interwoven this message of self-acceptance into a story that also talks about the dangers of populism and the cult of personality and manipulation involved, all of this without having any character actually be LGBTQ+, which some will point out as an obvious oversight, but what actually not only makes it more geniuene (Example: Lloyd's entire message is about seeing the good in people rather than the bad, I doubt that a lot of us specifically have a father consumed by a venom of evil for us to apply this towards), but also is much more likely to go through the censors of more conservative countries, getting this important message accross to these places. Compare this to Disney. I don't think I have to say more than that.

[@PaigeRobins-ky4qc]

@@Dawid23_Gamer indeed.💜🥷🐉🐲

[@StevenJones851]

​@@Dawid23_Gameri agree with this

[@StevenJones851]

Agreed both are great

[@isaacharvey451]

Looking back at the whole of Dragons Rising Season 1, what I love about Sora and Arin is that they develop into each other's personalities by the end. Arin starts as a confident wannabe ninja, and evolves into an unmotivated pupil. Sora starts as a semi-apathetic scavenger, and evolves into an aspiring Ninja. Interestingly, one thing that makes them similar is that they spent much of their upbringings without parental figures to rely upon. And it shows that isolation really can make or break someone.

[@PaigeRobins-ky4qc]

Indeed my thoughts exactly.💭🥷🐉💜

[@lunarbat6009]

I noticed it with Arin too. Cant wait to see what they put him through in the future

[@PaigeRobins-ky4qc]

@@lunarbat6009 me too.💜🥷

[@blu3g]

I will never be able to get over how the Ninjago team took one of the most capitalist ideas (making a show out of a brand of toys) and continues to use it to tell stories that are deep, complex, personal, and emotional, especially now in a time when it feels like stories are becoming less and less focused on being engaging and more focused on easy fanservice, this show persists in its attempts to be of a high quality not just for a kids show, but for a show in general (most of the time)

[@boomgirlbucko]

I love how her speech paralleled Lloyd's speech in season 9. Lloyd: The resistance never quits! Sora: We are all dragons!

[@Angninjin22]

You know what they say, iron sharpens iron, and in this case master sharpens students :)

[@trenalexander4]

@@Angninjin22Yup! Very true!

[@trgyfhgnt3]

@@Angninjin22 flashbacks from Sensei Yang

[@koleszgdanska7149]

Its refreshing and realistic how her parents in the end did not accept her, thats just how it is with ppl

[@Bric_kproduction]

I love Sora’s character how after she chooses to not help her home because her inventions were being used to hurt dragons and being treated like an outcast but then seeing that she shouldn’t have to prove her self to her parents or Larow

[@personnsl]

I just realized a cool detail, intentional or not. When Zane unlocks his true potencial, he shouts "I know, who I am!". When Sora unlocks it, she shouts "My name is Sora!" The first and the last true potencial scenes we saw are linked. "I know who I am, my name is Sora!"

[@YanDaniel3559]

I actually love this coment

[@personnsl]

@@YanDaniel3559 thanks 👍

[@EduardoMartinez-rs3bu]

Sora is without a doubt the best new character in the show, she has the best design, the best story and the best everything, she's amazing and i can't wait to see her character grow more as the show progresses

[@PaigeRobins-ky4qc]

My thoughts exactly.💭🥷🐉💜

[@scratchsketch1879]

Finally, Sora gets the love she deserves. All I see is people talking about how great Arin is, despite him not having nearly the amount of development or story presence as her. That's why she's my favorite new character and it's not even close.

[@PaigeRobins-ky4qc]

I think so too I love her story arc in episodes.💜🐉🥷

[@dangerbuffrocky]

Sora really does remind me of Nya now that I think about it. When Nya was faced with a challenge, she did her best to avoid it, but her entire arc revolves around facing them, just as Sora did in the Season 1 finale, which makes so glad that they were paired up in Part 2.

[@spinjitzumasterfalcon]

Seeing Sora stand up to her parents and unlock her true potential solidified her as my new favorite character in Dragons Rising

[@PaigeRobins-ky4qc]

Mine as well.💜🐉🥷

[@candii_sweets]

she managed to become my favorite character overall

[@PaigeRobins-ky4qc]

@@candii_sweets mine as well.💯🥷

[@mihimiho2515]

Sora reminds me of Jay. In a posative way, without the constant screams of iminent demise.

[@snapbaxtoytalk]

I love Sora's character arc and how anyone who feels 'othered' by society can relate to her. I love how her Trans Pride Flag costume colours, name change issues and conflict with her parents are a clear reference to the struggles a lot of Transgender people go through.

[@MegaZeditz]

OMGGGGG!!!!! Sora is legit my favorite character! And she's so relatable!!! I'm basically a Sora irl. This is such a great analysis of Sora's character in season 1 of Ninjago's Dragon's rising! Good job!

[@IsleofPigsStudios]

19:15 Sora’s Parents are true believers… and that is horrifying to think about

[@user-lc4ux4ix1d]

sora and arin are amazing new main characters since lloyd was added in 2012

[@crunchmcm8780]

Doc Wyatt and Kevin Burke are truley talented professionals. They have give us a huge gem of a fantastic superb memroable season. They deserve los of respect and applauds. I truley enjoyed it very much.

[@borikidor]

I gotta say. Dr. Lerow is very underrated as a villain. She has a very personal conection with Sora. beeing a perfect foil for her. Unlike Beatrix she is very competent. And she is not this pompous, petty or malicious villain. Her treatment of Daragons comes more from a place of ignorance and an inate feeling of superiority. She doesn't do things for the sake of being evil. She wants to advance Imperium and not endanger it.

[@gia3402]

Not lerow.Its La Row.

[@lunarbat6009]

I can relate with her unoptimism and being afraid of the unknown

[@laraprisma6381]

Everything you said at the end of the video is exactly what makes me see sora as a trans allegory. She's not trans, of course, but her story is similar to the experiences of trans people, of being abandoned by their parents after following their preferred identities, of not being respected or accepted because they are different, and finding communities and groups that treat them better than their own family and accept them for who they are. I don't blame anyone in the LGBT or trans community who watches Dragons Rising and feels represented or related to Sora, as her story is very close to home for them. Keep in mind that this is my perspective and the perspective of other fans I've seen online, especially fans from the LGBT community.

[@bottomtier3823]

Of course you do

[@Abbyga1e]

100%, I'm a trans woman and I definitely felt Sora to be very very trans coded. Definitely excited to see where else her character goes! ☺️

[@kobehope501]

I’m so happy with how well Kai was written in this season, ninjago is good again!

[@ZeroJump]

If Soras character just keeps atleast half as good she will arguably become the best Ninja

[@AlfonzoFrohicky]

omggggg. bro im almost gonna cry. sora's story is just so relatable and inspirational and this is the best video i've watched this year man. def my favorite character oat outside the og ninjas.

[@hhxd4198]

2:17 this voice acting is SO GOOD honestly this is one of my favourite scenes in ninjago

[@DexilejJ]

Man, can I just say, thank you so much for making this video. You absolutely nailed it. The appreciation I have for Sora’s story is wild, I never thought a Ninjago season would hit me so strongly but here we are. 10:58 Ah, you worded this so well! That’s a huge component to Sora’s character and hearing it phrased like this helped me understand it way better. Your analysis is seriously impressive, keep up the awesome work!

[@bendobricks]

Thank you!!! Sora's story is one I find very special and I hope I was able to properly articulate why she is such an impactful character.

[@PaigeRobins-ky4qc]

​@@bendobricksyou sure did keep up with the good work.💜🐉🥷👍

[@user-yf9ov2zn1w]

@@bendobrickscan you talk about Garmadon and his personality and his identity

[@IsleofPigsStudios]

Are the people getting mad about Sora’s parents not being redeemed forgetting what happened LAST YEAR in Controversialized (My nickname for Crystalized) when Harumi had that horrifically paced redemption? I wasn’t against a Harumi redemption but the Crystalized one was not it man… Anyway back to Sora’s Parents. I don’t really care about them not being redeemed, in fact Sora should’ve cut every tie with her parents long ago.

[@JonahKoehn335]

Sora is a perfect character I can’t wait to see more of her in the future!

[@KTWhatsup]

I will say, while Sora's arc in Season 1 was really good, it did feel like Arin was left out on some character development on his own. He doesn't get nearly as much development as Sora, so hopefully Season 2 will give more of a focus on him.

[@afrobricks]

Truly AMAZING video that captures everything i like about Sora as a character, really well done!!!

[@BirdDuck]

Just finished Dragon's Rising season 1,holy crap I missed out on a LOT,it's so much better that Crystalized! I'm am so hyped for season 2!

[@Jay_HY]

(haven't finished the video yet) 1:11 why nobody consider riyu to be a member of the new team. poor dragon

[@blehblehbleh9685]

A GOOD SORA CHARACTER ANALYSIS VIDEO. I DREAMEDDD OF TIMES LIKE THESEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@asooffa]

another bendobricks banger 🗣🗣❗❗❗ seriously your scripts are always so well written, i always looks forward to watching your videos

[@acronixwoodentrains3058]

Sora was An Awesomely Amazing Character in Ninjago Dragons Rising Season 1 and I can’t wait to see More of Her and her Elemental Technology Power Next Year in Season 2 and in More Seasons in the Future of The Sequel Series

[@MLPPixel727]

This was such a clearly informed, interesting, and inspiring analysis. Thank you for this!

[@20ajl35]

Always quality from you. Thanks for the entertainment!

[@m.o.d8643]

Ninjago dragons rising is getting so many things right

[@DoubleS36]

Yo mod I watch your videos

[@advilzz5503]

We love sora and her amazing messages she helps bring into light that usually go unnoticed by media 🗣️🗣️🏳️‍⚧️‼️

[@User_6fHr6fuwcie]

Why

[@advilzz5503]

@@User_6fHr6fuwciewhy what

[@User_6fHr6fuwcie]

Does it always have to be involved with lgbt

[@User_6fHr6fuwcie]

Leave the kids show alone

[@advilzz5503]

@@User_6fHr6fuwciewell there are multiple straight characters in the show, what is the harm in making one character just a allegory for trans people, they aren’t even actually confirmed trans, but their struggles and internal conflict they go through matches with lots of trans stories.

[@KJR47]

Sora was by far my favourite. It took me an episode or two to really love her as a character and as a person. A perfectly well written and designed character ❤️❤️❤️

[@user-dv1gd5kr5b]

I hate her with a passion

[@IsleofPigsStudios]

17:34 HOLD THE PHONE! ALOLA MUSIC YES!!! (Also perfectly fitting considering Lusamine was a bad mother and Sora’s Parents were also terrible parents)

[@MagicPotato08]

Another BendoBricks W 👑 Incredible video as always

[@Avery_Productions]

Best video of yours easily

[@CloneCommanderQutibahAlFarouqi]

Amazing Job!

[@CloneCommanderQutibahAlFarouqi]

#MarvelFutureAvengers!

[@user-se3hu5sm9q]

A good and informative video

[@Strike-hopper]

Amazing video makes me want a arin character analysis lol Pls if you want to then pretty pls

[@user-lc4ux4ix1d]

great video that shows how amazing Sora's character is

[@mattbliefernich3121]

It feels like sora is saying that people do like strong female protagonist and hate bad writing

[@Bug_Mist]

I want this video about Arin. And maybe Wyldfyre

[@Eek132]

Dragons rising is so good!

[@braedonbourque8327]

This is totally random but doesn’t Aaron feel like the ninjago version of Spider-Man like hear me out family member gets taken away from him, he’s overall optimistic, and he uses a grapple hook to swing around all the time

[@griffysfnafchannel]

I noticed on the back of sora's back there is a cat symbol that is frowning.

[@saxophonebuizel2458]

Me when sora is referred to as him 🗝 Me when sora is referred to as her 🥷

[@legoanimegirl]

Sora.

[@emilywoow]

Right as the bit of the intro where it says "And my name is Sora" i got an ad about the new wonka movie that started with "My name is Willy Wonka." My name is Emily btw!

[@Thehalfbrainedbean]

Amazing video bro

[@boomgirlbucko]

We love our trans allegory girl

[@PFGFrankly]

not the master of wind, the NEW master of wind

[@user-xq4zv4kj8u]

Can anyone catch me up on this show? I havent watched it in 5 years as it was my childhood. Are cole , jay, lloyd, kai, sensei wu, mia/mya, zane still alive ?

[@frostshockstudios]

Oh, BEGOBLOX will enjoy this video!

[@TahaOsmani-xo1nw]

Who remembers when Kai was serious. Good times

[@THEONLYPICKLE-MAN]

Pls cover the mechs of Rising season 2, they make me so mad because the strip the ninja of there individuality. U can find them on the Lego official KZbin

[@user-xq4zv4kj8u]

So is it a new series then dragons rising or is it a season of ninjago?

[@r.p.4531]

Is a new series, sequel to Ninjago

[@user-xq4zv4kj8u]

@r.p.4531 oh, so the ninjago seasons are finishrd and now its a new series of ninjago but under a different name

[@r.p.4531]

@@user-xq4zv4kj8u yep

[@ChickenTablet]

well, it is kinda like a mix of both things you mentioned. its a new series which continues the actual story of ninjago

[@user-xq4zv4kj8u]

@chickentablet96 so are jay, nya, cole, zane, lloyd, sensei wu, kai all still in it?

[@iapplegamer1234]

Jinjago

[@the_kas_6880]

2:06 Does someone has the name of the music ?

[@Lella-qm9yj]

I think that sora is interesting, but she just lost my interest. The orange kid is very boring and forgettable. But Wyldefire is amazing and then dr part 2 and they just changed her for no reason. No hint of her being a prankster, it just kinda happened. But that's just what I think. I like how sora is shown to have a pessimistic outlook.

[@Amy-yf9zc]

Sora's a big ol' trans allegory and it's done brillaintly

[@vice166]

yes it's so blatant too, i adored it

[@boomgirlbucko]

Even her clothes are the trans colors lol

[@iapplegamer1234]

#Jinjago

[@ferniture_]

I wanted to watch this but

[@cybercat0564]

Sora be like 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍⚧️

[@Bric_kproduction]

Ehh I’m trying to see this but I just can’t I don’t care when shows make an LGBTQ person but I just don’t get why people see Sora as trans I don’t even get why in the real world you would want to be the opposite sex if you’re not.

[@ZeroJump]

​@@Bric_kproductionTrans people feel like they are in the wrong body...

[@mmoobloom]

@@Bric_kproduction​​⁠it’s less of “she’s trans” and more of “she’s trans coded” ie born into a society where her true self isn’t accepted by society or even her own parents, changes her name and runs away from imperium so she can be her true self, feels guilt for who she is and has a lot of self-doubt, there’s one specific line where she’s like “my parents barely believe in their own…” and then she doesn’t say daughter, and then by the end she realizes she doesn’t need to pretend to be someone else so her parents and imperium will accept her because she’s found a group of people who will

[@Bric_kproduction]

@@mmoobloom okay I get it because ok I expect LGBTQ characters but I was just like how is she trans we saw her as a kid and she was a she.

[@Bric_kproduction]

@@ZeroJump that’s dumb though because I really do get what goes on in their brain to say I’m not in the right body I just can’t support them it’s just delusional.

[@bryanrodasmontoya3864]

ninjago rocks hazbin hotel cringe

[@BlurroBlue]

They're both good 🤦‍♂️

[@PaigeRobins-ky4qc]

I love dragon rising.💜🥷🐉

[@miraculousninja5255]

I wish I had something else to add, but-you said everything that needed to be said about Sora! Great job! 👍🩷