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Émile Durkheim

Shoto Todoroki

Shoto Todoroki (轟 焦凍 Todoroki Shōto), also known simply asShoto, is a former student of Class 1-A at U.A. High School, where he was accepted through official recommendations. He is the youngest son ofEndeavor, the former No. 2 and later No. 1 Pro Hero. As one of the main characters inMy Hero Academia, Shoto plays a central role in the story.

Following the events of the Final War, eight years later, Shoto has graduated from U.A. and become a highly ranked Pro Hero, continuing to follow in his father’s footsteps while forging his own path as a hero.

Émile Durkheim
Born
David Émile Durkheim

(1858-04-15)15 April 1858

Épinal, France
Died 15 November 1917(1917-11-15)(aged 59)

Paris,France
Nationality French
Alma mater École Normale Supérieure
Known for Sacred–profane dichotomy
Collective consciousness
Social fact
Social integration
Anomie
Collective effervescence
Scientific career
Fields Philosophy, sociology, education, anthropology, religious studies
Institutions University of Paris, University of Bordeaux
Influences Immanuel Kant, René Descartes,Plato, Herbert Spencer,Aristotle, Montesquieu, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Auguste Comte. William James, John Dewey, Fustel de Coulanges, Jean-Marie Guyau, Charles Bernard Renouvier, John Stuart Mill
Influenced Marcel Mauss,Claude Lévi-Strauss, Talcott Parsons, Maurice Halbwachs, Jonathan Haidt, Lucien Lévy-Bruhl,Bronisław Malinowski, Fernand Braudel, Pierre Bourdieu, Charles Taylor, Henri Bergson, Emmanuel Levinas, Steven Lukes, Alfred Radcliffe-Brown, E. E. Evans-Pritchard, Mary Douglas, Paul Fauconnet, Robert N. Bellah, Ziya Gökalp, David Bloor, Randall Collins, Neil Smelser[1]

Appearance

Shoto Todoroki is a moderately tall and muscular young man, well-built due to his intense childhood training. He has short hair, parted to avoid obscuring his vision, with a striking color split: white on the right and crimson red on the left, a result of his Quirk. His unique appearance also includes heterochromia, giving him a turquoise left eye and a brownish-gray right eye. A burn scar from his hairline to his cheek on the left side of his face adds to his distinct look. Despite his serious expression, many of his classmates, especially the girls, consider him to be quite handsome, with Mina Ashido calling him the best-looking guy in Class 1-A.

At school, Shoto wears the standard U.A. uniform but replaces the typical shoes with pale cyan and gray sneakers.

His original hero costume was a simple off-white outfit with a tactical vest, featuring a heater to regulate his temperature. It also included a detachable ice-like material covering his left side, symbolizing his rejection of his fire Quirk.

Over time, Shoto’s costume evolved. His updated hero costume is a dark blue, heat-resistant jacket with a high collar and cooling/heating devices built in. He also wears baggy pants and a metal-plated tactical vest that functions as both a heater and radiator. His boots feature spikes for better grip, and he carries a utility belt with medical supplies. During the Provisional Hero License Exam, he added burgundy wrist guards to help regulate his body temperature after attacks.

At school, Shoto wears the standard U.A. uniform but replaces the typical shoes with pale cyan and gray sneakers.

Later, Shoto upgrades his costume further, resembling his father’s second outfit. His wrist guards gain additional armor, and his jacket becomes a darker blue with a T-shaped stripe. His utility belt is expanded to hold more medical capsules. This costume, known as “Costume Gamma,” is more resistant to heat and cold, helping him manage his powers more efficiently.

Eight years after the Final War, Shoto has grown taller and leaner. His burn scar has begun to fade, slowly restoring his appearance to what it was before his mother’s incident.

Clothing

Shoto Todoroki’s clothing evolves throughoutMy Hero Academiaas his abilities and role develop.

  • School Uniform:
    He wears the standard U.A. male uniform, which consists of a gray jacket and teal tie. However, Shoto swaps the typical brown dress shoes for casual pale cyan and gray lace-up sneakers, adding his own subtle flair.

  • Hero Costume (Original):
    His first hero costume was simple: an off-white outfit with matching pants and boots. Over his shoulders were two gold straps attached to a tactical vest that doubled as a heater. This costume also featured a detachable ice-like material covering the left side of his body, representing his resistance to using the fire half of his Quirk.

  • Hero Costume (Updated):
    Shoto later upgraded his costume to a more functional design. His new outfit consists of a dark blue, heat-resistant jacket with elbow-length sleeves and a high collar, along with matching baggy pants. A metal-plated tactical vest, which acts as both a heater and radiator, provides additional temperature regulation. His white boots feature spikes for improved traction, and he carries a utility belt equipped with medical supplies.

  • Provisional Hero License Exam Outfit:
    Shoto added burgundy wrist guards with metal plating, designed to regulate his body temperature after using powerful attacks. His boots were also upgraded with additional straps for more support.

  • Stealth Costume:
    ForMission: Humarise, Shoto designed a special stealth suit. This all-black neoprene outfit included a jacket and slim pants with built-in knee pads and metal plates to help control his body temperature. The suit was given to him by the World Heroes Association and was tailored for covert operations.

  • Costume Gamma:
    In later arcs, Shoto’s costume receives further enhancements. His wrist guards now feature additional armor plating extending to his knuckles, allowing him to store heat and cold for more condensed attacks. His jacket, now a darker blue, includes a large T-shaped stripe, and his utility belt can hold eight medical capsules. This version of his costume is known as “Costume Gamma.”

Hero Costumes

A collection of Durkheim's courses on the origins of socialism (1896), edited and published by his nephew, Marcel Mauss, in 1928

Shoto Todoroki deep in thought amidst the chaos of war, his focused expression revealing the inner struggles and decisions he must face as a hero.

  • Original Hero Costume:
    Shoto’s first costume was minimalistic. It consisted of a plain off-white shirt, matching pants, and boots. Two gold straps ran over his shoulders, connecting to a tactical vest that acted as a heater to regulate his body temperature. He also wore a detachable ice-like covering over his left side to symbolize his rejection of his fire abilities, leaving only his ice powers active in combat.

  • Updated Hero Costume:
    As Shoto began to accept both sides of his Quirk, his costume received significant upgrades. The updated version is a dark blue, heat-resistant jacket with elbow-length sleeves and a high collar, designed to keep his body temperature stable. He pairs this with baggy pants of the same color, white boots equipped with spikes for better traction, and a metal-plated tactical vest, which serves as both a heater and radiator. His utility belt holds medical supplies, enhancing his preparedness in battle.

  • Provisional Hero License Exam Additions:
    For the Provisional Hero License Exam, Shoto added burgundy wrist guards with metal plating. These guards help him regulate his body temperature after intense Quirk usage. His boots were also enhanced with additional straps for better support and mobility.

  • Stealth Costume (Mission: Humarise):
    DuringMission: Humarise, Shoto wore a special stealth costume designed for covert operations. It consisted of a black neoprene jacket and pants, equipped with metal plates to regulate his temperature. The stealth suit allowed for flexibility and efficiency during high-stakes missions and was provided by the World Heroes Association.

  • Costume Gamma:
    Later in the series, Shoto’s hero costume is upgraded again. This version, known as “Costume Gamma,” includes wrist guards with armor that extend to his knuckles, allowing him to store heat and cold to amplify his attacks. His dark blue jacket now has a prominent T-shaped stripe across the chest, and his utility belt is capable of holding eight medical capsules. The overall design is more heat-resistant, allowing Shoto to better balance both his ice and fire powers.

Post-War Changes

Émile Durkheim's grave in Montparnasse Cemetery

Shoto Todoroki after a grueling battle, bearing injuries that highlight the intensity of the fight, yet showcasing his unwavering resolve to continue fighting for his ideals.

Following the Final War, Shoto Todoroki experiences both physical and emotional changes, reflecting his growth as a hero and an individual.

  • Physical Changes:
    Eight years after the war, Shoto becomes taller and leaner, a reflection of his maturity. His scar, a symbol of his past, begins to fade with time, slowly restoring his appearance to what it was before the traumatic incident with his mother. His hair, which was once neatly maintained, now appears more frazzled, signifying the long-lasting effects of the battles he has faced.

  • Costume Enhancements:
    Shoto’s hero costume also undergoes upgrades post-war. His new “Costume Gamma” features additional armor and technology to better control his heat and cold powers. His wrist guards are more advanced, storing both heat and cold to allow him to unleash stronger and more efficient attacks. The darker, more heat-resistant fabric of his suit ensures he can handle extended periods of using his Quirk without compromising his health.

  • Hero Career:
    After the war, Shoto becomes a highly ranked Pro Hero. His experience in battle and his mastery of his dual-element Quirk have earned him significant recognition. He continues to fight alongside other top heroes, taking on greater responsibilities in maintaining peace.

  • Emotional Growth:
    The aftermath of the war has left a lasting impact on Shoto. He has grown emotionally, reconciling with his past and his family, especially with his father, Endeavor. Shoto continues to confront his inner conflicts, but he is now more focused and confident in his role as a hero.

Personality

Shoto Todoroki is a calm and reserved individual who initially comes across as distant. His serious demeanor often makes him seem cold to others, but this is largely due to his troubled upbringing. Born to a strict father, Endeavor, who pushed him into intense training from a young age, Shoto struggled with the emotional weight of his family’s expectations and conflicts.

  • Reserved and Reflective:
    Shoto is introspective, often keeping his thoughts to himself. He is not one to easily express his emotions, which can make him appear detached, especially in comparison to his more outgoing classmates. However, beneath this stoic exterior, he is deeply thoughtful and cares about the well-being of those around him.

  • Inner Conflict:
    For a long time, Shoto rejected the fire side of his Quirk, viewing it as a symbol of his father’s control over him. This internal struggle greatly influenced his personality, making him reluctant to fully embrace his potential. His complex relationship with his father led to feelings of resentment, self-doubt, and a desire to forge his own path.

  • Growth and Acceptance:
    As the story progresses, Shoto undergoes significant character development. He learns to accept both sides of his Quirk, symbolizing his journey toward self-acceptance. Through his experiences with his classmates and battles, he becomes more open and cooperative, gradually letting go of the burden of his past. His relationships with his friends, particularly with Izuku Midoriya and Katsuki Bakugo, help him grow into a more balanced and compassionate individual.

  • Courageous and Determined:
    Despite his quiet nature, Shoto has a strong sense of justice and is incredibly determined in battle. He fights with focus and precision, never losing sight of his goals. His calmness under pressure is one of his greatest strengths as a hero, allowing him to make quick and strategic decisions in high-stakes situations.

  • Compassionate Side:
    Although Shoto may seem aloof, he has a compassionate heart. He shows empathy towards others who have faced struggles similar to his own. His efforts to repair his relationship with his family, especially his mother, show his capacity for emotional growth and healing.

Overall Abilities

Shoto Todoroki is one of the most talented students at U.A. High School, recognized for his exceptional strength, versatility, and tactical mind. His dual Quirk,Half-Cold Half-Hot, allows him to wield both ice and fire, making him a formidable opponent in combat. Shoto’s abilities have grown significantly throughoutMy Hero Academia, as he learns to master both aspects of his Quirk and evolve as a hero.

Growth Post-War

After the Final War, Shoto’s abilities continue to improve. He gains better control over his powers and becomes a highly ranked Pro Hero. His mastery of his Quirk and his battle experience place him among the most powerful heroes of his generation.

Mastery of Ice and Fire

Cover of the French edition of The Rules of Sociological Method (1919)

Shoto Todoroki locked in battle with Midoriya, each showcasing their unique powers and strategies in a fierce clash of determination and skill.

Initially, Shoto rejected his fire abilities due to his troubled relationship with his father. However, over time, he has come to accept both sides of his Quirk. This acceptance has unlocked his full potential, allowing him to use his ice and fire in combination for maximum effectiveness in battle. He can create massive ice structures or generate intense flames to overpower his enemies.

Dual-Element Quirk – Half-Cold Half-Hot

Shoto’s Quirk gives him control over both ice and fire. The right side of his body generates ice, allowing him to freeze opponents and create defensive barriers. The left side produces fire, enabling him to unleash devastating flames. His versatility in using both elements makes him highly adaptable in battle, capable of both offense and defense.

Tactical Genius

Cover of the French edition of The Division of Labour in Society

Young Shoto Todoroki, wide-eyed and amazed, capturing the innocence and wonder of his childhood before the burdens of heroism take hold.

Shoto is a highly analytical fighter, able to assess situations quickly and adapt his strategy accordingly. His calm demeanor in battle allows him to think rationally, even under pressure. He often uses his ice to create barriers or immobilize enemies, while his fire side serves as a powerful attack to overwhelm opponents.

Exceptional Combat Skills

Beyond his Quirk, Shoto has demonstrated excellent physical abilities. He is agile, strong, and has developed remarkable endurance through years of rigorous training. His combat style is precise and calculated, making him an expert in close-range and mid-range fights.

Ultimate Moves

Shoto Todoroki’sHalf-Cold Half-HotQuirk grants him access to a variety of powerful ultimate moves, combining both ice and fire to create devastating attacks. As Shoto evolves as a hero, his ultimate moves become more refined and strategic, allowing him to dominate in battle.

  • Heaven-Piercing Ice Wall:
    Shoto creates a massive wall of ice that can block enemy attacks or trap opponents. The sheer size and thickness of the ice make it difficult to break through, and Shoto can manipulate the shape and height to suit the situation. This move is highly defensive but can also be used to corner or incapacitate foes.

  • Flashfreeze Heatwave:
    By rapidly using both sides of his Quirk, Shoto releases an overwhelming wave of steam. First, he freezes the area around him with his ice, and then quickly melts it with his fire, generating a shockwave of extreme heat. This move can disorient and overwhelm enemies by hitting them with drastic temperature changes.

  • Flashfreeze Heatwave: Coldflame:
    A variation of the original Flashfreeze Heatwave, this move focuses on Shoto’s control over both ice and fire simultaneously. By carefully balancing both elements, Shoto creates a blast of steam and flame, allowing him to hit multiple enemies at once with the combined force of ice and fire.

  • Jet Kindling:
    Shoto directs an intense jet of flames at his target, producing a concentrated and destructive fire blast. This move focuses entirely on his fire side and delivers incredible heat and force in a single, powerful strike.

  • Icebound Crash – Coldflame’s Dance:
    Shoto unleashes a powerful combination of his ice and fire, alternating between the two elements to create a continuous assault. This move allows him to keep enemies off-balance by hitting them with freezing attacks followed by bursts of intense heat. The quick succession of ice and fire makes it difficult for opponents to defend against.

  • Phosphor:
    Shoto’s most advanced ultimate move. By blending his ice and fire evenly, Shoto generates a balanced, glowing stream of energy that combines both elements. This move symbolizes his complete mastery over his Quirk, as it requires full control of both ice and fire simultaneously. Phosphor is incredibly versatile, serving as both a long-range attack and a powerful close-combat technique.

Equipment

  • Wrist Guards:
    Shoto’s wrist guards are designed with advanced temperature regulation technology. These guards store both heat and cold, allowing him to control the release of his Quirk with greater precision. The guards also help to balance his body temperature after using his Quirk for extended periods.

  • Metal-Plated Tactical Vest:
    Shoto wears a metal-plated tactical vest that functions as both a heater and radiator. This vest helps him maintain a stable core temperature during battle, particularly when using his fire and ice abilities in quick succession. It provides a balance between protection and utility, keeping him safe while enhancing his Quirk’s effectiveness.

  • Utility Belt:
    Shoto carries a utility belt that holds medical capsules and other supplies. The belt is designed to ensure he is always prepared in combat situations, allowing him to provide first aid to himself or others during emergencies.

  • Advanced Stealth Suit(Mission: Humarise):
    For stealth missions, Shoto’s suit is made of a black neoprene material, equipped with temperature-regulating metal plates. The suit allows him to perform covert operations without sacrificing his ability to use his Quirk efficiently. The suit includes built-in knee pads and shoulder plates to enhance his mobility and protection during high-stakes missions.

  • Costume Gamma:
    Shoto’s most recent hero costume, known as “Costume Gamma,” features armor-like enhancements to his wrist guards, extending from his wrist to his knuckles. These new additions allow him to store even more heat and cold, providing stronger offensive capabilities. The costume is made from heat-resistant materials, giving him the ability to use both fire and ice in long battles without overexerting his body.

Trivia

  • Name Meaning:
    Shoto’s name is written with the kanji “burn” (焦, shō) and “freeze” (凍, tō), reflecting his dual-element Quirk,Half-Cold Half-Hot.

  • Early Designs:
    In Shoto’s early concept designs, he had longer hair and was intended to be more cold-hearted. However, Kohei Horikoshi later softened his personality to make him more relatable as a character.

  • Heterochromia:
    Shoto’s unique eye colors—one turquoise and one brownish-gray—are due to heterochromia, which adds to his striking appearance. This, along with his red and white hair, is a visual representation of his dual Quirk.

  • Burn Scar:
    Shoto’s burn scar on the left side of his face is the result of an incident in his childhood, where his mother accidentally burned him in a moment of emotional distress. The scar symbolizes the difficult relationship he had with his family, particularly his father, Endeavor.

  • Favorite Foods:
    Shoto’s favorite food is cold soba noodles, which reflects his preference for cold elements, especially during his earlier struggle with accepting his fire abilities.

  • Popularity Polls:
    Shoto is one of the most popular characters inMy Hero Academia. He consistently ranks high in the series’ official character popularity polls, often placing in the top three.

  • Voice Actor:
    Shoto’s Japanese voice actor, Yūki Kaji, is well-known in the anime industry and also voices other popular characters such as Eren Yeager inAttack on Titan.

  • Character Inspiration:
    Shoto’s character arc, particularly his struggle to balance both sides of his Quirk, is inspired by themes of self-acceptance and overcoming personal trauma. His journey to accept his fire side mirrors the emotional growth and healing he undergoes throughout the series.

  • Costume Colors:
    Shoto’s hero costume features colors that highlight his dual nature: blue and white, representing ice, with accents of red for his fire. His costumes evolve to reflect his growing acceptance of both elements of his Quirk.

  • Cultural Influence:
    Shoto’s name and character design carry strong cultural significance in Japan. His mixed abilities represent the concept of duality—balancing opposing forces, which is a common theme in Japanese storytelling.

Quotes

  • “Never forget who you want to become.”
    Shoto reminds himself and others to stay true to their dreams and values, emphasizing the importance of personal growth and self-acceptance.

  • “I’m not going to be a tool for that man!”
    This quote reflects Shoto’s deep resentment towards his father, Endeavor, and his refusal to be shaped solely by his father’s ambitions.

  • “It’s your power, not his!”
    Shoto’s declaration to Izuku Midoriya during the Sports Festival, a pivotal moment where he begins to confront his own identity and the ownership of his abilities.

  • “I want to be a hero, too!”
    This line shows Shoto’s genuine desire to become a hero on his own terms, separate from his father’s legacy and expectations.

  • “I’ll win this with my mom’s power alone!”
    Shoto’s initial rejection of his fire abilities is captured here, as he chooses to rely only on his ice powers inherited from his mother. It highlights his inner conflict during the earlier parts of the series.

  • “I still can’t forgive you… But by saving you, maybe I can start to move forward.”
    Shoto expresses his complex feelings toward his father, showing that while he still holds resentment, he is willing to take steps toward healing and reconciliation.

  • “You may be a hero, but you can’t be a hero without a smile.”
    Shoto channels All Might’s philosophy, emphasizing the importance of maintaining hope and a positive outlook, even in the face of adversity.

  • “Get a hold of yourself, you’re supposed to be Endeavor’s son.”
    This self-critical statement reflects Shoto’s struggle with expectations, showing that even as he seeks to define his own path, he still wrestles with the weight of being Endeavor’s son.

  • “The only way to win is to overcome the limitations of your own mind.”
    Shoto understands the mental barriers that can hold people back, underscoring the importance of inner strength and self-acceptance in overcoming challenges.