Ekko is one of the most interesting side characters in Arcane. He is part of the main cast and is depicted in quite a positive light.
Who is Ekko?
Ekko is the childhood friend of Vi and Powder. He is also the leader of Firelight. He is presented as an aggressive and hardcore guy. He wishes to liberate the undercity of Zaun from the crime boss Silco's reign. He is willing to put everything he has, including his own life, at risk to achieve it.
What was Ekko’s role in Arcane?
Ekko is shown to work at Benzo's pawn shop. He is quite a clever guy, which was proved when he took advantage of Jayce's inability to haggle and overcharged him. Ekko would also keep an eye on Benzo's customers and listen to their conversations. Because of his ability to gather information, Vi often relied on Ekko to gain helpful intel. Ekko and Benzo appear to be close since he grieved for him when he witnessed his murder.
How was Ekko’s early life?
Ekko was an assistant to Benzo at his shop. He was a brilliant child inventor. Benzo often had private conversations, which Ekko used to eavesdrop on, and later shared the intel with his friends Vi, Powder, Mylo, and Claggor. Ekko never participated in the activities himself. His little gang of friends gave him the nickname "Little Man." Ekko has always admired Vi growing up. She would teach him combat techniques. He also played a game with Powder which involved shooting with a paintball gun. Ekko often returned from work covered in grease, and Vi would hose him clean. The bond between Vi and Ekko couldn't be more wholesome!
Is Ekko a Hero or a Villain?
Ekko is a side character, but let me add that he is one of the series' best and most interesting side characters! Ekko doesn't have much screen time, and because of that audiences have said that his story doesn't feel fluid throughout the series. However, Ekko’s story is a rich one, and it serves the series' overall plot.
Despite being great friends, Jinx, Ekko, and the Firelights show the consequences of Jinx's actions, and it destroys their community. The fight between Ekko and Jinx and the flashbacks of their childhood made the audience realize that once they're on the same side.
His nickname "Little Man" goes well with the adorable kid he was. He radiates golden retriever energy despite being dead serious at moments. However, adult Ekko is more of a savior than a fighter. He can sacrifice his life to create the dystopian world he dreamt of. Thus Ekko is portrayed in a positive light, as a hero in Arcane.
FAQs
Q. How old is Ekko in Arcane?
A. Ekko grows older in the series over the course of Act 1 to Act 3. He is nearly 13 years old in Act 1 and becomes 19-20 years old in Acts 2 and 3.
Q. Does Ekko have a crush on Jinx?
A. Ekko develops a crush on Jinx. They've been friends since childhood and often spend time together playing games. But his feelings for her become conflicted since she started working for Silco.