List of The Emperor's New Groove Characters - Kuzco

Kuzco

Emperor Kuzco is the main protagonist of the first film and the TV series. He is the 18-year-old emperor of the Incas. He is initially portrayed as a spoiled, selfish, cocky and sarcastic teenager, albeit with a sense of flair and pizzaz. His name is a reference to the ancient Incan city of Cuzco. Throughout the series, he turns into animals.

In The Emperor's New Groove, Kuzco is turned into a llama by the evil Yzma, following her termination as his adviser. He is presumed dead, and finds himself lost in the jungle. Kuzco becomes friends with Pacha, a peasant, who helps Kuzco turn back into a human again, regaining his humility and his throne. Kuzco learns the meaning of friendship and generosity throughout the film.

In Kronk's New Groove, Kuzco acts like the director and breaks the fourth wall by talking to the audience. He admits he has changed: "I'm nice now. Didn't you see the first movie?" However, he remains self-centered; near the end of the movie, he shows up in women's clothing, claiming he is Kronk's wife, announcing, "You like how I weaseled my way into this movie?"

In The Emperor's New School, to remain emperor, Kuzco must to go to Kuzco Academy, a school he instituted and financed. He must pass all his classes, but Yzma and Kronk are out to make sure he fails. If he fails even one class, he will not be emperor, and Yzma will take over the empire. He is still self-centered. In the series Kuzco develops a love interest, named Malina.

In the episode "Father O Mine," Kuzco's real father appears in a flashback. He is a strong, muscular man, and was emperor before Kuzco. According to Kuzco and Yzma he was lost at sea on a trip when Kuzco was just a baby; thereby granting the throne to Kuzco. It is revealed that Kuzco and his father share two things: a llama birthmark and the same necklace. In another episode, it is revealed that Kuzco has a fear of frogs after a traumatic childhood experience with them as a baby. In another, it is discovered that Kuzco's favorite food is Mudka's Meat Mug which is the only thing he orders.