Riko

Riko (リコ) is a 12-year-old orphan from the town at the edge of The Abyss, Orth, and the main protagonist of Made in Abyss. She is the only child of the White Whistle Lyza, the Annihilator. When she was two, her mother began her Last Dive to the bottom of The Abyss. Since her father, Torka, had died before she was even born, she was left in the care of Belchero Orphanage.

Appearance

Riko is a short girl with a plain face and green eyes. For much of the series, she had been depicted with long blonde hair styled in two pigtails, at one point being braided. In more relaxed environments, she will sometimes wear her hair in a ponytail. While delving in The Abyss, she wears a delver jacket over a leotard, stockings, rock-climbing harness, a delver's helmet, and (rarely) a pair of protective goggles. For casual wear, in Orth, she would often don a white dress re-enforced with a leather seat and a pair of. She is rarely seen without her glasses, lenses made from crystals that offer no optical benefit but mysteriously prevent her from experiencing headaches.

Personality

Riko is a good-natured, joyful, and energetic child with a kind and gentle heart who deeply cares for her friends. She has a quick and inquisitive mind, gathering and properly organizing all the information available on subjects that interest her.[18] For the team, she is the unbreakable force of enthusiasm in the midst of their constant hardships.[19]

The Abyss excites her to no end. Growing up, she diligently studied to become a Delver like her mother was, enchanted by its mysteries and secrets. By the age of twelve, she had become an Apprentice Delver with the right to explore 1st Layer of The Abyss on her own.

She is fragile and lacking in physical prowess. However, her ability to keep a cool head under pressure and make rational decisions allows her to tackle The Abyss, even in extraordinary circumstances.

She prioritizes her own desires, so she has made and suffered from rash actions. She can also make a delicious meal out of anything, is willing to eat food that others would find repelling, and has little regard for personal space.

A common reaction people have towards Riko is surprise at her wits and determination, due to her otherwise casual demeanor.

Relationship

Lyza

Though Lyza left Riko as baby in Orth, it is clear that she cares about her very much, as she was heartbroken when Riko was stillborn and told Jiruo to keep her identity secret in order to not lead trouble towards her.

Belchero

As director of the Belchero Orphanage, Belchero is an authority figure to Riko. Riko respects her as such and was often punished by Belchero when disobeying rules

Hablog

Hablog has known Riko since her early childhood, becoming a father figure for her. They share a curiosity about The Abyss.

Jiruo

He was entrusted with watching over Riko and protecting her identity as a White Whistle Delver's child. He cares deeply for Riko and is strict but understanding with her.

Kiyui

As the youngest in the orphanage group, the others take care of Kiyui. Kiyui seems to be like a little brother to Riko.

Shiggy

Shiggy is one of Riko's closest friends in the orphanage. His strategical skills have often saved Riko and the other orphans from getting punished

Laffi

Laffi has known Riko since her early childhood.[10] She and the other orphans often visit Laffi's Shop.[11]

Nat

Nat is one of Riko's closest friends in the orphanage. Though they often argue, due to having different opinions on most topics, they care deeply for each other