Mello

Grew Up… second-best. Orphaned at an early age, Mello grew up at Wammy's House, an orphanage that doubled as a recruitment base for genius children. Run by L and his associates, Wammy's goal was to produce prodigies with the hope of one day finding a successor for L, the legendary detective. While Mello quickly caught L's attention, he was never quite able to be Wammy's top student. That spot was reserved for stoic, robotic Near, with Mello always one step behind.

Living… undercover. Though offered the chance to work with Near to catch the feared killer Kira, Mello refused, citing the fact that, "Near and I don't get along... we're always competing." Rather than working with his rival, Mello chose to leave Wammy's and England.

Profession… international criminal. Mello was 14 when he ran away from Wammy's House, but he's obviously done well for himself. Now 19, he works with mafia leaders in the U.S., offering his resources in exchange for using Rod Ross's power to catch Kira.

Interests… becoming the new L. Growing up idolizing L, Mello is now determined to prove himself the detective's true heir. It's a goal he relentlessly chases, allowing himself few luxuries outside of chocolate, which he can constantly be seen eating.

Relationship Status… single. Outside of Matt, his co-conspirator and a fellow Wammy's student, Mello barely has any time for friends, much less romance.  

Challenge… catching Kira and defeating Near. While competitiveness drives most of his actions, Mello also has a more personal stake in pursuing Kira. More than a mentor or an idol, L was Mello's hero and, as he puts it, "in the end, there is no greater motivation than revenge."

Personality… brash, fiery, and insecure. There's no doubt that Mello's a genius, but years of growing up in Near's shadow have not been good for his psyche. Driven, resentful, and ruthless, Mello's an emotional powder keg – it's only a matter of time before he explodes.