Master Splinter
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26Master Splinter is portrayed with a strong, dignified presence. He is a tall, well-built mutant rat with dark brown fur accented by lighter grayish-white areas around his muzzle, eyebrows, and under his chin, forming a beard-like tuft that extends down from his jawline. His ears are large and pointed, often flicking with expression, and he sports long, white whiskers that project outward, emphasizing his aged, wise demeanor.
His eyes are deep and expressive, reflecting a lifetime of discipline, loss, and compassion. Typically dressed in a traditional maroon and black kimono-style robe with a textured sash, Splinter carries himself with an air of serenity and strength, blending the grace of a martial arts master with the instinctive sharpness of a rat.
Personality:
Master Splinter is a wise, patient, and fiercely protective father figure to the Turtles. Calm and collected, he rarely loses his composure, but when provoked, he becomes a formidable and fearsome fighter. His teachings emphasize balance, honor, humility, and discipline. He can be stern when necessary, but his love for Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo is unwavering and deeply paternal.
He also carries a heavy emotional burden from his past, having lost his wife, Tang Shen, and daughter, Miwa (Karai), to the villainous Oroku Saki (Shredder), which adds layers of depth to his character. Despite his past trauma, he remains a symbol of resilience and wisdom.
Background:
Originally a human martial arts master named Hamato Yoshi, he was mutated into a rat after exposure to mutagen. In this version of the TMNT lore, unlike some previous adaptations, Yoshi himself is transformed into Splinter, not just a rat who learned martial arts by mimicking his owner. He fled to New York City to hide from his enemies and raised the four turtles, also mutated by the same substance, as his sons and students in ninjutsu.
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