Cole MacGrath

**Cole MacGrath** is the original protagonist of the *Infamous* series, preceding Delsin Rowe and Abigail Walker. Originally, he was a simple bike messenger who was delivering a package for someone to somewhere in the Historic District of Empire City. In the midst of his delivery however, the package exploded, destroying half the city and killing thousands in the process. However, this event resulted in Cole activating his power of Electrokinesis.

In the World Protection Security Agency stories, Cole MacGrath makes his first appearance in WPSA: Black Bullet who assists the WPSA and Tendō Civil Security.

## Appearance

Cole wears a leather jacket and pants with a stripe on the right leg, forming a small union jack design on his knee, and a sling bag with his phone attached to the single strap. This sling bag has a Sly Cooper logo and the numbers one and 3 designed onto it. He has a shaved head with a light stubble beard and speaks in a gravelly voice. Cole shows a high form of intelligence and is able to logically deduce the outcomes of any actions he might take.

## Personality

In his Good Karma state, Cole is selfless, caring about other and how his powers will benefit the citizens of Empire City and New Marais. He shows concern for those around him, and tries not to destroy things around him. This also reflected on his powers and how he uses them: In addition of his electrical energy being neon blue, his combat techniques are more focused, enabling him to take down enemies and avoiding large, uncontrolled attacks that could hurt or kill innocent bystanders.

The events of his debut game and *InFamous 2* see Cole's character development. While facing karmic choices (which technically part of the gameplay), it is shown that Cole initially reluctant to do the right thing yet had to make a decision which outcome may or may not bode well to those around him. This further exacerbated by his infamy due to being framed by "Voice of Survival", turning the public against him. When he saved a train which hijacked by a group of Reapers, Cole initially perceived the people he saved as hypocrites for their sincere gratitude before eventually warming up.

Additionally, he grew to worry whether his powers will corrupt him through his confrontation with Sasha. As he committed more good deeds, Cole gradually realized that becoming a hero who used his powers selflessly is the right thing to do. He eventually becomes a heroic figure driven by sense of justice and not to give up his decisions to stop The Beast no matter it costs. This newfound sense of justice even reflected by the way he utilizes his powers: Cole's attacks become much more accurate, able to take down enemies with little harm, and discovering the ways to heal weakened civilians. He also appear cleaner, as though he is "the symbol of health & longevity".

## Powers And Abilities

Four years prior to the Blast, Cole began practicing Urban Exploration; parkour and climbing. He also traveled down to New Marais during his training, exploiting the drop of law enforcement. Through extensive training, Cole was able to perform parkour with ease, able to walk on narrow cables and climb buildings. This has aided him well in his job as a bike messenger in Empire City.

Being a latent Conduit, Cole also seemed to have a stronger resistance and endurance to injury, as he was able to make it out alive after being run over by a freight truck during the time before the Blast. Zeke mentions this to Trish when the latter was worried if Cole will get out of his coma or not, assuring her that he'll be fine.

* **Electrokinesis and Electromagnetism:**This gives Cole the ability to channel lightning in and out of his body. Cole can use this to a variety of means, one notable example being its use in hand-to-hand combat. Cole combines martial arts while electrifying his hands to fight his enemies. He can greatly improve the damage he can inflict by charging both of his arms with electric energy (Gigawatt Blades), and taking down almost any human in a single hit.[2] Cole could also use his Electrokinetic abilities to his advantage in various ways. He could use it like a radar (Radar Pulse) to locate electric sources nearby, and differentiate friend from foe, find Blast Shards, or locate John White's Dead Drops. He could use his powers in an almost Telepathic way, reading a deceased persons thoughts through neuroelectic energy absorbed from their synapses (Psychic Vision). He could read a memory of his choice, such as finding out how a person died, or finding something they hid (namely Blast Shards). Should he see how they died, he would also see an "echo" through neuroelectric remnants of a person connected with the death. he could see the echo through the use of his Radar Pulse. Cole's primary offensive ability was to fire an Electrokinetic bolt of lightning out of his hands and onto any target he has it aimed to (Lightning Bolt). This bolt passed a current through any target, stunning enemies, electrifying bodies of water (thus killing anyone in it), or charge up electric devices. Several variations of this attack include: a continuous chain of lightning (Arc Lightning), a massive amount of energy concentrated into a single bolt (Overload Burst), and a sniper-like bolt of electricity, shot while speeding up Cole to a point where time appeared to slow down. This allows him to use electricity in order to generate magnetic and anti-magnetic effects. He can also charge himself with energy as he falls, creating a powerful explosion as he lands (Thunder Drop). With Electromagnetism, Cole could perform several attacks with various uses. He could bind an explosive kinetic charge with Electromagnetism, sticking to any enemies, bouncing off walls, and exploding a few seconds after impact (Shock Grenade). He could also trap a massive explosive charge in a swirling rocket-like mass, that would explode on contact (Megawatt Hammer), and generate a shockwave that knocks targets into the air (Electromagnetic Shockwave (TK Blast)). Cole could hover in the air using electromagnetism (Static Thrusters), and also grind through metal wires and railings (Induction Grind). Cole could also use magnetic tethers to throw vehicles and objects at enemies(shown in the comics)and could lift any object, even non-magnetic ones, and could even use it to lift and throw enemies. Cole had the ability to form a defensive barrier that can protect him from harm through the use of electromagnetism (Polarity Wall). Also, Cole possessed "touch-related" abilities, such as "leeching" an individual's neuroelectric energy to instantly heal any body damage inflicted unto him (Bio Leech), restraining a wounded individual with the use of electrokinesis and electromagnetism (Arc Restraint), and also healing a nearby injured individual back up their feet (Pulse Heal). He also possessed upgrades for most of these powers, with the general upgrade path being accurate and more inclined to damaging the opponent and leaving civilians unharmed (Good Karma) or destructive and splitting into multiple blows, maximizing destruction (Evil Karma). He also possessed a unique ability, to gain an endless supply of energy for 30 seconds (Karmic Overload).
	+ **Weather Manipulation:** Cole can control weather phenomena such as lightning storms. He exhibited this power firstly after The Blast, when he summoned a thunderstorm over Empire City. The energy from such a feat would require thousands of megatons. This storm was also powerful enough to accidentally destroy the Fremont Bridge. Afterwards, he gains full control over this ability by being able to create thunderstorms at will and rain lightning upon his enemies.

### Basic Conduit Abilities

* **Superhuman Strength and Durability:**As a Conduit, Cole MacGrath gains superhuman strength, resistance to injury, reflexes, agility and physical abilities have been enhanced to levels far beyond that of any human. He is able to survive the Ray Sphere Explosion, which completely vaporized six blocks of Empire City (the energy of which would be equivalent to a 50 megaton explosion), and is able to tank attacks from other Conduits on his level. He has been exposed to powerful explosions, energy blasts, shockwaves, and flaming debris, and is able to shrug them off with ease. He is strong enough to harm Conduits comparable to himself with physical blows, pry open the mouth of a Devourer with his bare hands, lift giant metal beams, toss around cars with physical strength (via Lightning Hook), and was able to overpower Kessler at the climax of their fight.

* **Healing Factor:**Cole gained a healing factor from the Blast, able to quickly heal any damage his body takes in in seconds, due to his body's natural ability to heal being greatly accelerated, through the stimulation of Cole's muscle tissues and his immune system when electricity isn't available. Cole was rendered impervious to most diseases, such as the extreme toxic gases that Kessler's air balloons had released (by-product of Sasha's mind-controlling Black Tar). Even these toxins did not give the user complete control over him, only causing him a lot of pain and draining him of his powers temporarily. His healing ability was accelerated when Cole absorbed electricity (Electric Drain).

Over the month after his fight with Kessler, his powers grew tremendously. For one he appeared to have an unlimited supply of energy, and his hands had electricity flowing through them when in a fight, as though he was using a permanent form of Karmic Overload. His Bolts had become much more powerful, with the size and power of Rockets (they never hurt him if he fired too close to himself), but chained electricity like Lightning Bolts, and had a smaller radius of explosion. His grenades apparently lost their adhesive abilities, as any grenades he threw would bounce off the Beast's skin. His Electromagnetic Shockwaves had evolved into Blasts, no longer appear like swirling circular electrified blasts, instead appearing more similar to an expanding Polarity Wall, and a wider area of effect.

His endurance had increased to the point that he could survive being crushed between the Beast's hands for a very long time. His Static Thrusters were much more powerful than before, though he still couldn't use them to fly. He had also learned how to summon Lightning Storms while on uneven ground, giving him a huge advantage in battle.

At the end of the battle with the Beast, Cole's powers were drained, and he lost a lot of his advanced powers. He could no longer fire Megawatt Hammers, create Polarity Walls, or summon Lightning Storms. He stopped using some of his other powers such as Overload Burst (Good Karma) and Arc Lightning (Evil Karma). Cole received new powers through the use of the Blast Cores, refined cores of used Ray Spheres.

* **Electrokinesis**: Cole furthered his Electrokinesis in inFamous 2 to impressive levels. Originally, his Lightning Bolts became slightly weaker (this may have been intentional) and began consuming energy. However, Cole began honing his skills and powers in New Marais in preparation for The Beast's imminent advent. Cole retained many powers, including Static Thrusters and the Precision attack (though he needed to "reawaken" the latter with a Blast Core), while other powers were revamped considerably. Most notably, Cole's powers evolved after stressing his body in different ways. The first evolution took place after Cole took down several Militia, which granted him new powers. His primary ability evolved from blasting a single bolt (Alpha Bolt) to blasting three bolts at once (Pincer Bolt), and also able to gain other variations, such as the ability to blast a longer, stronger bolt (Magnum Bolt) and also the ability to blast a bolt that has a farther range (Artillery Bolt). Cole further evolved several of his abilities, including the Grenades and Shockwave attacks. Cole's melee combat has been improved, now using a powerful electric weapon instead of hand-to-hand (The Amp). Cole gained Electrokinetic abilities that improved his mobility, such as the ability to jump at a higher altitude while on top of a car (Car Jump) and also the ability to create a tether that allows Cole to drag himself to a surface that allows the tether to attach (Lightning Tether). He has also exhibited new forms of attack, such as the ability to use lightning as a lasso, and drag enemies off of their feet (Lightning Hook) and an enhanced Shock Grenade, able to electrocute several enemies before detonation (Electrocution Grenade). He gained a new precision Blast that had a much longer range, though a smaller area of effect, and a Grenade that hops towards the nearest enemy.

* **Electromagnetism**: In addition to many of his powers from before, Cole was able to use a form of telekinesis, as Cole is able to lift a metallic object through the use of his powers, and able to throw them at his opponents (Kinetic Pulse).
* **Ionic Manipulation**: Cole lost the ability to manipulate Lightning Storms through his own Electrokinetic abilities, instead relying on Ionic Manipulation. Occasionally, one of his enemies dropped a charge when taken down. He could use its power to perform devastating powers akin to the attribute, such as conjuring a powerful hurricane (Ionic Vortex) or a more powerful, stationary Lightning Storm (Ionic Storm).
* **Matter Manipulation/Transmutation:**Cole is able to use his powers to affect matter and energy on an atomic level. He can transmute matter such as bullets, as well as other energies, into electricity. He is able to manipulate ions, and absorb ionic charges into his body. Kessler, his future self, was able to create a new type of ion with his powers.
* **Power Transfer Device**: Through the Power Transfer Device, Cole gained abilities and attacks attributed to either Napalm Manipulation (if he chooses to transfer powers with Nix) or Cryokinesis (if he chooses to transfer powers with Lucy Kuo). Several powers exhibited by Cole involve gliding at a low altitude while wrought in fire (Firebird Strike), and spiking off a tall icicle from the ground, able to jump greater heights (Ice Launch). Powers attributed to an ionic charge can also be used to perform attacks akin to the two elements, such as the ability to spike off several icicles from the ground, freezing nearby enemies (Ionic Freeze) and also the ability to drain the life force of nearby hostiles and bystanders (Ionic Drain). Several attacks are different variations of Cole's electrokinetic powers, only done in their element (such as the Nightmare Blastand the Frost Shield). Both abilities are attributed to negative (Napalm) and positive Karma (Cryokinesis), meaning both cannot co-exist in one inning.
* **Ice Manipulation**:  If the player chooses the "good karma" side in inFAMOUS 2, then Cole will have the ability to manipulate ice; the ability that he got from attempting to transfer powers with Lucy Kuo.  Among the new powers that he'll acquire  are the Ice Launch, (Cole flash freezes water molecules under his feet, creating a large pillar of ice that lets him jump higher than a Super Jump), Ionic Freeze, (Cole uses an Ionic Charge to launch a wave of ice at his enemies. Human sized enemies are instantly frozen by this move), Shatter Blast, (Cole flash freezes a small group of icicles and launches them at his targets. Consumes twice the energy of the Alpha Blast but with twice the damage), Frost Shield, (Cole creates a small field of ultracold air that blocks bullets and converts them into energy, similar to the upgraded Polarity Wall), Ice Grenade, (Cole throws a ball of ice that detonates on impact, creating a small field of icicles that can be used as temporary cover. Weakened targets hit directly by this grenade are instantly frozen), and Freeze Rocket, (Cole launches a ball of subzero gas at his targets, instantly freezing anything caught in the blast radius. Travels at a faster speed than other Rockets).
* **Napalm Manipulation**:  If the player chooses the "evil karma" side in inFAMOUS 2, then Cole will have the ability manipulate napalm; the ability that he got from attempting to transfer powers with Nix.  Among the new powers that he'll acquire are the Firebird Strike, (Cole envelopes his body in fire and flies a short distance before creating a small explosion), Ionic Drain, (Cole uses an Ionic Charge to expand his Bio-leech ability, draining life energy from his surroundings, including energy sources. Larger enemies are not affected by this power), Nightmare Blast, (Cole creates a cloud of smoke and ash, blinding human sized enemies caught in the blast radius), Napalm Gernade, (Cole throws an explosive ball of oil that detonates on impact, delivering a greater blast radius and damage than other Grenades), and Hellfire Rockets, (Cole launches a cluster of five fireballs that explode on impact, delivering greater damage than other Rockets).

Cole is also able to gain bonuses that coincide with his Karmic rank, such as the ability to heal several civilians at once, and also able to gain unlimited power for a limited time after performing a Bio Leech onto an individual. Both of these upgrades are automatically received after reaching the specific Karmic rank. Several other upgrades function the same, and can only be gained once a specific Karmic rank is achieved.

At the end of his final confrontation with the Beast, he got a glimpse of his full potential when the fully charged RFI amplified his powers. He began to fire Missile Bolts like he did during his first battle with the Beast. He appeared to have a permanent form of Karmic Overload he was seen using in the first battle. His Static Thrusters allowed him true flight ability, and was less hindered by the Beast's attacks. His powers were amplified to the extent that he could bring down the Beast within moments, while it had taken a much longer time when the RFI wasn't fully charged.

Since Kessler was Cole's future self, it can be assumed that he would have gained all of Kessler's abilities had he stayed alive for as long, and perhaps even surpassed them (Kessler may not have had to restore electricity to Empire City, or look for Blast Cores in New Marais).