Makarov, is the "Master" of the guild. He is eighty-eight years old and is also one of the Ten Great Holy Mages. Makarov shows extreme dislike for the Council and all the rules they try to impose on guilds. He frequently attempts to balance reprimands from the council and the eccentricity of his guild. He encourages Fairy Tail to do what they feel is right, but he has shown some concern that Natsu, Ezra, and Gray will someday level a whole town. His magical abilities include Titan magic, giving him the ability to grow his body parts gigantic and his body into a giant sized version of himself, and can control various other forms of magic including fire, ice and wind, which give him an immense magical power. The members of his guild affectionately refer to him as Ji-san or grandpa. Makarov also sees all of his guild members as his own children and will do anything to protect them. He has a perverted side, shown when he states he wishes to be smashed by Lucy's breasts and subsequently spanks her many times as a punishment.

When the Fairy Tail guild building was attacked by Phantom Lord, he didn't seem to care and shrugged off the situation, noting that Guild wars are forbidden. However, after the Shadow Gear team was ambushed in the night by Phantom Lord and crucified to a tree, he leads a full frontal attack against Phantom Lord. However, Makarov, distracted and upset, is ambushed by Aria from Phantom Lord, causing him to lose his magic and forcing the Fairy Tail guild to retreat. Erza noted that they wouldn't be able to defeat Jose without Makarov, and Porlyusica noted that Makarov didn't think over the attack and rushed into things without considering his age, calling him a fool for acting this way. After recovering, Makarov returns and defeated Jose with his "Fairy Law," a powerful spell that only defeats those he considers his enemy. Afterwards, Aria attempts to attack him again, but Makarov easily dispatches him, showing Aria's previous victory was a fluke due to Makarov losing his focus.

Given his advanced age, he considers retirement, but considers Laxus as too uncaring, Gildarts impossible for some unknown reason, Mystogan as too reclusive, and Erza as too young and brash to succeed him as guild master. After hearing the damages made by the team Erza-Lucy-Gray-Natsu-Happy from Mirajane, he cried that it's impossible to retire by now.

Hiro Mashima stated in a Behind the name segment in Volume 2, that he wanted Makarov to have a name that sounded Russian.