What similarities do you see in Adrien and Marinette?
I suppose this question comes from this post, in which, i said Adrien and Marinette are pretty similar when it comes down to it (that’s why they are the chosen pair in the first place xD). Although I just said that impulsively (because despite the two having contrasting traits I feel they have the same wavelength of some sort?). I guess it’s worth to elaborate a bit.
Well, first of all, they are both kids with great potential but hindered by their own insecurities.
Adrien, being a sheltered child was never able to make friends aside from Chloe. While he doesn’t really tolerate “bad” actions such as putting a bubblegum on someone’s chair, he is also a sweetheart that doesn’t want to sell a friend away. It’s to the point of getting his self into trouble. Of course, Nino told him it’s better to tell the truth and he did so afterwards but I think this is a highlight to Adrien’s “niceness” may have come from not wanting to incite dislike/discontent from other people and therefore, “lose” friends (or potential ones at least). This is something I also noticed in Volpina episode.
Adrien is angry for Lila’s sake, but changing his tone immediately to a much nicer and more passive one when confronting Ladybug. Of course, it may be due to the fact he’s talking to his crush but that doesn’t seem to be the case.
When Volpina said they are on a “romantic” date, he was quick to say it is not, but nervously changes to “but it could be” after receiving her glare. There’s also more subtle example which is also at the beginning of the episode where Lila was pulling him into the library and he looked like he isn’t too keen on the idea but not voicing it out.
Then there’s also the thing with Chloe when she asked Chat Noir to do her work. He was clearly displeased by it but still helped her.
Point is, Adrien is very timid when it comes to others which is quite similar to Marinette at the very beginning before she met Alya and became Ladybug.
Both Adrien and Marinette are the kind to just roll with things and not voice out their opinions even when they are uncomfortable (Marinette is becoming less of this since Origins) and will only do so if they see injustice or someone being wronged or pushed to the limits (like when Adrien tried to secretly go to school due to loneliness).
As for the others, I’ll just do a quick run down.
They are both at the best of their league when it comes to “video games”. Marinette may be way better than Adrien, but it doesn’t dispute the fact that he’s the best among the boys and would have been first place if not for her.
Their best friend are the first friend they made at the beginning of the school year. Interestingly, there’s a bit of parallel here. Marinette’s best friend is the “new” girl at school, Alya. Meanwhile, Adrien is the “new” boy at school and Nino’s bestfriend. Also, it seemed that they don’t really have friends (excluding Chloe?) who would talk/hang out with them at school before: Adrien, for obvious reasons, and Marinette, for being unlucky I guess?
They are both great (if not the best) at the things they do. Simply put, they are multi-talented as shown throughout the episodes. Adrien is understandable as he fits the trope of popular boy who’s good at everything, while Marinette is the protagonist who can do things if she resolves herself into it. It’s to the point where you can question the “intro” and ask yourself, “Which part of her is a ‘normal’ girl like any other that leads a ‘normal’ life again?” She is friends with the most popular guy in their school/city, became esteemed employee/designer of the most famous singer, and win all contests she got herself into.
They are both charismatic and have qualities of a leader. They are shown both capable to rally the students and make them do something in case of an emergency situation. Marinette showed her charisma when they were trapped and lead others to escape in “Darkblade”, while Adrien was able to lead the scared and transformed students to help Ladybug and attack in “Reflekta” episode.
They both still have insecurities and underestimates themselves despite how awesome they actually are. I know that it’s supposed to have the audience relate to them and make the viewers think “I’m much more awesome than I think I am”, but see this: Adrien is actually the top placer, but seeing Marinette’s skill with video games suddenly made him feel that he sucks at it (well, either Marinette is just that good or Adrien doesn’t really think much of his video game skill). Marinette still thinks that Adrien will be disappointed in her if he finds out she is “Ladybug” despite all the accomplishments she had done as “Marinette”. Of course, we supposed to have humble heroes with silly to normal insecurities to make them more vulnerable and easy to relate for the audience.
They are both sweet children, but they can act really petty when jealous. For me, this pettiness is more for audience amusement and ship tease, but it also showed more their “human” side and this little bit of flaws makes it more interesting. I don’t need to mention what they did in Copy Cat, The Bubbler and Volpina, right?
They are both raised well and cherished by their loving parents. Yes, Adrien too. Despite the conflict he is having with his father right now, take note that it’s implied that his father is not usually so cold and distracted. Adrien said that his dad “changed” when his mom disappeared. So I guess they were a loving and happy family until the disappearance of Mrs. Agreste and Mr. Agreste who is already over-protective (he prefers Adrien to be home schooled after all), became even more strict. I wouldn’t have add these since it’s normal to have parents that love you and is not a trait these two strictly shares (their parents’ way of expressing love are different too) but not everyone has a good family. Unfavorable parents are as normal as good ones so hey, that counts… right?
They’re both popular? Ugh, I don’t feel like adding this since it’s too cliche of an answer but it’s still one of their similarities. I don’t need to explain Adrien’s popularity or Marinette’s popularity as “Ladybug”, but Marinette can be considered pretty popular if she is voted for Student Representative. And considering the deeds she had done at school, it wouldn’t be surprising if students think good of her and has great reputation.
In conclusion, these two kids are great with lots of potential but both don’t really think that highly of themselves and thinks their hero counterparts are better. It’ll be great to see the two actually make each other realize how awesome they are and have them appreciate themselves better (like how Adrien/CN comforts Marinette/LB every time). I do hope there will be a reversal episode where Marinette/LB does the support this time for Adrien/CN.
Maybe there’s supposed to be more, but this post is pretty long now. If you think there’s more to add, feel free to reply and add it xD
