Two Sides, Same Coin: The Adrien/Chat Noir Dynamic

Warning: this is gonna be long and filled with screenshots, so grab some snacks and settle down, folks!



I’ve been wanting to write something about this for a while now, because treating both aspects of his personality as two different people, or arguing that either Adrien or Chat are his “true” self, seems to be a recurring habit in the fandom. I’m not saying everyone does it, but it is a bit worrisome that a fandom would prefer one aspect of a character over another, when both sides are a part of the real Adrien. There are several levels, both in characterization and storytelling, which show that maybe, the gap is not as wide as it seems.



One VERY important aspect I have to point out is that we don’t see everything in his point of view. And no, I don’t mean the glimpses given to us most episodes. Marinette is the main character, and the plot of the day starts and ends with her. Because of this, we can visually confirm her every day thoughts, feelings, and identity struggles between Ladybug and Marinette. There is no surprise on her behalf.



But what about Adrien? As Chat Noir, he seems to throw his Adrien persona away to become someone else, making it appear like his civilian and his alter egos are drastically different. How does he feel about this?



The best, most direct evidence we’ve got about his Chat identity is this line from the “Adrien’s Double Life” webisode:

If we were to place value in that one statement, however, it would destroy the 3-dimensionality of his character. And since we don’t get to follow him around like we do with Marinette, there isn’t enough information about how he feels when it comes to his identities, or if he even talks to Plagg about his double-life issues (like Marinette and Tikki). We have to make do with the subtleties given to us.

Now, don’t get me wrong, there is a glaring difference in personality, but I don’t think Adrien considers Chat Noir as an identity that is better (like Marinette to Ladybug) or more “true” than his civilian one, but rather as an extension of what has always been there. In fact, this is why I feel Adrien doesn’t abandon himself in Chat, but rather emphasizes the more positive aspects of his personality, separates himself from the negativity plaguing him, and breaks away from all societal restrictions. Our actions are driven by emotion and thought, and vice-versa. And this relationship between thoughts, feelings, and physical behavior is what determines personality. That is extremely important when analyzing Adrien and Chat Noir.

His character primarily expresses himself through body language and mannerisms. Though he is an emotionally reserved person, his mood seeps out through his physical behavior. Not just that, but Adrien and Chat are constantly pulling the same gestures. Ironically enough, this can’t be said for LB and Marinette. (Imagine Ladybug constantly tripping and stuttering. That’d be a total disaster). In this manner, he doesn’t make that huge of a distinction between his actions as Adrien and Chat.



Actually, there is a gifset that shows exactly what I’m talking about.



Now, there IS one episode I feel is very important to his characterization: Animan. I cannot express how important the opening scenes were in terms of Chat/Adrien because for the first time, we’re not seeing Adrien from Marinette’s perspective. The show opens with Adrien and Nino, giving us a different look at Adrien’s everyday life. Up until now, we’ve seen him in relation to Marinette’s plot-line, or his father. But here, we’re given a glimpse at how he acts with a close friend.

First thing’s first: he playfully teases Nino by pointing out his observations.

Then that self-assured “I know what I’m talking about” shoulder touch that practically screams Chat:

Let’s throw in that little, confident Chat look:



This opening practically pushes the idea that Adrien is, at the very least, in tune with his Chat Noir side on a daily basis. His entire approach to the situation seems like something Chat would do.

And when he’s playing wingman, he is in the zone. He’s pulling all the right moves. And while Chat can be lame with his Ladybug advances, he is not short of knowing how to talk the talk. For a guy that hasn’t had a lot of friends, he can sure hook one up with a cute girl. Confidently, so.



“Bro snap out of it I’m trying play matchmaker while handling the situation with my smoothness”:



He also approaches Roger in a similar “I got this” attitude in Copycat:

Also, take a look at his reflexes when he’s out of the suit (he didn’t even look when he threw that can):



His sneaky, cat-like behavior can even be seen in origins. BEFORE the alter ego kicks in:

But there is also one other factor that plays into this dynamic, and it’s the empowerment given to him by anonymity. THIS is the biggest reason behind all the exaggerations and personality distinction. He is a popular public figure that suddenly has the chance to do whatever he wants without worrying about the consequences of his social standing. No rules, no expectations, and total freedom. If that’s not reason to explore the side of you you keep repressed, I don’t know what is.

The mask gives him that confidence, but it’s a confidence that is too dangerous to have around Gabriel. A confidence that can be easily discouraged because his father’s opinion still matters to him. Imagine if Gabriel finds out his “perfect son” is running around trying to pick up girls like Chat. Imagine if people see his more dorky, over-the-top side. His mere existence in a public space draws attention. People talk. His name and family reputation is always at stake, and he’s got to constantly worry about upholding it.



But what happens with a secret identity on his side?

The fear goes away. The mask is an excuse, a reason to push that confidence out. Yes, this also includes the bragging and flirting.



Adrien is holding back the fun, free Chat spirit–downplaying it to keep only one side of his true self showing. Due to his unstable upbringing, a need for validation, and low self-esteem, Adrien is the kind of person that tries to live up to Gabriel’s expectations through complacency. It’s a natural character trait for a person in his position. So, it’s also natural for him to suppress any behavior that can jeopardize the relationship with the only parent he’s got.



One of my favorite scenes in the entire series is the moment Adrien snaps at Ladybug in Volpina, because it shows that Adrien, mask or no mask, has his Chat side bubbling up just beneath the surface.



At this point, he catches himself because he realizes he doesn’t have the mask’s protection. He feels he can’t be that way without it because of the fake standard he has to uphold. But the more he turns into Chat, the more he’s struggling to contain that unrestricted hero side.



There is no denying that his personality change is far more drastic than Ladybug’s, but make no mistake. Chat is not a reason to be someone different, but rather explore what he hasn’t gotten the chance to before. He is Chat and Adrien, and his complexity goes beyond the aspect of “which side is the real side.”



It’s only a matter of time before he stops struggling, pushes through his fears, pressures and insecurities, and becomes comfortable in his own skin. THAT is the development I am truly waiting for in the series.

