Possible varieties of "Red Oni, Blue Oni" dynamic
As the main page says, in
Red Oni, Blue Oni dynamic, Red is usually more emotional and
Hot-Blooded, while Blue is calmer and more prone to thinking before acting. However, many varieties are possible:
Tropes Are Flexible and none of the examples below are absolutes. Here are some of them, organized as "red — blue":
- The McCoy — The Spock: Pretty much the basic set-up. Red is emotional and acts before he thinks, while Blue is rational and thinks before he acts. Presented with a hostage situation, Red will immediately send in the SWAT teams and Blue will try negotiations first.
- The Hero — The Rival: Red is a hero, pure and simple, while Blue is the grim, volatile foe of the protagonist, who, through a series of inexplicable events up to and including attempted murder, gains grudging respect for said hero/heroine (and may even save them) going from intolerable ass to tolerable ass.
- Stock Shōnen Hero — Stock Shōnen Rival: The purest expression of this trope in Animeland. Red is the spirited, carefree, compassionate Idiot Hero who believes in The Power of Friendship, while Blue is the aloof, pessimistic, Sour Supporter who chooses to work alone.
- Rude Hero — Nice Sidekick: Red can be anywhere in the spectrum, from a Sociopathic Hero to a really virtuous but mean one. Blue can openly cares about other people and tries to respect their feelings.
- More Dakka — Awesomeness by Analysis: Might be military setting. In this case, Red believes that sufficient firepower will end up breaking the enemy, while Blue exploits weaknesses in the enemies defenses. When they have to enter the room, Red will blow up the door, while Blue will use the air vents.
- More Dakka — The Engineer: The sci-fi equivalent of Sword and Sorcerer. Red might choose additional guns in order to defeat enemies, while blue would, instead, use advanced technology rather than guns, mostly to play a support role for red or solve non-combat problems.
- Confusion Fu User — Cold Sniper: Possible in The Squad. The Red, in this case, prefers close combat, while Blue strikes from distance with surgical precision. If attacked, Red will immediately strike back and Blue will try to back off into more advantageous position.
- Keet — Shrinking Violet: School settings, family settings and similar. Red is cheerful, energetic and friends with everyone or almost everyone, while Blue avoids people and doesn't feel well around them. When new at school, Red will sit in the front and ask questions to everybody, while Blue will sit in back corner and pick everything up as he goes.
- Fragile Speedster — Mighty Glacier: Settings with combat. Red can move fast enough to evade almost any attack, but one hit leaves her down for the count, while Blue is an extremely strong fighter, but moves very slowly.
- Glass Cannon — Stone Wall: Settings with combat. Red charges to the battle with little to no defense and stays alive by the seat of his pants through split-second dodges, thinking on his feet, while Blue prefers slow, methodical approach that nevertheless breaks the enemy down.
- Powerhouse — Subversive: Settings with combat. Red armies typically consist of powerful units with great durability and attack power, while Blue armies consist of a large number of weaker units.
- Genki Girl — Emotionless Girl: School and family settings. Red is energetic, overly emotional and impulsive and Blue is serene, silent and blending in with the background. When late, Red will cry, apologize on her knees and keep on talking about it and Blue will quietly and formally apologize.
- Cheerful Child — Creepy Child: School and family settings. Red is a playful little kid who's fascinated over the brightest of sights, incredibly kind-hearted, and Constantly Curious and Blue is a creepy little girl who loves destroying her toys.
- Naïve Newcomer — Broken Ace: Organizations. Red is idealistic and full of ideas he wants to put into action, while Blue has spent his time in the organization and is rather disillusioned. When the situation is impossible to win, Red will fight against it, while Blue will back off and accept defeat.
- This can be significant for applying for work. Red would rush into signing up for jobs that they are likely not qualified for and would be extremely upset and disheartened if they didn't get the job. Blue would carefully choose jobs perhaps a little uncertain and would ask advice if they didn't get the job they would understand and try again blaming him/herself for the mistake mildly.
- Sexual Harassment in the work place, is also a significant aspect. When both have been found guilty, the situation can escalate in one of two ways. Red will play it off as a joke, doing their best to seem innocent, no-doubt worsening the offense. Blue would wisely back-off, they would try to keep a low profile and accept the situation. Blue would often feel heartbroken and instinctively avoid the person they harassed, not playing the victim, but repenting internally. In the end, Red is more likely to get fired than Blue, for both accept the consequences very differently.
- Unstoppable Rage — Tranquil Fury: Mostly combat settings. In this case, Red often has Hair-Trigger Temper and when annoyed, bursts out in absolute, shrieking fury, while Blue takes time to break, and then it seems that his mind jumps into higher gear with a single focus in mind. When taunted too much, Red will punch the opponent until there's nothing left, and Blue will calmly kill him with one strike.
- Agent Mulder — Agent Scully: Both crime and school settings. Here Red readily believes even the wildest theories, while Blue is more mundane, down to earth and prefers rational explanation. Much like X-Files' Mulder and Scully, when confronted with a mysterious murder, Red will start looking for proof of aliens, while Blue will check existing explanations first.
- Gentle Touch — Firm Hand: Offering guidance. Red believes in handling things with warm hugs, encouraging words, and open-minded parentness, whereas Blue approaches things with harsh lessons, Fantasy-Forbidding Father, and strict enforcement of the rules.
- Bad Cop — Good Cop: Crime settings. Red is no-nonsense, expects quick results and believes that violence is the best option, while Blue tries to understand and be nice, believing that all can be solved calmly. When facing Powder Keg Crowd, Red will use More Dakka while Blue will try Shaming the Mob.
- Tomboy — Girly Girl: Red would mostly lean towards the more boyish styles and attitudes (not saying all do, but bear with me). Red loves being "One of the Boys" and would trade most mannerly aspects for fun and wild times, fitting in with the men with an outspoken mouth and knack for getting into fights more often. Blue however, embraces the purity and humbleness of being a woman. Of course, she's not completely defenseless, but would truly care for her man and support her loved ones without flexing her muscles.
- Altertatively, the girly girl is the cheerful, friendly red oni, and the tomboy is the brooding, hardworking blue oni.
- Manly Man — Sensitive Guy: The Spear Counterpart of the Tomboy and Girly Girl. Red is strong, macho and self-confident (manly man), while Blue is aware of his own shortcomings, smart and shyer (sensitive guy). When they want to start dating a girl, Red will try to impress her and Blue will buy her flowers.
- Altertatively, the Red Oni is bouncy and emotional, and the Blue Oni is stoic and strong
- Veronica — Betty: Romance setting. Red is more exotic, wild and outspoken and Blue is calm, somewhat dull and less attractive. When on a date, Red will use Leg Focus and Navel-Deep Neckline to her advantage, while Blue will start a conversation and express interest in the boy.
- Beast — Beauty: Romantic setting. Red is usually a monster physically, capable of great rage and destruction, while Blue is kind, smart, and emotional.
- Performer — Technician: Every setting. Red does everything impulsively, without plan, relying on his instinct. Blue makes a plan and trains to do all perfectly. When writing a book, Red just sits down and writes, making all up as he goes, while Blue first spends hours on designing characters and the world.
- Workaholic — Brilliant, but Lazy: To contrast with the above and fits in every setting too. While the Red pushes himself hard to become the best, the Blue has a natural talent to do so, but won't show it to avoid pressure and responsibilities.
- Tiger — Dragon: Every setting. Red will probably be passionate, driven, enthusiastic, wild, and/or other traits seen as "Hot-Blooded". Blue will usually be wise, tempered, patient, humble, plucky, and/or any other traits usually seen as "laid-back".
- Mongoose — Snake: Every setting. Red is a highly aggressive creature, that goes looking for trouble. Mongoose may be tolerant to venom, but even they must be careful. Blue is the more patient, calculating predator. Snakes tend not to strike quickly knowing the risk beforehand, and would rather avoid unnecessary fights.
- Brawn — Brains: All settings. Red would focus on becoming physically superior often by putting his/her body through an insane amount of intense training which can be dangerous at times. Blue would focus on getting smarter and learning from his/her mistakes without too much risk.
- Force — Finesse: Mostly combat settings. Red prefers raw power to overcome his opposition, while Blue prefers deadly precision. In martial arts settings, Red will prefer a hard style that focuses on strength, while Blue will choose a style that targets the weak points of the enemy or uses his strength against him. Red will more often than not wield a BFS, while Blue will choose a weapon such as the katana or the rapier that will allow him to strike with precision.
- Viking — Samurai: A historical comparison. Red (the Viking) will bully and invade foreigners to get what they want using ruthless acts and intimidation regardless of who they harass. Blue (the Samurai) will first weaken their enemies by ruining their governments and army before even considering invasion.
- Pirate — Ninja: A historical comparison. Red is a seafaring bandit who terrorizes the oceans, while Blue is an assassin who utilizes stealth, swift movements and sometimes magic and martial arts to kill.
- Pirate — Royal Navy: Historically accurate comparison. Pirates were frequent enemies of British Law, they were a menace overseas attacking Navy vessels and looting sailor ships unlawfully. The Royal Navy were not only more organized, but even dressed more regally than their off-shore opponents. Though many Pirates slipped from their capture, they did manage to kill quite a few infamous captains (such as Blackbeard himself).
- Strength — Stealth: Most settings (especially Videogames and Real Life). Red will often charge into a situation, demanding an explanation or carelessly use the strongest weapons and low-brow tactics to get the job done. Blue would rather hide and keep out of his opponent's line of view, using patience and feeling the situation out before making a move despite Red often mocking his choice of combat.
- Cowboy Cop — By-the-Book Cop: Cops on how they follow protocol. The Cowboy Cop is the Red Oni who upholds the law their own way, often butting heads with their superiors. The By-the-Book Cop is the Blue Oni, who follows protocol to a T, sometimes to a fault.
- Magic — Science: Every setting. Red is often seen as the realm of mysticism and a violation of scientific laws. Blue is often seen as the realm of materialism and technology.
- Swords — Guns: Red will often use swords because they're close-quarters melee weapons that require enormous amounts of superhuman strength to wield. Meanwhile, blue will use guns because they're ranged weapons that require more accuracy to wield, considering their larger attack power at a distance than swords at close-quarters. (Though Shotguns tend to subvert this).
- Explosives — Guns: The lure of mass destruction is something Red commonly indulges in. When Red uses explosives, pray you don't get caught in the carnage. Red loves to go boom, virtually blowing up whatever (and whoever) gets in their way. Anger Red enough? And...well...expect a Nuke to come flying towards you. Blue is more precise in his weapons, they won't toy with their opponents and will coldly snipe those who annoy them enough, which is all the more terrifying.
- Swords — Bows: The ancestor contrast. In ancient times (such as the Middle Ages) Red would've wielded a blade or blades of sorts during combat, typically Red puts all his might into a strong, weighty sword or BFS. Swords back then were very heavy (the bigger the heavier), and cumbersome especially when wearing armor. Blue as an Archer wields a bow and arrow (which was later replaced by the crossbow). Blue takes an intense amount of concentration to line-up a shot, but if and when it hits, it can paralyze the target or strike them indefinitely.
- Blaster — Lightsaber: Star Wars Universe. In the Star Wars universe, Blasters are essentially guns that shoot plasma beams. Blasters were very common, required a lot of maintenance and were mostly wielded by more military or civilian factions. However they are Red here (thus switching the previous examples), due to how much firepower is needed to overcome a Lightsaber. Without any specialty weapons or backup, Red will struggle against Blue. Lightsabers are elegant weapons, from a more civilized age. Alone, a Lightsaber is both a weapon and a shield, even if utilized by a novice. Blue can counter blaster fire and if mastered, can take out entire squads (like Darth Vader could). Along with the Force, a Lightsaber wielder can become nigh-invincible, with only another Jedi, Sith or Unaligned Force User, posing a significant threat.
- Playing with Fire — An Ice Person: The classic Fire/Ice Duo. Red will often use fire, burning them from the outside until they are turned to ash. Blue, on the other hand, would use ice, freezing and the opponents in a way that's either harmless, or not so harmless. Property-wise, the Red Oni would wield their fire powers with either wild abandon or finishing them off quickly, while the Blue Oni would use their ice powers to methodically eliminate the enemy with ice spikes of some sorts, or let them die a slow death.
- Playing with Fire — Making a Splash: If the Blue Oni uses water powers instead, having full control of all water-based powers gives them the advantage of versatility, in regards to how they fight and finish off their opponents, either by drowning, pure kinetic force or anything remotely related to water-based deaths. Since blood is technically liquid as well, Blue could virtually be unstoppable against their opponents. Though unlike water, blood tends to be a much less ethical weapon of choice.
- Playing with Fire — Shock and Awe: In combat or fantasy settings, The other Elemental Duo, where this instance of Lightning/Fire Juxtaposition also juxtaposes the Red and Blue in a different way. It's usually the Blue Oni that has lightning powers, where these lightning powers strike down the enemy in a near instant with utmost precision, in comparison to fire's brilliant but rather gruesome way of finishing them off.
- Blow You Away — Dishing Out Dirt: Elemental effects. Referring to the speed of Air and the defensive capabilities of Earth. Red manipulating air would often be more flexible, swift and maybe a little teasing to their opponents yet could only do multiple cuts and quick damage (or to the extreme choking their opponents via sucking oxygen from them). Blue manipulating earth may focus on strong, forceful attacks yet still have defense to back them up. Earth may be slow and predictable but its sheer size and creativity makes up for it.
- Blow You Away — Extra-ore-dinary: Metal works similarly to Earth, but is naturally much heavier, tougher and melts easier. Blue would potentially have one of the greatest defenses around. Rather they manipulate metal (commonly through magnetism) indirectly or are made of it? Blue is surely a formidable opponent, both offensively and defensively.
- Clueless Detective — Great Detective: Crime Settings. Red as a Detective would likely base his answers on crackpot theories, that may or may not be completely true. Red would instinctively blame the shiftiest suspects, without any clear evidence behind the accusation thus rushing the job. Blue, on the other hand, would perhaps take his time, feel the situation and ponder the clues before making any accusations. Red would solve the crime through either coincidence or "Dumb Luck" while Blue wins using patience and careful planning.
- I Lied — Exact Words: A villain has someone hostage and forces an agreement with someone, only to backstab them to get what they want anyway. The former makes no secret that he wasn't planning on keeping his word while gloating about how the hero was a fool to trust an obvious trap while the latter says that the victim should have read the terms better while proclaiming that he didn't actually lie. Fittingly, the former is mostly a tactic of
Neutral Evil and Chaotic Evil villains while the latter is generally one of Lawful Evil villains. Lastly, the latter isn't always associated with villains while the former almost always is. - Hare — Tortoise: The Big Race. Red thinks he will win the race and often resorts to being a Last-Second Showoff. Blue knows that he is unlikely to win, but he still keeps going, which ultimately pays off.
- The Pollyanna — The Eeyore: School settings, family settings and similar. Red is irrepressibly sweet-natured and optimistic, whatever comes their way and Blue is usually gloomy and pessimistic.
- Yandere — Kuudere: Psychological Behavior. Red has strong, borderline-disturbing commitment issues, not allowing those closest (especially a loved one) any room to breathe. Or they indulge in their wild fantasies to sometimes sick-minded and illegal degrees. Blue however is uninterested and aloof with people, taking a step back from open displays of love and affection to determine their lover's true nature.
- Tsundere — Dandere: Psychological Behavior. Red generally pushes people away, often refusing help arrogantly. Love and affection is a sign of weakness to Red, but hypocritically long for it perhaps secretly. Often their true feelings get either dismissed by their lover, or revealed at the worst possible moment. Blue (like the Kuudere) instead waits and observes it's peers. But instead of being cold or blunt, they choose to express their feelings, when the others have exhausted their time in the limelight.
- All-Loving Hero — Defrosting Ice Queen: More Psychological Behavior. In the real world, Red can be the easily trusting type. Red quickly befriends others, not necessarily ignoring their faults, but accepting them despite their potential dangers. This however, can lead to Red getting manipulated and a slave to expectations of others. Blue on the other hand is more wary. Blue is slow to trust others, knowing even the nicest people can have a dark side. Blue may seem aloof and reserved at first, but once their suspicions fade, they may open up more.
- Motor Mouth — The Quiet One: Communication and Socializing. Related to the above example, it is very common for Red to constantly chat, chat and chat more. Red's endless gossiping and nattering, can get exhausting and aggravating even for other Extroverts. As you can imagine, this will only cause problems for Red, in the long-run. Blue on other hand, chats little but is more "accurate" in their words. They don't necessarily have to be eloquent, but what do say is generally more thought-out, and aligns with the situation better. Overall, Blue is just more refreshing, as a patient good listener often earns praise.
- Bad Boss — Benevolent Boss: Leadership, Work and Occupational settings. Red is often unfairly demanding, rigid and unsympathetic to the pressures a job asks of his employees, no doubt gradually earning their disdain from them. Blue in contrast, is fair, compromising and asks only what is possible from each individual. Blue does his best, to keep on his employees' good side knowing without them no progress can be accomplished. Red will most likely starve his men before their lunch break, while Blue sends them to eat at specific times.
- Drunk on the Dark Side — Tragic Villain: Villain Psychology. It's very obvious for Red to be evil. In fact they're soo diabolical, that it's almost insulting towards other bad guys. Red's villainy is in no way restrained, methodical or even forgivable, leading the authorities very little choice but to execute them. It's very difficult borderline-impossible for Red, to see the error of their ways, they are so blindly driven in their pursuits that nothing (sometimes not even logic) seems to change their mind. Blue on the other hand, is a saddening truth. Blue's villainy is for the most part, a lot more sympathetic then perhaps even the heroes would expect? At times, Blue never wanted/intentionally turned to evil, instead their hand was forced through poor circumstances out of their power.
- Quantity — Quality: General Rule of Objects. Red wants more, more and MORE of something, when an object of significance becomes too common it loses value and the interest of others. Particularly when it comes to weapons and cooking, more can become stale and less effective overtime. Blue however desires rarity, refinement and uniqueness. When they achieve something scarcely rewarded, it is greatly more valued and treasured being more likely treated better, than something too commonly found. (For example Coal vs Gemstones, Burgers vs Pizza, Machine Guns vs Sniper Rifles, etc).
- The Roman Empire — Ancient Egypt: An ancient historical comparison. For centuries, The Roman Empire (Red) created and sustained a republic devout to an Emperor. However despite their long-term successes, the Romans weren't above treachery, domination and gambling their slaves for sport. At the time, the Romans hungered for conquest and exploration, facing foreign forces of which many they would dishonor after their defeat (for example the Third Punic War). Very soon the Romans encountered the Ancient Egyptians (Blue). The Egyptians had a much more sacred society, they believed their legacies can be immortalized (which they were mostly right). Slaves of the Egyptians weren't entertainment, but workers and labourers. Initially the Egyptians posed as rivals to the Roman Empire, until they later became allies.
- Bumbling Dad — Papa Wolf: Paternal Parenting. Red is more-or-less a joke of a Father, through coincidence or his own hubris, he causes more problems than he solves for his family (or those related to him). Nobody takes Red too seriously as a parent, since he's either too stuck in his own ways, or he couldn't care less what his family does around him. Blue on the other hand, is a man worthy of respect. He does care for his family, properly raising and nurturing his children the best he can. Blue is a kind, affectionate man, someone with more self-respect and willing to spend actual time with the family he built. Blue would also encourage his children more, while Red would most likely joke or bully them instead.
- Obnoxious Entitled Housewife — Mama Bear: Maternal Parenting. Red is a very self-entitled type of woman, one that's pridefully opinionated, expectant and often overbearing. Red Mother will be the controlling mother, believing she can always get her way, and punishes those who fail her with little consideration of their situation. Red Mother is the mother people tend to watch their words with, or flat-out avoid as her poor husband can't seem to handle her (if she isn't bullying him). Blue Mother gives those around her a chance to breathe. She's patient, understanding and more teacher than bully. Blue Mother shares responsibilities with her husband, doing her part while expecting her spouse to reciprocate. It's not often you see, Blue Mother get mad, but when she does...run...run far and fast.
- The Berserker — Poisonous Person: Physical Combat. Red's method of fighting solely relies on their anger. Their strength doesn't just come from raw muscle, but by how much their opponent infuriates them. they're sure to plow through groups like a bulldozer, but will often succumb to greater numbers against them. Blue is an opponent, many would suggest preparing well for (or immediately avoid). Blue utilizes poison (or any similar concoction) they may not be amazingly strong as Red, but you can bet, you'll feel their sting for a much longer duration. Since typical poison take time to cripple opponents, it's safe to assume, Blue is nothing if not patient, even outside the battlefield, yikes.
- Nazi Germany — Soviet Union: A historical comparison. When it came to Nazism and Communism, both sides warred constantly during World War II. The Nazis were the extremely idealistic, genocidal and passionate Reds (mostly), while the Soviets were the dominating, cold-hearted and unrelenting Blues. Initially the Nazis made ample effort in their invasion of soviet territories. Unfortunately, they quickly learned they chose the wrong opponents. The USSR pushed back, managing to give Hitler's forces the boot. It's also crucial to note that to this day, Communism survived while Nazism diminished in power.
- Dark Is Evil — Light Is Not Good: Metaphorical Characteristic. Red Villain fully embraces the darker, nastier nature of their capabilities. He/She would rather reap and spread fear, becoming an obvious target for suspicion and distrust from others. Red Villain (like the example above) indulges their Dark Side, to malicious and unforgivable extents, becoming a monster in more than just appearances. Blue Villain is a little less obvious, Blue Villain is a misunderstood concept, that nice people don't always have good intentions. This is why Blue Villain, very often gets away with their schemes. Unlike Red Villain, Blue Villain doesn't initially appear edgy or particularly violent, but...appearances can be misleading in this case.
- Light Is Good — Dark Is Not Evil: Metaphorical Characteristic. Red Hero will of course, be the awe-inspiring beacon of hope for others. People will love them, for being bright, positive and magnetic in personality. Red Hero will however attract the wrong crowds as well, which may take advantage of their heroic, trusting nature. Blue Hero in contrast, may be more skeptical of the public. They represent a very real truth, and are perhaps much thorough in their work, when it comes to stopping villainy. Blue Hero tends to avoid the spotlight, keeping their antics secret to protect not only themselves, but others too. Lastly, while others can easily socialize and befriend Red Hero, it's Blue Hero who very often have the deepest connection with others (if they aren't terrified of them first).
