Differences

Asuka and Shinji seem to be polar opposites: one extroverted, the other one introverted, one outspoken, one shy, etc….When thinking about their relationship, many rely on the old cliché of “opposites attract” as a proof.

It is plain to see that Asuka and Shinji are opposites. Or maybe not? Albeit their personalities seem not to match at all, are they really so different deep down? And, in any case, will their differences separate them or draw them closer?

Obviously, to make the relationship work, is vital to have a balance between differences and analogies. If the differences, or analogies, are too big it can be really hard to get along. On the one hand if two people are completely different, but unwilling to accept compromises, their stubbornness will lead to terrible results. On the other hand, if two people share the same personality, say they are both outspoken, they are more likely to quarrel (Asuka and Toji). Or if they are both quiet, their initial enthusiasm will cool off due to utter monotony (Shinji and Rei).

Asuka is confident, aggressive, exuberant, impetuous. She is an exceedingly proud girl, who doesn’t miss a chance to flaunt herself and her capabilities. She also seems to be a natural born leader, someone who likes to stand above other people.

Asuka had to grow up faster than other children of her same age; she was only eight years old when she began her training. It was probably due to that intensive training, that Asuka grew up surrounded by adults without being able to spend time with other children. Asuka’s maturity scared her step-mother, since she hardly behaved as a normal kid. Asuka herself thinks she is an adult and wants to be considered as such. This is why she despises her male peers or why she doesn’t understand when Kaji rejects her romantic advances, telling her she is still a child.

Asuka’s trademark colour is red, symbol of fire, passion, strength, hotness….

Shinji is passive, apathetic, shy, fragile, calm. He almost seems to be scared by his own shadow, someone who follow the orders he is given, who tries to accommodate in the fear of being criticised. At the beginning, he pilots his Evangelion because he is told to do so. Except for two occasions, he never takes the initiative with Asuka. In Ritsuko’s words, he suffers from the “hedgehog dilemma”. So scared is he of hurting and being hurt by others that he avoid contacts at all cost. All he cares of is to be ignored by other people, to pass unnoticed.

Shinji’s trademark colour is blue, which represents tranquillity, water, the sky, coolness….