History Main / RedOniBlueOni

Add one person (We'll call them the Purple Oni, who's not as passionate and headstrong as the Red Oni, but also not as rational and calm as the Blue Oni) that bridges between the Red Oni and Blue Oni and you got FreudianTrio, with the Red Oni becomes the Id[=/=]TheMcCoy, the Blue Oni becomes the Superego[=/=]TheSpock, and the Purple Oni becomes the Ego[=/=]TheKirk (or a Blue Oni is the Ego as well, whose either torn between the two, or [[TheGenericGuy not involved.]]). That's the basic formula, but not always. Sometimes as the plot progresses, someone new is added and as they become the trio, this newcomer might be even more emotional than the Red Oni or is even more calm and calculating than the Blue Oni. And whoever keeps the trio together is the ego.

** FourPhilosophyEnsemble: Optimist or Cynic

** FourPhilosophyEnsemble: Cynic, Realist or Apathetic

EnergeticAndSoftSpokenDuo is a subtrope. Compare OutsideManInsideMan, OddCouple, CastCalculus (for the evolution of the Red/Blue dynamic through various numbers of ensembles), TomboyAndGirlyGirl, SensitiveGuyAndManlyMan, OrderVersusChaos, and ElvesVersusDwarves. See also PinkGirlBlueBoy and ActionDuo. If the contrast in personalities between the two actually brings them to blows, you probably have a TigerVersusDragon situation. If they are friends it will often be of the VitriolicBestBuds variety, most commonly where one character is completely oblivious to the vitriol. If race is used to further emphasis these personalities see SaltAndPepper.

While many expressions of this trope play it straight, it is also not uncommon for the Blue Oni and Red Oni to mix traits. The Red Oni, while usually the more passionate and emotion-driven, may also be the more easy-going and flexible of the two. Their more simplistic world-view may make them at least partially [[AngstWhatAngst immune to angst]] and {{Wangst}}. Conversely, the Blue Oni, while usually stoic and thoughtful, may hide a volatile, angsty nature that erupts when [[HeroicBSOD pushed]] too [[BerserkButton far]]. In such instances, the two may switch roles, with the Red Oni becoming the reassuring, composed partner and the Blue Oni becoming a [[UnstoppableRage Whirling Dervish of Rage]]! Compare pairings such as [[Franchise/StreetFighter Ken and Ryu]], with Ken being the red oni - cocky, arrogant, but decidedly easy-going - and Ryu the blue - stoic, disciplined, but brimming with internal conflict. However, interestingly, the passionate yet easy-going character would be the Blue Oni if paired with a traditional Red Oni character, and the seemingly calm and rational character who is actually a deeply troubled emotional volcano would be the Red Oni if paired with a traditional Blue Oni.

** FourPhilosophyEnsemble: Optimist or Apathetic

** FourPhilosophyEnsemble: Cynic or Realist

While many expressions of this trope play it straight, it is also not uncommon for the Blue Oni and Red Oni to mix traits. The Red Oni, while usually the more passionate and emotion-driven, may also be the more easy-going and flexible of the two. Their more simplistic world-view may make them at least partially [[AngstWhatAngst immune to angst]] and {{Wangst}}. Conversely, the Blue Oni, while usually stoic and thoughtful, may hide a volatile, angsty nature that may erupt if [[HeroicBSOD pushed]] too [[BerserkButton far]]. In such instances the two may switch roles, with the Red Oni becoming the reassuring, composed partner and the Blue Oni becoming a [[UnstoppableRage Whirling Dervish of Rage]]! Compare pairings such as [[Franchise/StreetFighter Ken and Ryu]], with Ken being the red oni - cocky, arrogant, but decidedly easy-going - and Ryu the blue - stoic, disciplined, but brimming with internal conflict. However, interestingly, the passionate yet easy-going character would be the Blue Oni if paired with a traditional Red Oni character, and the seemingly calm and controlled character who is actually deeply troubled and prone to fits of rage would be the Red Oni if paired with a traditional Blue Oni.

While many expressions of this trope play it straight, it is also not uncommon for the Blue Oni and Red Oni to mix traits. The Red Oni, while usually the more passionate and emotion-driven, may also be the more easygoing and flexible of the two. Their more simplistic world-view may make them at least partially [[AngstWhatAngst immune to angst]] and {{Wangst}}. Conversely, the Blue Oni, while usually stoic and thoughtful, may hide a volatile, angsty nature that may erupt if [[HeroicBSOD pushed]] too [[BerserkButton far]]. In such instances the two may switch roles, with the Red Oni becoming the reassuring, composed partner and the Blue Oni becoming a [[UnstoppableRage Whirling Dervish of Rage]]! Compare pairings such as [[Franchise/StreetFighter Ken and Ryu]], with Ken being the red oni - cocky, arrogant, but decidedly easy-going - and Ryu the blue - stoic, disciplined, but brimming with internal conflict. However, interestingly, the passionate yet easygoing character would be the Blue Oni if paired with a traditional Red Oni character, and the seemingly calm and controlled character who is actually deeply troubled and prone to fits of rage would be the Red Oni if paired with a traditional Blue Oni.

While many expressions of this trope play it straight, it is also not uncommon for the Blue Oni and Red Oni to mix traits. The Red Oni, while usually the more passionate and emotion-driven, may also be the more easy-going and flexible of the two. Their more simplistic world-view may make them at least partially [[AngstWhatAngst immune to angst]] and {{Wangst}}. Conversely, the Blue Oni, while usually stoic and thoughtful, may hide a volatile, angsty nature that may erupt if [[HeroicBSOD pushed]] too [[BerserkButton far]]. In such instances the two may switch roles, with the Red Oni becoming the reassuring, composed partner and the Blue Oni becoming a [[UnstoppableRage Whirling Dervish of Rage]]! Compare pairings such as [[Franchise/StreetFighter Ken and Ryu]], with Ken being the red oni - cocky, arrogant, but decidedly easy-going - and Ryu the blue - stoic, disciplined, but brimming with internal conflict.

** Momo (boisterous Red chairman of MomoCorp) and Coco (observant professor studying the world around him)
** Chuchu is pretty much the shy and easygoing Blue to everyone else's Red. Lulu used to be the Red to everyone else's Blue due to him being a trouble making [[BigEater Big Eater]], until Dodo showed up and made him look ''peaceful'' by comparison.

By the way, don not get too stuck on the colors in the title. The title refers to a Japanese tradition that gets elaborated a bit later in the article, but it doesn't mean that a character has to dress in or be associated with a particular color in order to fit the role.

By the way, don't get too stuck on the colors in the title. The title refers to a Japanese tradition that gets elaborated a bit later in the article, but it doesn't mean that a character has to dress in or be associated with a particular color in order to fit the role.

* RedOniBlueOni/{{Tropes}}

* ''Toys/{{Bionicle}}'' started off featuring easily-angered [[PlayingWithFire Toa of Fire]] Tahu and NotGoodWithPeople [[AnIcePerson Toa of Ice]] Kopaka. However, later teams would invert this; Jaller was a Toa of Fire yet calm and professional as TheCaptain, while his team's Toa of Ice, Matoro, was quiet but compassionate, [[{{Determinator}} determined]], and TheChosenOne. The Bara Magna setting has another inversion, as the fire tribe warrior Ackar is old and thoughtful, while his best friend, Kiina (with the water tribe), is a brash, sharp-tongued [[TheLadette Ladette]].

While many expressions of this trope play it straight, it is also not uncommon for the Blue Oni and Red Oni to mix traits. The Red Oni, while usually the more passionate and emotion-driven, may also be the more easy-going and flexible of the two. Their more simplistic world-view may make them at least partially [[AngstWhatAngst immune to angst]] and {{Wangst}}. Conversely, the Blue Oni, while usually stoic and thoughtful, may hide a volatile, angsty nature that may erupt if [[HeroicBSOD pushed]] [[BerserkButton too far]]. In such instances the two may switch roles, with the Red Oni becoming the reassuring, composed partner and the Blue Oni becoming a [[UnstoppableRage Whirling Dervish of Rage]]! [Compare pairings such as Red Oni Ken (cocky, arrogant, but decidedly easy-going) and Blue Oni Ryu (stoic, disciplined, but brimming with internal conflict)].

** Dere types: {{Kuudere}}, {{Dandere}}, [[TheWomanWearingtheQueenlyMask Himedere]]

* The '''Red Oni''' is associated with [[HotBlooded passion, wildness, and defiance]]. A Red Oni character is often more brawny than brainy, extroverted, enthusiastic, determined, and filled with a zest for life. They are also much more likely to break conventions and rules than their counterpart. Often an IdiotHero or, in more mature pieces, a BoisterousBruiser. If a Red Oni is indeed noticeably intelligent, they will still be much more wild and impetuous than the Blue Oni and/or with less sophisticated thoughts, feelings, or goals. Generally speaking, they're more people-oriented than goal-oriented (although both Oni's can be either). They may or may not shrug off criticism about themselves or their aims and goals, but say or do something nasty to their [[TrueCompanions closest friends]] and you've just guaranteed yourself [[RoaringRampageOfRevenge a world of pain]]. When a goal-oriented villain, the Red Oni will often be AxCrazy and psychotically willing to sacrifice any innocent lives to achieve their goals. A more AffablyEvil Red Oni tends to be a BloodKnight. In terms of character alignment, the Red Oni tends towards the Chaotic alignments, though this isn't always the case.

* The '''Blue Oni''' is associated with serenity, control and observing authority. A Blue Oni is more intellectual, proud, traditional, introverted, and cultured (sometimes more spiritual, although that's not guaranteed), if a Blue Oni is indeed physically strong, they tend to be {{Genius Bruiser}}s, with the calm, collected intelligence of a typical Blue Oni character combined with the physical prowess of a typical Red Oni character. Blue Oni personalities are often respected by others, but also likely to puzzle, confound or even [[TheDreaded intimidate]] their peers because they are difficult to read and have a mysterious quality to them. Personality subtypes include TheStoic, TheQuietOne, AloofBigBrother and DeadpanSnarker. It's worth noting that while blue types ''appear'' tremendously calm and composed, sometimes, this is just the surface, and scratching that façade may show that they are, if anything, wound '''far''' too tight beneath their calm and unemotional appearance. Villainous Blue Oni tend to be willing to sacrifice anything (and often anyone) for their goals, mostly only when their villainous goals are laden with ''true purpose'' (see KnightTemplar and WellIntentionedExtremist). Being more calculating, [[ManipulativeBastard conniving]] and thorough (and if TheMole comes into play), Blue Oni tend to be more successful villains long-term than Red Oni. In terms of character alignment, the Blue Oni tends towards the Lawful alignments though this isn't always the case.

* The '''Blue Oni''' is associated with serenity, control and observing authority. A Blue Oni is more intellectual, proud, traditional, introverted, and cultured (sometimes more spiritual, although that's not guaranteed), if a Blue Oni is indeed physically strong, they tend to be {{Genius Bruiser}}s, with the calm, collected intelligence of a typical Blue Oni character combined with the physical prowess of a typical Red Oni character. Blue Oni personalities are often respected by others, but also likely to puzzle or confound their peers because they are difficult to read and have a mysterious quality to them. Personality subtypes include TheStoic, TheQuietOne, AloofBigBrother and DeadpanSnarker. It's worth noting that while blue types ''appear'' tremendously calm and composed, sometimes, this is just the surface, and scratching that façade may show that they are, if anything, wound '''far''' too tight beneath their calm and unemotional appearance. Villainous Blue Oni tend to be willing to sacrifice anything (and often anyone) for their goals, mostly only when their villainous goals are laden with ''true purpose'' (see KnightTemplar and WellIntentionedExtremist). Being more calculating, [[ManipulativeBastard conniving]] and thorough (and if TheMole comes into play), Blue Oni tend to be more successful villains long-term than Red Oni. In terms of character alignment, the Blue Oni tends towards the Lawful alignments though this isn't always the case.

%%[[folder:Fashion]]
%%* Fashion subcultures of TheFifties: GreaserDelinquents (Red) vs. Hepcats and Teddy Boys ([[TheKirk Purple]]) vs. {{Beatnik}}s and Ivy Leaguers (Blue)
%%* Fashion subcultures of TheSixties: [[SurferDude Surfers]] (Red) vs. [[ScooterRidingMod Mods]] and [[NewAgeRetroHippie Hippies]] (Purple) vs. the Peacock Revolution (Blue)
%% Zero-context examples.
%%[[/folder]]

The name comes from traditional Japanese folklore where {{Oni}} (think troll/ogre) usually came in two flavors, a Red and a Blue. Over time, it's gotten popular to ascribe different qualities and personalities to the two colors. (Think the high-strung Type A personality and the easy-going Type B personality.) See also the Marid and Ifrits over at OurGeniesAreDifferent.

%% Original image moved to Anime subpage and new image selected per Image Pickin' thread:
%% https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/posts.php?discussion=1477356711096992100

[[quoteright:274:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/rsz_red_oni_blue_oni.png]]
[[caption-width-right:274:ColourCodedForYourConvenience!\\
[-[[http://spinelred.deviantart.com/art/Red-Oni-Blue-Oni-294798095 Image]] by [[http://spinelred.deviantart.com/ SpinelRed]]-]]]

Add one person (We'll call them the Purple Oni, who's not as passionate and headstrong as the Red Oni, but not as rational and calm as the Blue Oni) that bridges between the Red Oni and Blue Oni and you got FreudianTrio, with the Red Oni becomes the Id/TheMcCoy, the Blue Oni becomes the Superego/TheSpock, and the Purple Oni becomes the Ego/TheKirk (or a Blue Oni is the Ego as well, whose either torn between the two, or [[TheGenericGuy not involved.]]). That's the basic formula, but not always. Sometimes as the plot progresses, someone new is added and as they become the trio, this newcomer might be even more emotional than the Red Oni or is even more calm and calculating than the Blue Oni. And whoever keeps the trio together is the ego.

Add one person (We'll call them the Purple Oni) that bridges the Red Oni and Blue Oni and you got FreudianTrio, with the Red Oni becomes the Id, the Blue Oni becomes Superego, and the Purple Oni becomes the Ego (or a Blue Oni is the Ego as well, whose either torn between the two, or [[TheGenericGuy not involved.]]). That's the basic formula, but not always. Sometimes as the plot progresses, someone new is added and as they become the trio, this newcomer might be even more emotional than the Red Oni or is even more calm and calculating than the Blue Oni. And whoever keeps the trio together is the ego.

* LetsPlay/{{Pwnage}}: [[CloudCuckoolander Damian]] is the eccentric and passionate red oni to [[DeadpanSnarker Kyle's]] observant and cold blue oni.

* The '''Blue Oni''' is associated with serenity, control and observing authority. A Blue Oni is more intellectual, proud, traditional, introverted, and cultured (sometimes more spiritual, although that's not guaranteed). Blue Oni personalities are often respected by others, but also likely to puzzle or confound their peers because they are difficult to read and have a mysterious quality to them. Personality subtypes include TheStoic, TheQuietOne, AloofBigBrother and DeadpanSnarker. It's worth noting that while blue types ''appear'' tremendously calm and composed, sometimes, this is just the surface, and scratching that façade may show that they are, if anything, wound '''far''' too tight beneath their calm and unemotional appearance. Villainous Blue Oni tend to be willing to sacrifice anything (and often anyone) for their goals, mostly only when their villainous goals are laden with ''true purpose'' (see KnightTemplar and WellIntentionedExtremist). Being more calculating, [[ManipulativeBastard conniving]] and thorough (and if TheMole comes into play), Blue Oni tend to be more successful villains long-term than Red Oni. In terms of character alignment, the Blue Oni tends towards the Lawful alignments though this isn't always the case.

* In ''Webvideo/CriticalRole'' Caleb and Nott are HeterosexualLifePartners; however, Caleb is an introverted, thoughtful, studious human who prefers to live a cautious life, and Nott is an enthusiastic, impulsive young goblin who has a tendency towards StickyFingers.

** FourPhilosophyEnsemble: Cynic, Optimist, or Realist

** Dere types: {{Yandere}}, {{Tsundere}}

** FourPhilosophyEnsemble: Optimist, Apathetic, or Conflicted (Cynic in villainous cases)