To say there is sexual tension inMy Dress-Up Darlingis a grand understatement, as two youngsters from opposing worlds find commonality in their love for clothing design, and slowly fall head-over-heals for each other too.Rom-com Anime are usuallydripping with Dere tropes left, right, and center, used as entertaining tools to liven up the different lovestruck personalities.
However, true to form, Marin Kitagawa simply refuses to fit neatly into a box and displays characteristics typical to several different Dere categories. The only thing that is not in question here is this otaku girl’s sentiments towards Wakana Gojo, which he, unfortunately, has trouble reading, subsequently creating a delicate dance of “will they, won’t they” throughout Season 1.
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The Introverted Dandere
Gojo epitomizes theDandere trope to a tee, as the shy, awkward, anti-social type who generally only speaks when spoken to. He is easily flustered yet unconcerned with making new friends; quite happy to continue in his isolated existence. Gojo would much rather hang out with paintbrushes and dolls than with unpredictable and volatile people but is quickly smitten with Marin and slowly starts to break out from his self-confinement.
Unfortunately, it seems that Gojo is in denial regarding his true feeling for Marin or has convinced himself that his affections wouldn’t get reciprocated. The prolonged sexual tension, however, encompasses the whole mood ofMy Dress-Up Darling;as a slow-burn rom-com that has fans in a constant state of eager anticipation.
A Free-Spirited Deredere
Considered the archetype of thisromance-orientated trope is the Deredere(also spelled dere-dere), which translates as ‘lovey-dovey.’ These lovestruck characters are not influenced by hidden agendas, jealousy, or manipulating tactics but are the epitome of sweet puppy love instead. They are not the best at hiding their affections (nor do they care to) and are generally not overwhelmed by too much emotional baggage.
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While Marin is the personification of the term “free-spirit” and is evidently deeply in “wuv” with Gojo, she is less certain about openly expressing her feelings. She may act all cool and suave, but Marin will quickly hide from embarrassment whenever she thinks her “cover” is blown and gets jealous at the idea of Juju hanging out withherman. It’s all talk and no action for dear Gojo, as it seems that even willall the confidence in the world, Marin is too timid to takethatparticular leap. If that accursed phone didn’t ring at the Love Hotel, this would be a whole other discussion, but alas, fate had other plans! Regardless, it is adorable to watch Marin gush while Gojo tries to change up his style a bit, completely oblivious to his unappealing fashion sense.
The Boisterous Goudere
The rowdy, excitable Goudere will stop at nothing to impress their intended paramour, usually with comically catastrophic consequences. They tend to idolize a potential partner and always selflesslyhave their best interests at heart, but usually come across as excessive and overbearing instead. A Goudere is generally the strong and independent type with a confident aura about them and no ulterior motives (well, further than the romance department!)
Marin’s most memorable Goudere moment is when Gojo visits her home to watch anime, but their grumbling tummies could no longer be ignored. Planning to dazzle her sweetheart with her (less-than) impeccable cooking skills, Marin makes a complete mess of the meal and is mortified by the results. Her personality type is suitably unruly and rambunctious, and Marin would love to see Gojo succeed in both Hina Doll andcosplay creation, but her motivesare not entirely selfless. The better Gojo becomes at dressmaking, the more fabulous Marin will look (but the less time he spends chasing his ultimate dream of becoming a Hinamatsuri.)
The Miss-Matched Mayadere
This classification might be a bit of a stretch but read on before dismissing Marin as a Mayadere. Typically,this trope introduces an antagonistwho finds themselves uncharacteristically infatuated with the lead role (or their close friend), transforming their hostile demeanor into one overflowing with tenderness. They will then usually join the protagonist’s team and essentially walk off into the sunset as a reformed hero of sorts; a classic theme in many Anime genres!
While Marin is by no means a villain, she is essentially part of the “cool kids” category, and as far as Gojo is concerned, those kinds of people have made his life a living hell. One could even argue that Marin onlyreallytook notice of Gojo once she could get something in return and then unintentionally fell in love with him during her “grand scheme.” Marin also has areputation for being unaffectedby the advances of men and is considered to be the “Ice Queen” among her friends, with is in strong contrast to her constant gushing when Gojo is around, which is suggestive of the Mayadere’s transformation.
The Coquettish Hiyakasudere
The typical Hiyakasudere character is mischievous, playful, and flirtatious with the ability to adapt to different environments with ease. Theydiffer from the Tsundere, Bakadere, or Sadodere archetypes (who also enjoy a good teasing session) because they hold no ill intention behind their banter and simply take delight in the opportunity to interact with their intended. However, The Hiyakasuder enjoys the compliments of a blushing face from those at the butt-end of their seductive innuendoes!
Marin is well aware of the effect she has on men, and is not afraid to show a bit of skin to get a reaction, but (un)fortunately for Gojo, she has a habit of persisting as far as possible. Like a moth drawn to a beetroot-red flame, Marin’s provocative taunts only intensify when Gojo’s discomfort becomes apparent and is often accompanied by the phrase “Are you excited?” (as if she doesn’t already know the answer!)
It’s quite ironic how regularly Marin’s Hiyakasudere tactics backfire, as she often finds herself blushing just as hard as Gojo after getting too big for her boots and realizing how much truth is behind her sultry comments. Such as when she insists on showing off her “racy” underwear, and only notices she is wearing the wrong braafterflashing Gojo. Or the time she cozies up to Gojo in her bedroom before suddenly realizing that thismay actually be a “home date"and gets completely flustered by his mere presence. Nevertheless, Marin’s acknowledgment of her “wuv” for Gojo does little to deter her flirtatious banter; it just adds more truth to her remarks in comparison to the beginning of their friendship.
