Are Applejack's and Rainbow Dash's Personalities too Similar?

[Cassafrass 249]

I know that they are different in their own ways, but seriously, I think their personalities may almost be TOO similar at times. Like in Fall Weather Friends, for example, you can tell that they are a bit similar in this aspect. They are both stubborn, athletic, confident in themselves... I dunno, this has been on my mind for a while, so I had to get this off my chest. Anyone else agree, or disagree with me? Discuss.

[boiteporte 591]

I agree with you in the sense that they are both really competitive. They both love to win as shown in the Aerial Relay Race for Rainbow Dash and the Rodeo (?) contest for Applejack where she goes to work in the Cherry Farm (can't remember the name of the episode).

 

I can't see many other similarities, though.

[Pinkamena-Pills 6,839]

Well they are voiced by the same person so....

 

lol in all seriousness you kind of have a point,they are pretty darn similar,some would even say there elements are mixed.

 

 

 

It's old but meh. Still,some decent points here.

 

 

Edited June 24, 2014 by Pinkamena-Pills

[Cassafrass 249]

I see. Well, I forgot to mention that I personally (along with some other people) really think their Elements of Harmony should have been switched around. IMO it would have made a lot more sense. XD I know - RD came sometimes be brutally honest, but that'd be a good character fault imo. Applejack has been shown to be VERY loyal to her friends. Anyone else agree?

[ghostfacekiller39 23,860]

Boyish, competitive...that's all they have in common, really.

 

AJ's a hard worker, RD is seen to be lazy at times. AJ is very down-to-earth, RD is cocky and proud. AJ wants to stay home and work the farm, RD is ambitious and wants to go places. AJ is more of a country girl rather than a tomboy, whilst RD is a tomboy.

So, they actually have more differences than similarities, as far as I can tell

 

 

 

I see. Well, I forgot to mention that I personally (along with some other people) really think their Elements of Harmony should have been switched around. IMO it would have made a lot more sense. XD I know - RD came sometimes be brutally honest, but that'd be a good character fault imo. Applejack has been shown to be VERY loyal to her friends. Anyone else agree?

Actually...I think all of the ponies live up to RD's element, though, if you think about it...they're all shown to be very loyal to those they care about, like Twilight giving up her alicorn magic to Tirek to save her friends, or Rarity running out in the middle of the fashion contest to go makes amends with her friends that she cares about so much...you get the picture It isn't just AJ.

[Ashen Pathfinder 16,161]

Boyish, competitive...that's all they have in common, really.

 

AJ's a hard worker, RD is seen to be lazy at times. AJ is very down-to-earth, RD is cocky and proud. AJ wants to stay home and work the farm, RD is ambitious and wants to go places. AJ is more of a country girl rather than a tomboy, whilst RD is a tomboy.

 

So, they actually have more differences than similarities, as far as I can tell

 

You just took the words out of my mouth. Bravo sir!

[~SadisticFluttershy~ 779]

I agree with you in the sense that they are both really competitive. They both love to win as shown in the Aerial Relay Race for Rainbow Dash and the Rodeo (?) contest for Applejack where she goes to work in the Cherry Farm (can't remember the name of the episode).

 

I can't see many other similarities, though.

They were both competitive in:

 

1) The Last Roundup (That's the name of the episode where AJ works on that cherry farm)

2) Fall weather Friends.

3) CastleMane-ia.

 

 

I think that's it?

[Silver Letter 1,832]

I think they may be the two most different out of the mane six. Applejack is laid back and family oriented, a hard worker and honest to the core. Rainbow Dash on the other hand is bombastic, complex, individualistic, less involved with her work and obsesses over her idols. They have many differences and a few similarities.

[The Mane-iac 1,648]

I'm biased, but I disagree. 99% of the time I can't stand Dash, but on the other hand AJ is my favorite pony.

 

Both of them being competitive and boyish is not the same thing. They are both of those things in different ways even.

 

Dash is brash, egotistic, refuses to lose and gets hissy if she does, lazy, a loner, enjoys tooting her own horn, does not like letting her emotions be seen, tomboy, and is all about being the coolest most awesome pony around.

 

AJ is stubborn, can be brutally honest, hard-worker, is very into family and not afraid of showing how much she cares for them, very open and welcoming with strangers/new friends, country girl, hates losing but does so with pride rather than throw a fit.

 

There's more but I'm having trouble placing everything into words.

 

Like I said, I'll give that they are both competitive, but they are that way for different reasons. AJ gets competitive out of stubbornness, pride, wanting to have a good time. Dash does it because she's full of herself and thinks she is the best at anything. Dash would be the one saying "best 2 out of 3" if she would lose or would accuse the other of cheating even though she was the one doing so. AJ would let it go, even if it meant losing the entire apple farm.

[Pastel 7,630]

I'm biased, but I disagree. 99% of the time I can't stand Dash, but on the other hand AJ is my favorite pony.

 

I'm the exact opposite, Rainbow Dash is my favorite mane 6 while Applejack is my least favorite.

But yeah, they're different in many ways.

[Jeric 46,851]

I think that their similarities have different motivations and genesis (what the is the plural of genesis anyway? I should know that!)

 

Yes, they are both stubborn at times, athletic, and competitive. It's the competitive part that I think is most uniquely portrayed in RD.

 

We've seen shades of it in Rarity, Pinky, Twilight ... but it manifests as an internal drive as opposed to external like Dash. Yes, Applejack is competitive, but she's also internally driven due to an important role she plays in her family and the community. It's an important distinction because it makes her a little more like Rarity and Twilight since it is part her a strong work ethic.

 

I also have a sneaking suspicion that RD is the one that usually instigates any friendly competition with AJ. Not that any of this is bad, it just makes her unique. The others could benefit from a little dose of confidence at times

[Stellafera 3,836]

Well, they must be doing something similar, since they're my first and second favorites respectively. 

 

But no. Rainbow Dash craves for everyone else to pay attention to her and validate her, whereas Applejack can only feel validated by herself. Applejack wouldn't believe you if you told her she was awesome, but Rainbow Dash would.

 

Rainbow Dash has no problems with responsibility or knowing just how far to push herself. Applejack has them in spades. Do you think Dashie would go overboard in coddling Scootaloo like Applejack did for Apple Bloom? Of course not, she'd let the filly have her independence. Do you think Dash would work herself until she literally collapsed? No, she'd take a nap. She's not gonna kid herself, and she's not as stubborn.

 

Applejack is more gentle and straightforward. If she was worried about others not liking her, she'd just talk it out with her friends instead of going all Mare Do Well. More pragmatic, more self-effacing. She thinks that work is its own reward and it is better to not seek recognition (she was upset in The Last Roundup for HER failure, not out of worry for the reactions). Applejack is not as likely to make a bad friend and she can smell a rat. Gilda would be out the door immediately. 

 

I would not mix up their elements. Even if they struggle with them, the important thing is that each pony considers their element a cardinal virtue.

[Megas 27,620]

No. the way I look at it, Rainbow Dash is the Falco Lombardi to Applejack's Fox McCloud

Edited June 24, 2014 by Megas75

[Pinkamena-Pills 6,839]

I think it should be stated that they are similar at times,but overall different in the end.

 

They mesh pretty well also,so there's that. They are certainly more close in similarity than say Fluttershy and Rarity or Pinkie and Twilight ect.

 

So the reason one may feel they are sometimes pretty similar is because they blend together more easily then any other possible mane 6 combination imo.

[Red Cedar 1,408]

The competetive streak they both have is about where their similarities end. Applejack works constantly, always finding ways to keep busy. Dash naps whenever possible. AJ will sometimes willingly dress up fancy. Dash wants out of that stuff a.s.a.p. AJ has a motherly streak in her a mile wide. Dash prefers to hang out with younger fillies rather than be a caregiver. AJ is modest. Dash has an ego the size of Cloudsdale.

 

I'd say they're not very similar at all.

[Wind Chaser 4,768]

Not at all. Applejack is more humble and mature than Rainbow Dash, and is much more likely to be the voice of reason in a situation regarding her, her family, or her friends. The only similarities between them is that pride and competition are a common weakness, and honesty and loyalty sometimes overlap as elements. The fact that Applejack is so high in her maturity is the reason why she runs into the "best background pony" problem, while Rainbow Dash gets a fair share of the focus episodes.

 

Applejack also has a much stronger work and caring ethic, whereas Rainbow Dash is more carefree when she's not working.

Edited June 24, 2014 by Wind Chaser

[Shanks 10,816]

No, I don't think so, yes they have a few key things in common being that they are both athletic, tomboyish and can sometimes get competitive but they have some equally crucial differences. Applejack is very mature and level headed, family oriented and for the most part tends to be confident and secure in herself. Rainbow Dash is often brash, reckless and arrogant. She also has some very deep seated insecurities about maintaining her rep and is reluctant to express the more feminine aspects of her personality (seriously addressing this issue would make an awesome Rarity and Rainbow Dash episode). To her credit Rainbow Dash has probably grown and matured the most out of the mane 6, especially in season 3 with her showing both a softer side in Sleepless In Ponyville and a responsible side in Wonderbolt Academy but these deep seated insecurities and other flaws while they have gotten better are still very much ingrained in her character.

 

One thing people have cited as a difference that I don't agree with is about Rainbow Dash being lazy, yes she take a lot of naps there is no doubt about it. But we have also seen multiple examples throughout the series of her training very hard in either competition or to meet her goal of getting into the Wonderbolts. I see Rainbow Dash as somepony who works hards hard and sleeps hard if that makes any sense.

 

Applejack and Rainbow Dash's relationship is like the opposite of Applejack and Rarity's relationship. Applejack and Rarity seem so different from each other but have a surprising amount of things in common which makes their interactions very interesting to me. Applejack and Rainbow Dash seem to have so much in common and they do but have as I have pointed out so many differences as well.

[GenderIsAnIllusion 2,177]

I always thought they were polar opposites....

 

Applejack: Work oriented, Holds family values, mature, courteous

 

Rainbowdash: Boastish, impatient, self centered at times,

 

Both: very competitive, Willing to risk their lives for others, hard headed.

[Moved to Elsewhere 11,331]

Nah they aren't really the same. Applejack is more hard working and Rainbow is more layed back. Then only think similar is they are both tomboyish and athletic but that's about it.

[Ziggy + Angel + Rain 11,302]

Short answer: no.  In case you aren't keen on reading the wall of text that awaits. xD

 

AJ's Element is honesty, but RD is often a "tells it like it is" kind of pony lol.  She's even humorously tactless, at times.  Two different versions of what is fundamentally the same thing.  I don't consider RD to be lazy; she seems a reliable weather pony that appreciates the value of a power nap - and she's there when you need her.  Though I certainly don't see RD pulling an AJ from "Applebuck Season."  Speaking of which: that episode showed us a very stubborn side of AJ; one that she had to ultimately overcome.  RD can be stubborn, too; though in "Hurricane Fluttershy" it was portrayed as a type of determination that paid off in the end.  AJ doesn't strike me as being near as into sports / athleticism and self-accomplishment as RD, but AJ will still go out of her way to prove something to - more or less - herself.  They both try to live up to certain expectations, but I feel as though AJ's are primarily her own and RD feels the greater need to prove herself to others.  If you boil the two personalities down to the very basics, you could argue that they're similar.  But even their similarities rarely result in the same things happening.  They have different motivations and handle situations in their own unique way.

 

They have some traits in common, certainly; though how those traits are portrayed / what effect they have on the respective characters can vary wildly from episode to episode.  If I felt like it, I could likely draw parallels between practically any two members of the Mane 6.  Is Pinkie Pie like RD?  Not especially.  But they're certainly a couple of pranksters that revel in making mischief, and both are quick to laugh.  But all six of them are still different enough from each other that they make for an interesting group dynamic and ensemble cast.  They need to have some things in common - whether they be virtues or flaws - in order for their friendship to be more believable.  I think, anyhow.

 

Quick little things: RD is more outgoing and boastful (even if it belies a lingering self doubt).  AJ's strength / physical capabilities are largely utilitarian and aid her in her responsibilities; whereas RD's speed and agility tie into her competitive pursuits as well as what she loves to do.  AJ is somewhat steadier and more predictable; whereas you never quite know what the hay Rainbow is going to do.  AJ is the pony you expect to do the right thing, and RD is the pony that strives to do the right thing.

Edited June 25, 2014 by PegaMister

[PegasisterJayfeather 397]

I actually think that their Elements should have been switched. Applejack, Element of Honesty, has tended to lie, such as Party of One. Even though she had to lie, it's her Element to be honest... Dash has left her friends in the dust many times, like in Rainbow Falls...The Wonderbolts were trying to use her, while Twi told her they were, but she wouldn't listen to them, and left her friends... Especially the time when Discord gave back her wings, and she GOT UP AND LEFT THEM! -_-

Applejack on the other hand, is super loyal to the rest of the Mane 6, always there for her friends, while Dash tends to be honest to the other 5, other than actually being there for them.

But hey, it's MY opinion.

 

 

Also: 

Edited June 26, 2014 by Jayfeather4Ever2001

[Megas 27,620]

First off, AJ's a good element of honesty, I don't know what you're talking about

Dash has left her friends in the dust many times, like in Rainbow Falls...The Wonderbolts were trying to use her, while Twi told her they were, but she wouldn't listen to them, and left her friends... Especially the time when Discord gave back her wings, and she GOT UP AND LEFT THEM! -_-

These are really poor arguments.

 

- All of the other elements have had to deal with conflicts regarding their elements(Rarity treating her friends poorly in RTM, AJ lying to everyone in LoF, Pinkie Pie making RD's birthday less fun in PP), I don't see why it's different for RD. ANd besides she ultimately makes the right decision in the end(much like the other 5 did)

- RD is a poor representation of loyalty when ditched her friends because she...was mindfucked by Discord?Seriously?  And it's not like she chose ditch her friends, as it was more of a case of conflicted loyalty with Cloudsdale in being in trouble(which is actually a really good mindscrew compared to Discord's other attempts with the other 5)

 

Seriously why does everyone always single out Rainbow when it comes to these kinds of arguments, it's never a problem when the other 5 deal with these kind of conflicts, but it's somehow a big deal when Rainbow Dash is in a similar situation, and is always used as an argument to discredit her when the other 5 ar put into similar situations with similar results.

 

That just sounds like a really shitty and unfair double standard

Edited June 26, 2014 by Megas75

[PegasisterJayfeather 397]

First off, AJ's a good element of honesty, I don't know what you're talking about

These are really poor arguments.

 

- All of the other elements have had to deal with conflicts regarding their elements(Rarity treating her friends poorly in RTM, AJ lying to everyone in LoF, Pinkie Pie making RD's birthday less fun in PP), I don't see why it's different for RD. ANd besides she ultimately makes the right decision in the end(much like the other 5 did)

- RD is a poor representation of loyalty when ditched her friends because she...was mindfucked by Discord?Seriously?  And it's not like she chose ditch her friends, as it was more of a case of conflicted loyalty with Cloudsdale in being in trouble(which is actually a really good mindscrew compared to Discord's other attempts with the other 5)

 

Seriously why does everyone always single out Rainbow when it comes to these kinds of arguments, it's never a problem when the other 5 deal with these kind of conflicts, but it's somehow a big deal when Rainbow Dash is in a similar situation. That's a really shitty double standard

Ok ok...You are right. I am wrong. I just saw this idea and went with it... Sorry.

Sorry, I've been thinking about this ALL wrong... AJ and RD are similar in personality because they're both competitive and sporty. I think that if they're both similar, it makes them better friends, because they can bond through their similarities better. But they have their differences that set them apart from similarities that makes their friendship unique.

Edited June 26, 2014 by Jayfeather4Ever2001

[Sombra369 3]

They represent two primal innate aspects of defined essentials that are ideal for an ambition, willpower and pride. I would like to bring in a comparison to Warhammer series Chaos Gods Khorne and Slaanesh. Khorne is about honor and duty to strive towards an ideal or a path of control with a inflexible resoluteness and strength of character. He is power earned and slaved with honest physical intentional projection for it's sake alone without any of the perks of self satisfaction and pursuits of happiness. Slaneesh is questing for progress and perfection and enjoying every moment in her own pace without any tedious or boring trouble, she serves herself with the ego of being on top of the world and always yearns for a quick fix, being the center of attention is the meaning of life to her. Applejack seems like Khorne amped up with western hero cliches and none of the execess evil muder tendencies and Rainbow Dash is a Athletic super jock of Slannesh and none of the perverted degeneracy. AJ and RD also has both Tzeentchian and Nurgilian tendencies, AJ has Grandpa Nurgles Patience and Empathy for everything and RD has Tzeentch's quest for progress, and loves to Troll and scheme(Prank) just to shake up a status quo of mundane borddom.

Edited September 20, 2016 by sonicsucks12

[Darthy Hooves 106]

Applejack has more responsibility than Rainbow Dash as her role is both a mom & big sister to Apple Bloom, as it seems their (Applejack & Apple Bloom's) parents may be dead. Rainbow Dash is more obsessed with being a Wonderbolt & a prankster to satisfy her ego.