Trademarks

Butterflies

An Asian inspired butterfly motif decorates Ada's RE4 dress and one can also be found on her Assignment Ada costume. When Ada is unlocked in The Mercenaries, this same butterfly appears on the Pueblo stage. The butterfly, as it seems, is to Ada as black sunglasses are to Wesker, but why?

Butterflies often represent transformation or metamorphosis for obvious reasons. In some cultures, they have even come to symbolize rebirth. This would fit Ada perfectly since she nearly died, but was brought back to life by Wesker. In terms of transformation, Ada is constantly changing her motives and switching identities throughout the course of Resident Evil 2 and 4. Also like the butterfly, she is flighty and beautiful, but hard to capture.

In Japanese culture, it is believed that if you follow a butterfly, it will lead you to a great mystery or problem's answer. If Leon continues to chase after Ada, he will not only eventually learn what her motives really are, but also uncover the secrets involving Wesker, Umbrella, HCF, and Ada's unnamed organization.

There is also the Japanese term "hirahira", which means "sound of a butterfly fluttering", that is used to describe costumes that seem to flutter or flow in the wind. Ada's dress and ribbon are always waving gracefully as she moves and in windy scenes, similar to the movements of a butterfly.

Since Ada is Chinese, I wouldn't be surprised if her symbol was also chosen because of a famous Chinese play, Butterfly Lovers, which tells the story of a woman named Zhu Yingtai. Yingtai fell in love with a brilliant young man, but she was already betrothed to another, who was rich but unintelligent. She and her lover, unable to be together in life, committed suicide and became butterflies, free to love each other. Ada and Leon's romance is certainly not as tragic, but like the butterfly lovers, they are unable to be together for serious career reasons.

Red

The color red has been associated with Ada since Resident Evil 2. Her two main dresses are of this color, she bears the title "red rogue", wears red lipstick and nail polish, picks up mostly incendiary grenades in the Mercenaries, arms herself with red-tipped weapons like the rocket launcher and bow-gun, and even chooses a red key for operating the jet-ski!

In Western culture, red is the color of passion, romance, and love. It's often associated with impulse and desire, which is why red is the color of seductresses and temptresses in many stories. Ada is the object of Leon's desires and she is often coy and flirty with him. In Resident Evil 2, she was primarily there to play Leon's love interest and as we know, the romantic flames are still burning brightly in Resident Evil 4.

Ada's character was designed with her cultural background in mind. Her dresses are based off of traditional Chinese clothing and are almost always red. Red is a very traditional, typically used color in Chinese culture. It is believed to bring good luck, to ward off evil and is commonly used in weddings and household decor.

Esentially, Ada is Leon's good luck charm. As seen throughout Separate Ways, she keeps him out of trouble and most importantly, out of Wesker's sight.

Leon's Color?

I've always personally felt that blue was Leon's trademark color. Aside from his police uniform, Leon's default costume in RE4 is predominantly grayish blue. His eyes are also a striking bright blue.

Blue is typically associated with males and masculinity, which is why we often associate newborn boys with this color. It symbolizes sincerity, loyalty, intelligence, and faith, all traits that describe Leon. Also interesting to note, dark blue represents authority and expertise, which is why it is a common color in uniforms.

What does this have to with Ada? Red and blue are colors that are often paired together. They are both primary colors; red is a warm color, while blue is a cool color. Blue and red are the the colors of the two opposing political parties in the United States.

If Leon's color is indeed blue, then I think it could be taken as evidence that they were meant to be associated together. Like the colors, they compliment and balance one another.

Lipstick Kisses

Ada kisses each note she sends to Leon, leaving a print of her lips in red lipstick as her signature. An imprinted kiss on a letter is said to show that it was sealed with love. Ada's notes may not be sealed, but no doubt they were sent with love.