Marinette Dupain-Cheng (French pronunciation: [maʁinɛt dypɛ̃ tʃɛŋ]) is the female protagonist of the animated television series Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir created by Thomas Astruc.

A teenage student of Chinese and French descent, she aspires to become a fashion designer and lives with her parents, Tom Dupain and Sabine Cheng, who own a bakery.

As the holder of a Miraculous, Marinette is assisted by a small red creature resembling a ladybug called Tikki, who is a magical being known as a kwami.

After creating a drawing that portrayed her as a ladybug-themed superheroine, Astruc felt this would be a good character, especially as he was not aware of the existence of another ladybug-related superhero.

Marinette's character has received a generally positive critical response, with writers characterizing her as a role model for viewers and as a great protagonist; both her civilian self and her superheroine identity have been praised.

[3] Astruc said that couples of superheroes like the one consisting of Ladybug and Cat Noir are uncommon in shows, and he felt that the viewers enjoy the love situation formed between the two of them.

[13] Fred Lenoir, also a writer for Miraculous, stated that Marinette's relationship with Adrien, both as civilians and as superheroes, is the main part of the show.

[11] Jeremy Zag, the president of the animation studio Zagtoon, described Marinette as "a fresh and modern girl character who is in line with kids' and teens' lives today.

"[15] The first two images depicting Ladybug released by Zag, one showing her portrait and the other featuring her on a rooftop in Paris, received enough attention to surround the world.

[4] Zag said the love situation that Marinette created alongside Adrien, their superhero identities, and their secrets represent some of the main parts of the story.

[16] Jared Wolfson, the executive producer of Miraculous, stated that the audience of girls had been waiting for "someone like a Spider-Man to come along" and that, because of Ladybug's character, they can now transform into her, becoming "stronger" and making "an effect in the world".

"[3] Mayer stated that "even without knowing the story," "she is instinctively familiar, authentic and strong," adding that "Ladybug is an icon for wholesome girl empowerment.

While Marinette is not aware of this at the time, the man is Master Fu,[38] the keeper of the magical objects called the Miraculouses,[44][45] who has prepared a test in order to find someone deserving of becoming a superhero.

[86] Marinette has appeared in several sequences where she has addressed the viewers in a direct way,[87][88] and in a live session sustained on the YouTube account of Disney Channel.

[109][110] Critical reception of Marinette has been generally positive, with writers describing her as a famous character,[111] and as "pretty",[46][111] charismatic,[112] clever,[47] sweet,[113] and inventive.

[114] ComicsVerse writer Michele Kirichanskaya felt that the series "takes the time to address Marinette's heritage" in "a subtle and respectful manner", citing the "moments when she struggles with speaking Chinese" and has "cultural miscommunications with relatives".

[36] Kirichanskaya wrote that Marinette's complete name when "translated from both Chinese and French languages" is "appropriate for a girl whose family owns a bakery".

[36] Kirichanskaya said Marinette being "an aspiring fashion designer" that makes "new creations in her spare time" shows that "feminine interests [do not] necessarily detract from superheroic qualities", deeming this "a positive message for male and female viewers alike".

[36] Caroline Gourdin of La Libre Belgique stated that Marinette's character is one of the main aspects of the series, adding that she can appeal to both girls and boys.

Elle Collins of ComicsAlliance said the way "Marinette transforms into Ladybug in a series of twirls and poses" resembles how "Sailor Moon and other magical girls always do".

[117] Los Angeles Times writer Robert Lloyd commented that Marinette is a "smart girl" and characterized her superheroine form as "a costumed crusader".

[44] Michele Kirichanskaya stated that while Marinette initially "appears to be just an ordinary girl", with the help of "a pair of magical earrings" she "can transform into the Miraculous Ladybug, one of Paris's greatest superheroes".

[36] She described Marinette as "a bright, talented, creative young woman, trying to balance her daily life with all the responsibilities that entail being France's greatest superheroine".

[36] Laura Aasland of Culture Honey praised that, while Ladybug keeps "groaning at Cat Noir's puns", Marinette has feelings for Adrien.

[119] Epicstream's Caitlin Donovan described Marinette as "an adorable lead who is genuinely awkward as a civilian" yet "confident as a superhero", feeling this "makes for an interesting contrast".

[120] Best Movie writer Irene Rosignoli commended Marinette's ability to transform from her shy civilian self into a courageous, confident, and resolute superheroine, viewing it as a constructive message for girls throughout the world.

[121] Ladybug was characterized as an amazing superheroine that can immediately impress the young viewers,[122] and she was deemed capable, brave, and girls' favorite superhero.

[124] Guess's chief creative officer and chairman, Paul Marciano, praised Marinette's secret identity and her relationship with Adrien.

[125] The licensing director of Gemma International, Tim Rudd-Clarke, characterized Ladybug as "a strong and empowered female superhero" that "fills a huge gap in the market that has been vacant for quite some time".

[142][143][144] Several pieces of merchandise inspired by Marinette's civilian and superheroine identities have been created, including action figures,[48][145] clothing items,[146][147] accessories,[146][148] masks,[149][150] and stickers.