The fact that Katsuki wishes to become a hero about as much as Deku does says a lot about the type of character he is – a driven and self-assured character who works incredibly hard toward his goal. What assists this continued effort towards his goal is Katsuki’s deep-rooted sense of superiority over Deku, which is immediately threatened the moment Deku inherits One-For-All. Katsuki and Deku have both dreamed of becoming heroes from their childhood days and it is this long-running shared desire that brings out a lot of contempt from Katsuki towards Deku because Katsuki sees himself as superior to the Quirkless Deku.

A big aspect in Katsuki’s character is regarding his reason for wanting to become a hero. Like Deku, Katsuki was inspired by the acts of All Might as a child and regards him with the same level of respect and admiration, which is excellent when you consider the fact that their shared idol chose one of them, and it was not Katsuki. The relationship that All Might and Deku have is somewhat evident to Katsuki and that is another element that adds to Katsuki’s burning anger, confusion regarding Deku’s powers and his contempt for Deku.

As strange as this may sound, the fact that Katsuki has always been a bully to Deku since their childhood sets a strange precedent for their relationship – the superiority Katsuki once felt over Deku was codified by the fact that he could push him around with ease. For a while even after entering U.A. High and being in the same class as Katsuki, Deku always seemed pensive around him, and not yet confident in his own abilities. This changes over time and in season 3, we see an actual fight between Deku and Katsuki, an event that solidifies the idea that they are arch-rivals who go way back. Season 3; however, also shows us Katsuki’s willingness to put work in and improve – which he does. Any good rival is one who never neglects their own growth.

Bakugo Katsuki’s character is an explosive and fiery personality which is best described as intense levels of self-assuredness, confidence to the point of arrogance and innate ability meeting an almost-as-intense level of insecurity. This fiery nature of Bakugo is a direct foil to Deku’s timid personality at the beginning of the series and in a way, the sheer difference in their personalities coupled together with their vast similarities makes almost feel like two protagonists. Both share a goal, inspiration and even ambition to achieve, but it comes from completely different places and it is this contrast that makes Boku no Hero Academia’s depiction of the Shounen trope of the rival a really, really good one.