something that really strikes me about project hail mary is how similar ryland and rocky are. like they don’t just bond out of necessity or because there’s literally no one else and they’re both facing their imminent deaths, i really think they are similar personalities that fit well together. i mean some part of it, yes, they are bonded by being sole survivors and being the only ones who truly understand what it feels like to have the weight of the world on their shoulders, but as we get to meet the other astronauts who could have been in ryland’s place, i honestly don’t see any of them connecting w rocky the way ryland does. rocky and ryland are both insecure about their intelligence, are deeply passionate about their respective crafts, are effusively scared and emotional to the point of stupidity, are easily excited and goofy, are insatiably curious and overall just filled with so much love and joy even in the worst possible situations. they’re both major dorks with self esteem issues who wear their heart on their sleeves.
neither of them are courageous or confident or really leaders in any sense; they’re nerds from the shadows who are thrust into the light and forced to save the world(s) but do it shaking and crying and would do it again if necessary. they’re the same. they connect out of necessity but they stay together out of love and true true true friendship despite all odds and tbh it’s one of the most beautiful things i’ve ever read and the best example of soulmates i’ve ever seen in fiction
