Laura Eileen Hollis (played by Elise Bauman) is one of our two protagonists. Laura is young, sheltered, naive, and headstrong. When we were first introduced to Laura I instantly identified with her. (Carmilla and Laura Parallels) Things quickly change with the introduction of Carmilla. This entry isn't about me or Carmilla. It's really about Laura and L. What makes them similar and what makes them different. Laura does have a few similarities lets just say Laura and I love the sweets. I will bring them up some of them at the appropriate moment.
Let's start with the differences. Though they have a ton in common there are a few differences. Now it is no secret that Laura is naive and I could say the same thing about L. The two both grew up in small towns and were out on their own for the first time. How they were naive is where the differences lie. Laura's naivety comes with not knowing how the world works everything is black and white, there is good and there is evil. L's another thing she has a little street smarts. I am more like Laura in this regard. Another thing that makes Laura and L different is L is a little clumsy. Laura is a badass and knows krav maga. Both are however are quite courageous. The choice of a profession is also different. Though they both have similarities, Laura wants to be a journalist and L always wanted to teach but their reasoning for choosing those professions is the same they wanted to help people. Even with some of their differences, Laura and L are oh so similar. It's one of the reasons I was drawn to this series.
Now on to the similarities. These two might be the most goal-oriented people I have ever come in contact with fictional or not. When L and Laura find a goal they will do anything to succeed and reach that goal. Sometimes to the detriment of friends, partners, and even family. For L a great example of this came during this year. Her job was going to change as a teacher and she wanted to teach her way and she fought hard and will make it hers. For Laura, there are countless examples but the most important is the first season. Laura saw a problem that no one could see and fought to end it.
Who has a chore wheel? Seriously. Laura sure dose and L would have if it weren't for her friends. If you haven't guessed where I'm going with this meet two very organized women. Laura over the three seasons uses charts graphs and not to be forgotten lists. L is the queen of lists. I would make this guess that Laura still has a paper day planner L lives by hers. So much so that she is excited every year a new one comes in the mail. Laura has her charts and whiteboards that she uses to piece together clues for each season. Organizing is how L and Laura feel like they are in control in a chaotic world of vampires and kids.
Let's get into their fashion sense a little bit. During the course of three seasons, we have seen Laura's fashion grow up with her. In the first season, a lot of pajama pants to start out with eventually changed to pants and nicer shirts and sweaters even a nice dress or two. So as her character grew up over the course of the three seasons so did her style. L's fashion sense also evolved this way as she has aged. Her style has evolved along with her. But, there is one significant factor that really ties them together, it's that the clothes they wear are comfortable. They weren't trying to impress anyone other than maybe that special someone on their first date. (The "First Date") I can tell you based on my experience Carmilla will never forget that white dress that Laura was wearing during the "It's a Trap" episode. With L there is one item of clothing that L wore that I will never forget. It's from our "First Date" a simple jean jacket. She loved that jacket the first year we were dating. I don't really know what happened to it.
Now something on the fun side. The two actresses who play Laura (Elise Bauman) and Carmilla (Natasha Negovanlis) did a style swap video where Elise is wearing Natasha's style and Natasha's wearing Elise's style and it is a nail on the head to L Style Swap. When I saw the video I was in total shock oh and laughing hysterically. From the shoes to the pants to the top to the sweater everything L would wear. It was a little funny to see and a little eye-opening to see just how much of Laura is Elise.
Drama. I'm sorry L and Laura but it seems to find you no matter what you do or where you go. The reason that drama always tends to find these two is that they care about everyone. At a party, they are the type to make sure everyone is having a good time. If someone is hurt or injured they are the ones who want to help. If someone has a problem they want to help with the problem and fix it. It's in their nature to care about everyone.
For Laura, this is the way of life at Silas University. If it isn't giant mushrooms from the alchemy department then it's an evil god kidnapping female students for sacrifice to a giant fish god. That isn't the drama though that stresses out Laura. It's learning and having personal relationships with roommates or friends. Or Trying to start, keep, and developed a romantic relationship. That is where Laura's greatest dramas come from. L's drama also comes from these same personal relationships with family, friends, and co-workers.
The dram comes from one place emotions. It's no secret Laura wears her emotions on her sleeve L is right there with her. When they are happy you know it when they are sad you know it when they are mad you know it. If you like roller coasters these two are for you. Now does it makes sense that they fell for Carmilla and me, two fairly emotionless people? Balance maybe (). We love them for being so open and free with their emotions and we wouldn't want them any other way.
One short phrase also encapsulates both L and Laura. "People Pleaser." Yep, that's right L and Laura are stage four people pleasers. It's so hard for them both to say no. Remember the quote from season two? (Hey, Can I Be Happy Too?) This is their kryptonite it's what makes them very popular people and allows them to make friends in no time but people tend to take advantage of it as well as some family members. The positives of this we discussed in-depth (Laura's and L's Super Power).
One of the key contributing factors, why I fell for L, is her modern motherly demeanor. Laura most definitely has these same characteristics. Now Laura and L are not like Perry's 1950s mom persona at all. Laura and L want to be mom's they want to be career women and have an adult life. This comes through with Laura the moment we meet her. Her roommate Betty comes in and is happy with a 62 she got on her test Laura instantly chimes in you could do so much better if you just applied yourself. She constantly wants better for everyone and you see this as her relationship with Carmilla evolves. L has always had that quality, whether it's with her students, our kids, or even the kids she coaches. L always tells you to want you to need to hear not what you want to hear.
L isn't the huge pop culture fan that Laura is but there is one piece of pop culture that they both love Harry Potter. L has read all the books thinks the books are much better than the movies. Laura references Harry Potter many times even makes Harry Potter drinking glasses as I would also ponder to guess Laura prefers the books over the movies.
A similarity that I forgot is both girls are daddy's girls. They both love their fathers are their dad's favorite. Laura because her father raised her on his own after the death of her mother. Allowing her and her father to develop a strong relationship to the point of it being overprotective. L and her dad are also a lot like Laura and her dad but they are more similar in personality. They both have a strong and loving relationship with their dads that makes them who they are today.
Now not to sound selfish but L and Laura's final similarity is Carmilla and me. They found us, they inspire us, they have saved us, they changed our lives. What makes them great are all the similarities these two amazing women have. Carmilla and I love them for who they are even though they make us uncomfortable and push us to be our best. We are better for who they have become. Cute scrunched-up face and all.
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