Adrien is charismatic, shy, a bit reserved, and slightly innocent — partially due to his unfamiliarity to much of the world beyond his father's reach. While liking to have fun, he is more serious, obedient, and less lively due to his strict upbringing. Wanting to change, make friends, and experience new things is important to him, but it's a bit of a struggle for him and it worries him every now and then. If something makes him sad, he tries to downplay his feelings on it, like his relationship with his father, but he will act on impulse if he is emotional enough, like lying to Théo Barbot out of jealousy about his relationship with Ladybug and going out into to the night while unhappy on Christmas in the Christmas special. He thinks reasonably and will express annoyance and frustration when someone is being difficult or something is going wrong. Though not very openly emotional or affectionate to most people, he is friendly and encouraging. He has an easier time letting his feelings show to those who he's close to.
As Cat Noir, Adrien has the freedom to act however he wants outside of his normal life, and lets his wilder side come out, becoming cocky and outgoing. More optimistic and open, Cat Noir says whatever comes to his mind and makes plenty of typically cat-related jokes and puns. In his attempts to get Ladybug's attention, along with other people, he brags and boasts about himself in a comedic way. Much of Cat Noir's exaggerated personality, especially his flirting with Ladybug, stems from entertainment such as anime, television, and movies due to his lack of experience with people his age beyond Chloé.His change to his superhero status doesn't diminish his kindness and concern for others, though, among a lot of his other personality traits like irritation proneness and loyalty. While more prone to goofing off, Cat Noir gets serious when needed, like when fighting an akumatized villain. It's rare for him to reveal his vulnerable, Adrien-like side, but it does come through at times, such as when he quietly commented that not all parents are loving in "The Bubbler" and tried in vain to tell Ladybug about his love for her before their transformations wore off in "Dark Cupid". Determined to help others and save the day, Cat Noir really cherishes being uninhibited by his civilian life as a superhero.