Maomao is the main protagonist of The Apothecary Diaries series.
The Apothecary Diaries captivates with its unique premise, blending romance, mystery, and historical intrigue within the complex world of the Inner Palace. This setting, filled with political machinations and cultural depth, becomes a battleground of ambition, danger, and survival. The narrative skillfully combines historical authenticity with a mysterious plot, making it both compelling and enlightening.
Central to the story is Maomao, a young apothecary whose journey takes a dramatic turn when she is thrust into palace life. Her sharp intellect and remarkable skills quickly set her apart in an environment where knowledge is not just a tool but a formidable weapon.
Who is Maomao in Apothecary Diaries?
Anime often falls short when it comes to crafting compelling female characters as they either fade into the background or end up being so one-dimensional that even a romantic plotline feels pointless. Maomao, however, breaks this mold. She is a richly developed character, complete with her own strengths and flaws, desires, and a refreshingly realistic interaction with the world around her.
Maomao is not a heroine by choice at the start of The Apothecary Diaries. Originally a skilled apothecary, her life takes a turn when she is kidnapped and sold as a maid in the Inner Palace. But her remarkable knowledge of herbs and medicine, coupled with her sharp intellect, quickly distinguished her in the palace, allowing her to solve complex mysteries that elude others.
Despite her humble status, Maomao's logical thinking and keen observational skills draw the attention of influential figures, such as the mysterious Jinshi. Maomao’s curiosity and somewhat quirky personality set her apart from typical heroines. She approaches problems analytically, using her deep understanding of chemistry and medicine to unravel hidden secrets.
Her distinct perspective and unwavering determination prove invaluable in navigating the palace’s intricate social hierarchies and perilous political intrigues. As the series progresses, more of Maomao’s backstory is revealed, showing just how her experiences have shaped her outlook on life.
Related: Who Is Jinshi In The Apothecary Diaries?
What are Maomao’s abilities?
In The Apothecary Diaries, Maomao's strengths lie in her deep understanding of pharmacology and her sharp attention to detail. She possesses a curious, analytical mind, a trait her father fostered before her abduction. Despite her circumstances, Maomao is aware of her lack of power and uses her intelligence to navigate her surroundings strategically.
Medicine and herbs
Maomao's expertise in herbal medicine stems from years of training under Luomen, a top pharmacist renowned for his skills. From a young age, Maomao has honed her knowledge of herbs and their medicinal uses, even creating her own unique remedies, which she often tests on herself.
Intelligence and Perception
Growing up in the red-light district, Maomao developed a knack for handling and influencing people, a skill that complements her extensive herbal knowledge. Although she excels in problem-solving and deduction, she downplays her intelligence. That is because she dislikes studying things that are uninteresting to her so much so that she failed the civil service exam.
Poison Resistance
Her constant self-experimentation with poisons has given her a significant resistance to various toxins, including snake bites and hallucinogenic mushrooms. However, this resistance does not cover her allergy to buckwheat.
Alcohol Tolerance
Maomao also has a high metabolism for alcohol compared to others in her setting, including Basen and her father, Lakan.
FAQs on Maomao in Apothecary Diaries
A. Lakan is Maomao’s biological father but she was raised by Luomen, whom she considers to be her real father.
A. While Jinshi is not initially in love with Maomao, as the series progresses his interest in her evolves into a romantic affection.
A. Maomao’s adoptive father, Luomen, is a eunuch.
