Love Interest

Character Role Analysis

Mary Jane Watson

How vital is Mary Jane's role as a romantic interest in Spider-Man? We'll let Peter tell you himself:

PETER: The story of my life is not for the faint of heart. If somebody said it was a happy, little tale, if somebody told you I was just your average, ordinary guy, not a care in the world, somebody lied. But let me assure you, this—like any story worth telling—is all about a girl. That girl. The girl next door. Mary Jane Watson. The woman I loved since before I even liked girls.

These are literally the first words out of Peter's mouth when we meet him, so, yeah, she's pretty important to Peter's story. M.J. is one of his main motivations to do what's right, even if it's difficult. Like telling her they can only be friends after she finally confesses her all-consuming love for him, for example.

It's all to protect her, of course, but…sigh.