akumatizations

Akumatization is a central plot device in the animated television series Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir. It refers to the process by which Hawk Moth, the main antagonist, transforms ordinary citizens of Paris who are experiencing negative emotions into supervillains. This transformation is achieved through the use of akumas, which are dark magical butterflies.

Hawk Moth targets individuals who are feeling distressed, angry, sad, or embarrassed. He then sends a single akuma to find them. Upon reaching the person, the akuma merges with an object they are holding or are in close proximity to, allowing Hawk Moth to communicate with them telepathically. He offers them the power to exact revenge or fulfill their desires, in exchange for their loyalty and the retrieval of Ladybug and Cat Noir's Miraculouses.

Once akumatized, the victim gains superpowers related to their negative emotion or grievance, and their appearance is dramatically altered to reflect their new villainous persona. They are typically referred to by a specific villain name given by Hawk Moth. The akumatized individual's goal is to defeat the heroes and obtain the Miraculouses. Ladybug, through her Miraculous Ladybug power, can undo the akumatization, restoring the victim to their normal self and repairing any damage caused. The process of akumatization is a recurring element in most episodes of the series.