RENT and Netflix's Tick, Tick... Boom! are both musicals about or written by Jonathan Larson. All the characters in both productions have, in some way, been influenced by him, so it's worth considering how they compare. While Tick, Tick... Boom! is a semi-autobiographical piece about Larson's life, RENT is based on Puccini's 1896 opera, La Boheme, which is referenced several times throughout. Larson updates the poignant work to the then-modern 1990s.
Both productions deal with homelessness and AIDS as it pertains to a group of friends trying to figure out their lives in their late 20's to early 30's, and both pieces are now movies based on live theatre productions. They each have that slice-of-life style that is pretty popular on Broadway, and their standout characters additionally have many similarities.
Michael & Roger Davis
This one is fairly obvious. As both of these characters are best friends with their corresponding lead characters, it makes the most sense to see them as counterparts.
Michael and Roger are both roommates with Jonathan and Mark (at least in the beginning). Before Michael moves out, he is struggling with being on a different path than Jonathan, which is pretty similar to Roger and Mark's relationship as Mark is trying to finish his documentary. Roger supports Mark with making his documentary in a similar fashion to how Michael convinces Jonathan to keep writing instead of giving up on his dream to join advertising. Roger and Michael are two of the bravest characters in their movies as well. Michael goes through a career change and the terrors of becoming HIV positive, while Roger has to learn what it means to be in a relationship and must confront the scary reality of loving and supporting someone with an addiction.
Jonathan Larson & Mark Cohen
As the two leading men of their respective movies, this comparison is obvious. Both men are on the verge of creating something for the first time. For Larson, it's his musical, Superbia, while for Cohen, it's his documentary.
Both artists are around the same age and at the same stage in their careers, struggling with the burden of being burgeoning artists. Both these characters exhibit likable traits such as being good friends (for the most part) and determination to create. Thankfully, both end their stories on high notes and are either able to make their art or are inspired to keep going with their passion.
Freddy & Angel Schunard
Angel and Freddy are the more likable characters in their movies. Both are kind and cool and become very sympathetic by the end.
Freddy is one of the gang in the beginning of the story. He joins in on the sing-along in the kitchen and seems like a very well-liked character. Angel is introduced by Tom and immediately becomes a member of the friend group. She joins in on several musical numbers and becomes an important part of everyone's lives. One other unfortunate similarity between the two is they both become HIV positive. Both are hospitalized due to the debilitating disease and become a central plot point of both stories. Sadly, Angel succumbs to her illness while Freddy, thankfully, recovers.
Karessa & Maureen Johnson
These are two of the more iconic characters of their respective movies. Both of these characters have very memorable performances.
In fact, Karessa is one of Vanessa Hudgens' best performances in a movie. Though it was a relatively small part, she shined as Jonathan's friend and colleague. Idina Menzel as Maureen was also spectacular. Both of these gifted singers were on full display in their respective productions. These two characters were bold, albeit in different ways. Maureen marched to the beat of her own drum and championed causes that she believed in. Karessa's undoubtedly beautiful voice was the only one Jonathan trusted to sing his new song once it was finally written. These two characters were very important parts of their stories and also great friends with the rest of the cast of characters.
Ira Weitzman & Benjamin Coffin III
This comparison is an interesting one, but a necessary one. Though some might argue that these two couldn't be more different, here's why they're not.
The obvious similarity these two have is being the more wealthy characters. Benjamin was once a roommate of Mark, Roger, and others from the friend group, but eventually lifted himself out of poverty and was finally able to purchase the building they all used to call home. Though it starts off with friction, Benjamin eventually does the right thing and supports the cast by letting them live rent-free. Ira is one of the best characters in the movie as the helpful, but realistic theatre program director who bankrolls Jonathan's workshop of Superbia. Both these characters act as sort of mentors to the two lead characters, which is why they are unlikely counterparts.
Carolyn & Tom Collins
Carolyn and Tom are both resourceful people who are relied on by their respective main characters for a variety of things.
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Carolyn is Jonathan's co-worker at the Moondance diner and repeatedly has his back. They work together as a team to combat the rush of Sunday brunch and help Jonathan achieve his ultimate goal. Tom uses his street savvy and crafty skills to cultivate goods like food and liquor for his friends. Both of these characters prove to be loyal friends and also establish a connection between the main characters and other friends - Carolyn is close with Freddy while Tom introduces the group to Angel.
Susan & Mimi
The comparison here is not exact but is closer than any others among the two musicals. While Susan is the love interest of Jonathan, Mimi is the love interest of Larson's counterpart's best friend, Roger. Susan was offered a good job teaching dance, which she loves, but she was also willing to sacrifice that for Jonathan, had he asked.
Meanwhile, Mimi sacrifices for everyone in the group by convincing Benjamin to not charge them rent anymore. Mimi also allows Benjamin to pay for her rehab as she recovers from addiction. In addition, both of these characters have very real love for their respective partners. Both of these characters are selfless, but seize opportunities when they present themselves.