Marianne makes up for an absence of combat ability by using her unique skills as a realist painter. In this way, she can change a person's personality through the use of certain colors, influencing their behavior as she sees fit.
It works through the use of a symbol—a highly-stylized "C.T"—which she paints either directly onto a person or near them. Once the person is under the spell of Colors Trap, they are unable to break out of it unless the symbol is removed or smeared. The trap overwrites all other actions attempted by the person under its influence, forcing them to do whatever the trap suggests no matter what.[2]
Someone who possesses a simple mind, like Monkey D. Luffy, is said to be more vulnerable to this kind of psychological attack. This implies that someone very strong-minded would be able to resist the influence of Colors Trap.
Attacks
Uragiri no Kuro (裏切りの黒?, literally meaning "Black of Betrayal"): This black design causes the target to betray their friends, doing exactly the opposite of what they say.[3] It was first used on Monkey D. Luffy.[1] She later used it on some Marines in order to steal their ship.[4] This is called Betrayal Black in the VIZ Manga and Funimation adaptations.
Warai no Kiiro (笑いの黄色?, literally meaning "Yellow of Laughter"): This yellow design causes the target to laugh uncontrollably.[3] This is called Laughter Yellow in the VIZ Manga and Funimation adaptations.
Togyu no Aka (闘牛の赤?, literally meaning "Red of Bullfighting"): This red design causes the target to direct all their attacks toward the painted mark.[3] This is called Bullfight Red in the VIZ Manga and Funimation adaptations.
Kanashimi no Ao (悲しみの青?, literally meaning "Blue of Sadness"): This blue design causes the target to become sad. It was not shown on its own, but mixed with the Warai no Kiiro already on Luffy's back to make Nagomi no Midori.[3] This is called Sorrowful Blue in the VIZ Manga and Sadness Blue in the Funimation adaptations.
Nagomi no Midori (なごみの緑?, literally meaning "Green of Soothing"): A mixture of blue and yellow, this green design causes the target to sit down and have a picnic with Miss Goldenweek.[3] This is called Calming Green in the VIZ Manga and Tranquil Green in the Funimation adaptations.
Tomodachi no Kimidori (友達の黄緑?, literally meaning "Yellow-Green of Friendship"): This mixture of green and yellow causes the target to be Miss Goldenweek's friend and help her out. It was used to befriend a pterodactyl.[5] She also later used it on a Marine to help her, Mr. 5, and Miss Valentine sneak into a Marine Penitentiary.[6] This is called Yellow-Green of Friendship in the VIZ Manga.
Yume no Nijiiro (夢の虹色?, literally meaning "Rainbow of Dreams"): This swirl of every color causes the target to realize their dream. It was used to show the dreams of the Officer Agents.[7] This is called Rainbow-Colored Dreams in the VIZ Manga.
Trivia
The concept behind Colors Trap seems to be inspired by the ideas of color psychology, which proposes that specific colors can affect and influence human behavior.