haha, yeah, it's intended as a boy and a girl sprite but the difference is pretty subtle. On my 'todo' list for a post jam release is better different hair, faces, clothes, hats, etc for the different characters all modeled off they're respective Sega Master System heroes.
Haha, yeah I guess SMS wasn't exactly known for it's famous game characters. I am working on adding some character introductions that will drop a few hints as to where their names might come from. Hopefully that will help. So stay tuned... :)