The key to understanding Hermia and Helena is knowing that Shakespeare intentional made them both similar to showcase their almost interchangable natures. They are both of equivalent social ranking, and are both considered to be beautiful. Even their names are similar, both start with an 'H' and have six letters.
However they are different. Physically, Hermia is shorter than Helena. (In Act III,ii they both are making gibes at one another regarding stature.)
Hermia is more chaste than Helena. Helena's former relationship with Demetrius is brought up in the very first scene, "Demetrius, I'll avouch it to his head,/ Made love to Nedar's daughter, Helena,/
And won her soul; and she, sweet lady, dotes,". However, even when she is alone with her Lysander, Hermia maintains her chastity, "Lie further off, in human modesty;
Such separation as may well be said/ Becomes a virtuous bachelor and a maid, /So far be distant; and good night, sweet friend."
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