Tumgik
#don't really have any character insights but evidently this is an important relationship
onelungmcclung · 27 days
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Heal fast, Dickie. I need my copilot back.
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dollypopup · 4 months
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sorry, still on this soapbox but
we have really, REALLY done Colin a disservice in this fandom. we spent so long viewing him primarily as a Love Interest and not as a Character. But when we see and analyze him as a character, so many of his actions make sense, and it becomes almost ridiculous, the dynamics we've imposed on this couple (yes, I'm talking about the 'Colin fucked up and needs to prove himself to Penelope' narrative) when there's so much more nuance and beauty to their pairing than we give them credit for
we as the audience focus so much on Penelope's perspective in their relationship, of course, because we have so much of her perspective in the show, and so our frustrations with Colin stem from that, but we get more insight into him than Penelope does. The 'I would never court her' scene that we've been livid over for years is considerably softened when we actually look at Colin as a character, and the circumstances around his actions.
Colin spends season 2 SAD. He is straight up not okay. We leave Colin in Season 1 freshly heartbroken and running away to Greece to heal. In Season 2, we meet him again, considerably more somber. Colin doesn't participate in the dances. He even says 'I'm just a spectator'. Colin talks about how he started a conversation with himself, tried to understand what he wants and how he feels. Colin offers Benedict shroom tea, and for a moment, JUST A MOMENT, we see the facade slip. His mask cracks. 'Are you quite alright, brother?' and then it's gone. Then he's cheerful again. Calm Colin. Nice Colin.
Colin who is okay.
But Colin is *not* okay. Colin completely isolates himself from women. Colin doesn't flirt, doesn't entertain female attention. Colin is heartbroken, trying to be better. But he views Penelope as a friend, a sacred relationship, a worthwhile relationship, and he can't bear to lose her. To him, Penelope is arguably his closest friendship. His best friend. And in an entire town full of people who don't listen to him, he thinks Penelope does. Unlike the typical dynamic of the ton, in which men are ONLY speaking to women by viewing them as potential sexual partners, Colin views Penelope as a whole person. She doesn't just exist as a romantic option to him, but as a vital connection in his life. That's why the 'I am a woman' 'You are. . .Pen' is so important to view as an act of love- Penelope is NOT just a woman as the ton sees her, good for marriage prospects and little else, Penelope is a complete person. Yes, she's a woman, but more importantly, she's PEN. She's a full human being. And he values her as such. We cannot say the same for the grand majority of men in his society. Tell me any other male-female friendships like that in the ton where that level of respect is given?
But for Penelope, it's hurtful, because she WANTS to be seen as a romantic option in his eyes. That's a fair feeling, though we as an audience should recognize that it can be both upsetting to Pen, and also deeply beautiful as a sentiment. Because of Penelope's hopes of Colin as a romantic prospect, she does not see that he is hurting. Because of our connection as a fandom to Penelope, we do not see it, either. But he *is* hurting. In all of Season 2 he's hurting. That's why he throws himself into the Jack mess. He wants, NEEDS a distraction. He wants to find a place in his world, his society. Honestly? He needs a win. He has spent the last year losing and losing and losing. Who can blame him for being sick of it? His engagement blows up, he finds out his family pays no attention to him, that no one cares about his agency, and he's publicly humiliated. If he invests, if he makes money, he might make more male connections. Might run in more important circles. Like his brothers do. Might prove himself. But Colin isn't friends with the men of the ton. We don't see ANY evidence that he has strong friendships with any of them. Because he isn't like them.
He is 22 years old. Treated like a child in his own family. When he talks about his travels, no one listens. Everyone dismisses him. 'Remarkable, yes, in the sense that I have many remarks about it'. Colin is invisible. He is trying to slot himself in his community, but he does not fit neatly into it. He connects with Will, a man outside his community, and Penelope, a woman also outside his community, because *Colin* exists outside his community. He's the foolish boy who fell headfirst for a woman who lied to him. He's the 'green' baby walking in his older brother's footsteps and unable to fill them. He doesn't behave the way other men of the ton do. He doesn't talk like other men of the ton do. Hell, he *apologizes* to women. We have men NOW in the MODERN ERA who don't even apologize to women.
His own *mother* doesn't even notice he was dating someone for several months in season 1. Colin is a pretty, empty ghost wandering around Mayfair, and so of course he's thrown into a locker room conversation with a bunch of guys who have never once seen a woman as a person, and doesn't relate to them. Colin's not joking and having fun with these men. We very purposefully do not see his reaction after he delivers the 'I would never court her' line.
Colin is uncomfortable around them, but he needs their help to make it up to Will, someone who was kind to him and who he looks up to. He has the mask on so firmly in that scene, it's physically obvious to see. If you compare his reactions around Penelope to his reactions around Fife, it's stark. With Penelope he's open, his eyes are soft, his expression is curious and kind, his shoulders are relaxed. Around Fife he's closed off, eyes hard, muscles tense. Who can blame him? He's acting. He's acting just like he's acting around Jack.
When we look at Colin as a whole character, we get insight into his actions and they make SENSE. The things he say that hurt Penelope are things that are actually defending her- Colin saying he wouldn't court her to those men in particular, is an act of caring. He is defending her in that scene. When a debutante is only good for being 'wed, bed, and bred' in their eyes, Colin saying no, that Penelope is worth more than that, that his connection to her isn't forged on wanting to fuck her, or exploit her, or treat her as a sexual object, is radical. Because anything else, ANYTHING else that he says that isn't an outright denial, puts Penelope in danger. He can't let them believe that the woman he cherishes so deeply he cannot even ENTERTAIN the idea of not talking to her is out here being ruined by his hands.
And when we see it that way, we see that, in reality, of all the men in the series, Colin is the one who has been kindest to his love interest. Colin is the one who has defended her, the one who has stuck his neck out for her, the one who has cared for her with absolutely no expectations of sex or romance in return.
Colin's relationship to Penelope is beautiful, and sure, she can be upset that it isn't in the exact shape she wants it to be, but I think if she takes a step back and looks at it more objectively, if WE take a step back and look at it more objectively, Colin has only ever gone into it with a big, earnest heart. Not PERFECTLY, of course, he isn't perfect, but with the best intentions, and with as much honesty as he can.
And I don't know why we don't celebrate him more for it
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eradicatetehnormal · 1 year
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Okay So I Watched Some of the 6 Hour "Riku Is Gay" Video
youtube
Disclaimer: I only watched the KH1-2 sections, the KH3 section, and Sora's Comphet section. Also, I already agree with the preset that Riku is a queer character. Sorry guys, but he is.
Personally, I think it's a good video. It's not overly malicious or angry and the evidence it presents is actually really good, though I'm in the queer spaces of the KH fandom so I've seen most of it.
I really only have 3 major issues:
The video is way too fucking long. Something like this would have benefited from being a multipart series. Also, if all you wanted was condensed proof that Riku is "gay" that's really only a 30-40 minute video. This leads me to my next point.
The title is very misleading. This isn't just a video about Riku's queerness. Hell, there's an entire portion of the video called "Sora's comphet." Most of the KH2 section is dedicated to how passionate Sora is about finding Riku. This video should not be called "Riku is gay (and why it matters)", it should be called something like "SoRiku is canon actually (It's more than a ship)" or "The queerness of KH and why it's essential."
This video has a habit of minimizing Kairi's importance to Sora. Like, they try to give the disclaimer that they don't think Kairi means nothing to Sora, but it's hard to buy it. In the KH2 section, for example, they bring up that Sora doesn't ask about Kairi until he realizes she's been captured by the organization. That's the thing though, for most of the game Sora knows where Kairi is. He saw her drift away with the islands in one and he finds out when she's been captured in 2. Don't forget he also dropped to his knees for Kairi when Saix comes to tell him what happened. Does that disprove any potential queerness Sora might have? No, especially with the scenes of the reunion. "Kairi, you've changed, but we'll always be friends :)" "RIKU OH MY GOD *cries and gets on the floor* I LOOKED EVERYWHERE FOR YOU!" Really it's more of a personal belief that shines through that the romantic love interest has to single-handedly be the most important person to you that sets me off. Though, I don't solely blame Mr. "Whatever his name is" for that. It's more of a "we live in a society" thing.
Aside from that, most of my criticisms are nitpicks. The structure is hella off with the video. He starts off by stating his beliefs and then giving the evidence. Like, dude, you have to lead with the evidence and then tell people what it means. Anyone who's skipping through the video and doesn't already agree that Riku is queer is going to get frustrated watching it and feel compelled to not take it seriously. Especially since the video is 6 fucking hours.
Arguably the KH3 and Coded sections aren't needed. The KH3 section is just theory and conjecture that he could've saved for the end of the video and the Sora and Riku of Coded are different characters than regular Sora and Riku. Can they give us insight into their relationship and their feelings? Yes, but ultimately, their circumstances are different. Feelings can manifest one way in one context and a whole other way in a different one. Regular Sora and Riku have enough evidence all on their own to carry a video.
The novel should have honestly been its own section. People are not compelled to take that seriously. It's cool that Nomura himself was impressed with the writer's understanding of the characters and had her write the novels so far, but that doesn't mean she never takes any creative liberties. It's also worth pointing out that Nomura IS NOT the only writer for the series. He's not even the main writer for the games.
Bro, you're gonna bring up the scene where Namine comes to Riku about getting him to use the darkness but not bring up the aggressively gay scene before that where Zexion makes himself look like Sora in order to defeat him because Zexion knows that Sora is his potential weakness?
But yeah, the vid has a few glaring issues, but it is great. I'm happy something like this exists where we can get all the major SoRiku talking points in one place. No hate to this man, especially for something like this.
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queer classic book recs!!
Image description under the cut! Please tell me if I did something wrong and I will gladly change it!
The other recs will be in the reblog!
[Each slide excluding the title screen includes 3 photos relating to the book, largely alternative covers of each in a small grid format.]
Slide One: In the center is a box with interior text reading "13 lgbtq classics and 1 “modern” classic. Recs in the comments welcome!" The top left corner includes an image of a calligraphy quill. Underneath this is text that reads "Disclaimer! The beginning of this list is.. Very White, but don't worry it gets more diverse as the books get more recent!!" In the top right corner is a text box reading "Look up trigger warnings or I’ll steal your gender! … or give it back!!" under this is a picture of an open book displayed in the foreground and another stack of books in the background.
Slide Two: Carmilla by J. Sheridan Le Fanu.
1872
Lesbian/wlw but written by a man
vampires!
“Following a near-fatal carriage collision, the beautiful young Carmilla is taken in by the narrator Laura and her father.”
While this book plays into the stereotype of the “monteress, seductive lesbian,” it is one of the oldest and most famous classical texts depicting a lesbian relationship. Toxic AF.
Slide Three: The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
1890
not explicitly queer (subtext)
but gay (mlm) tho
“Enthralled by his own exquisite portrait, Dorian Gray exchanges his soul for eternal youth and beauty. Influenced by his friend Lord Henry Wotton, he is drawn into a corrupt double life, indulging his desires in secret while remaining a gentleman in the eyes of polite society. Only his portrait bears the traces of his decadence.”
This book contains Anti-semitism, Racism, Sexism and is honestly a product of its time. Oscar Wilde is certainly a character.
Slide Four: Orlando by Virginia Woolf
1928
sapphic/gender exploration
“The novel opens as Orlando, a young nobleman in Elizabeth's England, awaits a visit from the Queen and traces his experience with first love as England under James I lies locked in the embrace of the Great Frost.”
Main Character is racist and anti-Semitic. While her writing is incredibly important and impactful as a queer figure, she will always be white before she is queer.
Slide Five: The Well of Loneliness by Radclyffe Hall
1928
lesbian/wlw
originally banned
“Stephen is an ideal child of aristocratic parents—a fencer, a horse rider, and a keen scholar. Stephen grows to be a war hero, a bestselling writer, and a loyal, protective lover. But Stephen is a woman, and her lovers are women. As her ambitions drive her, and society confines her, Stephen is forced into desperate actions.”
This book contains racism, use of the N-word, sexism, homophobia & lots of outdated ideas in general.
Slide Six: Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin
1956
gay/mlm
“In a 1950s Paris swarming with expatriates and characterized by dangerous liaisons and hidden violence, an American finds himself unable to repress his impulses, despite his determination to live the conventional life he envisions for himself. After meeting and proposing to a young woman, he falls into a lengthy affair with an Italian bartender and is confounded and tortured by his sexual identity as he oscillates between the two.”
OMG! A classic on this list in which I can't find any evidence of racism or antisemitism! /srs. Imagine that- it's almost like POC classical authors are important to teach about! /hj
Slide Seven: Maurice by E.M. Forster
1971
gay/mlm
fluffy, but homophobia exists in the story as well.
“Maurice is heartbroken over unrequited love, which opened his heart and mind to his own sexual identity. In order to be true to himself, he goes against the grain of society’s often unspoken rules of class, wealth, and politics.”
This book contains the use of the g slur. Please tell me if I missed something!
Slide Eight: HERmione by H.D.
1981
queer/sapphic woman author
poetry
so mf sad bro I mean look at that blurb
“An interior self-portrait of the poet H.D. (1886-1961) is what can best be described as a 'find', a posthumous treasure. ‘I am Hermione Gart, a failure' -she cried in her dementia, 'I am Her, Her, Her.”
To my knowledge, this book isn't problematic- please tell me if it is though!!
Slide Nine: Zami: A New Spelling of My Name by Audre Lorde
1982
lesbian/wlw
A staple of lesbian lit from before the peak of an activist’s career. Great read.
“From the author's vivid childhood memories in Harlem to her coming of age in the late 1950s, the nature of Audre Lorde's work is cyclical. It especially relates the linkage of women who have shaped her.”
Once again to my knowledge, this book isn't problematic
Slide Ten: The Color Purple by Alice Walker
1982
features queer women
has a movie adaptation!
“Separated as girls, sisters Celie and Nettie sustain their loyalty to and hope in each other across time, distance, and silence. Through a series of letters spanning twenty years, first from Celie to God, then the sisters to each other despite the unknown, the novel draws readers into its rich and memorable portrayals of Celie, Nettie, Shug Avery, and Sofia and their experience.”
Once again to my knowledge, this book isn't problematic
Slide Eleven: Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson
1985
lesbian/wlw
“This is the story of Jeanette, adopted and brought up by her mother as one of God's elect. Zealous and passionate, she seems destined for life as a missionary, but then she falls for one of her converts. At sixteen, Jeanette decides to leave the church, her home, and her family, for the young woman she loves. Innovative, punchy, and tender.”
Once again to my knowledge, this book isn't problematic- but warning, there are quite heavy themes!
Slide Twelve: Dykes to Watch Out For by Alison Bechdel
1986
lesbian/wlw
a classic comedy comic + a really good insight & look into lesbian culture
“Grin, giggle, and guffaw your way through this celebrated cartoonist's graphic commentary of contemporary lesbian life.”
Once again to my knowledge, this book isn't problematic*
*contains d-slur used by lesbians in a non-offensive way
Slide Thirteen: Stone Butch Blues by Leslie Feinberg
1993
lesbian/gender identity around lesbianism
“Woman or man? This internationally acclaimed novel looks at the world through the eyes of Jess Goldberg, a masculine girl growing up in the "Ozzie and Harriet" McCarthy era and coming out as a young butch lesbian in the pre-Stonewall gay drag bars of a blue-collar town. Stone Butch Blues traces a propulsive journey, powerfully evoking history and politics while portraying an extraordinary protagonist full of longing, vulnerability, and working-class grit.”
Once again to my knowledge, this book isn't problematic
Slide Fourteen: Tipping the Velvet by Sarah Waters
1998
lesbian/wlw
historical romance
“Nan King, an oyster girl, is captivated by the music hall phenomenon Kitty Butler, a male impersonator extraordinaire treading the boards in Canterbury. Through a friend at the box office, Nan manages to visit all her shows and finally meet her heroine. Soon after, she becomes Kitty's dresser, and the two head for the bright lights of Leicester Square where they begin a glittering career as music-hall stars in an all-singing and dancing double act. At the same time, behind closed doors, they admit their attraction to each other and their affair begins.”
Once again to my knowledge, this book isn't problematic
Slide Fifteen: Under the Udala Trees By Chinelo Okparanta
2015
lesbian/wlw
modern classic imo, look into the coexistence of native Nigerian culture & queerness
“Ijeoma comes of age as her nation does; born before independence, she is eleven when civil war breaks out in the young republic of Nigeria. Sent away to safety, she meets another displaced child, and they, star-crossed, fall in love. They are from different ethnic communities. They are also both girls. When their love is discovered, Ijeoma learns that she will have to hide this part of herself. But there is a cost to living inside a lie.”
Once again to my knowledge, this book isn't problematic
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bbq-hawks-wings · 5 years
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So I took a personality test to day and got the result of an Architect (INTJ) and for some reason Hawks just came to mind so I wondered, based on the Myers-Briggs classification what personality would he have? Also just out of curiosity, and you don't have to answer, but what would yours be? (I took the quiz on the website 16personalities)
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Fantastic question, anon! Last I took the test a few years ago I was an INFP (The Mediator) myself which I think still largely applies. It can be easy to mistype yourself, let alone someone else, so I’m going to use evidence from the manga as much as possible and go through the individual traits one by one to see what I can find. I considered taking the test myself in character, but realized especially with how long the test is it could be easy to either overthink it or hyper-fixate on consciously or unconsciously preconceived traits, so I decided an evidence-based approach would be more accurate.
An important thing to know about Meyers-Briggs personality types is that they’re not all-encompassing, exclusive, or immutable. Some people have a tendency to make ill-informed preconceptions about people or treat it like a horoscope. This is the wrong way to apply a Meyers-Briggs personality type. They are insights to the instinctual way people are likely to act and perform and are only a tool to aid in things like working in a team, putting them on a path to personal success, and exercising emotional intelligence when interacting with them. Many people may still display a different “type” in different settings so I’ll be as cognizant of that as possible as I go through.
So with that, let’s get started!
Extroverted [E] or Introverted [I]?
This is a fantastic example of how preconceived notions  can completely mess up a characterization of someone as well as someone displaying a different type from what they might naturally display. Hawks is great with people, can work a crowd, and is a people-pleaser through and through. To many others, he would be a dead ringer for an extroverted. However:
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In his own ideal world, Hawks has time to himself, to spend alone at home, doing whatever he wants freely. If he was an extrovert this dream might be a little more geared towards still being a top hero, but he’s said in so many words he wishes he was a little further down the ladder.
At this point I’d be remiss if I didn’t bring up that a false dichotomy of introvert/extrovert has developed over the years. Humans require interaction with other humans to stay healthy and they also require alone time. Too much or too little of either will give them problems over time. It’s a tad frustrating to me that this personality test requires an either/or answer since I thoroughly believe that Hawks enjoys human company and would naturally seek it out in his ideal scenario, just in greater moderation than he does now (which would make him more of an ambivert); but given the fact that at this point in time he seeks more opportunities for solitude, I’m going to answer that he lands, somewhat surprisingly in the Introverted category.
Observant [S] or Intuitive [N]?
This one is also tricky at first, but a deeper dive into their definitions gives us a pretty solid answer, I think. According to the website: 
“These traits describe what people are more likely to do with the information gathered from the world around them. Intuitive personality types rely on imagining the past and future potential of what they see. Those with the Observant style are more interested in observable facts and more straightforward outcomes. They prefer to avoid layering too much interpretation on what they see.“
So does Hawks take a complicated, theoretical approach to information he’s exposed to, or does he call it like he sees it? Does he act in the here and now, or is he more bigger picture?
While he’s actively working toward a definitive goal, he has a tendency to only focus on the information in front of him as it happens. Dabi’s going to release a super powered Nomu? Better get the best hero around to fight it. Need to infiltrate the League of Villains? Just hammer away at getting Dabi to trust him and open the door for him.
He tends to look at the road in front of him to figure out if he should go left or right, but doesn’t always seem to realize he could be being taken for a ride. In his section of the new character book, his relationship with Dabi is described as “they are using each other” (note the present continuous tense) meaning that Dabi is stringing along the number two hero for his own purposes, but Hawks seems to have no idea of it. Just his altercation with Dabi at the warehouse after High End is proof he’s too trusting of the information he’s given at face value.
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He may have contingencies (such as holding onto the one feather), but they do not span very far and wide into the future depending on any way things go. It’s always, “If plan A doesn’t work, go to plan B” and never a step or two ahead of that or a consideration of other possible outcomes. Did he have a plan in case High End actually killed Endeavor? Based on his reaction, I don’t think he really thought that was a possibility even though in the end it almost happened and left him with a permanent scar.
This, to me, puts him safely in the Observant category.
Thinking [T] or Feeling [F]?
Hey, this one is actually easy! Hawks is incredibly intelligent, but he is far from rational. A good litmus test for this is to see how someone reacts to failure. A thinking individual will view an undesirable outcome as useful data for the future and possibly just a result of things beyond their control, but a feeling person will view the same as proof of inadequacy that needs to be remedied through personal improvement.
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He consistently reacts to situations emotionally first. Even when Tokoyami really proved himself during his internship, it was an emotional response that changed his attitude towards training him and the next generation.
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Even Endeavor describes him as,
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Hawks has always been emotionally expressive, responsive, and driven. In his interactions with others, he displays a huge amount of emotional intelligence - you can see it in the way he ever so slightly adjusts his interactions with others based on the response to him and the outcome he’s looking for. He pauses for just a second to get a cool selfie perfect for a girl’s social media timeline, he’s polite and considerate carrying a little old lady’s bags up the stairs for her, and he appeals to a little boy’s sense of style and flair when asked to sign his bag. The way he and others feel at any given moment is almost paramount to him.
This is a trait I don’t see changing in his character over time unlike some of the others. He’s clearly a Feeling type.
Judging [J] or Prospective [P]?
This one I also think is easy to figure out. Basically, does he prefer a set, methodical schedule or is he a more spontaneous, spur of the moment person?
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Yeah, this is Hawks we’re talking about. He’s shockingly adaptable and almost seems to fall into routine for the sake of others instead of his own sanity. Most of his decisions are made on the fly, and he’s known to improvise.
He’s more than capable of planning ahead, but prefers to operate as the wind blows which makes him a solid Prospective type.
Assertive [-A] or Turbulent [-T]?
For funsies, I just want to pop in and check in on this last trait since it’s here. Basically, all it asks is his confidence level and response to stress. I’ve more or less answered this earlier, but when encountering a situation potentially way over his head, he may outwardly display confidence and roll with the punches (his _S_P traits at work) but when it comes to results, especially failure, perfection and personal excellence are all that matter. I feel very confident classifying him as a Turbulent personality.
Final Results
So with that we get a final Meyers-Briggs personality type of ISFP-T which according to 16 Personalities is the Adventurer type personality.
“Adventurer personalities are true artists, but not necessarily in the typical sense where they’re out painting happy little trees. Often enough though, they are perfectly capable of this. Rather, it’s that they use aesthetics, design and even their choices and actions to push the limits of social convention. Adventurers enjoy upsetting traditional expectations with experiments in beauty and behavior – chances are, they’ve expressed more than once the phrase “Don’t box me in!” Adventurers live in a colorful, sensual world, inspired by connections with people and ideas. These personalities take joy in reinterpreting these connections, reinventing and experimenting with both themselves and new perspectives. No other type explores and experiments in this way more. This creates a sense of spontaneity, making Adventurers seem unpredictable, even to their close friends and loved ones. Despite all this, Adventurers are definitely Introverts, surprising their friends further when they step out of the spotlight to be by themselves to recharge. Just because they are alone though, doesn’t mean people with the Adventurer personality type sit idle – they take this time for introspection, assessing their principles. Rather than dwelling on the past or the future, Adventurers think about who they are. They return from their cloister, transformed.Adventurers live to find ways to push their passions. Riskier behaviors like gambling and extreme sports are more common with this personality type than with others. Fortunately their attunement to the moment and their environment allows them to do better than most. Adventurers also enjoy connecting with others, and have a certain irresistible charm.”
It feels like a pretty accurate assessment of his personality, so I think I did a good job. This was a lot of fun, and I feel like I’ve even gotten to know him a little better! Thanks for sending in the question, anon, I really enjoyed it!
And if you’re curious about Meyers-Briggs personality types or want to take the assessment yourself, go check out 16personalities[.]com!
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komaedaprince · 5 years
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How do you think the dream relates to Shigure's feelings for Akito? Do you think he even truly loves her for yourself? Don't worry I've read the manga loads and loads of times I'd just like to hear your interpretation, so feel free to use spoilers. Is the chapter you're referring to on Shigure chapter 111? I've always wanted an indepth analysis on that chapter would you please do one? c:
thank you so much for all the patience you’ve given me...! i’ve done a lot of thinking in the days between and have some thoughts i can share. it’s long and wordy so i’ll put it under a cut, especially for spoilers as well!
the dream, the birth of God, marks a moment of desire for him. a catalyst, for action, for an drive he scarcely had before. the fact that it was specifically akito being born? i don’t personally think it mattered as much. how could it? she was an infant, just born, no personality, nothing. but that dream mattered so much emotionally to him, it touched him and very deeply at that. something that hadn’t been replicated before and has since ONLY been replicated by her existence (marked by small moments of clarity from tohru), then following a love for her as she is. it started one way, and grew and so i do think he loves her, partly for herself and also majorly for that distinct passion he continued to want to cultivate. it... bloomed, if you will. as akito grew, so did he, if that makes sense.
a little about shigure before the chapter anaylsis: 
i think shigure is prone to dropping little bombs, just tiny very honest thoughts that always hit too close to home. he challenges people. it's always uncomfortable because he never asks for consent and it's always under his agenda. but the way he challenges people is so... it's like a flash of light or a gust of wind which ends swiftly. that's part of why... it's so hard for people to grasp who he is, what he's thinking. for akito, it hurts especially only because i think she's very smart and can sometimes recognize the underlying meaning but because she's so stuck in this awful cycle and system, she can't view it as anything else but cruel, mean, bad. not what she ‘needs’. but later on in the chapter, he has incredible insight on her, words you wouldn't think fit because all we've seen of akito is pain, tantrums, being obsessive, being quick to anger, quick to refuse any understanding. he knows... what's underneath all of that.
ahh!! like i suggested before, i think he loves her but i think the character of shigure is inherently selfish and ambitious for his own desires. that's also a part of why he's so distant, distintively out of reach from others. he is always separate from the others, acting as a influencer and an instigator. you can see him, rarely, thinking about his position, seeing the gap and... really wondering about it, questioning it. even dreaming of... maybe i am meant for something else, or i am actually very deeply disturbed. fruit's basket is an underlying story partly about abusive systems and i absolutely believe shigure has been a victim of it. shigure? a victim?? yes, i think all the zodiac are victims at some point in their lives and are trapped as... the curse suggests, as it actually is. shigure is one of them, even if he never minded being a part of it, even if he is an outsider in that he observes, observes, instigates, observes. he still has been affected by this curse, by being exposed to it. he has to live by it. his love for akito, too, he lives by a way, involving God and the subsequent bond that demands.
OKAY! for the chapter: 
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right off the bat, my first thought is shigure understands change needs to happen. for his agenda, but also for akito’s happiness. he challenges her constantly but especially here even though akito only thinks it’s meant to taunt her, mock her desires for ‘forever’. but she’s speaking from an unlit room, which she often is throughout the first parts of the series. she’s also constantly dimly lit, enclosed in small places, distant and only observant. it’s never emotional, always closed off. think about it. the first times we see her are glimpses of the room, in an enclosed car up until her eventually meeting with tohru and others at school and then many other times after, she’s sitting in a private room, either alone or surrounded by people who make her feel like “forever” is still viable. it’s painfully obvious she’s trapped, this cannot continue. i truly believe shigure’s natural character is an observer, and his favourite person to observe is her. of course he sees through all this, through the curse, he can see this person is suffering and so is he, in his own way. challenging is all he can do right now. 
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in response to hatori’s “why can’t you just be nicer”, what he says tells me it would not be genuine. as they are and as the zodiac is right now, none of it would be genuine. directly following that, it’s a reiteration of shigure being an outsider among them. the way he never has resented or felt sad about the bond he felt, makes him feel different from the others and therefore, obviously lonely. the chapter i was referencing, not this one, ties in with that. when he decided to offer a relationship to mayu in exchange for not being ‘lonely’. and then, he drops a bomb in my opinion about how akito relates niceness, kindness, an “eternal bond” and a constant presence as being related to ‘fatherhood’.
shigura stating his character is obvious, right? but it’s important here because it explains more of his intent when it comes to akito. he’s a self-serving and private person who has no interest in being kind for the sake of it. he wants akito to be free and he wants akito to see him as he is. as he is inside and so he never falters in that way. he remains as he truly is because he wants her to come to him, and love him, and be with him for his true character and as they are right now, that would never happen. all his kindness and efforts end up warped because she flutters away to others in search for forever. she’s never happy, never satisfied, terrified of other’s leaving her, that she’s not strong enough to stand by his side. and shigure? he’s immature, he’s vindictive. without the possibility of change or of accountability, he won’t play the game there anymore. of course they broke apart before the manga’s start. it’s a horrifying and incredibly unhealthy place to encourage or continue a relationship.
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i won’t say much about these panels as it’s evidence, to me, of the curse definitely having affected him deeply. there’s not much else i feel inclined to say or interpret but the chapter i referenced was 56. where he and mayu date but for a short time before it ends, obviously. if you have any questions, please let me know! i’ll... try my best to continue on in providing my thoughts to you...!
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i-love-glados · 7 years
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Where did the GLaDOS/Chell ship come from? I know you guys parade it around like it's cannon but I don't really get it. For example, I'm not a Chelly fan by any means, but I can see why people ship it. I'm not trying to be judgemental by any means, I just want to understand your perspective in this.
thanks for asking! you dont sound judgmental at all dont worry. i had a lot to say so it’s all under the cut, i hope youre okay with a text wall sorry its so much to read!!! i tried to double space it so its not overwhelming but i couldnt figure out how to. this is just explaining why i personally ship it, i cant speak for others but from the other shippers ive talked to, this is the general reason
tbh u should take a look at the commentary valve did on the relationship!! 1. its super cute i lov them and 2. it may give some insight for u. unfortunately valve makes u pay like 2 bucks for the actual commentary which is frustrating but my friends did a post quoting some of it here and also u can find bits of it all over the internet (my friends didnt include this in the post since the scene was deleted, but there is a deleted scene where glados sets up a date for chell and then accuses her of cheating on her with a personality sphere)
i personally ship it bc for one, their interactions are really interesting. especially the way they do a complete 180 and start helping each other and relying on each other for survival. i also think that they’d be a cute couple. also, they were both pretty hurt by aperture and i think they both need someone they can rely on who understands their experiences so they can heal. they unfortunately both hurt each other, but i think since its evident that there was a turnaround in their views of each other (ie chell helping glados when she was a potato and helping her get back in charge of the facility despite their past and glados owning up to her bullshit and trying to make reparations) that they could actually help each other heal. i also really just like the idea of them both feeling very safe and loved with someone who can understand them. theyve both been through so much and it breaks my heart especially thinking abt what glados went through w the scientists and cave and how her being with someone who loves her dearly would just be so sweet and important. i think the same abt chell, although we dont know much abt her back story. but i think its important to be loved and understood.
the two have an interesting character dynamic that i think, in the end, would actually bring out the best in each other once they work past their troubled past. glados uses sarcasm to cover up very vulnerable feelings, and chell is very stubborn, so chell could always uncover and get to the bottom of what glados is thinking and help her feel better. glados is very sentimental and caring underneath her cold exterior (ie returning chells companion cube from the first game, always writing songs for her, remembering details about her, etc) and could soften chell up when she gets a little too in her head or w/e. ig im taking that personality trait from her very logical, stubborn, problem solving mindset thats discussed in her file and a few times in the game iirc. with that kinda personality i think sometimes its hard to see things from an emotional perspective and open up and i think glados could help.
i think its evident glados cares abt her even if she is bad at showing it in the beginning. she talks to chell a whole lot in portal 2, even to the point of breaking protocol so she can interact with her, she returned her cube from the first game, wrote her cara mia addio which is such a sweet song, she tried to help her survive when she was a potato and encouraged her, she saved her life too when she goes on and on abt really just wanting her dead. i think abt that a lot actually. like she says killing chell is hard directly after saving her life, and then later she surrounds her with turrets and is still insistent killing her is hard. so she (from my perspective) must mean its emotionally hard to kill her, and i think its bc she has feelings for her and valves commentary talks abt that too!!also theres two voice lines in the co-op that are about chell where she said she hurt chell despite her own desires, and another voice line she calls her wonderful. she also talks in the co-op about how she regularly goes to the surface to watch the deer, just like she promised she’d do with chell. she also only elects to save the baby birds in the co-op and raise them herself after she realizes they were abandoned by their mother just like chell. she sounds very miserable and lonely in the co-op, and i think a lot about how she really sacrificed her own happiness to make chell happy by granting her freedom. and i think that’s very sweet and shows that underneath it all, glados is pretty selfless and loving and admires chell quite a bit.
that doesnt at all mean the ship is without its problems. everyone in portal hurts each other, which is very sad. but i think they could help each other heal, work past their differences, and bring out the best in each other if given the chance. they’re both two people who really need love and support, and it’d be nice to see them give it to each other
anyway i hope this lends some insight, i have so much more i wanna say but i’m just. Tired its rlly late rn
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