c!Wilbur analysis/rant :))
Itâs easy to write c!wilbur off as power-hungry and manipulative, but itâs all a matter of perspective.
(For simplicityâs sake, when I say âWilburâ just assume Iâm talking abt the character unless I say otherwise) (also, this is my perception of the character and may not be entirely accurate) (also this is really long Iâm sorry)
So honestly Iâm fairly sure the paranoia started at the very first war of Lâmanburg. Even prior to that, Wilbur was clearly stressed about conflict (mostly due to Tommyâs recklessness) and even just presidency in general. But especially when the conflicts built into a war, Wilbur had a large fear of appearing vulnerable (to his people and to Dream). He was afraid of being perceived as weak and being taken advantage of as a result. (keep in mind they also experienced a brutal betrayal amidst all of this, so naturally heâs afraid that his control is slipping). But basically his goal was to provide Lâmanburg with a respectable leader to make sure Dream doesnât see their weakness as an opening.
So when it came to the election, Iâd say he rigged it out of desperation more than anything. The desperation to maintain control over the decisions Lâmanburg makes because heâs afraid of leaving it up to anyone else (naturally). This meant that when Schlatt was suddenly the one in control, he was immediately terrified that he could no longer influence anything important such as the tides of war. And literally not even ten minutes later, it got worse. Suddenly, he had no power at all, as he was now driven out of the only place he had ever felt safe.
During exile, one of his biggest nightmares came true. He was vulnerable. Exposed. Physically and mentally. And at this point, it was obvious that his paranoia spiked. At this point, the pressure of trying to be a hero had weighed on him so much that he was practically forced into the role of the villain.
This fear continues through the entire Pogtopia era, as heâs still got himself convinced that he has no power over anything (hence his lack of action during the execution at the Manburg festival). Getting the tnt from Dream was, once again, a desperate action. By allowing Dream to use/treat him as a vassal, he really just wants a reason to be important again. To be useful, like he no longer can in (Lâ)Manburg. Keep in mind there was also the additional pressure of leading a rebellion, and balancing that with trying to provide for Dream.
When he destroyed Lâmanburg, it was more out of frustration and exhaustion rather than hatred. He said âif I canât have this no one can, Philâ, implying that heâs tired of everything being taken from him. He also says that âthere was a special placeâ, which probably means that heâs afraid of Lâmanburg affecting people the way it affected him.
He also could have done it out of the overwhelming need to feel important. By making such an impact on the server, he can maintain what little remnants of power he has left. Due to exhaustion, he wanted to die, but at the very least he wanted his story to live on, and at this point heâd do anything to make it happen (once again, desperation). His death wasnât one of escape, it was one of release. He didnât do it to run away from consequences, though he was obviously oblivious to what heâd have to go through in limbo. You can also tell because as heâs stood at the button, when Phil arrives, thereâs clear stress in his voice, not at being caught, but at the fact that for the 8/9th time, he canât help himself like he so desperately wants to do. However, when that stress dies down and he realises that he can still do it, thereâs nothing but pure relief and resolution in his voice. Heâs glad that, for the first time in his life, he finally has a symphony that he can finish.
Then limbo happens, and bam, Revivebur. Now he hasnât been around nearly as long, so thereâs not much to say, but anyway. About the manipulation thing, again, itâs all about control. His fear of not having and power over anything obviously carried over into the afterlife. Itâs really just the whole concept (which could be considered as a sentence mechanism) of gaining control over others before they can control you. Of course this doesnât entirely justify outright manipulating people, but it gives you a better idea of why he might be doing it rather than âheâs evil and wants nothing but power over everyoneâ. You can also tell by how much he enjoys his conflict with Quackity that heâs just excited to finally feel in control of conflict again for the first time in (most likely) years.
Or cc!Wilbur really just want to be a cool villain, who knows.
That concludes my rant that Iâve recited to myself more times than I can count. My fingers hurt. Thank you :)
