Every rewatch I fall in love with how extremely empathetic Louis is. It’s one of, if not his most defining character trait.
Like. He KNOWS people. He’s able to see them and uncover their foundations. When provoked or feeling the need to lash out, his insults can feel especially painful because he knows exactly what to say to hurt that person. He knows to weaponize Lestat’s fear of abandonment. He knows to pick apart and pry into “Alice” to get Daniel to relive her rejection. He knows to call Claudia a burden, turning one of her deepest hidden anxieties against her.
But he also knows exactly what to say to comfort. He knows to console Daniel, who is desperate for identity, by giving him one of success and longevity. He knows to uplift Claudia, who is desperate for companionship, by reassuring her that regardless of past and future hardships, he can at least ensure she will never be alone. He knows the kind of dynamic and which identity will bring Armand, who despises his own power and authority and lost sense of self, the most calm and feel the most secure.
Empathy doesn’t inherently mean kindness or cruelty. It’s simply the ability to place yourself in other people’s shoes and see things from their perspective. To be able to understand how they receive the world and how they may respond to it.
How Louis uses the information he gains varies on many factors, like his own mental state, the circumstances involved, etc., but regardless he is able to see into people and he does it masterfully.
This isn’t to say he gets it right every time. His own insecurities, desires, and a lack of necessary (sometimes purposely falsified) information can discolor his interpretations. But goddamn if he doesn’t more often than not come close, if not hit right on target.
Which is also why he suffocates so much under others’ expectations. He knows what they think of him. Even if their words say differently, he can tell by their actions, by their emotions, simply by observing them, what it is they truly want from him.
So his extremely high level of empathy can be a double edged sword just as much as it can bring mutual comfort. He can tell when he is loved, but he can also tell when he is despised. He can garner exactly what others desire most, while also knowing exactly what they fear most. And he chooses when to use this insight to provide support or to cause harm, whether it’s to others or towards himself.
He’s incredibly empathetic and watching the constantly shifting, elaborate ways he utilizes that feels like pure artistry.
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