Dream SMP Theory
disclaimer before I start: i know Dream's name does not have anything to do with the canon storyline, so this is more of over analyzing and an analogy of his character rather than a theory I guess.
tw: gaslighting mentioned.
okay, so I'm sure that we're all a little confused on what the hell dream even is at this point, but I'm building off of a few theories for this so here's some context.
Dream is the physical embodiment of everyone's corrupt thoughts and evil urges. Dream's character starts off pretty much neutral at the beginning of the SMP. He only fights others when provoked and eventually even "gives up" his reign on on the SMP and fight with L'manburg and allows the new country to develop under his watch. This is where his character shifts. When Wilbur was banished, he supplied the TNT in order to create destruction. He allows Wilbur to destroy his land and carry out his corrupted wills. After George's house was griefed, he forces Tubbo to exile Tommy then continuously torments and manipulates him. Perhaps, he is carrying out the feelings of resentment many residents of L'manburg felt towards tommy after the Rebuilding. There are other areas of this parallel, but the important take away is Dream doesn't have a side. Rather, only does things to progress chaos and cause strife. His character is an instigator.
This is where my theory begins. Dream is a nightmare in disguise. Dreams are generally seen as good things. Escapes, visions to experience things incapable of taking place in real life, stories...in the same way Dream portrays himself. He never admits he's ever done wrong, makes allies, "helps" people, he even goes as far to comfort Tommy and be his only "friend" during the worst event in his life. He has given himself the reputation that he is safe to be around, that he has genuinely good intentions. Nightmares always start as a Dream. They lure you in, make sure you feel safe, make sure you're trapped, then they turn on you. Dream has no allies, but he gains trust easily through manipulation and gaslighting repetitively. Tommy had no reason to believe that Dream was his friend and even had every right to hate him, but Tommy didn't during his exile.
Dream is the SMP's walking Nightmare. Up until recently, he has been able to get away with so much shit: instigating, manipulating, using people, murdering them...but things are changing now. People are staring to realize what's happening. People are starting to wake up.
