I talked about the mischaracterization of Viktor as an insecure person in this post, but I think there's another, related aspect that's become something of a trope in fanfiction: the idea that Viktor isn’t big on superficial things like looks or fashion — so whenever there’s an event, he has to be persuaded into dressing up. I don't think that’s actually accurate to Viktor’s character. In fact, I’d argue it might be pretty much the opposite — at least when he’s functioning at his full potential. I mean, have you seen these things:
Also: the way he dresses in the Commune? The way his followers dress? The fact that he basically gives them a free glow-up on top of healing them?
Are the amount of straps and jewellery and the little cut outs really necessary? No. Do they look great? Yeah.
The Commune itself has a very particular, curated, and beautiful aesthetic. It’s functional, yes — but by no means utilitarian. And while many people helped build it, Viktor is the one in control, so we can reasonably assume this is his design sensibility coming through.
I also often see Jayce portrayed as the one who’s very concerned with his appearance, with Viktor juxtaposed as someone who doesn’t give a fuck. But I’d argue:
Jayce’s apartment is canonically messy, and so is working at the forge.
Viktor only starts looking more unkempt as his health deteriorates — whereas at the beginning of S1, when he’s still feeling relatively okay, he’s well-groomed, with neatly cut hair.
The fact that his clothes later appear ill-fitting or sloppy isn’t a personal choice — it’s a visual consequence of severe weight loss due to illness.
So what I’m trying to say is: if Viktor’s not actively dying, he will probably come across as pretty confident — and, frankly, he’ll be serving cunt.
(Disclaimer: This isn’t me trying to police anyone’s headcanons — write whatever and however you want. This is just my interpretation based on what the canon seems to suggest.)
