what are some traits of L that you consider key to his characterization? :) would love to hear from the L expert! haha
THE L EXPERT ??! well thats very kind of you >_<
here are some things that are key to me personally, and that i think get overlooked a lot:
the biggest thing about L is he WILL surprise. he is such a layered, multifaceted character that his actions can challenge your expectation of him and catch you off-guard. you might think he's a selfish person, and then find out that he secretly wants to provide for the entire task force's future. you might think he is cold and uncaring, and then you see how outraged he is at Ukita's death. you might think he is a "my way or the highway" kind of guy, but he backs down [or at least acts incredibly gracefully] when Soichiro challenges him. little things like that really give him a lot of extra depth
his gentleness, innocence, and naivety
yes, really. YES, REALLY. i promise you. there is a softness to him that i am begggiinggg people to look at and realize. not just in his demeanor (all his physical features are quite delicate, and his voice, and his mannerisms) but in his mindset and personality, too. yes, he is determined ! he is ruthless ! but also childish. thinks of things in games. his hopefulness makes me SICK. some of this is more obvious in later supplementary material (e.g. lctw and spiraling trap) but i adore it and i personally dont think its out of left field or incongruous with the manga at all. we just see more of his inner world, that's all
his dedication to his work and his intellect
i know i said he is unpredictable, but i just can't see L doing anything that would affect his precious mind, like not even alcohol. his mind is the main thing he will nurture and protect - maybe even at the expense of his physical body.
he isnt perfect at everything
he's the world's greatest detective, but he can't dress himself ?? well that's okay ! things like that are part of what make him so incredibly interesting ! they give him so much more depth ! so what if he's not just inexplicably good at everything ? sometimes people need help with the little things - details like that make him feel that much more human. he is the world's greatest detective, and he's also just a guy
which brings me to my final point;
i will swear by this over and over. he's not a robot or a machine. he's not a symbol or an icon. he's been angry. he's been miserable. he's been happy. he's been shocked and, yes, even scared. he feels, he wants, he is a person. even in the manga. just because it's subtle doesn't mean it isn't there
sorry this got long - i love talking about L !!!!
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