BG3’s Astarion subverts the ‘sexy vampire’ trope in a meaningful way

Vampires are largely known for being seductive. While many of them boast beast-like qualities, most film, literature, and video games tend to depict vampires as cold, calculating, beautiful creatures who rely more on looks and charisma than strength to manipulate their prey into baring their necks. My all-time favorite video game vampire — Baldur’s Gate 3‘s Astarion Ancunín — is very much the same way, but what makes him so interesting and compelling is the fact that he uses his charm and beauty as a shield just as often as he wields it as a weapon. He puts on a brave face, but deep down, he is terrified.