So I read this :

" Sometimes I really think people just want Wyll’s personality in Astarion’s body."

on bsky and it got me thinking.

Is it true? Sure, not all of us see Astarion in the same light and there are some OOC interpretations of him out there but overall this rings incorrect to me. So I made a little comparison between the two.

Wyll:

Righteousness that extends to everyone in need. Friends, lovers, even strangers

Astarion:

Has a need to keep his lover safe. He will help and take care of them when they're in need as shown when he romances Karlach/Durge.

With strangers not so much on the helpful note if at all.

In act 3 he demonstrates desire to save Yenna and Volo though.

His attitude is more of a "well we probably should" when it comes to saving friends as well.

Wyll:

Feels like doing the right thing. It's second nature to him

Astarion:

Not so interested in doing the right thing but wants to be better. Believes he has changed. (Act 3)

Wyll:

Wants marriage, traditional love and monogamy.

Astarion:

Wants a deeply committed emotional relationship. He's semi open to poly.

Wyll:

Has a loving relationship with his father but also daddy issues.

Astarion:

Has a deeply hatefilled relationship with his creator but also daddy issues.

Wyll:

Loves kissing and dancing.

Astarion:

Loves kissing and cuddling (and ass grabs).

Wyll:

Wants marriage but to still keep adventuring.

Astarion:

Wants a deep relationship and is open to settling down.

Wyll:

His body has been mutilated and controlled by someone else

Astarion:

His body has been mutilated and controlled by someone else

Wyll:

Is earnest, honest and straightforward

Astarion:

Deflects, avoids , is mostly dishonest , especially to friends and only shows his vulnerable earnest side in private

Wyll:

Has deep issues with decision-making, disappointing those around him. Feels like a failure. Wants to be an inspiration. Struggles with loneliness, rejection and possibly fear of abandonment.

Astarion:

Has deep issues with decision-making, inability to set boundaries (which he improves slightly by act 3) Feels like a monster. Is terrified of becoming a feral mindless creature controlled by his worst impulses. Struggles with loneliness, feelings of inadequacy, self-deprecation.

(These can be backed up by ingame quotes but i feel too lazy to list them at the moment.)

Wyll:

Chooses to see the good in people especially when they first meet.

Astarion:

Chooses to see the worst in people when they first meet (Act 1) then becomes more neutral to optimistic.

Wyll:

Loves the world and the joys of it. - flowers, atmosphere, drinks, music, books.

Astarion:

Loves the world and the joys of it. - colors, light, interior design, perfumes

Astarion:

Was prejudiced towards gnomes and tieflings

Wyll:

Was prejudiced towards goblins and Astarion

Astarion:

Puts his lover on a pedestal- they are the kindest, there's no one else like them, they're incredible, they're better than other people.

(Again backed by quotes)

Wyll:

Treats his lover like they bring the light to his day, they are infinitely wise with excellent judgement.

Wyll:

Does not kiss and tell

Astarion:

Does not kiss and tell

Wyll:

Can be rude at times

Astarion:

Tries to be rude at times

Wyll:

Tries to flirt with Gale, Lae'zel, Shadowheart

Astarion:

Tries to flirt with Gale, Lae'zel, Shadowheart

Wyll:

Doesn't trust devils

Astarion:

Doesn't trust devils

To me , they never were that different to begin with which is why I hate sentiments like the sentence I found. Their alignments and virtues differ significantly but by saying it it feels like minimizing any good traits in Astarion.

This post was mostly made in lighthearted frustration from the view of Astarion and Wyll’s armchair therapist so I welcome discussions but not debates on my views if possible. Thank you for reading.