Gunn strikes me as being similar to Xander or another take on the Xander character. Both grew up in semi-violent environments - either with violent parents (Xander) or in a violent street gang (Gunn). Both had to kill someone they loved and trusted who had turned into a vampire.
Both fear becoming violent. Both fear not being taken seriously, considered just the geeky dork (Xander) or the street thug (Gunn). They are afraid that how others have defined them is who they are. They are also both afraid of becoming that which they slew - the monster. Xander fears becoming his father - note, unlike Angel he doesn't want his father's approval, if anything he'd prefer not to have it, what he is afraid of is becoming his father. He's the opposite of Angel.
Gunn's a darker take on Xander, just as Cordelia was a darker take on Willow. Gunn does seek out external sources to prevent his fears. Xander never does. Gunn doesn't trust himself to be good enough without enhancements,possibly due to Fred choosing Wes over him? Xander doesn't trust himself to be good enough for Anya, possibly due to his fear of his father and unresolved issues with Buffy choosing Angel over him?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
branchandroot
no subject
Date: 2014-10-11 08:51 pm (UTC)Gunn strikes me as being similar to Xander or another take on the Xander character. Both grew up in semi-violent environments - either with violent parents (Xander) or in a violent street gang (Gunn). Both had to kill someone they loved and trusted who had turned into a vampire.
Both fear becoming violent. Both fear not being taken seriously, considered just the geeky dork (Xander) or the street thug (Gunn). They are afraid that how others have defined them is who they are. They are also both afraid of becoming that which they slew - the monster. Xander fears becoming his father - note, unlike Angel he doesn't want his father's approval, if anything he'd prefer not to have it, what he is afraid of is becoming his father. He's the opposite of Angel.
Gunn's a darker take on Xander, just as Cordelia was a darker take on Willow.
Gunn does seek out external sources to prevent his fears. Xander never does.
Gunn doesn't trust himself to be good enough without enhancements,possibly due to Fred choosing Wes over him? Xander doesn't trust himself to be good enough for Anya, possibly due to his fear of his father and unresolved issues with Buffy choosing Angel over him?