I think one of the reasons guilt-stricken, self-devaluing Mulder is so popular is because some fans like to see that kind of vulnerability and sensitivity in him. Personally, I find it helps me connect to the character.
Ah ha ha, I feel like I could have written this. I just find vulnerable, sensitive Mulder immensely attractive. Sometimes fic portrayals of him go ridiculously overboard (and I have to be honest here and say that, although I nominated this fic, I haven't reread it yet so I don't remember if this fic does that, or not), but I think he does, at least, have some level of insecure vulnerability to him. I mean, everyone does, to some extent.
Inner torment means, among other things, a rather complex and active inner life, albeit a painful one. But healthy is boring, I say. *g* Ultimately I’m inclined to trust a character who is plagued by self-doubts more easily than a character who isn’t, because it suggests they are considerate. They are acutely aware of their own fallibility, and the consequences of screwing up, and they are also likely to dearly value those who stand by them. I also like to root for the underdog in most situations.
If Mulder didn't have that vulnerable, insecure side to him, I think I'd find him insufferable. His arrogance is only easy to take if you believe that at least part of it is an act. I think I wouldn't like him if he really was as overconfident as he sometimes appears to be.
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Ah ha ha, I feel like I could have written this. I just find vulnerable, sensitive Mulder immensely attractive. Sometimes fic portrayals of him go ridiculously overboard (and I have to be honest here and say that, although I nominated this fic, I haven't reread it yet so I don't remember if this fic does that, or not), but I think he does, at least, have some level of insecure vulnerability to him. I mean, everyone does, to some extent.
Inner torment means, among other things, a rather complex and active inner life, albeit a painful one. But healthy is boring, I say. *g* Ultimately I’m inclined to trust a character who is plagued by self-doubts more easily than a character who isn’t, because it suggests they are considerate. They are acutely aware of their own fallibility, and the consequences of screwing up, and they are also likely to dearly value those who stand by them. I also like to root for the underdog in most situations.
If Mulder didn't have that vulnerable, insecure side to him, I think I'd find him insufferable. His arrogance is only easy to take if you believe that at least part of it is an act. I think I wouldn't like him if he really was as overconfident as he sometimes appears to be.