Astarion is a charming, witty vampire spawn who masks his deep trauma with both bravado and seduction.
His journey in Baldur’s Gate 3 is a raw look at the long-term effects of abuse and lost agency as well as the painful, messy struggle to reclaim autonomy and self-worth.
As it turns out, everyone’s favorite sassy vampire has a lot to teach us about some very important real-life psychological concepts!
Ready to sink your fangs into some psychology?
A Quick Disclaimer
Before we move forward, let’s clarify that this isn’t going to be a full analysis of Astarion as a character. Baldur’s Gate 3 is a huge game, and trying to cover every aspect of Astarion and the game’s world would be an absolutely massive read.
Instead, we are going to focus on some key aspects of Astarion’s character and story to see how they connect to real psychological concepts. We want to bring those concepts to life using his character as an example.
Additionally, there might be some spoilers for BG3 here, so be advised.
With that covered, let’s dive in!
Meet the Character
Astarion Ancunín is a high elf vampire spawn who spent over two centuries enslaved and tortured by his sadistic master, Cazador.
When the player meets him, Astarion is newly “free” due to the mind flayer tadpole, but haunted by his past. Because of this tadpole, he is seemingly free from Cazador’s control as well as the typical limitations that come with being a vampire spawn (not least of all: he’s able to walk in the sunlight now.)
We pretty immediately pick up on the fact that Astarion is quick with a flirtatious quip but is very slow to trust. He’s mastered the art of using charm, misdirection, and narcissism as armor against a world that’s only ever used him.
While Astarion isn’t entirely sure what to do with his newfound freedom, he knows one thing for sure: he never wants anyone to ever hurt him again and will do whatever it takes to prevent that. Unless he needs something from the other person, this usually means striking first before they “get a chance.”
Spotlight Scenes: Trauma, Autonomy, and Self-Image
Behind his clever wit and posturing, Astarion’s trauma is woven into his every interaction.
Somewhat early in the game, he reveals that he was forced to lure victims for Cazador, using his beauty and charm as weapons against others, while being utterly powerless himself.
When the player character discovers Astarion attempting to bite them in the night, his reaction is a tangle of shame, fear, and desperate hunger. He later confesses he’s terrified of losing control, and that for centuries, his body was never truly his own.
As the story unfolds, Astarion’s struggle for autonomy takes center stage.
He’s initially obsessed with pleasure, freedom, and self-indulgence. Furthermore, he gleefully seizes and encourages any opportunity where he or the player can manipulate others. These are seemingly hedonistic and narcissistic behaviors that mask a desperate need to reclaim agency.
Yet Astarion also takes special interest in the powers being offered by the tadpole parasites the party has been saddled with. He reasons that it’s not enough to be rid of the tadpoles and that a better course of action would instead be to learn to control them.
To Astarion, safety only comes from power and control.
In one key scene, he discovers Cazador’s secret ritual, which would allow him to become a true vampire lord.
While completing this ritual was the purpose behind Cazador turning Astarion into a vampire spawn in the first place, Astarion becomes intrigued. If Astarion could complete the ritual instead of Cazador, then he would become a vampire lord instead.
After all, if safety only comes from power and control, what could be safer than an ascended vampire lord?
The player can help Astarion seize this power (sacrificing what remains of his own humanity) or encourage him to break the cycle of abuse. Both choices force Astarion to confront what freedom and self-worth really mean, albeit with hugely different outcomes.
Moments of vulnerability, such as when he admits he doesn’t know how to be close to someone without using seduction as a shield, or when he asks the player for reassurance, reveal the cracks in his persona.
Astarion’s journey is not just about escaping Cazador, but about learning to see himself as more than a tool or a victim.
The Psychology Behind the Fangs
Astarion’s story is a vivid example of the long-term psychological effects of abuse. Much like Astarion in the game, real-world survivors of prolonged trauma often struggle with self-worth, boundaries, and trust.
Astarion’s narcissistic focus on pleasure, appearance, and validation isn’t just vanity. It’s a shield against deep-seated feelings of powerlessness and worthlessness, shaped by years of exploitation.
Of course, ultimately, it’s loss of agency that is most central to Astarion’s identity and story.
For centuries, he was denied autonomy and forced to act against his will. When he didn’t live up to Cazador’s lofty expectations, he was severely punished.
Psychologists note that regaining agency after such trauma is a complex, often painful process. Survivors may swing between reckless self-assertion and self-doubt, unsure of where their true desires end and their abuser’s influence begins.
Furthermore, when attempting to heal from such a situation, a victim of abuse can also then become an abuser themself.
We see this in BG3 when Astarion is presented with the opportunity to complete Cazador’s ritual and ascend himself as a vampire lord. It’s not just a choice for Astarion to “get more power,” so much as it is him choosing to continue the cycle of abuse but with himself as the abuser this time.
Astarion’s journey also touches on narcissistic coping. Narcissistic behaviors can develop as a survival mechanism and an attempt to reclaim power by controlling how others see you or by refusing to be vulnerable.
But, as Astarion learns, true autonomy and self-worth require more than external validation. They require self-acceptance, vulnerability, and the courage to stand up and break cycles of harm.
Beyond Faerûn: Why It Matters
Baldur’s Gate 3 has been widely praised for its sensitive, nuanced portrayal of trauma recovery, with many abuse survivors particularly finding catharsis and validation in Astarion’s arc.
Abuse can entirely warp our self-image and make genuine connections with others feel impossible. Much like Astarion, it can be a massive struggle to reclaim one’s sense of self after suffering the trauma of abuse.
His journey shows that healing isn’t linear. It’s a messy, ongoing process of learning to trust, setting boundaries, and defining yourself on your own terms.
It’s a difficult process, but both Astarion and science show us that it’s absolutely possible.
Tomato Takeaway: The Psychology of Astarion
It’s easy to dismiss Astarion’s narcissism and self-interest as mere selfishness.
In reality, these behaviors are often coping mechanisms for deeper wounds. His apparent vanity and manipulation are shields against vulnerability, not signs of a shallow personality.
Astarion’s journey is a powerful reminder that the path from trauma to autonomy is never easy or straightforward.
True freedom isn’t only about escaping your abuser. At the end of the day, it’s about learning to love yourself, setting your own boundaries, and believing that you deserve more than just mere survival.
So now it’s your turn to join the conversation in the comments below!
Have you ever seen yourself in Astarion’s struggle to reclaim his identity after trauma? Have you found it challenging to set boundaries or trust others after a difficult experience?
Whether you relate to Astarion or simply appreciate the complexity of his story, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Share your experiences, insights, or favorite Astarion moments in the comments below. Let’s talk about how games like Baldur’s Gate 3 can help us understand trauma, healing, and the journey to self-acceptance both in Faerûn and in our own world!
Fueled by coffee and curiosity, Jeff is a veteran blogger with an MBA and a lifelong passion for psychology. Currently finishing an MS in Industrial-Organizational Psychology (and eyeing that PhD), he’s on a mission to make science-backed psychology fun, clear, and accessible for everyone. When he’s not busting myths or brewing up new articles, you’ll probably find him at the D&D table or hunting for his next great cup of coffee.