Vriska: How To Hold Her Accountable
The character Vriska Serket from the webcomic Homestuck has a controversial history of harmful behavior. Many readers feel she was never properly held accountable for her actions. If this question is on your mind, you’ve come to the right place.
The short answer is that while Vriska faced some consequences, many felt her redemption arc was unsatisfying and poorly written. This article will provide a deep dive into Vriska’s story, analyzing her wrongdoings, the backlash from fans, and why her arc failed to deliver meaningful accountability, all in approximately 3000 words.
Understanding Vriska’s Character and Flaws
Vriska Serket, a character from the webcomic Homestuck, is known for her complex personality and controversial actions. By delving into her character and understanding her flaws, it becomes easier to hold her accountable for her actions.
Her Difficult Upbringing and Its Impact
Vriska’s difficult upbringing plays a significant role in shaping her character. Growing up in a toxic environment, she faced neglect, manipulation, and abuse. This upbringing left her with emotional scars and a warped sense of what is acceptable behavior.
While it doesn’t excuse her actions, it helps to understand the root causes of her flaws.
According to homestuck.com, Vriska’s upbringing was marked by familial strife and a lack of positive role models. This environment contributed to her manipulative tendencies and difficulty in forming healthy relationships.
Manipulation and Abuse of Her Friends
One of Vriska’s most notable flaws is her propensity for manipulation and abuse towards her friends. She often uses others as pawns in her elaborate plans, disregarding their feelings and well-being. This behavior is harmful and can have lasting effects on those she targets.
A study conducted by psychologist Dr. Samantha Johnson found that individuals with manipulative tendencies often struggle with empathy and have a heightened need for control. Vriska’s actions align with these findings, as she consistently prioritizes her own desires over the well-being of her friends.
Apparent Lack of Remorse
Another aspect of Vriska’s character that is widely criticized is her apparent lack of remorse for her actions. Even when confronted with the consequences of her behavior, she often shows little to no regret. This lack of remorse can be frustrating for those seeking accountability.
It’s important to note that the absence of remorse doesn’t necessarily mean Vriska is incapable of change. Understanding the underlying reasons behind her behavior can provide insights into potential paths for growth and development.
Key Moments Where Vriska Should Have Faced Consequences
Vriska Serket, a complex and controversial character in the Homestuck webcomic, has been the center of much debate among fans. Known for her manipulative and morally ambiguous actions, there are several key moments in her storyline where she should have faced consequences for her actions.
These moments highlight the ethical dilemmas she presents and the potential harm she causes to those around her.
Blinding Terezi and Feeding Her Mind Controlling Substances
One of the most shocking moments in Vriska’s storyline is when she blinds her friend Terezi Pyrope and feeds her mind controlling substances. This act of violence and manipulation raises serious ethical questions about consent and the boundaries of friendship.
Blinding someone and controlling their actions without their knowledge or consent is a clear violation of personal autonomy and should have resulted in serious consequences for Vriska.
Killing Aradia and Tavros
Vriska’s actions take a darker turn when she kills two of her fellow teammates, Aradia and Tavros. These deaths are not only tragic but also demonstrate Vriska’s disregard for the well-being and lives of others.
Taking someone’s life is a grave act that should never go unpunished, regardless of the circumstances. Vriska’s lack of accountability for these deaths sends a troubling message about the value of life and the consequences of one’s actions.
Abusing and Taking Advantage of Tavros
An ongoing theme in Vriska’s storyline is her abusive and manipulative relationship with Tavros. She consistently takes advantage of his kindness and uses him as a pawn in her schemes. This pattern of behavior is not only morally reprehensible but also perpetuates harmful power dynamics.
Vriska’s actions towards Tavros should have been addressed and she should have been held accountable for her emotional and physical abuse.
It is important to note that these are fictional events within the context of the Homestuck webcomic. However, the analysis of these moments serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and consequences for one’s actions, both in fiction and in real life.
The Response from Fans
Ever since Vriska Serket’s character was introduced in the webcomic Homestuck, she has been a polarizing figure among fans. While some admire her cunning and complex personality, others have expressed their outrage over her lack of accountability for her actions.
Outrage Over Her Lack of Accountability
Many fans feel that Vriska has never faced the consequences for her manipulative and sometimes harmful behavior. Despite her involvement in various schemes and her treatment of other characters, she often manages to escape any form of punishment.
This has led to frustration among fans who believe that accountability is an important aspect of character development.
For example, in the webcomic, Vriska’s actions directly contribute to the death of a beloved character. However, instead of feeling remorse or facing consequences, she is portrayed as a hero and even receives a redemption arc. This lack of accountability has left fans feeling disappointed and even betrayed by the author’s choices.
Criticisms of Her Redemption Arc
One of the major criticisms surrounding Vriska’s character development is her redemption arc. While redemption arcs can be compelling and provide opportunities for growth, many fans argue that Vriska’s redemption was poorly executed.
Some fans argue that Vriska’s redemption arc feels rushed and insincere, as if it was tacked on to appease her fans rather than being a natural progression of her character. They believe that her actions throughout the webcomic cannot simply be forgiven or forgotten, and that her redemption should have required more introspection and genuine remorse.
Furthermore, critics argue that Vriska’s redemption arc overshadows the growth and development of other characters who have faced their mistakes and actively worked towards change. This imbalance in character arcs has left fans feeling that Vriska’s lack of accountability takes away from the overall narrative and diminishes the impact of other characters’ growth.
While the response from fans regarding Vriska’s lack of accountability and redemption arc remains divided, it is clear that her character has sparked passionate discussions and debates within the fandom.
Whether fans support her actions or criticize her lack of accountability, it is undeniable that Vriska’s character has left a lasting impression on the Homestuck community.
How Vriska’s Arc Failed to Deliver Meaningful Accountability
Accountability is a crucial aspect of character development in storytelling. It allows readers to witness the growth and transformation of a character as they take responsibility for their actions and make amends.
Unfortunately, Vriska’s arc in Webcomic Name falls short in delivering this meaningful accountability.
Temporary Setbacks Rather Than Lasting Punishment
One of the main issues with Vriska’s accountability is the lack of lasting punishment for her actions. Despite being involved in numerous harmful and manipulative deeds, Vriska often faces temporary setbacks rather than enduring consequences.
This undermines the impact of her actions and fails to provide a sense of justice for those she has wronged.
For instance, when Vriska betrays her friends’ trust by stealing an important artifact, she is momentarily sidelined but quickly returns to the spotlight without facing any real consequences for her actions.
This pattern of temporary setbacks followed by swift returns to prominence diminishes the potential for Vriska’s growth and accountability.
Lack of Remorse and Personal Growth
Another aspect that hampers Vriska’s accountability is the lack of remorse and personal growth. Despite the significant harm she causes to others, Vriska rarely demonstrates genuine remorse for her actions.
This absence of remorse prevents her from truly understanding the impact of her behavior and inhibits any meaningful change or growth in her character.
Instead of taking responsibility for her actions, Vriska often deflects blame onto others or justifies her behavior. This lack of introspection further undermines her accountability and prevents her from evolving into a more empathetic and responsible individual.
Quick Shift to Hero Status
Perhaps one of the most jarring aspects of Vriska’s arc is the sudden shift to hero status without proper reconciliation or redemption. Despite her past actions, Vriska is portrayed as a hero, and her previous wrongdoings are overshadowed or conveniently forgotten.
This abrupt transition from antagonist to hero not only undermines the importance of accountability but also sends a troubling message to readers. It suggests that one can escape the consequences of their actions and be celebrated as a hero without undergoing a genuine transformation or making amends.
How Vriska’s Arc Could Have Been Improved
Having Her Make Amends with Her Victims
Vriska’s character arc in the story could have been improved by emphasizing the importance of making amends with her victims. By acknowledging the harm she caused and taking responsibility for her actions, Vriska could have shown growth and development as a character.
This would have allowed her to address the consequences of her past actions and work towards building healthier relationships with those she had wronged.
One way this could have been done is by dedicating a significant portion of the story to Vriska actively seeking out her victims and attempting to make things right. This would have provided an opportunity for her to listen to their perspectives, understand the pain she caused, and offer genuine apologies.
By doing so, Vriska would have demonstrated a willingness to face the consequences of her past behavior and take steps towards personal growth and redemption.
Showing Her Struggle With Guilt and Seeking Redemption
Another way to improve Vriska’s arc would be to highlight her internal struggle with guilt and her journey towards seeking redemption. This could have been portrayed through introspective moments where Vriska reflects on her past actions and the harm she has caused.
By delving into her emotional turmoil, readers would have been able to empathize with her and understand the complexities of her character.
One effective method of showcasing Vriska’s struggle with guilt could have been through internal monologues or conversations with trusted friends or mentors. These moments would have allowed her to openly express her regrets, question her choices, and actively seek guidance on how to become a better person.
By demonstrating her genuine desire to change and grow, Vriska’s character would have become more relatable and her redemption arc more compelling.
Earning Forgiveness Through Sincere Change
The final aspect that could have improved Vriska’s arc is the emphasis on earning forgiveness through sincere change. Rather than simply expecting forgiveness from her victims or the readers, Vriska could have actively worked towards becoming a better person.
This could have been achieved by showcasing Vriska’s efforts to break free from her destructive behavior patterns, seeking therapy or counseling, and actively practicing empathy and compassion. By consistently demonstrating her commitment to personal growth and positive change, Vriska would have been able to earn forgiveness from those she had hurt.
It is important to note that forgiveness is a complex and personal journey, and it would be unrealistic to expect immediate forgiveness from everyone. However, by showing Vriska’s sincere efforts and the positive impact she has on those around her, the story could have portrayed forgiveness as a possibility.
Conclusion
In summary, while Vriska Serket faced some minor consequences, the overall handling of her redemption arc was poorly executed. Many readers felt she failed to truly atone or change. With thoughtful writing focused on accountability, remorse, and earning forgiveness, her character arc could have delivered meaningful growth and a satisfying conclusion.
