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lwj in a nutshell

lan wangji is such a complex character who grows so much within just a few years, it’s difficult to interpret him as having x positive traits and x negative traits. assigning them squarely in one category or the other seems like an oversimplification and depends a lot on context BUT i’m gonna give this my best shot.

× NEGATIVE.

➥ GUILT. which fuels certain aspects of his personality. wangji doesn’t forgive himself. ever. it’s a perpetual cycle of self-punishment because of a perceived debt owed to someone he failed to save. he genuinely loves wei wuxian, but there’s an unhealthy flip-side to the coin of devotion. there’s literally nothing he wouldn’t do for him anymore, which could potentially cause collateral damage. beyond his affection for him, it’s a mix of stubbornness and remorse, which has also kept him isolated. he spends years mourning him without forming any new connections. even the child he adopts is intrinsically linked to wei wuxian. don’t get me wrong, wangji is an introvert who was always super sheltered, and never was really taught how to socialize. he doesn’t easily connect with people anyway, but it’s like his encounter with wei wuxian took SO MUCH out of him emotionally wise that he’ll just never really attempt to truly heal that part of himself after he's gone. it’s almost like lan wangji is unequipped to people unless wei wuxian attachment is installed.

➥ INDIFFERENCE. wangji often appears cold and detached, but that's all it is. a façade. he’s an extremely passionate individual, but unfortunately, navigating his own heart is a struggle. he’s a poor conversationalist for one, despite the eloquence of his speech. he tends to bottle things up and erect impossibly high walls around himself, keeping everyone at arm’s length. his brother is a rare exception, but overall, wangji is, for lack of a better term, emotionally constipated. you have to know where to look, recognize the signs, because if you aren’t one of his (few) loved ones, he’s super difficult to read. it took him years to acknowledge his own emotions, continually figuring himself out, and keeping them under lock and key is a habit that stayed.

➥ PETTINESS. or more like, spite. it comes across as pettiness. it isn’t, not exactly. wangji is all about justice, but wrong his loved ones and he’ll forever hold a grudge against you. it’s especially true when it comes to wei wuxian’s brother, jiang cheng, who has his own set of regrets and shortcomings, which wangji just sort of... ignores. his own grievances are pretty black and white when it comes to people harming his loved ones, which is a little hypocritical of him. he doesn’t really try to understand jiang cheng’s side, and instead just gives him the silent treatment and/or offers condescending remarks. he never actively seeks revenge, but he definitely makes his animosity known, even without a word. especially without a word at times. also, if you're someone he deems to be a bad guy, don’t expect him to show tolerance.

✓ POSITIVE.

➥ TENACITY. wangji doesn’t give up. not only is he ridiculously self-disciplined, you won’t be able to change his mind once it’s made up. it all stems from his loyal nature, but also his kindness. he doesn’t leave anyone behind and works assiduously, even when injured, to see things through, to help, especially when it comes to those less fortunate. his life is super structured despite his messy heart, so you can count on him for anything that others might find boring and/or difficult. he has the will and endurance for it, recognized for his poise, perseverance and pragmatism. despite his own struggles and his pains, wangji endures, through losses and wars, even though he was ill-prepared for the conspiracies of the world.

➥ HONOR. similarly, wangji’s goal is to keep a clear conscience. he failed once, and said conscience will forever be somewhat tainted now because of his guilt, so he’s 100% into everything he does in order to avoid making the same mistakes. there’s a set of 3500+ rules to guide his every step, but if he still upholds his family’s values and cares for them, he doesn’t blindly follow. his motto? to defend those without a sword or a voice, even at the cost of his own reputation. even if it means disappointing his elders, such as his uncle, or even his brother... but xichen is also one of the people who encouraged him to follow his heart and his convictions, and he’ll stop at nothing to honor them.

➥ WARMTH. wangji feels entirely too much, if anything, even if his overall demeanor tends to show differently. it was more or less drilled into his brain that feelings are dangerous (re: the unfortunate fate of his parents), but eventually, wangji learns otherwise. he’s always gentle with his disciples, indulges and shows respect where it’s due, and his son grows into a pure cinnamon roll, without a doubt the most stable lan in town. wangji never had the necessary tools to raise a kid, so he had to dive into the confines of his heart and draw from there the things he knew he’d lacked as a child, parentless and deprived of affection. he has so much to give. he just doesn’t know how, though his constant efforts to try, to protect and help those in need are just the tip of his emotional iceberg.