CHARACTER SUMMARY
SELFISH. While Zagreus is compassionate and kind, often going out of his way to assist others in various ways usually without them even knowing, never once does he stop to ask if it's actually what they want. His lack of consideration for others is a point of contention between him and the other members of the House, particularly when he decides to leave the Underworld to escape to the mortal realm. Each time he attempts to escape, he faces off against not only his father's wretched forces, but also some of his past friends and acquaintances. He's a people-pleaser until it comes to something he truly wants, then he would willingly give up anything to achieve it. It's also important to note that although Zagreus is sympathetic to the struggles of his friends, he doesn't often open up in regards to his own insecurities. It could be said that this stems from his innate desire to appease his father and feel some sense of belonging (something that he often struggles with), though a lot of it likely comes from his views of right and wrong, and rebelling against the injustices of the status quo that has been perpetuated since the beginning of time.
STUBBORN. Zagreus is selfish enough to continue doing what he feels is right regardless of how his actions may affect others, and he's self-aware enough that he does feel guilt when faced with the consequences, whether it means he'd hurt them or caused them trouble where it could have been avoided. On the other hand, his friends and his family care about him deeply enough to aid him in spite of those consequences, encouraging him to go out and discover the truth for himself. Time and again, Zagreus puts his life and his relationships on the line, and each time he chooses his own goal. It doesn't get easier and there are times when even his stubbornness gives way to doubt and insecurity, plagued by the feeling that nothing matters in the end because he will always find his way back to the Underworld inevitably. He is bound to the Underworld whether or not he wants to be, only able to survive on the surface for a brief amount of time before the Styx takes him away again. Yet he still fights his way out anyway, if only to see his mother again for a few moments.
CHARISMATIC. As the son of Hades and the prince of the Underworld, there is an expectation of the way he is to conduct himself: charming, polite, and diplomatic, Zagreus embodies all of these qualities and others associated with one of his station. However, much of that regal behavior is tempered by an amicable casualness and a snappy humor that makes him more approachable than he may seem initially. That's likely his true power—that charisma and natural charm coming into play, the flippantly self-aware humor that gets people to lower their guard and let him in. After all, how can anyone not relate to someone who wants to reunite with his kin? He's an embodiment of opposites forced into harmony: too mortal to be a god and too much of a god to be mortal; selfish and stubborn, yet unendingly compassionate and dedicated; warm and kind in a realm that is infamous for being cold and cruel.
KIND. Loquacious to a fault and paired with a light-hearted attitude, Zagreus often gives the impression that he's been friends with the people he interacts with for a long time. And it's true—after all, death is meaningless to those who reside in Hades' realm, and Zagreus is likely one of the very few residents who manage to actually liven things up, so to speak. It's easy to talk to him and it is just as easy to like him; Zagreus doesn't hold himself as better than others despite his status as prince of the Underworld and frequently goes out of his way to speak with everyone he comes across, even going so far as to help them reunite with loved ones or going around his father's back to grant them freedom. It's clear that Zagreus does what he wants and does what he feels is right, even if that may go against his father's wishes or the status-quo of the Underworld.
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NOTES.
APPEARANCE. the most notable feature aside from his messy, spiky black hair and muscular build is his mismatched eyes: his left eye is green and his right eye is red with black sclera.
AURAL. here and here! zagreus' accent is "fantasy british", a la lord of the rings. per his initial design notes, his tone reference is a mix of tom hiddleston as loki in thor, alucard from castlevania, dante from devil may cry, and dread pirate roberts from the princess bride.
FIRE FEET. while there are no signs of actual flame, zagreus' feet glow a bright yellow/orange and are constantly at a temperature that is hot enough to burn whatever they're touching. upon his arrival at the resort, he was given a pair of 3 inch red heels that can contain the temperature and prevent him from burning things. yes, the heels stay ON during sex.