Hes the easiest to misunderstand, baring Gale. As for complaints about manipulation with Gale, everyone does it (and most people don't even realise it). He's just honest about it. Honestly think some people are reminded of themselves or past lovers they fell out with when they look at him and project. Gale also has to focus more on himself then others because of the whole "I have a bomb inside of me" thing. Consider that. Sleeping with a BOMB! Try being in that situation and not being just a bit selfish. But he's not that selfish. which is surprising, considering his situation. If I had a bomb inside of me and had no one to care for I might just go BOOOM. So credit where it's due. But getting back to Astrion.
I would say Astarion is afraid, hides behind humor, admits it when you play along or call him out on it, wants to get close to someone and pretends to be confident but when something pleasantly surprising happens he's caught off guard, giving away his illusion of calmness and being in control. He gets flustered easily basically. He's so not used to being with people. Indicates a very isolated nature, which makes sense considering he's a vampire. Only MOST vampires don't get caught off guard that easily. If anyone is manipulative it's Astarion. But he does a very bad job of it due to his insecurities and fears making themselves VERY apparent. He genially tries but completely botches it up. Guess his former master was a bad teacher, eh? This will of course lead to fueling a desire to have guidance with another, which is why he plays along with you. Like when you get him to say please before sex. Or when he goes "Yes darling, that's what we call a lie." I admire his ability to play in tense moments (an ability Gale seems to lack) but I dislike being lied too regardless. At the same time "People do stupid shit out of fear". All the party characters will fall in line if challenged (they kind of have too if your interactions are to go well).
His reaction when you tell him not to feed off anything you can have a conversation with when you're a ranger able to talk with animals is particularly priceless. "You can literary talk to animals!" Poor guy is like a child at times. Throwing a temper tantrum. I don't think he's a fresh spawn, I think he's been very very sheltered and living in fear because of his former master. Leading to lack of experience in many situations due to simply being used. This also leads him to being quite compliment. When the right incentive is provided. Just like me. Only, you know, without needing blood. When you get THAT little you enjoy what you can get and focus on making others happy. To keep getting more appreciated. And Astarion's former master must have given him very little if anything at all.
Funny isn't it. How the hardest of times improves people the most. You can SENSE it with the other characters. But with Astarion you can really see it. Even if we know little of his former master we see a clear idea of why he's affected the way he is. And his fear shows clearly. They really got a good actor playing him.
