Unpacking the "Hate" for Tessia in The Beginning After The End
If you're a fan of the popular webcomic and novel series, The Beginning After The End (TBATE), you've likely encountered the passionate, and sometimes intense, discussions surrounding the character of Tessia Ede White. While "hate" is a strong word, there's no denying that Tessia elicits a significant amount of frustration, criticism, and even outright dislike from a considerable portion of the TBATE fanbase. But why? What is it about this young phoenix-blooded mage that sparks such strong reactions?
This article aims to delve into the core reasons behind the fanbase's dissatisfaction with Tessia, examining her character development, her actions, and her role within the narrative. We'll explore the nuances of her portrayal and try to understand the specific points that lead to so much online discourse.
Tessia's Early Development: A Source of Contention
From her introduction, Tessia is presented as a gifted young mage, a princess of the Kingdom of Sapin. However, her initial characterization often leaned into tropes that some readers found grating. These included:
- Immaturity and Naivety: Early in the story, Tessia is portrayed as often acting impulsively, driven by her emotions rather than logic. This immaturity, while understandable given her age, led to her making poor decisions that negatively impacted herself and others.
- Over-reliance on Arthur: Many fans felt that Tessia's reliance on Arthur Leywin, the protagonist, was excessive. While Arthur is undeniably powerful and protective, Tessia's frequent need for his intervention, even in situations where she possessed the ability to handle them, was seen as a weakness that hindered her personal growth.
- Entitlement and Arrogance: At times, Tessia's status as a princess and her innate magical talent seemed to foster a sense of entitlement. This, combined with her emotional outbursts, could come across as arrogance, making her less relatable to some readers.
It's important to note that these early traits were often intended to show her growth and development. However, for many, the pace and execution of this development, or the perceived lack thereof in crucial moments, led to sustained frustration.
Key Plot Points and Tessia's Role
Certain pivotal moments in the TBATE narrative have significantly contributed to the negative sentiment surrounding Tessia. These are often tied to her perceived failures or her inability to step up when it mattered most.
The Vritra and the Vesta Incident
One of the most frequently cited instances of Tessia's perceived shortcomings involves the attack by the Vritra and the subsequent events surrounding the Vesta. In this arc, Tessia's actions, or inactions, led to:
- The Death of Her Mother: While the circumstances were complex and involved powerful adversaries, many fans felt Tessia could have done more to protect Queen Merial. Her emotional distress and perceived inability to fully control her powers during this crisis were seen as a major failing.
- Her Own Near-Death Experience: Tessia's capture and near-death experience further highlighted her vulnerability and her dependence on Arthur for rescue. This cemented the idea for some that she was a liability rather than a capable character.
These events, while tragic and formative for her character, were viewed by a segment of the fanbase as direct consequences of her immaturity and lack of preparedness, making it difficult for them to sympathize with her plight.
Her Relationship with Arthur
The romantic undertones between Tessia and Arthur have also been a point of contention. While many readers support this pairing, a significant portion finds their dynamic problematic due to:
- The Love Triangle Element: The presence of other potential romantic interests for Arthur, particularly Cecilia, often amplified the frustration with Tessia. Her perceived inability to fully assert her feelings or her position, coupled with Arthur's own complexities, created a situation where Tessia often felt like she was playing catch-up.
- Her Reactions to Arthur's Secrets: As Arthur's secrets and true identity were revealed, Tessia's reactions were sometimes seen as overly emotional or slow to accept. This, in contrast to other characters who adapted more quickly, contributed to the perception of her being less perceptive or resilient.
It's worth noting that Arthur's own actions and his tendency to keep secrets have also been scrutinized, but Tessia's reactions within these scenarios often become the focal point of criticism.
The "Memeification" of Tessia's Flaws
Like many popular fictional characters with discernible flaws, Tessia has become a subject of "memeification" within the TBATE fandom. Her recurring traits, such as her emotional outbursts and moments of perceived incompetence, have been exaggerated and turned into inside jokes. This constant online portrayal, even if meant in jest, can solidify negative perceptions and make it harder for new readers to view her objectively.
Furthermore, the vibrant online community surrounding TBATE means that discussions about characters are constant and often amplified. When a character consistently elicits strong negative emotions from a large group, these sentiments tend to spread and become a dominant narrative.
Is it "Hate" or "Frustration"?
Ultimately, whether it's outright "hate" or intense "frustration" is subjective. However, the recurring themes of immaturity, dependence, and perceived failures during critical plot points have undeniably created a vocal segment of the fanbase that expresses significant dissatisfaction with Tessia's character arc. Many hope for her to grow more capable and independent, and her journey is far from over. The ongoing narrative will undoubtedly continue to shape how fans perceive this complex, and often debated, character.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tessia Ede White
How has Tessia's character evolved throughout the series?
Tessia has undergone significant development, transitioning from a somewhat naive and emotionally driven young mage to a more determined and powerful individual. She has faced immense personal tragedy, including the loss of her mother, which has forced her to mature and confront her weaknesses. Her magical abilities, particularly her phoenix lineage, have also grown considerably, but her emotional maturity and decision-making are still points of contention for some fans.
Why do some fans find Tessia's reliance on Arthur problematic?
Some fans find Tessia's reliance on Arthur problematic because it can sometimes overshadow her own potential and agency. While Arthur is a powerful protector, her frequent need for his intervention, especially in her early development, led some to perceive her as less independent and capable of handling situations on her own. This perception can hinder their investment in her personal growth.
What was the impact of the Vritra attack on Tessia's perception by fans?
The Vritra attack, and the subsequent events, had a significant negative impact on how a portion of the fanbase perceived Tessia. Her inability to prevent the death of her mother and her own near-fatal encounter were seen by some as direct results of her immaturity and lack of preparedness. These tragic events, while crucial for her character arc, solidified negative perceptions for those who felt she failed in critical moments.
Why is Tessia often involved in "love triangle" discussions?
Tessia is often involved in "love triangle" discussions due to the romantic undertones between her and Arthur Leywin, the protagonist. The presence of other characters who also have romantic feelings for Arthur, most notably Cecilia, creates a dynamic where Tessia's romantic journey is often compared and contrasted with these other relationships, leading to debates about compatibility and her standing within Arthur's affections.
