17 Reasons to love Niklaus Mikaelson from The Vampire Diaries despite his phenomenally evil acts

Niklaus Mikaelson has been one of the most iconic characters of the show The Vampire Diaries and the spin-off The Originals. This hybrid has a strong personality and is a complex character. His relationships with his family members and his struggle for redemption add depth to his character. Despite his flaws, his loyalty and love for those closest to him make him a compelling and unforgettable figure. This list will discuss 17 reasons to love Niklaus Mikaelson in spite of his incredibly atrocious acts.

1) Charismatic personality

Even though Niklaus Mikaelson is an immensely complex character who is capable of cruelty, as we see in the early seasons of The Vampire Diaries when he wants nothing but to sacrifice Elena for his own good, it is impossible to ignore his charismatic personality. His distinctive personality has garnered a large following, despite his darker tendencies, as viewers are drawn to his multifaceted nature.

2) Tragic Backstory

Niklaus Mikaelson’s strong character is marked by the abuse and rejection that he faced. During his early days, he was rejected by his stepfather, which had a deep impact on him. He spent thousands of years running from his stepfather Mikael. His relationship with his mother was also fraught with pain through her betrayal. He became what he was because of his dark past, which struck a chord with the audience.

3) His loyalty

Klaus’ loyalty to his family, even though he had a strained and complicated relationship with them, shows his loyalty. Their sacred vow represented an unbreakable bond between the siblings. This was deeply ingrained in him, which caused him to be fiercely protective of his siblings, which in a weird way justified some of his questionable actions.

4) Kindness

Even though Niklaus is known for his cruelty and power-mongering nature, he also shows kindness and compassion. Beneath his hard exterior, he revealed a more human side filled with empathy and generosity. He is known for his kind and often grand gestures, which showed his compassionate side even though he has suffered and had been wronged several times. Especially his kindness towards Caroline during times she needed his help showed his empathy.

5) Artistic soul

In the series The Vampire Diaries, Niklaus has often been presented as an art connoisseur. His artistic side serves as an outlet for his inner turmoil, which he expresses through his canvases on which he paints abstract art and even symbolic representations. His artistic side stands in sharp contrast to his violent personality, which has struck a chord with the audience.

6) Vulnerability

Even though Klaus has a tough exterior, he is deeply vulnerable. With his tragic backstory, he longs for love and acceptance, which is also added to his fear of abandonment, which can be seen in several episodes. Many of his actions stem from his fear of being alone, which causes him to have a tendency to push people away. This is yet another reason why viewers sympathize with him.

7) Rebellious spirit

Klaus’ rebellious spirit is one of the core elements of his personality, which is also one of the reasons why the viewers love his character. Klaus’ refusal to conform to the expectations asserting his independence. His determination to break the hybrid curse is one of the prime examples of his rebellious streak as he challenges the natural order, defying the foundation of the supernatural world.

8) Fashion Sense

One cannot deny the distinct fashion sense that Klaus had throughout the show, which often made him different from the other vampires. He had a blend of timeless elegance with a rebellious flair to his outfits. From tailored suits, which reflected his refined tastes, to leather jackets, which added a touch of ruggedness to his whole demeanor, the viewers appreciated his sense of style.

9) Self-awareness

Klaus’ self-awareness is a crucial element that is also a distinguishing factor in making him a fan-favorite character. He is not a one-dimensional character; he is aware of his flaws, and he acknowledges his darker side, which he sometimes is unable to control. His self-awareness often leads to inner conflict, which we can see throughout the series when he shows remorse after hurting someone.

10) Leadership

Klaus has a strong persona, and his leadership quality is one of the most contributing factors to his complex appeal. He exudes unwavering confidence, which draws people in. He has authority and power, which, coupled with his strategic mind, is mighty. When he arrives at Mystic Falls, he quickly takes charge and asserts his dominance throughout the town. He inspires both fear and respect.

11) Voice and accent

One cannot deny Niklaus’ voice and accent are a significant contributing factor to his overall persona. His vocal mannerisms, particularly how he speaks, have captivated the audience. His distinctive tone, which is rich in accent, has a distinct intensity and commands attention immediately. His voice is also incredibly menacing at times, which adds a sharper edge to what he says.

12) Unpredictability

Niklaus Mikaelson is known for his unpredictability. He is a constant source of surprise and intrigue throughout the show. He is known for shifting his alliance, as he could be your ally one minute but your enemy the next. Klaus is prone to impulsive actions, which add to his spontaneity and unconventional strategies that catch the opponent off guard. This makes him a fan favorite, as viewers are always left guessing his next move.

13) Complex relationship with his siblings

Klaus has a unique and complicated family dynamic with his siblings, which can be seen through his actions throughout the series. He had a love-hate relationship with all his siblings. His relationship with Elijah can be particularly complex, as Elijah is the only one who can reason with Klaus. Klaus was fiercely protective of Rebekah even though they had a fair share of conflict.

14) His relationship with Hayley

Klaus’ relationship with Hayley is a complicated start to their dynamic in The Originals. Though the start of their relationship was not fueled by romance, their encounter is significant. Though Klaus is initially indifferent to Hayley, he becomes protective of her, which resonates with the viewers. When threats grow, Klaus’ attachment towards her grows, which evolves their relationship dynamic significantly.

15) Humor

One of the key elements that distinguishes him from other characters is his sense of humor. He uses humor as a form of coping mechanism during times of adversity. He also uses humor to mask his vulnerability. This can be seen when, in The Vampire Diaries, he faces Mikael; he addresses him as a "drama queen" even though he is aware of the danger Mikael poses to him.

16) His overall demeanor

One cannot deny Klaus’s entire demeanor is a contributing factor to his huge fan following among the viewers. He is a complex mix of danger, confidence, and rebellious nature. He embodies the classic “bad boy” archetype, representing freedom from societal constraints and rejection, and his unapologetic self-assuredness adds to his character. His ability to toe the line between the savior and villain adds depth to his personality.

17) Love for Caroline

Klaus and Caroline’s relationship dynamic in The Vampire Diaries has been one of the most complicated connections that viewers have appreciated. Many viewers even wanted Caroline to end up with Klaus instead of Stefan. Their initial antagonism, which eventually turns into an emotional connection, brings out the good side of Klaus’ nature. Caroline has been a driving factor in uncovering Klaus’ vulnerable and emotional side.