The Vampiric Reflection of Our Inner World: A Psychological Analysis of What We Do in the Shadows
The FX mockumentary series What We Do in the Shadows, adapted from Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi’s 2014 film of the same name, follows a house of eccentric vampires in modern-day Staten Island. The humour and supernatural flair are undeniably central to its popularity, but beneath the comedic premise lies a surprisingly accurate portrayal of the different facets that make up the human psyche. By examining the show’s characters—Nandor the Relentless, Nadja, Laszlo Cravensworth, Colin Robinson, and their loyal familiar, Guillermo de la Cruz—through a psychological lens, we can interpret each one as representing a distinct sub-personality or inner voice. Combining these characters results in a holistic, if comically heightened, representation of the average person’s internal dialogue.
In modern psychology, there are several theoretical perspectives that emphasize the multiplicity of the self. For example, Internal Family Systems (IFS) posits that each individual’s psyche is made up of different “parts,” each with its own motivations, desires, and fears. Similarly, Carl Jung’s archetypal theory underlines the idea that our personalities can be composed of multiple archetypal energies—some playful, some shadowy, some heroic. In What We Do in the Shadows, these comedic vampire caricatures externalize these “parts” with flamboyant flair, yet each character resonates with a psychological need or trait that resonates in everyday life. This essay explores how the show’s five main characters represent universal psychological themes, supported by relevant research and factual observations about human behaviour.
1. Nandor the Relentless: The Interplay of Ambition and Insecurity
Nandor is introduced as a once-fearsome warlord who seeks constant validation from his peers. He fancies himself the leader of the house, yet he frequently second-guesses his decisions, displaying a conspicuous dependence on Guillermo. From a psychological standpoint, Nandor’s oscillation between grandiosity and vulnerability reflects what is sometimes described as a narcissistic-insecure dynamic. Research suggests that individuals with narcissistic tendencies often harbor deep-seated insecurities, oscillating between inflated self-views and moments of profound self-doubt (Pincus & Lukowitsky, 2010).
Drive for Significance (Nandor’s Ambition)
Human beings naturally crave acceptance and recognition—a drive psychologists often link to self-determination theory (Ryan & Deci, 2000). Under this framework, the need for competence and significance is fundamental for psychological well-being. Nandor’s boastful recollections of his warlord past and his need for constant approval epitomize an individual striving for competence and significance.Self-Doubt (Nandor’s Insecurity)
Paradoxically, Nandor’s bravado is paired with moments of profound self-doubt. This duality resonates with findings in social psychology indicating that individuals who exhibit external grandiosity may be compensating for internal insecurities. We see Nandor repeatedly seeking Guillermo’s validation—subtly revealing his fears of irrelevance and abandonment.
Taken together, Nandor’s constant battle between craving admiration and feeling overshadowed maps closely onto the tension many people experience between ambition (wanting to stand out) and anxiety (fearing failure).
2. Nadja: Raw Emotion and Outspokenness
Nadja is portrayed as fiery, passionate, and uninhibited—she curses loudly, voices her opinions unapologetically, and pursues her desires with relish. She spearheads ideas like running a vampire nightclub, reflecting a natural inclination toward novelty-seeking—a trait identified in personality psychology as indicative of curiosity, impulsiveness, and extroversion (Cloninger et al., 1993).
Unfiltered Emotional Expression
From a cognitive-behavioral standpoint, Nadja’s outward displays of anger, enthusiasm, and frustration illustrate the hot cognition phenomenon, where emotional reactivity can momentarily outweigh rational decision-making (Metcalfe & Mischel, 1999). Indeed, her impulsivity often drives the household’s most chaotic moments.Unapologetic Outspokenness
Nadja typifies the part of us that yearns for unfiltered self-expression. According to emotion-focused theories, assertive communication can be healthy for psychological well-being, yet taken to the extreme, it can lead to conflict or impulsive decision-making (Greenberg, 2002). Nadja demonstrates both the liberating power of “speaking one’s mind” and the fallout that comes from neglecting tact and diplomacy.
Her persona underscores the tension between healthy emotional expressiveness and impulsive reactivity. Most people can relate to that inner voice that longs to speak openly but can create social friction if left unchecked.
3. Laszlo Cravensworth: Charm, Indulgence, and Hedonistic Drives
Laszlo is the laid-back libertine who revels in pleasures of the flesh—sex, music, and a good “after-dark” party. In many ways, he personifies what Sigmund Freud labelled the id—the instinct-driven, pleasure-seeking aspect of our personality (Freud, 1923).
Hedonism and Sensation Seeking
Contemporary research into sensation-seeking suggests that many individuals, especially those with high extroversion, are drawn to novel and thrilling experiences for the sheer enjoyment (Zuckerman, 2007). Laszlo’s endless pursuit of fun—from barbershop quartets to his notorious “Jackie Daytona” persona—reflects this part of the human mind that wants unbridled enjoyment, free from the constraints of social or moral obligations.Lighthearted Detachment
While Nadja tends to confront life head-on, Laszlo often brushes off difficulties with a nonchalant shrug or quip. This coping strategy resembles emotion-focused coping, where humor and detachment serve as a buffer against stress (Carver et al., 1989). Although an effective short-term strategy to reduce mental strain, over-reliance on detachment can sometimes lead to neglecting serious issues that require deeper introspection or action.
Laszlo’s joie de vivre reminds us of the part within us that seeks pleasure and comfort above all else, an element that can enhance life’s joys but can also side-line one’s responsibilities if left unchecked.
4. Colin Robinson: The Everyday Mundanity and the Quest for Attention
Colin Robinson is an energy vampire who drains others by subjecting them to mind-numbing conversation. The brilliance of this character lies in how he represents the boring but unavoidable aspects of adult life: monotonous routines, tedious meetings, and trivial chatter.
Repetitive Mental Chatter
Cognitive psychology acknowledges that the human mind is prone to perseverative thought—repetitive thinking about mundane or negative topics (Ehring & Watkins, 2008). Colin embodies the rambling self-talk that can overwhelm our mental space, dragging us into a quagmire of small concerns and draining our energy.Need for Validation (Even Through Tedium)
Colin’s particular means of gathering attention highlights the universal desire for connection and relevance (Ryan & Deci, 2000). While other characters want admiration, romance, or service, Colin thrives on boring people for energy. Beneath the comedic exterior lies a commentary on how even negative attention can sometimes satisfy a craving to be noticed.
Colin Robinson’s persona mirrors the tedious but ever-present dimension of our inner lives—the friction between wanting to matter and inadvertently creating emotional drain, both for ourselves and those around us.
5. Guillermo de la Cruz: Loyalty, Caregiving, and Repressed Power
Guillermo, initially introduced as a mild-mannered familiar, reveals hidden layers of competence—and lethal vampire-hunting ancestry—over the course of the series. His tension between servitude and secret prowess parallels the complex interplay between subservience and self-assertion in many human relationships.
Loyalty and Caregiver Role
Guillermo’s tireless loyalty underscores the agreeableness personality factor in the Big Five model (Costa & McCrae, 1992). People high in agreeableness often display empathy and a desire to maintain harmony, even at the expense of asserting their own needs. Guillermo’s near-constant fawning over Nandor demonstrates a classic caregiver archetype that defines itself through selfless service.Repressed Aggression and Self-Assertion
As the show progresses, Guillermo’s vampire-hunting lineage surfaces, hinting at submerged traits that contradict his outwardly submissive demeanor. Psychological literature on shadow work (Jung, 1959) notes that suppressed anger and abilities can simmer beneath the surface until triggered by conflict or crisis. Guillermo’s capacity to unleash lethal vampire-slaying skills serves as a vivid illustration of these hidden, shadowy capacities within every individual—traits that remain dormant until circumstances demand assertiveness or self-defense.
In sum, Guillermo is the embodiment of the devoted peacemaker who, when pushed too far, discovers buried strengths. In many people, a similar dynamic can play out—an inclination to “keep the peace” until a breaking point forces us to assert ourselves decisively.
Bringing the Vampires Together: A Microcosm of the Human Psyche
When we place these characters side by side, a picture emerges of a well-rounded, if chaotic, psyche:
Nandor craves importance yet remains hobbled by self-doubt.
Nadja expresses raw emotion and ambition, rarely censoring herself.
Laszlo seeks pleasure and comfort, adopting a carefree attitude toward life’s challenges.
Colin Robinson dwells on the trivial and represents the tedium that can drain us daily.
Guillermo serves loyally while harboring repressed talents and resentments.
This combination effectively simulates the interplay of multiple “selves” or parts within a single person. Research in Internal Family Systems underscores that conflicts within a household of distinct personalities can mirror internal conflicts within an individual (Schwartz, 1995). Each “part” or character has its own set of fears, desires, and coping strategies. When these conflicting drives come into contact—whether in a Staten Island house of vampires or within an individual’s thought process—humour, tension, and growth inevitably result.
Simply Put
While What We Do in the Shadows presents these dynamics through an exaggerated comedic framework, the psychological underpinnings remain remarkably consistent with established theories of personality and self. Each main character captures a universal human trait: the need for recognition (Nandor), the raw desire to express ourselves (Nadja), the longing for indulgence and freedom (Laszlo), the inevitable boredom and mundane chatter that drain our energy (Colin Robinson), and the quietly loyal caretaker brimming with untapped power (Guillermo).
By viewing these characters as personifications of our internal dialogue, the show’s humour becomes not only entertaining but also relatable on a deeply human level. We recognize our own ambitions, insecurities, impulsive outbursts, and diligent caregiving instincts in the vampires’ nightly escapades. Their comedic misadventures resonate because they reflect the fractal complexity of human thought and emotion—both the serious, anxious efforts at proving ourselves and the humor-laden, sometimes absurd ways we handle daily life.
In essence, combining all these traits—from Nandor’s restless need for approval to Laszlo’s lighthearted pursuits—gives rise to a portrait of a “typical” mind engaged in a delicate balancing act. The show’s genius lies in turning that interplay into compelling, offbeat humor. Through these characters, What We Do in the Shadows reaffirms a fundamental truth of psychology: that multiple, often conflicting parts of our personality cooperate—or collide—beneath the surface of our daily lives. By shining a comedic spotlight on these inner voices, the series offers a playful yet accurate window into the complexities of being human.
