I’m not sure what Larian are trying to do with this character: he’s clearly a whiny, creepy rapist character with the way he creeps up on you in camp.
I understand wanting to include evil characters for variety, but I’m struggling to see how he fits into any party. A good player will boot him as soon as he tries to attack them and shows no remorse. An evil player will boot him for being a leech.
Does he get better later in the game to justify his existence?
I find it strange that so many people hate on Astarion, clearly a product of 200 years of torment, and adore Karlach, clearly a product of 20 years of torment. Why is it endearing for a former slave-knight to have anger issues and a lust for killing, but it’s unacceptable for a vampire thrall to be jaded and hungry? I see them both as victims expressing their damage in different ways. I wonder if Astarion were a female character if people would take more of a “i can fix her” attitude? Or maybe it’s just that people are more comfortable with violent streaks that are more in-your-face.
I think if you perceive Astarion as evil after getting to know him a bit, it says more about your lack of empathy than his. He’s pretty neutral, he’s just been through a lot of shit and gets hangry.