Lottie’s analysis of Vector The Crocodile
Vector is a fun, lovable, and complex character that a ton of non-Chaotix fans seem to misunderstand completely. I’m making this analysis to explain why I love Vector and why you should too.
From a glance, Vector just seems like a total brute. We know that he is loud, he is bossy, and he definitely has a short temper. Official material even states that he’s loud-mouthed and says what’s on his mind! If you look further, you’d see that he has a sincere kind quality to him that gives the croc an admirable heart of gold. There’s been times in canon where he’s even been embarrassed to talk about his kind heart because he has an image to maintain! It’s been stated before that he’ll help those in need free of charge, all because he believes that helping those less fortunate than him is a reward in itself. This is a core part of his character, a core part of his morals and sense of justice too. It should be noted that he does this free work despite the fact that he is, well, dead broke. Guy can’t pay the rent to save his life. There’s an idle chatter in Heroes where he mumbles about “forgetting to pay the electric bill for the office.” If you know the Chaotix on a base level, you know that they are broke. But, they’re broke out of Vector’s own generosity.
I’ve seen people say that they believe the Chaotix aren’t a family and are just merely coworkers. However, official interactions say otherwise. Yeah, Vector leads the Chaotix as their boss, but he is also a guardian of sorts to both Espio and Charmy. In CrossWorlds, Espio mentions a “fire-forged kinship” between him and Vector. In the same game, Vector even asks Sage if she wants to have a play date with Charmy! Would someone who isn’t a parent ask a question like that? Vector also has such fun dynamics with Espio and Charmy. For instance, Charmy gets on Vector’s nerves a LOT. Like, to the point where Vector yells and starts chasing the kid around. There’s nothing harmful behind that, though. Just family being family. We even see that Charmy really looks up to Vector, the kid is always imitating his boss’ gestures and behaviors. It should also be noted that Vector puts a lot of trust in Charmy, despite the fact he is just a little kid. Vector’s relationship with Espio isn’t as…nuclear? If that makes sense? They still have a clear familial relationship, but it can be interpreted in all kinds of ways, as opposed to the father-son thing that Vector and Charmy have going on. Vector respects Espio deeply, and trusts him to be independent and successful. Vector even values Espio’s judgments when the two of them disagree. What really makes the whole “family“ thing set in stone is the fact that Vector calls them his “Boys.” It’s not just a one time thing, it’s been happening consistently since Sonic Heroes. It tells the player that they aren’t just Vector’s employees, instead, they are his family.
I do want to mention the most common mischaracterization when it comes to Vector. It’s Sonic X that really hurt his characterization, turning him into a stupid guy who does things for himself. Lots of people write Vector off as being dumb because of this. Vector is much more than this. He has insane intelligence, he is a detective after all. Again in Heroes, he deduced that the client was Eggman really early into the game, he just went through with the case because he’s a good detective! Even Espio and Charmy had no idea that the client was Eggman. Yeah, Vector may not be composed like Espio or cheerful like Charmy, but he has a bright mind and a golden heart.
Vector, in my opinion, is one of the best written characters in the entire Sonic series when he is given his time to shine. He’s rough around the edges, but he would do anything for you. Vector is the kind of person who would snap at you because he was having a bad day, but them go out of his way to apologize and make sure you’re doing alright. I love Vector, and so should you.
