I really listened to Oh No! By Marina and The Diamonds once at a young age and my entire personality and future from that point on was predetermined huh.
No wonder my favorite ARG is a super obscure one with no definitive ending (yet) after almost a decade and involves a computer with human memories pleading for the sweet release of death by simply saying ominous shit like “SHUT DOWN ME”
Mariana: How many diamonds did we have to find? Because they already found one, or do we need to find more?
Guard: ...
Mariana: Did you understand me or should I repeat it?
Scary voice: Behind you
Mariana: [*turns around, sees Mr. scary ghost and turns to see Mr. guard again*] Mr. guard, I saw something Mr. guard... Mr. guard get me the fuck out of here Mr. guard please...
Guard: [*runs away*]
Mariana: Hey!... Mr. guard don't be a coward!... Mr. guard...
Just like how there’s a stark difference in how people treat him, there’s also a difference in how Charlie treats people when it involves items.
I would argue that Charlie is the least materialistic member on the server. While we can attribute it to him just being poor by nature, there’s just a lot of instances wherein that’s also not just the case.
While there’s Phil, Foolish, Quackity and more characters who can and would ask items for free to BBH, in BBH’s stream, Charlie felt like he’s obligated to match a trade for slime armor with him. I think it makes sense that he would have that mindset because the rest of the parents are in good terms and get along with each other, they didn’t attempt to kill the eggs twice like he did. He probably still thinks he has to compensate and make amends for it.
It’s even sadder when you take into account how BBH didn’t ask for anything in return at first, he just offered that he could grind him a full set, period. But then Charlie had to suggest if he could be used as a meat shield in exchange for two slime armor pieces. In a way, that’s what he thinks his worth is. Risking his life is worth at least two slime armor pieces. DO YOU SEE HOW SAD THAT IS??? WHERE IS HIS SELF WORTH??? NDEKDJD
There’s also him as Gegg. Antoine offering him diamonds and him giving it back without question, rejecting Forever’s offer of better gear since he is essentially a naked egg.
The two times he’d much rather give his whole backpack as long as they (Phil when Juanaflippa shot him and when Quackity was asking to be paid for his services as his lawyer for the trial) give him the flower Juanaflippa gave him.
The only times I could think of when he asked something for free was on his exile, when he asked BBH or Foolish for a waystone and that felt more like his lack of Minecraft mechanics knowledge in play than it is in character.
Otherwise, he doesn’t mind walking around in unenchanted iron armor, he doesn’t mind the times people has called and made fun of him for being poor. Because his most valuable possession was Juanaflippa. He doesn’t need anything else. With her gone, all he has left of her is the flower and the matching ticket with Mariana, both items preciously displayed in a pretty basement under his house in exile.
And when Foolish and Dapper maxed out his hearts, Quackity giving him some tools and armor to start with, all he could give is his utmost gratitude. I don’t find it a coincidence that Foolish and Quackity’s the two people he felt indebted to in such a way that he would take all the shit they say or throw at him without a fight.
While he doesn’t mind Quackity since he still feels guilty about Tilin, I can’t find any reason for him to just take Foolish’ jabs when he used to fight with him over Mariana. I think the only time he told Foolish that he can’t handle the jabs was when they’re about his daughter, which says a lot about his character. He’s desensitized to what people can throw at him, but the one thing they can hurt him with is Juanaflippa.
And I’m just… I want to give Charlie the biggest of hugs :((( Why is the Flippa family sooo tragic??? I need Charlie and Mariana to be happy again because I can’t take this anymore NSJDJDKD