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Whenever people tend to talk about him, most would cite him as amongst their least favourite characters in Hunter X Hunter due to his despicable actions. Do you find the hate justified?
After reanalysing some aspects of the arc, I personally would say not. On the contrary, I'd say he's one of the most well constructed characters in the series and his despicable and unlikeable nature is merely a testament of him being well written. Like the other Royal Guards, Pouf presents a clear human trait in his loyalty for the King, with the difference being the attention to the dualistic and flawed nature of humanity is more poignant with him than with other characters representing such themes in the series. He is successful in acting perfectly in regard to the Chimera Ant King, yet only to the idealised one he envisioned in his mind and not the more human Meruem. Almost each selfish action has a layer of selflessness to it, mainly in regard to protecting his King's supposed destiny. Moreover, he has no secondary purpose to fall back on due to his dedication to his goal. Pitou caring for Meruem's feelings and mentality lead to her gaining the secondary goal of defending someone dear to him like Komugi and Youpi's value of duty lead to him relating to the resolve of Knuckle and co. Pouf, on the other hand, had nothing secondary to relate to his 1-track goal of protecting and developing Meruem into the ideal King, which meant he had to continue his goal through any means necessary. Without purpose, one's life is empty, and Pouf represents that idea of the human condition's desperation perfectly.
After reanalysing some aspects of the arc, I personally would say not. On the contrary, I'd say he's one of the most well constructed characters in the series and his despicable and unlikeable nature is merely a testament of him being well written. Like the other Royal Guards, Pouf presents a clear human trait in his loyalty for the King, with the difference being the attention to the dualistic and flawed nature of humanity is more poignant with him than with other characters representing such themes in the series. He is successful in acting perfectly in regard to the Chimera Ant King, yet only to the idealised one he envisioned in his mind and not the more human Meruem. Almost each selfish action has a layer of selflessness to it, mainly in regard to protecting his King's supposed destiny. Moreover, he has no secondary purpose to fall back on due to his dedication to his goal. Pitou caring for Meruem's feelings and mentality lead to her gaining the secondary goal of defending someone dear to him like Komugi and Youpi's value of duty lead to him relating to the resolve of Knuckle and co. Pouf, on the other hand, had nothing secondary to relate to his 1-track goal of protecting and developing Meruem into the ideal King, which meant he had to continue his goal through any means necessary. Without purpose, one's life is empty, and Pouf represents that idea of the human condition's desperation perfectly.
