Vector - The Quirky Despicable Me Villain with Dramatic Flair

Vector - The Quirky Villain from Despicable Me

Vector is one of the main antagonists in the popular Despicable Me animated film franchise. With his distinctive pointy hair, orange jumpsuit, and eccentric personality, Vector has become a fan favorite character. Let's take a closer look at this quirky villain's origins and role in the Despicable Me universe.

Vector's Origins

Vector first appeared in the 2010 animated film Despicable Me as the rival villain to Gru. His full name is Victor Perkins, but he prefers the nickname "Vector" due to his love of vectors in physics and mathematics. Vector has a flair for dramatic, showy entrances and considers himself superior to Gru despite being much younger and less experienced as a villain.

Not much is known about Vector's background except that he comes from a wealthy family and uses his father's money to fund his villainous schemes. He has an energetic and eccentric personality in contrast to Gru's more reserved demeanor. Vector's outfit consists of an orange and white tracksuit that resembles a prison jumpsuit, along with his signature spiky orange hair.

Vector's Role in Despicable Me

In the first Despicable Me film, Vector is Gru's chief rival. They are both competing to steal the shrink ray created by scientist Dr. Nefario so they can shrink and steal landmarks and monuments. Vector steals the shrink ray first and shrinks the Great Pyramid of Giza, infuriating Gru.

Vector also meets Gru's adopted daughters Margo, Edith, and Agnes when they attempt to sell him cookies for a scouting group. Amused by the girls, Vector invites them into his lair and agrees to buy their cookies. Little does he know the girls are covertly spying for Gru to help steal back the shrink ray.

When Gru attempts to break into Vector's fortress, Vector defeats him using advanced security systems and weapons. He then shrinks Gru with the shrink ray and hangs him in a glass orb as a trophy. Thankfully, the girls manage to rescue Gru and steal back the shrink ray for their own mission.

Vector vs. Gru

The climax of the first film culminates in a showdown between Vector and Gru on the streets of Paris. Vector has stolen the Gru's own moon shrink ray and intends to steal landmarks across the world, beginning with the moon itself.

Gru ambushes Vector just as he is about to shoot the moon shrink ray. A battle ensues between flying ships as Vector and Gru dogfight in the skies over Paris. Eventually Gru defeats Vector, causing him to drop the moon shrink ray. Gru's helper Minions recover the moon shrink ray before it hits the ground.

With his plans foiled, Vector crashes his ship in a ball of flames. However, he survives the impact and swears revenge on Gru and the girls for messing up his schemes. This sets the stage for more skirmishes to come between them.

Later Appearances

After the first film, Vector returns in minor roles throughout the Despicable Me franchise. He has small cameos in the theatrical shorts Puppy and Panic in the Mailroom. Vector also appears briefly during Gru's wedding in Despicable Me 2.

In Minions: The Rise of Gru, Vector attends villain Scarlet Overkill's villainous gathering where young Gru steals the Zodiac stone. During the party, Vector shows off his signature dance moves.

Vector's most recent appearance is in the 2022 animated short film Minions: The Rise of Gru Mooned. In this film, Vector is shown once again trying to steal the moon when a Minion lands on the moon and messes up his plans.

Personality and Traits

Vector has a number of quirky personality traits that make him a memorable character:

• Eccentric and energetic - Vector has an offbeat, hyperactive energy contrasting Gru's serious demeanor.
• Dramatic flair - He loves over-the-top entrances and technology that lets him show off.
• Immature - Despite his intelligence, Vector behaves childishly and lacks experience compared to seasoned villains.
• Arrogant - He is cocky and considers himself better than Gru as a villain.
• Stylish dresser - Vector's orange jumpsuit and gravity-defying spiky hair are his signature look.

In addition to these traits, Vector sees himself as a true villain who wants to take over the world through chaos and destruction. He has advanced technology and weapons that make him a formidable foe. However, his arrogance and immaturity often sabotage his own plans.

Why Fans Love Vector

There are several key reasons why Vector became such a popular character among Despicable Me fans:

• His unique look and attire make him visually appealing and recognizable.
• Vector's eccentric personality and dramatic flair are funny and endearing.
• He serves as the perfect rival villain to Gru in the first film.
• Fans enjoy his over-the-top entrances and audacious schemes.
• Vector has some genuinely amusing scenes, like his dance-off with Gru.
• He adds humor and chaos to the plot when he appears.

While not as prominent as Gru or the Minions, Vector left his mark through his kooky personality and role as the flamboyant villain. Fans are always delighted when he pops up in a cameo or short film to cause trouble in his signature style.

Vector's Enduring Popularity

Despite his limited role in the franchise after the first film, Vector remains a fan favorite character from Despicable Me. His flashy entrances, eccentric personality, and rivalry with Gru make him a standout supporting character. Vector adds humor, conflict, and fun action sequences when he faces off against Gru and his Minions.

While unlikely to ever be the main villain again, Vector is still popular enough to bring back for cameo appearances and shorts. His dramatic flair and goofy charisma make him entertaining to watch every time he shows up. For a character that started as the main villain in just one film, Vector has carved out a nice spot for himself in the Despicable Me franchise.

FAQs

Who is Vector in Despicable Me?

Vector is the main rival villain to Gru in the first Despicable Me movie. His full name is Victor Perkins but he prefers the nickname "Vector" due to his love of mathematics and physics vectors. Vector has spiky orange hair and wears an orange and white tracksuit.

Why is Vector called Vector?

Vector chose his nickname due to his interest in vectors in math and physics. He thinks it sounds more villainous than his real name Victor. The name also relates to his pointy hairstyle which looks like an arrow or vector symbol.

What is Vector's personality like?

Vector has an eccentric, hyperactive personality in contrast to Gru's more reserved demeanor. He is immature, arrogant, and has a flair for dramatic entrances and technology that lets him show off. Vector thinks he is superior to Gru as a villain.

Why is Vector so popular?

Fans love Vector for his unique look with the spiky hair and orange outfit. His energetic, kooky personality provides humor. He also serves as the perfect first rival to Gru. Vector's over-the-top entrances and audacious schemes are fun to watch.

Does Vector appear after the first Despicable Me?

Yes, Vector has cameo roles in the later Despicable Me movies and theatrical shorts like Puppy, Panic in the Mailroom, and Minions: The Rise of Gru Mooned. He remains a popular supporting character.