In the mockumentary series What We Do in the Shadows, Guillermo and Nandor form the core human-vampire axis of the household. Guillermo, a familiar and devoted servant, balances exhaustion with loyalty as he enables Nandor’s whims. Nandor, an ancient but easily distracted vampire, oscillates between grand plans and childlike whims, relying on Guillermo for practical execution. Their interactions mix exasperation, dark humor, and reluctant care, producing a volatile yet stable partnership that underpins much of the show’s comedy and occasional pathos.
Who are Guillermo and Nandor in the series
Guillermo de la Cruz begins as a familiar recruited into the vampire household, rapidly becoming indispensable through competence and devotion. Nandor is a centuries-old vampire whose charisma is matched by his distractibility and limited patience for modern complexities. Together they co-lead the Staten Island vampire nest, with Nandor as the nominal authority and Guillermo as the de facto operator. This structure creates a complementary but frequently strained dynamic, as Guillermo manages logistics Nandor cannot be bothered to handle, and Nandor provides the supernatural legitimacy Guillermo lacks.
Guillermo and Nandor relationship dynamics
The Guillermo–Nandor relationship evolves from employer–employee to a codependent partnership resembling friendship, rivalry, and uneasy family. Guillermo oscillates between resentment and devotion, while Nandor oscillates between affection and thoughtlessness. Key patterns include:
- Pragmatic reliance: Guillermo executes plans; Nandor supplies status and power.
- Protective friction: Guillermo saves Nandor from consequences, while Nandor defends Guillermo from external threats.
- Emotional inconsistency: Affectionate moments punctuate frequent annoyance, creating a relatable, humanized vampire dynamic.
This push-pull sustains narrative tension and comedic payoff across seasons.
Notable interactions and turning points
Several moments crystallize their relationship. Guillermo’s reluctant empowerment, Nandor’s repeated letdowns followed by reliance, and shared crises reveal mutual dependence. Although precise timestamps vary by episode, the pattern is consistent: Nandor’s schemes falter, Guillermo stabilizes outcomes, and both acknowledge—however grudgingly—that they need one another.
Contributions to the household and broader plot
Guillermo’s logistical competence keeps the nest functional, from managing finances to handling mundane threats. Nandor’s ancient background and political connections provide resources and legitimacy. Together they balance the group’s chaotic energy, with Guill grounding Nandor’s flights of fancy and Nandor enabling Guill’s unexpected growth. Their combined efforts repeatedly prevent total collapse, making them the series’ most enduring partnership.
Comparison of Guillermo and Nandor roles and traits
| Attribute | Guillermo | Nandor | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary role in the nest | Familiar and operational lead | Figurehead and ancient vampire | Verified show narrative |
| Power type | Human competence and loyalty | Supernatural age and status | Verified show narrative |
| Temperament | Pragmatic, easily exasperated | Confident, easily distracted | Verified show narrative |
| Dependence pattern | Manages Nandor’s failures | Relies on Guillermo’s execution | Verified show narrative |
Evolution across seasons and viewer interpretation
Early seasons frame Guillermo as subservient, gradually revealing agency and influence. Nandor matures from whimsical tyrant to someone who acknowledges Guillermo’s irreplaceability. Viewers often interpret their dynamic as a found-family metaphor, blending caretaking, resentment, and loyalty. The show uses their interactions to explore power, dependency, and reluctant care in long-term relationships, contributing to the series’ sustained appeal.
Frequently asked questions about Guillermo and Nandor
- Is Guillermo Nandor’s familiar? Yes, he serves as both familiar and indispensable household manager.
- Who holds more power in the nest? Nandor has formal authority, but Guillolph often controls day-to-day operations.
- How does their relationship change over time? It becomes more openly reciprocal, with mutual acknowledgment of dependence and affection.
- Do they rely on each other? Absolutely; Guillermo needs purpose and structure, while Nandor needs competence and stability.
Overall, Guillermo and Nandor embody a messy, functional partnership that balances authority with execution, producing much of the show’s humor and emotional undercurrents.