I've been rereading Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles (last time I read them was about 20 years ago). It seems that the overriding theme is 'boys can experience emotional development, as long as they have a few centuries to do it in'.
The character of Lestat seems to be entirely based on a cat. He's pretty, stylish, and has zero comprehension of the concept of consequences. Lestat meets someone who introduces themselves as 'The Body Thief'. Said character suggests that they swap bodies for a day. Lestat agrees. Can you guess what happens next? But by the next book he talks to his friends before doing the stupid thing! Emotional development! He still does the stupid thing, progress takes time.
I think I first read Interview with the Vampire in my late teens. Louis is completely insufferable. I doubt anyone who didn't first read this book as a teenager can make it to the end.
