Cos it's a game, basically. They wanted to involve the player.

They're all jerks really, or more technically, examples of great power given to those who are either excessively selfish or lack empathy.

Character age doesn't matter that much to me honestly, just how often I felt irritated. Again, I don't mean to make it sound like I hate XBC2, just why I find the original better.

Btw maybe you should use spoiler tags given a fair few folks who haven't played the original game might be interested in the Definitive Edition and hence mighty read this thread.

Bold: Well, with XC2, you have their back stories with their own reasons, can't say that for many villains in XC1. 

Second bold: I know that. Also, character age plays a role in each character's thinking and their behavior, so it matters.

Third bold: Got it, will do.

Pretty sure, her voice actress is just older now. I mean it's been 9 years since the original dub. You don't get to keep the same voice that long.

Yeah, but a character being 25 or 50 doesn't really change whether or not I find certain scenes of them annoying. If it annoys me, then it annoys me.

I simply didn't have this issue with XBC1 the way I did with 2.

Again, I don't want to sound like I'm bashing XBC2, it's still a good game overall, I just found the cast of XBC1 to be more likable, charismatic, and non-irritating.