I am just rewatching the series and on season 1 now. I know it's a major part of the plot that Klaus has major issues of trust, and is a pompous ass. (And he does show more affection and loyalty toward his family in later seasons). But damn, he really does paint himself as the innocent victim. He tortures his own family members on a whim, then when they react against him he acts as though he can't understand why. He goes through some histrionic speech about being betrayed by his own family and can't understand why.

I just wish Rebeccah and Elijah would set the record straight when he starts playing the violin.