Mistwell
Crusty Old Meatwad (he/him)
WizarDru said:
There are quite a few characters with strong moral convicitions in SOI&F...but some of them have significant character flaws, and others understand the value of RealPolitik. Moreover, GRRM is very skilled at leading you by the nose, with regards to playing off of your expectations. Suffice it to say that several characters that you THINK you know in GoT turn out to be very different animals when you find out more about their pasts and the truth of past events.
I would also put forth that almost all of the Stark clan are VERY moral characters, but each has different perspectives and beliefs. You also haven't met many of the characters who are closer to these qualities of 'straight hero'. Most of the characters in the series are in a moral grey area...much like life. However, if you're looking for heroes...you'll get your share. One might argue that Bran and his sisters, while not being brave warriors in the classic mode of a knight, are classic heroes, for showing strength and courage in the face of horrible events.
I think you misunderstood what I meant by "still reading". I've read every book that has come out so far. I meant I intend to continue reading them as they come out. However, I disagree with you on those Starks who remain alive - most are not heros or particularly ethical in their actions, though a few might turn out to be. Right now, most are just neutral - trying to survive.
I don't think real life is full moral gray areas, not in the context we are discussing in this thread. If you do find life to be full of mass murderers, rapists, and torturers, then I feel sorry for you and your family. And that is what we are talking about here - not people cheating on their taxes or driving 75 mph in a 65 mph zone, but seriously evil people (regardless of the context of their lives).
Again, I am troubled by the lack of characters I empathize with, characters I want to see excel. I want the Starks to live, but not all that much. They are for the most part a bunch of brats who have lived spoiled lives, and who show little sign of ethical and strong leadership abilities. In any other book, they might even be the antagonists. But in a sea of truly evil characters, they come out as the best of the worst. Again, Jon Snow seems to be the character that offers to most hope for me, and he hasn't been in it all that much. He is the one that seems least focused on an "ends justify the means" mentality.