Favourite family?

Un Croissant · 14-04-2014 10:20pm #1

Does anybody consider their favourite family to be anything but the Starks?

We see the story, mostly, from their perspective, especially in the early story. It seems natural that we would sympathise with them.

Despite this, I would argue, that most peoples favourite character would be outside the Starks. Tyrion being a prime example.

So who is your favourite family?

K4t · 14-04-2014 10:26pm

Favourite family: Starks

Favourite character: Jimmy Lannister

Da Shins Kelly · 14-04-2014 10:29pm

I like the Starks, but I'm coming to like the Tyrells too, the more I see of them.

Arya is my favourite character, with Tywin a close second.

Sulla Felix · 14-04-2014 10:40pm

Old school Targaryens. As depicted before "the Mad" they were pretty kickass and only a little mad.

Paddy Cow · 14-04-2014 11:27pm

I never got the love for the Starks, especially Ned. I was upset for Sansa and Arya that he died but I was glad to see his character go. He was a sanctimonious pain in the arse and was warned by many in King's Landing that it was a dirty game but he thought he was above playing politics. Oh well, a fool and his head are easily parted!

razorblunt · 15-04-2014 8:28am

Martell's here too and to a lesser extent the Mormont's - more so for Jorah.

Sleepy · 15-04-2014 9:38am

Arya is easily my favourite character.

I love the dragon-riding Targaryens of the Dance of Dragons era as seen in The Princess and the Queen though. Absolute bad-asses.

Barna77 · 15-04-2014 10:12am

The Lannisters of course!

SeanJ09 · 16-04-2014 12:19am

My favourite family are the Boltons :pac:

kryogen · 16-04-2014 12:51am

Arya is my favorite character, followed by Tyrion, Tywin and Jamie but I couldnt say the Lannisters were my favorite family (I even loved seeing Joffrey in action!)

Favorite family is a tough one, at the moment I am loving the Tyrells and a lot of that is to do with what I see as the cunningness they are showing right now, and ruthlessness.... if I have my theories wrong I dunno if I would still like them so much

You know what, I dont have a favorite family, I enjoy characters from various families and hopefully it stays that way!

Mr. CooL ICE · 16-04-2014 2:15pm

The Starks probably. They're a bit boring and nondescript but the most human of them all.

The Tyrells would be a close 2nd. They seem to have some bit of humanity in them but also determined and power hungry. Not cutthroat, but smart.

The Greyjoys are interesting. There's no fcuking about with them. They earn their keep and have no sense of entitlement. Not much materialism there at all. Still brutal savages though.

Donnielighto · 16-04-2014 2:23pm

Can we get a poll.

Not a family per se but I like the wildlings

Tigger · 16-04-2014 2:35pm

favorite family: Greyjoys
favorite character: Arya

Paddy Cow · 16-04-2014 3:34pm

LordChessington wrote: »

The Starks probably. They're a bit boring and nondescript but the most human of them all.

The Tyrells would be a close 2nd. They seem to have some bit of humanity in them but also determined and power hungry. Not cutthroat, but smart.

The Greyjoys are interesting. There's no fcuking about with them. They earn their keep and have no sense of entitlement. Not much materialism there at all. Still brutal savages though.

I also like the Tyrell's and find them the most interesting so far. The Starks and Lannisters are long established families who are used to ruling by having a code. Ned's was honour and Tywin's was fear. As long as Ned ruled in the North he was fine but he couldn't wouldn't adapt to life in King's Landing, despite being given numerous warnings from his enemies and his pride cost him his head and put his kids in serious danger. Only at the very end, when his daughter's lives were at risk, did he swallow his pride and play the game a little.

*HUGE SPOILERS* *NON BOOK READERS DO NOT READ THIS*

As for Tywin, for someone so obsessed with carrying on the family, his biggest downfall was his hatred for Tyrion. In the books, another Lannister relative (a sister or something) had a conversation with him where she told him that Tyrion was his true son, not Jamie. It's so true but Tywin was blind to this. Jamie has no interest in ruling and we saw what a good job Tyrion did when given the position of Hand of the King. Had Tywin embraced Tyrion, given him Casterly Rock and encouraged him to rule, I think the Lannisters would've survived the death of Tywin (obviously if he wasn't killed by Tyrion but if Tywin had respected Tyrion, he wouldn't have killed him!).

Tywin knew that one day he would die and his legacy would pass to his children but that is where his awareness stopped. He had one son with no interest in ruling, a daughter who was unfit for ruling and a son who was perfectly capable of playing the game and carrying on the family name but refused to acknowledge him. Tywin's death and not Joffrey's, was the real start to the unraveling of the Lannisters.

While Tywin was alive, he had instilled enough fear into the other houses that they were more likely to ally with him eg the Boltons, than revolt. As he had not established an heir of the same capacity as himself when he was alive, once he died, the other houses who had suffered under his reign are free to do as they please and many will probably want to seek retribution.

I find the Tyrells interesting because they are only climbing the power ladder. They are the second most powerful house and want to be the first. They have slowly built up their house and are the only ones so far to show social awareness. The other houses (and Stannis can be included in this) claim the throne by right and expect the citizens to accept their rule as absolute. The Tyrells are the first to utilise the power of PR and go to great lengths to feed the poor and seem accessible to the average citizen. Margery has made sure orphans are taken care of and is loved by the people. They are establishing themselves as someone you would want to have rule you, rather than someone who you have no say in.

Olenna and Margery are the driving force behind the Tyrells, which is unusual for that time. Usually it was males who made the decisions and if you wanted to take down a house, you called your bannermen and went into open rebellion. I find it ironic that Cersei was lecturing Margery about the Rains of Castamere. Cersei knew the Tyrells were a threat but lacked the finesse to play a more subtle game. When she ordered Pycelle to give the food to the dogs, she didn't realise that this would reflect badly on Joffrey, not Margery. Margery in her wedding speech clearly said "on the orders of King Joffrey...." so while Cersei thought she was having a petty win, she couldn't see that she was actually undermining Joffrey.

The Tyrells approach reminds me of Mean Girls :P ie all their fighting is sneaky. They are not above killing or sacrificing the odd pawn but they do it in such a subtle way that all out war and the deaths of thousands of innocent people is avoided. I wonder if they do get to be the most powerful house if they would be able to keep these standards or if after a certain amount of time, they would succumb to the old adage that absolute power corrupts, absolutely?

*BOOK READERS DO NOT READ*

Tywin and Olenna were clearly equals but the main difference between them was that Olenna trained an heir ie Margery to take her place and Tywin didn't.

I'm really looking forward to see how the Tyrell story progresses.

Witcher · 16-04-2014 3:54pm

Baratheon's or The Baratheon at this stage:pac:

Tzar Chasm · 16-04-2014 5:29pm

The faceless men are a kind of family.

From a pure westrosi position I would pledge my alleigence to house martell, they seem to be the most Liberal/Progressive of all the houses.

dosent hurt that they live in the tropics and have the best food and wine

rok · 17-04-2014 6:26am

What about the Freys?

thefa · 17-04-2014 8:02am

Walder Frey is the only Frey we learn about in any detail and he's an untrustworthy, despicable character. Even putting aside all the other stuff that was done during the red wedding, he didn't even flinch when his wife had a knife to her throat and just says something like I'll get a new one so he's not even protective of his own family. His wife was young enough to be his grand daughter too. A person who genuinely likes the freys would have an odd choice of characteristic preferences in my opinion.

Lovely Bloke · 17-04-2014 8:18am

thefa wrote: »

. His wife was young enough to be his grand daughter too.

Not only that, she probably WAS his granddaughter.

rok · 17-04-2014 10:39am

We've left out the Tullys of Riverrun.
An honourable sort, tho I never really warmed to Catelyn.
Blackfish seemed to be alright and Edmure even went ahead with the arranged marriage in the end. Lysa (Arryn) is a bit of craic too.

Paddy Cow · 17-04-2014 10:53am

thefa wrote: »

Walder Frey is the only Frey we learn about in any detail and he's an untrustworthy, despicable character. Even putting aside all the other stuff that was done during the red wedding, he didn't even flinch when his wife had a knife to her throat and just says something like I'll get a new one so he's not even protective of his own family. His wife was young enough to be his grand daughter too. A person who genuinely likes the freys would have an odd choice of characteristic preferences in my opinion.

She could be his great great grand daugther. He's in his 90's and she's only 14.

Savage Tyrant · 17-04-2014 5:08pm

Jon Snow is my favourite book character.
Tyrion is my favourite from the show followed by the Hound.

Favourite family is the obvious, Stark, but i do like the old school Targaryen and the one remaining one, though she can hardly be called a family on her own.

beauty101 · 18-04-2014 7:02pm

Favourite Family: Stark, although I never warmed to Ned/Catelyn/Rob
Favourite Character: Tyrion/Arya/Sansa/The Hound

SeanJ09 · 18-04-2014 7:06pm

Favourite Family: The Starks
Favourite Characters: Tywin, Arya, The Hound, and The Blackfish (can't wait to see more of him in the series).

Un Croissant · 18-04-2014 7:39pm

Is everyone's favourite character the same in book and show? I prefered the Tullys in the book.

pinkypinky · 19-04-2014 12:28am

I suppose predictably my favourite family is the Starks - but GRRM clearly wants us to love them. Tyrion's my favourite character.

I feel we could cut everything to do with the Ironborn. I skim read their chapters. There better be some big payoff for reading their dull story.

Krusader · 19-04-2014 11:21am

Family: Stark
Character: Arya/Tyrion

username123 · 19-04-2014 11:57am

Hmmmmm....I'd like to see more of Briennes family, she's cool. I like the Mormonts too.

Probably the old school Targaryens for favourite family.

My favourite character is Jaime Lannister, I do like the complexity of his character, capable of evil but has a conscience about other matters. Brave as anything too.

I'm warming more to tv show Loras Tyrell.

Oranage2 · 19-04-2014 3:35pm

pinkypinky wrote: »

I suppose predictably my favourite family is the Starks - but GRRM clearly wants us to love themSo it' Tyrion's my favourite character.

I feel we could cut everything to do with the Ironborn. I skim read their chapters. There better be some big payoff for reading their dull story.

As major families go, it was just the starks and lannisters In it from the start, one is honourable and the other not so. So it's no surprise they're most people's favourite.

K_user · 24-04-2014 12:36pm

Oh confusion!

I think all of the houses are interesting. But that's because of the characters that control them.

For example, would the Lannisters be as interesting if a quiet pious type was in charge? No. Tywin is a fantastic character. He's complex, to be feared, but you can understand where he is coming from.

The Starks kind of put the "Noble" into Nobility. But again that came from Ned and his belief system.

Ignoring the likes of the mad King, the Targaryen's are a fascinating bunch.

Its hard to side with a house, because my favourite characters come from them all. Tywin, Tyrion, The Blackfish, Dany, Arya, to name a few. But these are the characters that you are supposed to like. You are meant to form a connection with the likes of Ned, just so his beheading is shocking.

username123 · 25-04-2014 9:38am

Un Croissant wrote: »

Is everyone's favourite character the same in book and show? I prefered the Tullys in the book.

I didnt like the Hound in the book but I love tv Hound.

Initially I was disappointed with tv Loras Tyrell as I had him imagined as less foppish and more macho, but the actor has really brought a lot to the character and I like him more and more on tv.

One of the things about the show is though, that even when I dont like the character, I love the characterisation. Joffrey and Tywin being brilliant examples of this.

Lady Spangles · 02-05-2014 9:52pm

Paddy Cow wrote: »

I never got the love for the Starks, especially Ned. I was upset for Sansa and Arya that he died but I was glad to see his character go. He was a sanctimonious pain in the arse and was warned by many in King's Landing that it was a dirty game but he thought he was above playing politics. Oh well, a fool and his head are easily parted!

Glad I'm not alone in this. I like the Starks, but I don't honestly get the unadulterated love for them. Catelyn (although a Tully first and foremost, I think) was positively horrible to poor Jon Snow and she came across as sanctimonious as a result.

I honestly cannot pick a favourite between Lannister, Baratheon (STANNIS!!!) and Targaryen. I wish a long and prosperous future to the wonderful House Seaworth and lovely Davos, too.

Da Shins Kelly · 02-05-2014 11:27pm

I don't get the love for Stannis, tbh. He is one of my least favourite characters, along with the witch woman. The way they go on is just so annoying.

Witcher · 02-05-2014 11:28pm

Da Shins Kelly wrote: »

I don't get the love for Stannis, tbh. He is one of my least favourite characters, along with the witch woman. The way they go on is just so annoying.

I'd say most people are basing it on the book version of Stannis, I know I am anyway.

Lady Spangles · 02-05-2014 11:46pm

Definitely book Stannis. He's honestly the only character who believes in truth/justice and is prepared to put his words into action. The only thing is his reliance on Melisandre. But still, I think the amazing Davos is still the key influence on Stannis, despite his hatred of the new religion/R'hllor.

YouSavedMyLife · 03-05-2014 12:18am

From the book.
Family are the Greyjoys.
Character is Arya.

No real favs from the show. We have more to see of the Greyjoys and Martells so it would be one of them I wager.

Lots of favourite characters from the show mainly because of the actors. The hound, Arya, Tyrion, Tywin. Too many to name

Da Shins Kelly · 03-05-2014 12:24am

Lady Spangles wrote: »

Definitely book Stannis. He's honestly the only character who believes in truth/justice and is prepared to put his words into action. The only thing is his reliance on Melisandre. But still, I think the amazing Davos is still the key influence on Stannis, despite his hatred of the new religion/R'hllor.

Really? Granted, I haven't read the books, but I wouldn't call Stannis burning people alive on the orders of some kind of witch very just. She seems to be using Stannis for her own ends, which makes me wonder about just how clever he is too. Davos comes off as the only real voice of reason in that camp.

I would have thought Ned Stark was the most upstanding anyway. He recognizes Stannis as the rightful king and urges him to take the throne once he finds out what the Lannisters are up to, and tries to stop the murder of Daenerys and her unborn child. He died trying to honour Robert Baratheon's wishes in the end. It was in fact his staunch belief in truth and justice that was his undoing.

Lady Spangles · 03-05-2014 11:19am

Da Shins Kelly wrote: »

Really? Granted, I haven't read the books, but I wouldn't call Stannis burning people alive on the orders of some kind of witch very just. She seems to be using Stannis for her own ends, which makes me wonder about just how clever he is too. Davos comes off as the only real voice of reason in that camp.

I would have thought Ned Stark was the most upstanding anyway. He recognizes Stannis as the rightful king and urges him to take the throne once he finds out what the Lannisters are up to, and tries to stop the murder of Daenerys and her unborn child. He died trying to honour Robert Baratheon's wishes in the end. It was in fact his staunch belief in truth and justice that was his undoing.

Yes, Melisandre is proving to be the ruin of Stannis, but I'm holding out hope. He's not stupid and he's got to, er, see the light soon. If only Davos had even a remote claim to the Iron Throne.

Junior D · 04-05-2014 9:31pm

Jesus I hated Catelyn Stark, what an outright bitch!
To me, just came across as a selfish self-serving woman. Sounds mean, but I felt a little bit of happiness when her character (excuse the pun) was cut from the show!

My favourite family is the Tyrell's
Favourite character was Joffery, even though I thoroughly disliked him at the same time. Just loved every single scene he was in and the tension he was able to build
New favourite is Arya, love what a complex character she is becoming

Savage Tyrant · 05-05-2014 7:49pm

Junior D wrote: »

Jesus I hated Catelyn Stark, what an outright bitch!
To me, just came across as a selfish self-serving woman. Sounds mean, but I felt a little bit of happiness when her character (excuse the pun) was cut from the show!

My favourite family is the Tyrell's
Favourite character was Joffery, even though I thoroughly disliked him at the same time. Just loved every single scene he was in and the tension he was able to build
New favourite is Arya, love what a complex character she is becoming

In the books nor the show, I just could not warm to her at all. I wouldn't describe her as an outright bitch, but her contempt for Jon Snow ensured that even her positive traits weren't enough for me to like her.
Maybe is comes from being a "bastard" myself, but I empathised strongly with Jon Snow.

Witcher · 05-05-2014 8:09pm

Savage Tyrant wrote: »

Maybe is comes from being a "bastard" myself, but I empathised strongly with Jon Snow.

I'm in the same position myself and feel exactly the same.

I was born when being having a child out of wedlock was becoming more common but was still frowned upon a bit, all my friend's parents were married etc.

Nobody ever said it to me or even alluded to it but I kinda felt it growing up. I had an auntie who had to give up her child for adoption in the late 70's/early 80's because he was born out of wedlock and she never saw him again.

She's dead now but I've always wondered did it hurt her a bit when I was born and it had become more acceptable socially to have an 'illegitimate child' when she had given up hers.

cathalio11 · 05-05-2014 9:15pm

In answering the question from the original post, I really am tied between House Dustin, House Fowler and House Trant.

I think Ser Meryn just tips House Trant for me.

TimeToShine · 06-05-2014 12:02pm

I don't know if this is a show or book thread so I'll spoiler my opinion.

Any Targaryen/Blackfyres are pretty cool in my book provided they aren't Dany. If Aegon is real I want him to make it. Assuming R+L=J then I'm a Snow fan. Also very fond of Davos and Doran Martell.

SeanJ09 · 20-05-2014 11:48pm

Favourite character now has to be Oberyn Martell, he is so freaking cool.

Cienciano · 21-05-2014 10:48am

Favourite has to be the starks, but in the last couple of books the one I liked reading about was the Greyjoys, particularly Euron

RobbingBandit · 21-05-2014 10:52am

Craster.

Favourite has to be The Lanisters. Love Tyrion, great character. Loved King Robert and Renly too though.

Rosy Posy · 22-05-2014 5:28am

Favourite family has to be the Martells, mostly for the

Sand Snakes and Arianne- they are so badass!

Favourite character is Arya.

Kunkka · 22-05-2014 11:10am

Family : Baratheon

Character : Stannis

Pepe LeFrits · 22-05-2014 3:42pm

Tywin marries the Queen of Thorns
Jaime marries Melisandre
Margaery marries Oberyn
Loras marries Varys
Tyrion marries Daenerys and they adopt Sansa
Sansa marries Gendry, who has been adopted by Davos
Tommen marries Arya
Myrcella marries Pod

Cersei falls off a cliff.

They all meet at the funeral and decide to rename themselves as House Awesome.

Sleepy · 22-05-2014 5:01pm

On further reflection... I think the Martells may in some ways be my favourites. Book "World" rather than plot

As Dornish, they're the most liberal both in terms of gender and sexuality, they seem to recognise that their power comes from the people rather than divine right, they encourage low-born children to play and mix with princes and princessses in the Water Gardens, they're the royal family that was never stupid enough to field an army against Aegon's dragons and bled his armies by guerrilla warfare until he eventually gave up.

Also book

I love how Oberyn raised his daughters with the idea that they can take any man they choose to their bed but not to ask him to intervene should one hurt them as he's equipped them all with the skills to fight their own corners. Doran is a favourite of mine too, he reminds me of the ancient Chinese war-lords who would wait decades for a trap to be best sprung... "the long grass that hides the viper" and the one who clearly understands that war means innocent children dying.

And Oberyn. What needs to be said about Oberyn beyond how incredible a job Pedro Pascal has done portraying one of the coolest bad-asses in ASOIAF.

EDIT: apologies if I screwed anyone over with the dodgy spoiler tags. There's nothing *too* bad there but still I know how spoiler sensitive some are!

Favourite family?

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