On Robb Stark

[alexandral]

Dear friends, I am so sorry for the second day of ranting but I feel compelled to tell you all what I think about this over-celebrated character because some discussion on over-celebrated characters arisen in yesterday’s comments.

Disclaimer: These are just my thoughts, and I do not hold the right to absolute truth and welcome discussion. To tell

Comments

[charlie_bz]

It has to be the actor. I'm new to the fandom so I can't say how the character was received before the show. But, yeah, the actor.

Actually, Robb's characterization bugged me a bit because we didn't really get to know him.

[alexandral]

Yes, I think the same. I think Martin never thought Robb to be too important and always had him in mind for "the kill", hence the lack of characterization.

I have seen one poll from another source(other than LJ) and although Robb is popular (I think 15? something?) , he is not even close to top 5.

[rivertempest]

It may be because a majority of folks have only seen the series or read the one book, and so know nothing of future events that Robb is a part of, or brings about. If one only goes by the tv series, it shows Robb in a favorable light - avenging his father's death, general bad-assery, etc.

Just a thought.

[alexandral]

No, the same happened in the book community where the majority of folks come from book-reading side.

[rivertempest]

Ah, well then... you got me there. Like you said, must be the actor.

[alexandral]

Yes, and the fact that the show gave him some of the things the other characters (like Brynden Tully who was one of the cornerstones of Robb's campaign) did in the books , so that to make him more "heroic", hence increase the eye-candy value.

[shapinglight]

Not having read the books (well, I'm currently struggling with book 1 but not doing terribly well), I would think you must be right. I'd assumed Robb was going to be a main character. He certainly seems that way in the show.

ETA: should add, it's one of those serendipity things really, like Spike in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. He was meant to be a disposable half-season villain, but the actor was so good they kept him and he ended up being quite an important character. Richard Madden has obviously brought something to Robb that isn't in the books. I wonder where they'll go with it?

[alexandral]

yes, I think the way the show pushed eye-candy Robert Madden forward is the main reason.

Oh NOO!!!!!!!!!!! If they decide to keep Robb alive after Red Wedding in the show I will most likely stop watching it because it will be too different from the books.

[lydzi]

I do think they're way too excited about the Red Wedding (as much as us tbh) to let him live throught it ^^. Sad but well. I will forever cry at that terrible missed opportunity of Robb and Margaery Tyrell's wedding. Catelyn why didn't you though about it right away? :(

[dekyria]

I agree with you soooo much.

[alexandral]

Thank you!

[kem_viva]

I loved Robb before I knew Richard was playing him. I love basically all the characters though lol. I just love Robb because he is a really kind and good person, he treats Jon with equal respect when you know he could be bitter and dislike him. He is just as good of an older brother as Jon. I am also the oldest so identify with that part of him a lot. Idk I just think he is very tragic and love him lol

[alexandral]

Oh, I totally get it why someone can like him, but statistically, for a non-main character (already dead one too ;D) to at the top in the polls - I don't think this is an explanation strong enough? What do you think?

[kem_viva]

Well for me it depends what I've last read when I rank my favorite characters. Jaime is always number 1 but the rest vary a lot. If I have just read any of the first 3 books I would most likely include Robb as one of my top 3 characters. So with the show I think a lot of people just think of Game of Thrones since that is most recent (plus I am sure Richard's looks do help) and choose Robb as a favorite. I think the shows added scenes with him have made him even more popular because you see more of him as this bad ass leader.

[kem_viva]

Oops I meant top 5 characters not top 3 but it always changes lol I like too many for lists xD