Frank Underwood’s Complicated Relationship with His Father: Influence on His Character in House of Cards

Frank Underwood, the central character in the political thriller House of Cards, has a complex relationship with his father that significantly shapes his character and motivations throughout the series. This influence is multifaceted, encompassing various elements of family dynamics, personal growth, and professional ambition.

Reasons for Dislike

Abandonment

Frank's father was emotionally distant and often absent, leaving a lasting impact on Frank. This sense of abandonment may have fostered resentment in Frank as he craved approval and connection. The desire for recognition and acceptance is a prevalent theme in Frank's character—his eagerness to prove himself and succeed in politics.

Moral Values

Frank’s father held traditional and perhaps outdated moral values, which Frank ultimately rejected. Contrastingly, Frank champions pragmatism and ruthlessness in politics. His father's ideals clash sharply with Frank's pragmatic and calculating approach to governance, contributing to their strained relationship.

Control and Authority

Frank’s father was a strict figure who expected conformity and obedience. Frank's desire to control his own destiny and rise to power led him to rebel against his father's expectations. This struggle for autonomy and control is central to Frank's character development and his relentless pursuit of political power.

Influences

Work Ethic

Despite the strained relationship, Frank’s father instilled a strong work ethic in him. Frank learned the importance of hard work and determination, which he applies to his political career. This work ethic is evident in Frank's relentless pursuit of power, epitomized by his famous line, 'Always knock on the door or table. It keeps your fists ready for a brawl.'

Ambition

Frank's upbringing in a small Southern town under a domineering father likely fueled his ambition to escape his roots and achieve power. This motivation shapes his ruthless approach to politics. Frank's thirst for power is driven by his desire to break free from his past and forge his own destiny.

Manipulation

Frank learned to manipulate relationships and people, a skill he honed in part due to his father’s control. This manipulation becomes a key aspect of Frank’s strategy in his political maneuvering. He uses his intelligence and cunning to achieve his goals, often at the expense of others.

Frank Underwood's Dislike and Public Image

Frank Underwood disparages his father heartlessly, stating that he had nothing in common with the man and felt no emotions upon his death, although he tells the public a different story. He attributes his lack of remorse to his father's cowardice in life and drunken behavior, which are characteristics he finds pathetic. Frank's hunger for power and the motivation to succeed are fueled by his father's ineptitude and lack of ambition in life.

Conclusion

Frank Underwood's relationship with his father is marked by conflict and ambivalence, contributing to his complex personality and his drive for power at any cost. This dynamic is a key element in his character and the series as a whole. Frank's struggle to overcome his past and achieve his ambitions drives the narrative and highlights the themes of political manipulation, personal growth, and the cost of success.