Joffrey Baratheon: A Character Lacking Genuine Respect, Admiration, or Relationship
Did Joffrey Baratheon Respect and Admire Anyone Such as Robert Baratheon?
Joffrey Baratheon, a character from George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series and the television adaptation Game of Thrones, is not depicted as having genuine respect or admiration for anyone, including his supposed father Robert Baratheon. Joffrey is characterized by his cruelty, arrogance, and entitlement, often displaying a lack of empathy for others.
Cruelty and Lack of Empathy
Joffrey is more focused on asserting his dominance and indulging in sadistic pleasures than on forming meaningful relationships. His interactions with characters like Tyrion Lannister, Sansa Stark, and even his mother Cersei Lannister reveal his manipulative and often violent nature rather than any deep-seated respect or admiration. While he may have outwardly acknowledged Robert as his father, any respect is superficial and likely rooted more in the desire to maintain his position of power.
Manipulative and Self-Centered Nature
Joffrey's character is largely devoid of genuine respect or admiration for others. Instead, he exhibits a self-centered and tyrannical disposition. His behavior is often driven by a desire to exert control andsubjugation.
Respect for Tywin Lannister
While Joffrey had to behave in the presence of King Robert, Tywin Lannister commanded his respect and fear the most. Although we did not see much of his interaction with King Robert, given that the latter died early in the show, Joffrey had to show respect to Tywin due to his role as his father and king's successor. Tywin easily controls Joffrey even though he is supposed to be serving underneath him as the Hand. Joffrey has some respect for Tywin's ability to make him feel safe. Whenever Tywin is around, everything feels under control.
Role Models and Their Impact
Aside from Tywin, Joffrey had limited positive role models. He looked up to his uncle/father Jaime, but Jaime was never allowed to be a father figure. Joffrey saw him as a cocky knight who intimidated people based on his reputation as a great knight. He also perceived qualities in these figures that he detested:
Roger Baratheon (Robert Baratheon): A drunk who resorts to violence. Jaime Lannister: A cocky knight who intimidates people. The Hound: Revealed cruelty and disregard for other beings. The Mountain: Arguably worse than his brother. Tyrion Lannister: The only real role model, but he shows none of the warmth that Joffrey needs.When it comes to his mother, Cersei Lannister, Joffrey sees her as indulgent, allowing him to do whatever he wants. Joffrey frequently plays the "I'VE BEEN KING!" card, which he inherits from Cersei. However, this indulgent parenting does not provide the warmth Joffrey needs, contributing to his manipulative and violent behavior.
Conclusion
In summary, Joffrey Baratheon is a character largely devoid of genuine respect or admiration. His interactions with others reveal a manipulative, self-centered, and tyrannical nature. Joffrey's upbringing and the absence of a positive role model contribute to his ultimately harmful persona.