Why Were Tommen and Myrcella Nice While Joffrey Was Cruel: A Deeper Dive into Their Upbringing

Anyone who has delved into the complex and twisted world of A Song of Ice and Fire knows that the Baratheon siblings, especially Joffrey, Tommen, and Myrcella, are products of a deeply conflicted family dynamic. Despite being raised by the infamous Cersei Lannister, these characters exhibit significantly different traits. This article explores the factors that contributed to the contrasting personalities of Tommen and Myrcella.

Individual Temperament

Each child possesses a unique temperament that sets the stage for their development. Joffrey's character is inherently cruel and sadistic, traits that are exacerbated by his feelings of entitlement and the lack of discipline in his upbringing. Joffrey was often indulged and shielded from the consequences of his actions, which reinforced his cruel behavior.

Conversely, Tommen Baratheon and Myrcella Baratheon exhibit more compassionate and kind-hearted traits. It's important to note that some of Tommen's gentleness and Myrcella's warmth are directly countered by Joffrey's sadism, creating a stark contrast in their personalities. While all three siblings share the same mother, the differences in their upbringing and the ways they processed this shared experience are crucial to understanding their varied characteristics.

Parental Influence

While Cersei Lannister had a significant impact on all three Baratheon children, the extent of her influence on each variegates. Joffrey often received reinforcement for his cruel actions, as Cersei indulged him and shielded him from societal judgments and consequences. This created a cycle where Joffrey's misbehavior was never truly addressed, allowing him to continue acting with impunity.

In contrast, Tommen and Myrcella may not have received the same level of encouragement for negative behaviors. They are more influenced by the values and perspectives of the people around them. For example, their father Robert Baratheon, though not a model father figure, had a significant impact on Tommen. Additionally, nurturing figures such as their uncle Tyrion Lannister and grandmother Olenna Tyrell provided Tommen and Myrcella with a counterbalance to Cersei's often toxic influence.

Relationships with Other Characters

Tommen and Myrcella have more positive relationships with a broader range of characters, including their family members and others in King's Landing. Their uncle Tyrion and grandmother Olenna provide them with different perspectives and moral guidance that counterbalance Cersei's often toxic influence. These relationships thus play a crucial role in shaping their personalities.

For instance, Tyrion's rationality and wise counsel provide a different perspective to Tommen, helping him develop a more thoughtful and empathetic nature. Meanwhile, Olenna Tyrell, a seasoned and resourceful tactician, instills in Myrcella a sense of resourcefulness and resilience. These influences contribute to the development of their kinder and more compassionate dispositions.

Surrounding Circumstances

The environment in which Tommen and Myrcella are raised also plays a significant role. After the death of King Robert and the rise of the Lannisters, the political landscape in Westeros becomes more dangerous and complicated. This adds to the vulnerability and impressionability of Tommen, making him more susceptible to nurturing influences.

The relationships between the Baratheon siblings and their family members also become crucial during this period. The death of Robert causes a power vacuum that Cersei Lannister takes advantage of to solidify her control. However, the remaining family members, such as Tyrion and Olenna, offer an alternative viewpoint and moral compass that helps shape Tommen and Myrcella's characters.

Tommen's vulnerability during this period allowed for more nurturing influences to shape his character. Despite Cersei's efforts to mold Joffrey, the financial struggles faced by the Baratheons led to a decline in the quality of Joffrey's upbringing, further emphasizing his cruel tendencies. In contrast, Tommen and Myrcella faced more stable and nurturing conditions that aided their development into more compassionate individuals.

Narrative Focus

From a storytelling perspective, Tommen and Myrcella serve as foils to Joffrey. Their kinder dispositions highlight the cruelty of Joffrey and emphasize the theme of innocence versus corruption within the series. This narrative focus helps the audience understand the impact of each character's upbringing and the moral landscape of Westeros.

Overall, while all three children share the same mother, their individual temperaments, relationships, and the influence of their surrounding circumstances contribute to the distinct differences in their personalities. By exploring these factors, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics at play in the world of Westeros.