August '09 Discussion: Assassin's Apprentice: Characters: Likes/Dislikes (Besides Fitz)

[Chris]

What characters do you like in Assassins Apprentice and why? Which do you dislike?

[Elise]

I liked most of the characters. The Fool is a really intriguing character. He always seemed to appear out of nowhere to tell Fitz something important. I hated Regal, but he's supposed to be hated.

[Cecile]

I like Burrich: in spite of his rough character he has a warm heart and really cares for others. His name is well chosen from a French point of view, because it feels similar to "bourru" (rough) or "bourrique" (pig-headed).
I also like Verity, for his kindness and his honesty. He's very kingly, even if he thinks less of himself.
On the contrary, Regal thinks very highly of himself and despises everybody else. He isn't likeable, ... unless if you plan to kill father and brothers to inherit the throne.

[Libby]

I'll try to keep this spoiler free but I really liked the brief exchange between Fitz and Verity after the news of Chivalry. It showed a very thoughtful side of Verity

[Random]

I really liked Patience, though I can't remember how often she shows up in this book. I read all three one after another and they kind of run together. :)

[Chris]

Patience was one of my favorites too, Random. I'm not even sure why - I guess because she's "different". She's nobility, yet not. Not quite the girl of lesser status raised to nobility. Kinda off her rocker, but wise behind the first appearance. I'm looking forward to reading about her in the future books...

[Fox]

I enjoyed Verity, Patience, and Chade. Chade is a great mentor character. I enjoyed the way he taught. The Fool is a mysterious character to me. Perhaps not enough to say I like him, but enough to intrigue me - which is really more important, if you ask me. Regal was very easy to dislike, as was King Shrewd.

I am rather neutral about Burrich. I appreciate his protective nature when Fitz is concerned, but his disgust for a natural talent (the Wit) is (I think) a personal disgust (as I'm convinced he has it) that he takes out entirely on Fitz. This annoys me to no end. I'm hoping in later books that he comes to terms with his personal hatred and stops taking it out on Fitz. That said, I think he's a very well-written character and potentially one of my favourites. (I don't have to actually "like" my favourite characters - just appreciate them for what they are).

[Chris]

Viktoria - I also got the feeling that Burrich has the Wit. If so, he's ashamed and in denial, but that would explain why he's so hell bent on condemning it in Fitz....

[Cecile]

Viktoria wrote: "... I am rather neutral about Burrich. I appreciate his protective nature when Fitz is concerned, but his disgust for a natural talent (the Wit) is (I think) a personal disgust (as I'm convinced he has it) that he takes out entirely on Fitz. This annoys me to no end. I'm hoping in later books that he comes to terms with his personal hatred and stops taking it out on Fitz...."

Actually the hatred for the Wit is general, it isn't only Burrich, but I agree his uncompromising nature regarding the Wit is somewhat frustrating.
Burrich is a very secret character, he doesn't talk much about himself. In later books, we learn more about him and the reason for his behaviour.