ASSASSIN'S APPRENTICE - the characters

[Sandra]

What do you think of the characters and the characterization? Who is your favorite? And why?

[Amelia]

I'm about 100 pages in, so I've met at least some of the characters.

The idea of how to name the nobles is very interesting. Give them a name of some sort of attribute and then they will demonstrate that attribute. It seems like for the most part, this naming system works, except for Regal. I think his name just doesn't suit him. Now I have some forboding that he will end up becoming the king just because of his name (not a very good one at that).

Fitz's character is definitely growing on me. The first few pages were a little disorienting. I think it may have been the way we were introduced to him. Fitz didn't remember anything earlier than that day when he was six, so I felt like I was lost, alone and confused too. Now I think the story is flowing well.

Chade is one of those very interesting characters too. Other than being a teacher of well, more chancy arts, we don't know too much about him.

The stablemaster, Burrich, is another very solid character. I love how he took Fitz in and gave him a bed with the animals. In his mind, animals were much better company for this boy than humans, at least at first. He seems to know quite a bit about the old ways of things - the talent or ability to connect with animals. That wall in his mind intrigues me.

There's also the town children that Fitz has befriended. The girl Molly 'Nosebleed' is quite the lively character. I just read the part when Fitz saw her wearing a dress for the first time. That was a great moment.

I don't think I have a favorite character yet. I feel like I'm still getting to know them and haven't really seen them in action yet. So right now, favorites are pending...

[Sandra]

Yes, I think Robin Hobb is very good at character building. I loved Fitz from the first... poor little kid. But then I'm a pushover for wounded souls. :D

[Helen]

OOh I'm looking forward to starting this, its been so long since I read that it's all a blur.

[Amelia]

Thought of something interesting last night while I was reading.

I find it very interesting how this book is presented. I mean by doing this as a first person narrative telling the story of the past. Because I know it's Fitz telling the story, I know he's not going to die, but I am still interested in knowing his story. Normally, knowing that the character is going to be ok might detract from the story, but I'm still invested in the character and want to know what is going to happen to him.

I think I can admit it now, Fitz is definitely a favorite. I think he's meant to be. We are in his head in the story.

I also really like Verity, but I don't know if he'll ever make it to become king. He's doing so much for his people and getting very little credit for it.

[Sandra]

I've always liked first person narrative. Yes, we know the person survives, but how this happens and what happens along the way has always been compelling for me. I suppose that's why I don't mind spoilers.

[Lindsey]

Fitz is entirely my favorite character in this book and series, although my first time reading Assassin's Apprentice, I was equally intrigued by Chade and Burrich (sp? I don't have the book in front of me).

Fitz is such a real character to me... inherently flawed and blind in important ways but a character who is internally consistent and grows at a slow pace that matches my impression of people in general.

[Mitch]

I don't think I have a favorite in this book yet.
I think Burrich is interesting though. Have to think there's more to him than meets the eye at this point. Hobb has teased us with a little but whether or not she follows through is yet to be seen. I hope so.

[Helen]

I really must get a move on so I can start re-reading as I don't remember half of these!

[Helen]

I'm a little after Molly in the dress myself now. Fitz is being warned to be careful. I like Chade and Burrich but I guess we are supposed to because Fitz does. I don't like Molly - I remember not liking her when I read before but I can't remember why!

[Christy]

Fitz is a given as a favorite character for me. Of course I want the underdog to win. I really like the Fool and can't wait to learn more about him. Chade, Burrich and Verity....Hobb's has done really well with the character development. You get just enough information to let you know that there is much more to these men than they are letting on.

[Helen]

I've just finished and one character has deservedly died, the other is scott-free!

[Suzanne]

I agree with Christy - I'm very curious about the Fool and want to learn more!

[Helen]

The fool is interesting, the way he turns up, finishes sentences and the colourful room. Roll on book 2.

[Helen]

It's been a week since I finished and I keep thinking back over it. I'm wondering how Verity's wife is going to sit at a table with her brother-in-law after all that he has done. Also, seeing as Verity is so good, how is he going to react to the job that Fitz was sent on. I'm starting after my next read even if I'm early!

[Likos]

I liked the stablemaster Burrich with his strictness, his sense of loyalty and his devotion with animals.

I don't liked the villians in this book (I'm refering in particular to Regal)... I found their characterization too poor, too weak... they are flat.

Pity for the death of Rurisk... a character with good potentiality, perhaps for a political development in the story...

I'm with Christy, Suzanne and Helen, I found very interesting the Fool and I want to know more about him! Infact that is the main reason that now I'm on the book two of the trilogy.