Does anyone here think Cersei is a sympathetic character? I personally think she has her good qualities, but other than that season one chat with Robert, I've never felt sorry for her. What do you guys think?
I've often argued for her being a sympathetic character. A young girl who's mother dies tragically in child birth, causing her to build a deep seeded hatred & resentment for her younger brother. Motherless, she's left with a cold, stern, detached father who never shows any kind of love or affection toward his children. With no one else to lean on she develops an unnaturally intimate relationship with her twin brother.
The Mad King deems her unworthy for Prince Rhaegar -- a big deal given the only real value this world ascribes to women is in their ability to wed and have children. Eventually she does marry Robert. A great warrior and pathetic king too consumed by his vices and love of a dead woman to be anything resembling a decent husband to Cersei. Still, she gives him an heir -- a black haired baby boy who dies suddenly as an infant.
We later find out she's doomed to bury all of her children, and has been bearing the burden of that knowledge most her life. Despite it all she carries a fierce & unconditional love for children as she hopelessly tries to protect them from their tragic fates.
I'd be popping the cork on some Dornish Merlot at 10:30am too.
