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Brandon Sanderson / Re: The Gathering Storm Chapter One
« on: September 11, 2009, 09:49:20 PM »As I said, I believe that Perrin has become static. Both him and Rand have become one-trick-ponies and single minded. You're right, for Perrin all he thinks about is Faile regardless of what else is going on, and I feel that is boring. It used to be when we saw Perrin we saw his internal and external struggles and growth. We saw him learn. Perrin stopped learning after he became "Lord Perrin." Same with Rand. You know that when it gets to a Rand section all we get to see is him recite a list of names, and say, "I need to be harder." Regardless of what is happening to them, they act the same. Perrin growls while Rand lists names (much like Arya in Martin's novels). Mat is the only character I feel is actually growing, and consequently the only character I care about.
I agree that neither Rand nor Perrin are as fun to read as they once were but I still must disagree that it is because of character stagnation. I believe with Perrin, at least, it is intentional to show just how obsessed he is with Faile. In the beginning we got to see Perrin grow considerably, mostly him exploring his new "powers" and the transition from simple blacksmith to nobility. Then we saw Perrin change again into a married man and we started seeing some of the issues that come along with being married, however boring they may be to read about in a fantasy series. Lately, however, Perrin's character has been developed into a different person. Something has threatened what he loves more than anything and he is reacting to that. Because of that he becomes very snappy with people and has a very clouded mind. Just think back on Aram, how many warning signs did we have that Aram's loyalties to Perrin were faltering? Yet he didn't see that because he was consumed. His character has developed, it just may be into someone that you don't particularly enjoy reading about and I can't say that I blame you for that.
As for Rand, honestly, I'm hoping the last three books brings some sort of change in him. I could almost believe that Jordan didn't know how to have him behave once he accepted his place as the Dragon Reborn, but I have more respect for him as an author and like to think Rand is intentional as well. There has been plenty of foreshadowing with Cadsuane saying that she is going to teach him to laugh and Min saying Cadsuane must teach Rand and all the Asha'man something. I think that Rand is doing what he thinks he must but it will be Cadsuane who teaches him that he must be more than just the Dragon Reborn, he must be human as well.
I also feel that the female characters have all had their personalities meld to closely. I want individual characters, not a group that share one brain.
I miss Moiraine. It seems Jordan struggles to write women from their POV and not make them come across as simple sometimes.