Way of Kings: Dalinar

[JWParker]

In a genre full of bad dads, Dalinar is a special character that hits all the fatherhood notes. 

 

I just finished Way of Kings after reading Mistborn Era 1, Warbreaker, and Elantris. And Dalinar is quickly becoming one of my favorite characters in the Cosmere. 
 

When Adolin asks him why he would risk his life to save Sadeas and Dalinar responds “the knowledge that you could handle the army if I fell” is exactly what every son wants to hear from their dad: you have what it takes!

 

From start to finish, I loved his devotion to his ideals and convictions, teaching his sons and other characters like Kaladin how to become men of honor and character. As a dad, it was inspiring to read. 

[TheWanderer he/him]

Dalinar is a phenomenal character who explores themes not often looked at in fantasy.

[That1Cellist he/him]

I very much agree. Dalinar is an amazing character.

[HOID WANTS INSTANT NOODLES he/him]

I cant say why but this post is a bit funny

[Treamayne]

20 hours ago, JWParker said:

In a genre full of bad dads, Dalinar is a special character that hits all the fatherhood notes.

I just finished Way of Kings after reading Mistborn Era 1, Warbreaker, and Elantris. And Dalinar is quickly becoming one of my favorite characters in the Cosmere.

When Adolin asks him why he would risk his life to save Sadeas and Dalinar responds “the knowledge that you could handle the army if I fell” is exactly what every son wants to hear from their dad: you have what it takes!

From start to finish, I loved his devotion to his ideals and convictions, teaching his sons and other characters like Kaladin how to become men of honor and character. As a dad, it was inspiring to read. 

Like any skill, it takes desire to change, hard work, time, and patience.

Dalinar may seem like a good father figure in TWoKs; just remember few get it right the first (second, third) time. You will get more of his backstory in book three - Oathbringer.

[JWParker]

8 hours ago, Treamayne said:

Like any skill, it takes desire to change, hard work, time, and patience.

Dalinar may seem like a good father figure in TWoKs; just remember few get it right the first (second, third) time. You will get more of his backstory in book three - Oathbringer.

Can’t wait! I’m reading Alloy of Law now and then jumping back into Stormlight. This just got me excited to read more!

[Lilien Kholin she/her]

Make sure you have tissues nearby! Oathbringer/Dalinar‘s backstory is heartbreaking (at least for me)! 

He is definitely one of my favourite characters (or maybe even the favourite character) and he was even the reason I started this book series (my first Sanderson book, btw). I’m really looking forward to see more of him in book four. 

(And I‘m hyped for Jasnah in RoW, but that’s a whole other topic)

[JWParker]

40 minutes ago, Lilien Kholin said:

Make sure you have tissues nearby! Oathbringer/Dalinar‘s backstory is heartbreaking (at least for me)! 

He is definitely one of my favourite characters (or maybe even the favourite character) and he was even the reason I started this book series (my first Sanderson book, btw). I’m really looking forward to see more of him in book four. 

(And I‘m hyped for Jasnah in RoW, but that’s a whole other topic)

This is a bit tangential to the topic but related to what you just said: I love that none of the characters are safe in Sanderson’s stories. No one is without the potential of blemish or danger and it makes the characters that much more interesting. So many other franchises (not to be named) can take note of this type of storytelling, that putting your characters at risk of failure or even their lives isn’t inherently a bad thing. It just makes the story that much more believable and gripping!

[Lilien Kholin she/her]

Ok, I‘m scared now, i didn’t know that… you know, Brandon kills characters off? But I totally agree with the other point, he lets the characters make huge mistakes and it’s great (and really painful, but in a fantastic way)!