In the world famous saga "Song of Ice and Fire," King Robert Baratheon is a supporting character. This is a tie, and almost all readers from the first pages it was clear that he was destined to die.
Literary character
In the plot of a series of novels, the life and temper of Robert Baratheon are spelled out with maximum detail. His life ends in the first book of the saga "Game of Thrones", but before that, the author allows us to imagine what Robert Baratheon was like. Heir to the Storm Reach (port fortress on the west coast of Westeros), he lost his father early and did not receive lessons in male responsibility and caution.
Robert Baratheon is described as the “true knight” - an excellent fearless warrior, handsome and rake. Such a person is completely incapable of governing the state, and therefore, when as a result of rebellion and murder he receives the throne of Westeros, he has absolutely no idea what to do next.
During the reign of King Robert, Westeros lives on the old reserves of the former dynasty, while the ruler of the Iron Throne divides his time between hunting, feasts, visits to fallen women and inept attempts to control the state. He is indifferent to politics, and his subjects, demanding money, land or justice, annoy him. The king is illiterate in finances - the treasury is empty, and incredibly many debts.
Years of rule in idleness and longing turned the mighty warrior into a flabby elderly peasant (at the time the events began, Robert was only 36 years old), who needed only a cup of wine, a woman, hunting or a nice feast and a sense of security for happiness. It is for the latter that Robert Baratheon goes to the North, to Eddard Stark. The king’s life provided him with a firm conviction that everyone around them was lying and weaving intrigues. In such circumstances, he decides to rely on his friend, known throughout the country for honesty and directness. In fact, what matters to Robert is not support, but the ability to throw all the royal problems on another person.
Alas, the Baratheon is a real Deer King, a crowned, ill-bred animal with spreading horns.
Actor and role in the series
The television series "Game of Thrones" has the highest rating in the world, including due to the excellent cast. The heroes of the project in their actions, characters and appearance practically do not deviate from the literary source. One of the few exceptions is Robert Baratheon. Actor Mark Eddy in 2012 celebrated his 48th birthday, and this age could not hide either makeup or computer processing. So most viewers perceive the character as an elderly person.
The second departure from the canon is due to the appearance. A fatty alcoholic from a book in the series turned into a good-natured bumpkin, a merry fellow and a glutton. Mark Eddy's height is lower than literary Robert, and his belly does not bulge. The power and confidence of the ruler are felt in his movements.
The positive influence of the actor on the role of King Westeros was noted by both viewers and critics. Performed by Eddie, Robert Baratheon evokes calm sympathy and sadness. Had he been shown in full accordance with the book, the audience would have demanded his death already in the first series.
Plot events
During his life on the pages of the saga "Song of Ice and Fire" Robert Baratheon participated in several events on which the whole plot is tied:
1. The destruction of the Targaryen dynasty.
It was Robert who, in a duel, kills the heir to Westeros, Prince Reigar, who kidnapped his bride. He leads a rebellion against the power of the distraught king, overthrows him and anoints his seat on the Iron Throne. Also, with his tacit consent, the rebels destroy the Reigar family. Hatred of the former dynasty pervades Robert's whole life and is so strong that he gives the order to pursue and destroy the last Targaryen. The Baratheon implicitly fears them as a threat to his right to the crown of the kingdom.
2. The invitation of Eddard Stark to the Hand of the King.
Robert makes his best friend the second person in the state, signing the death sentence and bringing his own death closer. The ruler of the North is honest and does not trust others, especially the king’s wife - Cersei. His search for the truth about the death of the previous Hand and attempts to protect Robert from a disastrous life lead to the charge of treason and execution by decapitation.
3. Many royal bastards.
Active "body movements" of Baratheon with different women led to the appearance of illegitimate children. The offspring inherited his appearance and unfortunate fate. In the novel, after Robert's death, his bastards are persecuted and destroyed by Cersei, fearing that they will demand recognition of their rights.