Difference between revisions of "Dalinar Kholin"

Dalinar considers himself wholly a soldier and general with no talent for back-room politicking.{{book ref|sa1|69}} He also does not believe himself to be an intelligent man, and openly admits to his own foolishness.{{epigraph ref|sa3|24}}{{epigraph ref|sa3|30}} He is unflinchingly honest and straightforward, preferring to speak plainly rather than engage in any delicate diplomatic dance.{{book ref|sa3|12}} He has a bad habit of trusting people, such as [[Torol Sadeas]] and [[Amaram]], based on prior association, to the point of ignoring even the most obvious alarm signs.{{book ref|sa3|69}}{{book ref|sa3|58}}

 

 

As an extension of this, like his brother, he has a tendency to treat people, even those he loves, like tools.{{wob ref|12619}} He tends to believe that he knows what is best for people, and through this, can get rather commanding and controlling. An example of this controlling nature can be seen in how he forces Kaladin to retire as a soldier as he felt that it was best for him given his increasing trauma, refusing to take no for an answer.{{book ref|sa4|10}} It can also be seen in how he believes that some people, such as various Alethi Highprinces, need to be forced into doing what is right, that they cannot be trusted to make their own decisions.{{book ref|sa1|69}}{{book ref|sa4|50}} His complete opposition to the concept of democracy is likely a reflection of this controlling nature of his, his distrust of other people to make the right decisions or get things done, and in his views on what the role of a leader is in society.{{wob ref|11298}}{{book ref|sa1|69}}{{book ref|sa4|50}} This nature of his can be found rooted in the Way of Kings, that which he bases his morality upon.{{book ref|sa1|12}}{{book ref|sa3|105}} It teaches that a monarch, or any ruler, provides stability and strength to his people, that he and his orders are the firm foundation upon which society stands.{{book ref|sa1|28}}{{book ref|sa2|38}} This book was the foundation upon which he built his new self and worldview, thus it stands to reason that his controlling nature is rooted in his interpretation of the teachings of the book.{{book ref|sa1|12}}{{book ref|sa3|105}}{{book ref|sa3|115}} Another aspect of his controlling nature arises from his interpretation of his behavior as the Blackthorn to be rooted in a lack of control, which led him to try to overcompensate through always being in control.{{wob ref|11298}}

He feels extreme guilt and self-hatred for various aspects of his past life; such as the burning of Rathalas and killing of his wife, which mentally broke him enough that it laid the foundation of his change in character;{{book ref|sa3|105}}{{book ref|sa3|115}} or over the fact that he didn't properly follow the Codes of War on the night of Gavilar's assassination, leading to him blaming himself for his death.{{book ref|sa1|12}} He feels that he must honestly admit his past mistakes, and take full responsibility for them. He further believes that people must hear him take responsibility, and must know of what he has done.{{epigraph ref|sa3|13}}{{epigraph ref|sa3|14}}{{epigraph ref|sa3|15}}{{book ref|sa3|119}} He believes that taking responsibility is the first step to becoming a better man.{{book ref|sa3|119}} He also admits that he is a hypocrite, but believes that sometimes a hypocrite is simply a person in the process of changing, and feels that that applies to himself.{{book ref|sa3|38}}

 

 

He deeply values human life, far more than even Oathbringer. Due to this belief, he once traded Oathbringer for a group of darkeyed slaves, and considered it to be a bargain.{{book ref|sa1|69}}