Introduction

The fictional character Joffrey Baratheon from A Song of Ice and Fire has often been the subject of much debate. A common question revolves around what would have happened if Joffrey was actually the son of Stannis Baratheon, the more honorable and principled brother. Would his nature and demeanor be any different if he had been raised by Stannis and his wife, Catelyn Stark, instead of Robert Baratheon and Cersei Lannister?

The Influence of Parenting

While it is true that Robert Baratheon was neglectful of all his children, including his bastard ones, and Cersei Lannister is often portrayed as manipulative and self-centered, these factors alone do not fully explain Joffrey's skewed behavior. At the core, Joffrey's actions are a result of fundamental issues in his upbringing and development.

The Neurological Factor

Even if Joffrey had been raised by Ned and Catelyn, the issue wouldn't be entirely resolved. Tommen's remark about "going away inside" suggests that Joffrey had a history of emotional and physical abuse, which points to a neurologically imbalanced state. This isn't something that can be learned or corrected through training—it's rooted in his biological wiring.

Ned and Catelyn could have disciplined Joffrey and taught him to suppress his impulses in public, but they wouldn't have been able to change the core problem. Joffrey would still have remained a sadist, driven by primitive instincts, albeit in a more refined and calculated manner akin to High Septon Tommen.

Character Development and Nature vs. Nurture

Even in an environment of honor and respect, Joffrey's cruel tendencies would likely remain. The comparison to Viserys Baratheon is apt: both leaders would be influenced by their upbringing but might be more restrained with a proper upbringing.

Joffrey, with his Stark blood and some of the same principles, would still be prone to cruelty and sadism. This isn't to say that Joffrey's character would be entirely ruined, but it would be a significant flaw that would define him.

In contrast, if Ramsay Bolton were to control his sadistic urges, he might indeed make an effective successor to Roose Bolton. Ramsay's cunning and cautious nature could align well with the rule, ensuring stability. Stability in a ruling figure is crucial for the well-being of a kingdom.

Conclusion

While Joffrey's nature might be different under the guidance of Stannis and Ned, his core problem would still remain. His cruel and sadistic tendencies would likely persist due to ingrained neurological factors, despite proper parenting and training. The question of whether Joffrey being a Stark son would fundamentally change his character highlights the complex interplay between nature and nurture in shaping human behavior.