Tubbo’s Character in the Dream SMP: Why I Admire and Struggle to Sympathize with Him-A Thread

Let’s start by making this clear: I admire Tubbo’s character. I think he has some very strong traits that make him a good leader or could make him a good leader. He’s also made very difficult decisions for the benefit of his country and the expense of his own happiness.

Now, let’s get into the actual analysis: Tubbo is not a good president. There is nothing wrong, per se, with the way he runs things, but I believe he’s too easily controlled and manipulated. His entire life he’s lived under other people’s thumbs, and I believe that makes him less

able to make his own decisions. Although he stands up for himself against the cabinet and Tommy, he lets Dream walk all over him. This is mainly seen now; as the leaders of two separate nations, they haven’t discussed anything that would benefit the two nations. Instead, Dream

further manipulates Tubbo into believing that HIS decision to exile Tommy was for the best. The thing is... That wasn’t even really Tubbo’s own decision. He was doing it only to save his nation at the behest of Dream. It was the only way to stop war, so it wasn’t Tubbo’s decision

even if it was framed as his. What was his other option? It was the lives of an entire nation versus one person. Most people would let one go if it meant more would be saved, reminiscent of the train hypothetical: would you kill your best friend or a group of people? Most would

choose the former. The next thing that makes Tubbo a poor choice for president is that no one respects him; although that isn’t Tubbo’s fault (I blame the others), it weakens the nation greatly and creates more divides. A president should unite the nation, not tear it apart.

Again, that is through no fault of Tubbo’s own. He is young and only followed others, so to me, it makes a bit of sense that the others don’t respect him. After all, they didn’t vote for him, and he didn’t listen to their opinions when it came to Tommy’s exile. Another issue with

Tubbo as president is that he doesn’t really STAND for anything. As someone else pointed out in a thread, he doesn’t know what he wants. He doesn’t have a PLAN. Once he rebuilds the nation, what does he do after? What are his values? What does he WANT out of everything? Others

have said that Tubbo is gaining independence and learning to make choices for himself, but once again, he really isn’t. The voice telling him what to do has changed. Dream is the puppet master, controlling his every move, even if Tubbo doesn’t realize it himself. On to the other

part, here’s why I find it hard to sympathize with his character. It has nothing to do with his traits, but rather, his betrayal of Tommy. Yes, it was for the best of the nation. Yes, I think it was the right choice in the end, considering the alternatives. However, the choice

itself has made it hard for me to sympathize as I have fierce loyalty to my friends. I would fight tooth and nail to keep my friend by my side, no matter what. I don’t fault him for the decision; I just personally can’t reconcile the betrayal with the benefits. In the end though,

it’s important to remember one thing: Tubbo and Tommy are not in the wrong here. Dream is. So, yes, I find it hard to sympathize with Tubbo’s character. I believe he’s deeply flawed, but so is everyone else. Overall, I think Tubbo’s dedication, determination, and ability to put

logic ahead of emotions is something to be admired. I don’t agree with his choice, and that’s why I find it hard to sympathize. But if I ever find myself getting angry at him, I just remember who the true villain is: Dream. ~End Thread~ /DSMP /rp