What is the Emperor of Blefuscu's personality like in Gulliver's Travels?

Question

Yes, I've read the book three times and spent some time studying it, but I still can't find any hint in the text inidcating the Emperor of Blefuscu's personality.

Answer 1

I don't think he has any discernible personality. He is a cardboard cut-out of a good, wise and diplomatic monarch. He is responsive and generous to Gulliver, but so he should be after the services rendered by that man. Gulliver declines to remain in his service when invited to not because he mistrusts this particular ruler, but because he is disinclined to trust any ruler. I would conclude that this is not a personality so much as an idealised portrait of the kind of ruler Gulliver likes to do business with.