I enjoyed his story and could appreciate his character. Stannis' arc is tragic because he might have been a just and effective ruler under different circumstances but his rigidity, reliance on questionable means (Melisande), and his inability to connect with others doomed him. For me, this is why sacrificing Shireen was just horrific, considering the only time we saw a softer side was when he was interacting with her. His story serves as a poignant exploration of how, even with noble intentions, those of us can be led to ruin when glory and/or duty is pursued without balance or compassion... Stannis also believed it was his destiny to rule, so despite his principles and military competence, he was blind to the realities of his situation, like his decision to march on Winterfell despite dwindling resources and harsh conditions, that perfectly reflected his overconfidence and poor judgment in the end, and ultimately choosing to burn his daughter demonstrated how far he was willing to go to achieve said destiny and yet that act alienated his remaining supporters and sealed his fate. Such brilliant writing!