The game master is an interesting role for one to assume, moreso if one has always been a player. In fact most would consider the role to be daunting. At first the feeling of power is overwhelming but after one or two sessions one realizes the task is no different from gaming. Sure one must assume many roles and keep the scenario moving along. As a game master I'm there to have fun as much as the players are there to have fun.

Sadly the stereotype of a game master being sadistic, playing favorites and generally working against the players is unfair. This description may be apt for a munchkin or someone with their own issues but someone who understands the role these attitudes are antithetical and unconducive to gaming.

Killing off players or making their lives hell causes more problems than when creating fun. Always allow the players to create their own problems and have to deal with the consequences rather than thrusting it upon them. On occasion it's good to set something up that's inevitable and damning for the players but those should be rare situations within the context of the game. Plus it's always a pain in the ass introducing new characters in a realistic way. Usually players have to rely upon "I see your PC aura that says you're trustworthy despite the fact I've only known you for ten minutes".

Player character deaths also cause problems for the story. Various plotpoints which have been tailored over time for a specific player are now garbage. Trying to pick up the pieces and do something new will only create headaches and most likely end up with an inferior tale to tell in the game.

In closing, don't consider the game master as your adversary. Yet on the flip side of the coin, you'd be a fool to consider the game master as a friend to your characters. It's all a complicated dance.