Adapting a complex book series like A Song of Ice and Fire into a TV show is no easy feat. Game of Thrones reimagined and altered many fan-favorite characters to fit the show’s needs. These changes have sparked countless discussions, especially where show versions sharply differed from George R.R. Martin’s originals. Whether it’s lost traits or cut plot arcs, these differences highlight the creative challenges of bringing such a world to life.
Sansa Stark
Sansa Stark’s journey is compelling, but her arc in the show significantly deviates from the books. In A Song of Ice and Fire, Sansa remains in the Vale under Petyr Baelish’s tutelage, mastering court politics. Her evolution is subtle, reflecting her growing understanding of the dangerous world.
Operating as Alayne Stone, Sansa excels at the game of thrones, learning from Littlefinger while grappling with her identity. This complex transformation reveals a multifaceted character, developing strength over time.
The TV show accelerates Sansa’s development, sometimes lacking nuance. Showrunners condensed storylines, merging her with Jeyne Poole’s experiences with Ramsay Bolton—a plot absent in the books.
This change, showcasing Sansa’s resilience, drew criticism regarding her agency. Despite alterations, her role as Lady of Winterfell resonates, highlighting her growth into a strong leader. [1]
Tyrion Lannister
In the books, Tyrion Lannister is deeply complex: intelligent, cynical, and sometimes ruthless. Despite his wit, he struggles with self-loathing and feeling unloved. His physical appearance is also more striking.
Tyrion has mismatched eyes and is more grotesque. He’s a dwarf with a large head, a prominent brow, and crooked teeth. After the Battle of the Blackwater, he becomes even more disfigured, losing most of his nose.
The HBO show tones down Tyrion’s appearance. Peter Dinklage portrays him as handsome, with minor scars. After killing Tywin, book-Tyrion takes a darker turn, marked by bitterness and vengeance.
This darker portrayal adds depth, showing a man grappling with consequences. The show softened these aspects, focusing on his cleverness and humor. His political blunders in later seasons disappointed fans who preferred the morally ambiguous book character. [2]
Euron Greyjoy
Euron Greyjoy differs greatly from Martin’s menacing figure. In the books, Euron, known as “Crow’s Eye”, is a ruthless pirate and sorcerer who dabbles in dark magic and wields mystical artifacts.
His presence in the Iron Islands incites fear as he returns from exile with ships and fanatical followers. He wields Dragonbinder, a horn he claims controls dragons. Euron aims for the Iron Throne and unimaginable power through arcane means. He has an elaborate backstory, including travels to Valyria and claims of a dragon egg.
The show’s Euron is less nuanced, a brash pirate focused on violence. His character lacks the chilling presence of the books. Elements like dark magic and Dragonbinder are absent.
This simplified portrayal disappointed fans, as TV Euron lacks the intricate presence that made him compelling in the books. [3]
Brienne of Tarth
Brienne of Tarth is a noble warrior who defies gender norms. However, her storyline differs from her journey in the novels. Book-Brienne has an extensive narrative.
After Jaime Lannister gives her Oathkeeper, she seeks Sansa Stark, facing trials that test her loyalty and resolve. This journey includes introspection and moral dilemmas.
The show condenses Brienne’s storyline, focusing on her relationship with Jaime, which is depicted as romantic. In the books, they part with unresolved tension.
Her knighting by Jaime in the show is powerful but absent in the books. The TV show omits interactions with characters like Lady Stoneheart. [4]
Stannis Baratheon
Stannis Baratheon is portrayed differently in the books. He is a duty-bound leader, driven by justice, even when conflicting with desires. His commitment to the Iron Throne makes him sympathetic.
His use of Melisandre’s magic involves internal conflict. The show implies he is more swayed by her than in the books.
The TV series simplifies Stannis, reducing him to an unlikable figure. The controversial sacrifice of Shireen is hinted at but not executed in the books. [5]
Jeyne Westerling/Talisa Maegyr
In the books, Jeyne Westerling is Robb Stark’s wife after a moment of vulnerability. She hails from a minor house serving the Lannisters, adding intrigue.
Her relationship with Robb is driven by honor. She doesn’t attend the Red Wedding, and her fate remains uncertain.
The HBO series replaces Jeyne with Talisa Maegyr, a healer from Volantis, an original creation. Talisa embodies a romantic love story, simplifying Robb’s storyline.
Talisa is strong-willed, contrasting with Jeyne. Her presence at the Red Wedding intensifies the scene’s impact but diverges from Martin’s narrative. [6]
Doran Martell
Doran Martell in the novels is a master strategist, plotting to avenge his sister Elia’s murder with patience. He is introspective, protecting his people while seeking justice.
The show reduces Doran’s complexity, making him passive. His screen time is limited, and schemes are omitted. His relationship with Arianne is absent.
Doran’s death in the show, orchestrated by Ellaria Sand, deviates from the books, where his death has significant consequences. [7]
Asha Greyjoy/Yara Greyjoy
Asha Greyjoy, known as Yara, underwent changes from book to screen. Asha is a fierce leader, committed to her family. She commands respect among the Ironborn.
Asha is key in the Greyjoy succession, rallying support. In the show, Yara retains strength but is simplified.
The show omits complex relationships and political maneuvering. The show focuses more on Theon and Daenerys’s campaign. Asha is depicted as heterosexual in the books but bisexual in the show. [8]
Ser Barristan Selmy
Ser Barristan Selmy is a respected knight known for honor. After dismissal from the Kingsguard, he advises Daenerys in Essos.
In the novels, Barristan guides Daenerys through Meereen’s politics. He’s a warrior grappling with the moral complexities of serving a queen.
The show cuts Barristan Selmy’s story short, killing him in season five. His death shocked fans, differing from his role in the books.
His impact on Daenerys’s decisions in the books makes his exit in the show a missed chance to explore his depth. [9]
Lady Stoneheart
Lady Stoneheart, the resurrected Catelyn Stark, was omitted from the TV adaptation. In the books, after Catelyn’s murder at the Red Wedding, Beric Dondarrion revives her.
She returns as a dark version, seeking revenge. Her appearance is ghastly, with wounds visible. Leading the Brotherhood Without Banners, she hangs Freys and Lannisters.
The showrunners excluded Lady Stoneheart, disappointing fans. Viewers missed her darker turn and impact on the narrative.
Her absence altered arcs of characters like Brienne and Jaime. Without Lady Stoneheart, the show’s exploration of resurrection felt less complex. [10]
From altered storylines to omitted characters, the Game of Thrones TV series took many liberties with George R.R. Martin’s original creations. These changes sparked debates among fans, highlighting the challenges of adapting complex literary works for the screen.
Which character change surprised you the most? Leave your comment below!
