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"A Game of Thrones" Characters Analysis
fantasy | 835 pages | Published in 2003
Estimated read time: 7 min read
Table of Contents
- Main Characters
- Supporting Characters
- Eddard Stark
- Catelyn Stark
- Daenerys Targaryen
- Jon Snow
- Tyrion Lannister
- Sansa Stark
- Eddard Stark
- Catelyn Stark
- Daenerys Targaryen
- Jon Snow
- Tyrion Lannister
- Sansa Stark
- Eddard Stark
- Catelyn Stark
- Daenerys Targaryen
- Jon Snow
- Tyrion Lannister
- Sansa Stark
- Eddard Stark
- Catelyn Stark
- Daenerys Targaryen
- Jon Snow
- Tyrion Lannister
- Sansa Stark
- Eddard Stark
- Catelyn Stark
- Daenerys Targaryen
- Jon Snow
- Tyrion Lannister
- Sansa Stark
- Eddard Stark
- Catelyn Stark
- Daenerys Targaryen
- Jon Snow
- Tyrion Lannister
- Sansa Stark
List of Characters
Main Characters
Character | Role |
---|---|
Eddard Stark | Protagonist |
Catelyn Stark | Protagonist |
Daenerys Targaryen | Protagonist |
Jon Snow | Protagonist |
Tyrion Lannister | Protagonist |
Sansa Stark | Protagonist |
Supporting Characters
Character | Role |
---|---|
Arya Stark | Supporting |
Robert Baratheon | Supporting |
Cersei Lannister | Antagonist |
Jaime Lannister | Antagonist |
Joffrey Baratheon | Antagonist |
Role Identification
Eddard Stark
Eddard Stark serves as the honorable and just Lord of Winterfell, and later as the Hand of the King. He embodies the moral compass of the story, often finding himself in the midst of political intrigue.
Catelyn Stark
Catelyn Stark is the devoted wife of Eddard Stark and a loving mother. She plays a crucial role in the political dynamics of the story, especially in her interactions with her family and other noble houses.
Daenerys Targaryen
Daenerys Targaryen is the exiled princess of the Targaryen dynasty, who seeks to reclaim the Iron Throne. Her character undergoes significant growth as she transforms from a timid girl into a formidable leader.
Jon Snow
Jon Snow is the illegitimate son of Eddard Stark, who joins the Night's Watch and rises through its ranks. He grapples with his identity and strives to honorably serve the realm.
Tyrion Lannister
Tyrion Lannister, known for his wit and intelligence, is a member of the powerful Lannister family. Despite facing prejudice due to his stature, he uses his intellect to navigate the complex political landscape.
Sansa Stark
Sansa Stark begins as an innocent girl with dreams of a noble life but faces harsh realities as she becomes entangled in the dangerous game of politics.
Character Descriptions
Eddard Stark
Eddard Stark, also known as Ned, is a stoic and honorable man, known for his unwavering principles. He possesses a strong sense of duty and loyalty to his family and the realm.
Catelyn Stark
Catelyn Stark is a resilient and protective mother, deeply devoted to her children and husband. She demonstrates shrewd political acumen and unwavering determination in the face of adversity.
Daenerys Targaryen
Daenerys Targaryen initially appears as a vulnerable and timid young woman, but she evolves into a determined and compassionate leader, driven by her desire to bring justice to the realm.
Jon Snow
Jon Snow is characterized by his introspective nature and sense of honor. He grapples with his identity as a bastard and strives to uphold the values of nobility and duty instilled in him by Eddard Stark.
Tyrion Lannister
Tyrion Lannister is marked by his sharp intellect, wit, and resilience in the face of adversity. Despite the prejudices he faces due to his stature, he uses his intelligence to outmaneuver his adversaries.
Sansa Stark
Sansa Stark begins as a romantic and naive girl, with dreams of a fairy-tale life. Her character evolves as she learns to navigate the treacherous political landscape, displaying strength and resilience.
Character Traits
Eddard Stark
- Honorable
- Just
- Dutiful
- Stoic
- Loyal
Catelyn Stark
- Resilient
- Protective
- Shrewd
- Devoted
- Determined
Daenerys Targaryen
- Compassionate
- Determined
- Empathetic
- Resilient
- Just
Jon Snow
- Honorable
- Introspective
- Loyal
- Courageous
- Selfless
Tyrion Lannister
- Intelligent
- Witty
- Resilient
- Sardonic
- Strategic
Sansa Stark
- Resilient
- Adaptive
- Perceptive
- Empathetic
- Strong-willed
Character Background
Eddard Stark
Eddard Stark hails from the noble House Stark of Winterfell, known for its strong sense of honor and duty. He is married to Catelyn Stark and is a dedicated father to his children.
Catelyn Stark
Catelyn Stark was born into House Tully, known for its strategic acumen and resilience. She marries Eddard Stark and becomes an integral part of the political dynamics in the North.
Daenerys Targaryen
Daenerys Targaryen is the last surviving member of the Targaryen dynasty, which was overthrown in Robert's Rebellion. She grows up in exile, dreaming of reclaiming the Iron Throne.
Jon Snow
Jon Snow is the illegitimate son of Eddard Stark, raised at Winterfell alongside his legitimate siblings. Despite facing prejudice due to his status, he seeks to prove himself within the Night's Watch.
Tyrion Lannister
Tyrion Lannister is born into the wealthy and influential House Lannister, known for its wealth and political power. Despite his family's disdain for him, he uses his intellect to navigate the dangerous political landscape.
Sansa Stark
Sansa Stark is the eldest daughter of Eddard and Catelyn Stark, raised in the noble environment of Winterfell. Her dreams of a fairy-tale life are shattered as she becomes embroiled in the political machinations of the realm.
Character Arcs
Eddard Stark
Eddard Stark's character arc is marked by his transition from a steadfastly honorable lord to a player in the dangerous political game of King's Landing. His unwavering principles lead to his eventual downfall.
Catelyn Stark
Catelyn Stark's character arc sees her transforming from a devoted mother and wife into a shrewd political player, making difficult choices to protect her family and the North's interests.
Daenerys Targaryen
Daenerys Targaryen undergoes a remarkable character arc, evolving from a vulnerable and sheltered princess into a determined and formidable leader, fueled by her desire to bring justice and freedom to the oppressed.
Jon Snow
Jon Snow's character arc revolves around his journey from a conflicted and marginalized illegitimate son to a respected leader within the Night's Watch, as he grapples with his identity and the responsibilities it entails.
Tyrion Lannister
Tyrion Lannister's character arc is defined by his resilience in the face of adversity, as he navigates the treacherous political landscape and strives to carve out his place in a world that judges him for his physical stature.
Sansa Stark
Sansa Stark's character arc traces her transformation from a naive and idealistic girl into a perceptive and resilient player in the political intrigues of the realm, as she learns to adapt and survive in the face of adversity.
Relationships
Eddard Stark
- With Catelyn Stark: A deeply loving and respectful marriage, marked by mutual support and devotion.
- With Robert Baratheon: A strong friendship founded on mutual respect and shared history.
Catelyn Stark
- With Eddard Stark: A loving and supportive marriage, defined by mutual respect and shared determination to protect their family.
- With Robb Stark: A close and nurturing relationship, characterized by maternal love and guidance.
Daenerys Targaryen
- With Viserys Targaryen: A complex and troubled relationship, marked by Daenerys' fear of her brother's volatile nature.
- With Jorah Mormont: A bond of trust and loyalty, as Jorah becomes a steadfast advisor and protector to Daenerys.
Jon Snow
- With Eddard Stark: A relationship marked by respect and warmth, despite the challenges posed by Jon's illegitimate status.
- With Samwell Tarly: A deep friendship based on mutual support and camaraderie within the Night's Watch.
Tyrion Lannister
- With Jaime Lannister: A complex and layered relationship, influenced by mutual affection and conflict within the Lannister family.
- With Varys: A strategic alliance built on mutual respect and shared interests in navigating the political landscape.
Sansa Stark
- With Arya Stark: A complex sisterly bond, evolving from rivalry to mutual understanding and support.
- With Petyr Baelish: A manipulative and dangerous relationship, as Sansa becomes entangled in Petyr's political schemes.
Overall, the characters in "A Game of Thrones" undergo compelling arcs, navigating a treacherous world of politics, power, and honor. Their relationships and interactions shape the rich tapestry of the narrative, adding depth and complexity to the intricate web of alliances and conflicts.