Game of Thrones: Discrepancies Between Book and Show Characters

The commitment to the source material has been a point of contention among fans of Game of Thrones, a television series produced by HBO that was based on George R.R. Martin#8217;s acclaimed book series, A Song of Ice and Fire. While the show captured the essence of the story, there were many changes and discrepancies, particularly in the treatment of certain characters. Here, we explore some significant inclusions and omissions in the adaptation.

Characters Dead in the Books but Alive in the Show

In the Game of Thrones television series, several characters met their end earlier than in the books. Here are some of the notable disparities:

Barristan Selmy

One of the most prominent changes involves Barristan Selmy. In the books, Barristan continues to serve Daenerys Targaryen and remains a key character. In the show, he is killed by the Sons of the Harpy in Season 5, significantly altering his character arc and storyline.

Mance Rayder

Mance Rayder, the leader of the Wildlings, is portrayed differently in the show. In the books, he survives and plays a critical role in the Night’s Watch storyline. The show depicts his death by Stannis Baratheon, a stark departure from the original narrative.

Myrcella Baratheon

Myrcella is another character who met a different fate on the show. In the books, she is alive and well, playing a significant role. However, in the series, she is tragically killed by Ellaria Sand in a decisive confrontation early in Season 7.

Shireen Baratheon

Shireen Baratheon is another character whose story diverges widely between the show and books. In the show, she is sacrificed by her father, Stannis, to the Lord of Light as part of a ruthless strategy. In contrast, the books depict her as still alive, continuing her narrative arc.

Jeyne Poole

The character of Jeyne Poole is another example of a significant discrepancy. In the books, Jeyne Poole is a complex and integral character who plays a crucial role. However, her storyline is wholly absent from the show, with no mention or parallel character introduced.

These modifications reflect the creative liberties taken by the showrunners to create a narrative that pacing and dramatic impact dictated. Many fans lament the loss of these characters and their rich arcs, viewing it as a departure from the original source material.

CharactersAlive in Both Media but with Significantly Different Stories

Several characters are depicted alive in both the books and the show, but their stories take different directions. Here are a few more notable examples:

Brienne of Tarth

Brienne of Tarth faces a tragic end on the show when she is hanged by Lady Stoneheart, a character created for the series. In the books, however, there is no Lady Stoneheart, and Brienne does not meet this fate.

Stannis Baratheon

Stannis Baratheon is another character whose story changes in the show. In the books, he holds onto his sanity and devotion to his duty, while in the show, he suffers a breakdown and attempts to sacrifice his daughter, Myrcella, to the Lord of Light. This change significantly alters his character arc.

Roose Bolton, Ramsay Bolton, and Lord Varys

The fates of Roose Bolton and his son, Ramsay, as well as Lord Varys, are quite different in the show. Varys is killed in the books, while in the show, he survives but does not achieve the same level of moral and ethical resolve as his counterpart in the novels.

Petyr Baelish

Petyr Baelish (Littlefinger) has a dark and tragic fate in the books, ultimately meeting his end through the hands of his own daughter, Sansa. His journey in the show, however, takes a different turn, with him being captured and believing his daughter to be dead, only to be shocked to learn she is alive.

Conclusion

The divergences between the books and the show of Game of Thrones are rich and numerous, showcasing the vast differences in character arcs, plot development, and overall narrative direction. These discrepancies often sparked debate and reflection among fans, highlighting the distinct nature of adaptations and the impact they have on the original source material.