Introduction
Sometimes a show comes along which really sets the bar higher for other shows. In recent memory this has been rare and for a fantasy series – almost unheard of. However, all that changed earlier this year when US network HBO screened ten episodes of an adaptation of a book by English author George R. R. Martin called “A Game of Thrones”. The book is the first in a series of books called “A Song of Ice and Fire”.
Set in a fictitious land called Westeros, in what amounts to roughly the Earth equivalent of medieval times; the world features castles, knights, dragons and many things associated with a fantasy world. When I first started to watch the show I assumed (wrongly) that it would be roughly similar to Xena: Warrior Princess or the more recent Merlin series. I was dead wrong.
Before I discuss the show, it’s important to understand just how character driven the show is. It’s not a show particularly centred around any one storyline or character per se; although the TV series does in a way follow the exploits of one main family in particular – the Stark family – who govern the northern kingdom. We see the world from Lord Stark’s family’s perspective at the start of the series but the storyline evolves beyond the Starks as the series (and book) wear on.
To understand the series (and the intricate weave of plotlines), you must have some understanding of the vast array of characters (and the amazingly talented actors) who give the series flesh and bone.
The Families
The Starks of Winterfell
Are the lords of the icy north lands
The Lannisters of Casterly Rock
Positioned as the main adversary of the Stark family are the Lannisters, who govern in the west.
The Baratheons of Storm’s End
Lords in the East are the family who currently occupy the throne, led by the once formidable warrior-king Robert.
The Targaryens of Dragonstone
Are the descendants of the former Dragonblood rulers, directly descendant from the former (“mad”) King Aerys, and currently living in exile in the lands across the narrow sea.
The Land of Westeros
A List of Main Characters
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Lord Eddard “Ned” Stark Lord Stark is one of the key protagonists in the world of Game of Thrones. He is a grizzly hardened Lord from the icy cold northern kingdom, a man of honour and integrity who is a brother-in-arms of King Robert Baratheon. Ned is considered a fair ruler and a good father, an honest soldier and good, trusted, friend of the King. His father and brother were killed at the command of the former mad King Aerys, and he holds a grudge against the Lannister family. |
King Robert (the Usurper) Baratheon The King of the seven realms is a former warrior who seized the throne through force, rebelling against the former “mad king” Aerys Targaryen several years before the series is set. Now, the king is older, fatter and content to sleep and eat out the remainder of his years. He is manipulated by his wife and her family and by the many whispers from the small council of lords who run his kingdom. |
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Lady Catelyn Stark Lord Stark’s wife Catelyn is a formidable woman who grew up as the daughter of a Lord from the kingdom of Riverrun and was originally promised to Ned’s brother. She is a dutiful wife and attentive mother and plays a pivotal role in the series. |
Cersei Lannister and Joffrey Baratheon The Queen, Cersei, is the twin sister of Jaime Lannister and mother of Joffrey, King Robert’s son who is directly in line for the throne of swords. Cersei is one of the Stark’s main adversaries and she is one of the main protagonists in the struggle to control the kingdom. Joffrey is betrothed to Stark’s eldest daughter Sansa. |
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Tyrion “the Imp” Lannister Tyrion is the dwarf brother to Jaime and Cersei and is treated as somewhat of an outcast int he Lannister family. He routinely travels with the royal household and uses his wit and intelligence to get out of tricky situations. You might regard Tyrion as the most likeable of the Lannister clan. |
Jaime “Kingslayer” Lannister Jaime is of the Kingsguard, sworn to protect the life of the King. He fights in tournaments and wears fancy armour, and is famous throughout the Kingdom. He broke his oath as the King’s protector and assassinated the former mad King, which brought about the rule of King Robert. |
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Robb Stark Ned Stark’s eldest legitimate Son, and next in line to govern the north from Winterfell. He is an accomplished swordsman and dutiful son. |
Arya Stark Ned Stark’s youngest daughter, Arya is a wilful girl not content with becoming a wife and Lady, a girl who prefers swords and riding horses. |
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Sansa Stark Ned Stark’s eldest daughter, betrothed to Prince Joffrey and a girl who personifies the virtues and gifts of a Lady of the Realm. |
Jon Snow Stark’s illegitimate son, who resides at Winterfell uncomfortably with his step brothers and sisters. He is to eventually join the Nightwatch, a guild of soldiers who patrol the great northern wall. |
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Khal Drogo and Daenerys Targaryen Drogo is the leader of a savage clan of horse riding warriors called the Dothraki, who roam the eastern land across the narrow seas. Dany Targaryen is the daughter of the former king Aerys, and sister to Viserys, who is married off to Drago in return for the assistance Dothraki hordes who would help her brother reclaim the throne. She begins as a shy girl who matures throughout the series into a far more formidable woman and Queen of the Dothraki. |
Lord Petyr “Little finger” Baelish Lord Baelish grew up in Riverrun with Catelyn Stark, and over time he has climbed to power and now resides on the King’s council. An accomplished businessman, he controls the kingdom’s finances and schemes to manipulate events at King’s Landing. |
Viserys Targaryen The son of the former King, and living in exile across the seas, he has betrothed his sister Daenerys to the Dothraki in return for their assistance. Young, brash and prideful he resolves to reclaim his birthright – his throne of swords – no matter what the cost. |
Lord Varys A eunuch and influential member of the King’s council, Varys trades in secrets and maintains an extensive network of informants. His power lies in his knowledge, and little happens in the realm without his knowledge. |
 Ser Jorah Mormont A knight banished from Westeros, ends up as a sworn servant of the Targaryen family, and acts as an interpretor for Visserys and Daenerys as well as their protector and trusted councillor. |
 Grand Maester Pycelle Aged grand master of King’s Landing, Pycelle has served many kings throughout his lifetime, and acts as the voice of wisdom on the King’s council. |
“When you play the Game of Thrones you win or you die”
As you can see from this compilation, there are many characters and they all have important roles as the book and TV series progress. This rich tapestry of roles gives the series an amazing level of detail, with the story arc swinging wildly between locations both in Westeros and across the seas.
Principally, action is focused on events at the wall in the north, at Winterfell or at King’s Landing – or across the sea with the Dothraki and the Targaryen family. The mix of scheming, relationships and intrigue have created a TV series so engaging, that from episode to episode, we can only wait to see how the story unfolds.
Unlike most TV shows, this series is willing to go to lengths to stay true to the original book. While some aspects vary from the original writing, none of it really detracts from the overall quality of each episode, or the drama which unfolds. As a result, the show doesn’t follow the usual TV conventions, it includes scenes of bloodshed, nudity and so forth and also contains many other surprises which I can’t discuss here (spoilers!).
Needless to say, this is one TV series not to miss. Bring on season 2!
If you’d like to read more about Game of Thrones, why not check out my next post “Why I like Game of Thrones”.
Good write-up, Rob … but I found this review more succinct:
http://meganamram.tumblr.com/post/6724915182/what-i-imagine-game-of-thrones-is-like-based-on-never
Can’t wait for season 2…