This dynamic is made entirely possible by the not-being-tied-to-individual-perspectives factor (in the novels, every chapter is basically limited to a single perspective from one of eight-to-twelve people), which is responsible for many of Benioff and Weisss successes. As A Clash of Kings and A Sword of Storms unfold, it becomes more and more apparent that Petyr Baelish and Varys are pulling immense strings behind the scenes. We never see anything through their eyes, though, so often it is up to the reader to piece it together (mostly with material from Tyrions chapters). For the television series, this rivalry is played up beautifully. At the end of season one, their final conversation says everything while saying nothing. And what their conflict leads to in season three is terrific. Baelish makes his move towards Sansa, Varys recognizes what hes doing, and that is how the marriage to Ser Loras comes about. Certainly, it doesnt hurt that the two actors are so splendid, either, most especially the scene-stealing Aiden Gillen as Littlefinger.