The youngest of the Stark daughters, Arya possesses a stubbornness and independence that her sister Sansa does not, and as such is a much more likeable character. Never one to find interest in typical young lady pursuits, Arya wished to be a warrior. Her brother Jon Snow encouraged her, giving her a sword as a gift, and her father indulged her passion with swordplay lessons from Syrio Forel, the former First Sword of Bravos. When her father Ned was arrested, young Stark was shepherded out of King's Landing under the guise of being a boy before she was taken prisoner, passing through the hands of several different parties before ending up with The Hound. What began as a relationship full of shared contempt has grown into a begrudging respect bordering on friendship, though neither would ever admit it. The pairing has become one of the highlights of the show, providing some soft moments and light humor with the ever present trademark violence. Her laughter at the news that her aunt Lysa was dead was the only smile-inducing moment in an episode full of despair. Arya's fearless attitude and determination are admirable in someone so young and alone in a world full of men who want her dead. If any of those men see their wish granted it will be a huge gut punch for viewers that we just can't take right now.
Brad Hamilton is a writer, musician and marketer/social media manager from Atlanta, Georgia. He's an undefeated freestyle rap battle champion, spends too little time being productive and defines himself as the literary version of Brock Lesnar.
