5 Reasons To Immerse Yourself in the Game of Thrones Universe
3. Complex Characters
Since theyre not constrained by being purely good or purely evil, GoT revels in some much more complex characters than weve come to expect from fantasy fiction. These characters are flawed, and they have their scars (some of them physical, but Ill come to that in a moment). They might fall in love with the wrong person, they might make the wrong decision in the heat of the moment, they might strike a bad bargain. Some are introspective, and each has their own perspective. Whether you read the books or watch the show, the time that has been taken to give each character a unique voice is very much in evidence. Furthermore, the development of the characters is handled masterfully. They are profoundly shaped by the events of their lives, and one feels that every decision of each character has a real consequence that affects the overarching plot. Sometimes in fiction death can feel casual, with authors unwilling to spend too much time describing mourning because its not particularly readable. Here, the death of a character is given its proper respect, but the time spent grieving is never indulgent. I mentioned previously that the characters bear physical scars. Martin has a notable degree of sympathy with the physically incapable. Its appropriate that, in a world so full of danger, the characters should pick up injuries that affect their capacity to function, but its a truth readily ignored by so much fiction in the action and fantasy genres. Characters might be maimed or crippled during the course of the story, others are introduced as already incapable, being perhaps obese, or stunted. This, of course, further shapes their personalities its quite easy to be brave when youre 6 foot of pure muscle, but its an altogether different story when youre completely and obviously inequipped to fight. Martin enjoys taking characters out of their comfort zone, and that makes for some great television. Such characters must use their intelligence or charisma to survive, and the danger present at all times in the Game of Thrones universe is a crucial element in the desire to keep on. And speaking of danger...
Laurence Gardner was born in Canterbury, England. After moving around various cities during his childhood, and spending some time travelling in Europe and America, he studied English Literature at Oxford University. Since then, he’s been living abroad, teaching English, learning a range of languages, and writing in his free time. He can currently be found in Heidelberg, working as an English Tutor and Translator and studying at the University. If you liked this article, follow him on Twitter to get automatic updates on his work.
