Introduction

Game of Thrones, a series known for its intricate plots and morally gray characters, offers numerous opportunities for ethical and strategic analysis. Sansa Stark, the noble and often misunderstood daughter of Lord Eddard Stark, has been a central figure in the show. However, opinions about her character are divided, with many perceiving her as either the symbol of nobility and intelligence or as a clumsy and ultimately ineffective player in the game of thrones. This article critically evaluates Sansa's mistakes and blunders, focusing on her interactions and decisions throughout the series.

The Lack of Initial Preparation

One of the key flaws in Sansa's strategic approach lies in her lack of initial preparation and learning. Unlike some of her contemporaries—such as Cersei Lannister and Tyrion Lannister—Sansa had very little training in the complex world of power politics. Cersei, with her cunning and ruthless nature, has honed her skills through years of political maneuvering. Similarly, Eric Pratt, Sansa's father, was a formidable player in Westerosi politics, but he did not share his secret knowledge with Sansa. This lingering ignorance played a significant role in Sansa's early mistakes.

Trust and Betrayal

A notable mistake Sansa made was putting her trust in the wrong people or adhering to the wrong alliances. Perhaps the most egregious instance was her relationship with Petyr Baelish, also known as Littlefinger. Littlefinger's cynical nature and self-serving agenda often led him to manipulate others. Sansa's decision to trust him over more deserving allies demonstrates her inexperience and willingness to be used. For example, in season 6, when Sansa trusted Littlefinger to help her maintain the Winterfell stronghold, little did she know he was setting a trap for her. This trust eventually led to devastating consequences for Sansa, including the rape and imprisonment of her family members.

Hostility towards Daenerys Targaryen

Another important mistake Sansa made was her hostility towards Daenerys Targaryen upon her arrival at Winterfell. Considering the complexity of the situation, Sansa should have shown more caution and diplomacy. Daenerys Targaryen was a powerful ally sent to protect the North from the threat of the White Walkers. She represented a crucial military solution to their dire situation. However, Sansa's mistrust and anger towards Daenerys were unwarranted. This hostility not only jeopardized the alliance between the Starks and the Targaryens but also hindered the Starks' ability to effectively deal with the Lannisters and the threat of the White Walkers.

Ineffective Strategic Moves

The strategic moves Sansa made later in the series, particularly her interaction with Jon Snow and Petyr Baelish, were also questionable. Littlefinger's ascension to the Northern Crown and the subsequent marriage discussions betrayed Sansa's potential as a powerful political player. Littlefinger's insinuation that Sansa should outmaneuver Daenerys by pursuing a strategic marriage with Jon was deeply flawed. This move not only disregarded the fragile relationships within the Stark family but also sowed unrealistic ambitions. Littlefinger's attempted influence over Sansa highlights her inexperience and lack of genuine strategic vision. The lack of concrete plans for ensuring Northern independence or uniting with the Targaryens further underscores her strategic weaknesses.

Conclusion

While Sansa Stark is often portrayed as a well-intentioned and noble character, these mistakes and blunders significantly impacted her journey and the overall narrative of Game of Thrones. Her initial lack of preparation, misplaced trust, and ineffective strategic moves ultimately contributed to the series' sometimes perceived lack of character continuity and structure. Despite her regrettable decisions, Sansa's story remains a critical point of analysis for understanding the complex dynamics of power and strategy within the world of Game of Thrones.