Character Development in Game of Thrones: A Critical Analysis

Game of Thrones is heralded for its complex characters and intricate storytelling. However, despite the show's massive fan base, some characters did not receive the development they deserved. This article delves into the underdeveloped characters in Game of Thrones, focusing on Loras Tyrell, Rickon Stark, and the Sand Snakes.

1. Loras Tyrell: The Underdeveloped Hero

Loras Tyrell, a character from the books, was a tragic hero whose character development in the show fell short of expectations. The writers seemingly saw homosexuality as a defining trait, portraying him as a man purely focused on sex and passing through men. This narrow portrayal missed the mark on Loras’s journey in the books, where he is depicted as a young, passionate lover who would do anything for his love, Renly Baratheon. After Renly's tragic death, Loras never truly recovers and chooses to serve as King's Guard in King's Landing, opting for companionship over marriage due to the political pressures surrounding him.

Original Character Development (Book): Loras is a skilled warrior and a respected friend to Tommen Baratheon. He is also known for his courage in battle, having unhorsed the Mountain, a notable feat. His character is multifaceted, showing both his poignant love story and his strengths as a fighter and a person.

Stunted Character Development (Show): The show focuses almost exclusively on Loras's sexuality, neglecting his other defining qualities and character arcs. This leaves viewers with a shallow understanding of the depth and breadth of Loras's personality.

2. Rickon Stark: The Overlooked Hero

Rickon Stark, the little-known Stark child who becomes a wild child in the show, is often overlooked in discussions about character development. His story arc is underdeveloped, and the show's writers failed to portray him in a meaningful way. While the books offer a more substantial arc for Rickon, showing him growing up and facing difficult decisions, the show barely scratches the surface of his character.

Viewers are left wondering what became of this potential character. Rickon can fulfill a significant role as one of the Stark siblings, given his unique relationship with the White Walkers. However, the show fails to explore this potential, instead focusing on other characters like Arya and Bran.

3. The Sand Snakes: Overhyped but Underwhelming

The Sand Snakes, Daenerys's mercenary band, were one of the most anticipated groups in the show, but their development was lackluster. The writers introduced them as an afterthought and only gave them minor moments to shine. Their fight scene, expected to be a highlight, was underwhelming and not nearly as impactful as they should have been.

These characters were expected to be impressive due to their father, Oberyn Martell. However, their underdevelopment meant they didn't live up to the hype. The Sand Snakes are poorly written, starting and ending in the same underwhelming manner, failing to leave a lasting impression on viewers.

The Bottom Line

While Game of Thrones has a plethora of memorable and well-developed characters, some characters, like Loras Tyrell, Rickon Stark, and the Sand Snakes, fell short in terms of character depth and development. The show’s writers often focused on superficial traits, such as sexuality for Loras and battles for the Sand Snakes, rather than the rich, multifaceted stories they could have told. These underdeveloped characters left a gap in the narrative that, had they been given more attention and depth, could have strengthened the overall story and enhanced the viewer's experience.