Game of Thrones: Why Cersei Lannister Fails as a Foil to Daenerys Targaryen
Game of Thrones: Why Cersei Lannister Fails as a Foil to Daenerys Targaryen
Game of Thrones, the popular HBO series, has been celebrated for its intricate storytelling and complex characters. However, one aspect that has drawn significant criticism is the decision to expand Cersei Lannister's role as a foil to Daenerys Targaryen instead of developing their contrasting arcs. This choice leaves much to be desired, as it fails to effectively mirror the depth and nuance of Daenerys's character development.
Conflict and Foil in Aegon the Young Griff
The inclusion of Aegon the Young Griff in the storyline added another layer of complexity to the narrative. This character introduces a conflict that is both meaningful and engaging. The core of the conflict lies in whether Daenerys should forgive and listen to Aegon or reject him, highlighting the critical decisions she must make in light of her legacy and personal desires. The story delves into the (now) legitimacy of Aegon's claim and the reality of his being a Blackfyre heir, begging the question of how Daenerys should navigate this intricate web of familial and political loyalties.
Contrast Between Daenerys and Aegon
Daenerys and Aegon share many similar yet distinct beginnings. Both have had to overcome significant challenges and trials to secure their positions. However, Aegon's path has been privileged and self-assured, contrasted sharply with Daenerys's.
Daenerys, though initially not the heir, earned her title of Queen and Khal through the support and choice of her followers, including the former slaves of Mereen. She faced numerous trials and tribulations in her quest for power, making her a resilient and formidable leader. In contrast, Aegon has been sheltered and entitled, lacking the hardships and complexity that shaped Daenerys's character. This disparity highlights the deep-rooted issues of entitlement and the unearned privilege that Aegon embodies.
Regal Entitlement vs. Earned Leadership
The heart of any good story is conflict, and Daenerys and Aegon's conflict is central to the plot's progression. The contrast between their backgrounds and decisions creates a compelling narrative. Aegon's insistence on being a Targaryen, despite his lack of lineage, represents a form of unearned entitlement. In contrast, Daenerys's journey is one of self-discovery and earning her rightful place as a leader.
Additionally, the meeting of Aegon and the real lost son adds another layer to the narrative, particularly in terms of how Daenerys would handle a situation where she unknowingly wrought havoc on a boy who was not a betrayer. This further complicates the conflict and highlights the complexity of Daenerys's moral and ethical decisions.
Contrasting Roles of Cersei and Daenerys
While Cersei Lannister is often seen as the antagonist in the story, her characterization falls short of effectively foiling Daenerys. Cersei's role is one-dimensional, lacking the depth and nuance that make Daenerys's arc so compelling. The narrative often portrays Cersei as simply embodying the negative traits of a power-hungry queen without delving into her personal struggles and motivations.
Daenerys, on the other hand, is shown to have a more complex relationship with governance. The show often emphasizes her role as a warrior and conqueror, neglecting her day-to-day responsibilities as a ruler. This imbalance creates a lack of equilibrium in the character development, failing to showcase the depth of her leadership and the challenges she faces in governance.
Foil and Parallel Misunderstanding
The concept of foiling is crucial for effective storytelling, and the portrayal of Cersei and Daenerys fails to achieve this. To truly act as a foil, characters should complement each other's development and highlight contrasting qualities. Instead, the narrative often reduces Cersei to a one-dimensional villain, devoid of the complexity and depth that could have made the comparison more impactful.
The narrative also grapples with the idea of womanhood and power, leaning into alt-feminism and alt-women empowerment tropes, which can often overshadow genuine character development. The portrayal of Daenerys as inhumes femininity and her reliance on Tyrion, a man, underscores the pitfalls of this approach.
Tyrion's role, particularly his interactions with Daenerys, highlights another aspect of the narrative's shortcomings. The narrative often fails to showcase Tyrion's own struggle and growth, instead presenting him as a constant advisor and mentor to Daenerys, which can be seen as an imbalanced relationship that undermines the complexity of their characters.
In conclusion, Game of Thrones would have benefitted from a more nuanced portrayal of Cersei Lannister and a stronger foil character to complement Daenerys's arc. Instead, the narrative often falls into a one-dimensional and reductive portrayal, failing to capture the depth and complexity that are essential for a compelling and well-rounded storyline.
Key Takeaways:
How Daenerys and Aegon's conflicts make for a compelling narrative. The need for a more nuanced portrayal of Cersei Lannister as a foil. The imbalance in Daenerys's leadership and governance portrayal. The criticism of alt-feminism and alt-women empowerment in the narrative.