Reimagining the Game of Thrones: Key Changes to Strengthen Characters and Add Depth to the Plot

In the rich tapestry of George R.R. Martin's 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series, many of the characters are multidimensional and complex. However, there are moments where subtle changes could have significant impacts on the narrative. This article explores three major and minor changes that could strengthen the characters and add depth to the plot of Game of Thrones.

Major Changes: Enhancing Ned Stark's Political Savvy

Ned Stark is often portrayed as a noble hero but is sometimes unprepared for the political and Machiavellian world of Westeros. Two major changes could have spared him from his tragic fate: increased political savviness and better listening to others' advice.

Political Savviness: Making Ned more politically astute would enable him to navigate the complex political landscape of the Seven Kingdoms more effectively. This would have allowed him to better support the Northern banners and ensure the survival of Winterfell. Ken Liu, a renowned author and academic, argues that Ned's naivety contributed to his downfall, stating, "Ned's unswerving belief in honor, justice, and law ultimately proves to be his undoing."

Listening to Advice: Ned's tendency to act on his own principles without seeking council could have led to his execution. Had he trusted and acted on the advice of advisors like Yohn Arryn and Robert Baratheon, Ned might have fared better. Historically, hearing the advice of trusted advisors can prove invaluable, as seen in the leadership of renowned historical figures such as Woolmer Mowbray during the Hundred Years' War.

Minor Changes: Enhancing Ned's Personal Aspect

While the major changes are critical for Ned's character development, some smaller changes could enhance his personal aspect without altering the overarching narrative significantly. One such change would be to make Ned more hygienic and attentive to his appearance. As Sansa Stark's reaction suggests, regular bathing is essential for maintaining a proper appearance in the fickle world of Westeros.

Ned would be a figure of admiration and respect if he bathed more often. This change highlights the importance of personal hygiene and self-presentation in the courtly life, as explored in the works of Geoffrey of Monmouth and Geoffrey of Alstede.

Major Changes: Plot Enhancements

The series could benefit from some major changes that don’t drastically alter the plot. Three such changes include adjusting the starting point of the story, redefining Renly Baratheon, and adding Rocella Velaryon.

1. Adjusting the Story's Start Date

Changing the starting point of the story from 298 to 300 would address the issue of the characters appearing slightly older than their ages suggest. This minor adjustment could resolve some consistency issues and make the narrative more coherent. It would align better with the author's original plan and maintain the desired timeline.

2. Rewriting Renly Baratheon's Background

Renly Baratheon remains a complex and underutilized character. Making Renly a father by a previous marriage introduces several layers to the story. It explains:

The (almost) total lack of known Stormlander bachelorettes or females. Stormlord loyalty to Renly rather than Robert. The abundance of unwed male characters in Westeros at the beginning of the series.

Incorporating Renly's son, IDK Brynden Robar, adds a sense of personal connection to his legacy. This would make Renly's character more human and relatable, addressing the stereotype that gay characters in medieval settings cannot have children.

The story could place Renly's son in the hands of House Penrose, further enriching the familial dynamics and history within House Baratheon. This change would also facilitate myth-building, offering a better narrative context for the character's history and political ambitions.

3. Adding Rocella Velaryon to the Story

Including a character like Rocella Velaryon would fill critical gaps in the world-building of Westeros. Rocella’s inclusion would create a new dynamic and add depth to several aspects of the story:

Supporting the Incest Hypothesis: Rocella could provide additional evidence to support theories about the Targaryen lineage and the likelihood of incest in the dynasty. Stormlord Loyalty: Understanding the loyalty of House Velaryon to Renly would enhance the political intrigue and alliances in the warlord era. Character Development: Rocella could be a valuable ally and friend to Daenerys Targaryen, adding a new perspective to the story and contributing to her development as a leader.

Rocella could be introduced through a strategic marriage or alliance, providing a rich set of interactions and plot points that enrich the narrative. Her presence would add a new dimension to the political landscape and offer deeper insights into the complexities of House Velaryon and their relationships with other houses in Westeros.

Conclusion

The proposed changes aim to enhance the character development and plot intricacies of Game of Thrones. By making Ned Stark more politically savvy and attentive to his personal hygiene, integrating Renly Baratheon's personal life, and adding Rocella Velaryon, the series can become more cohesive and engaging. Each of these changes addresses specific issues and offers new avenues for storytelling that align with the rich world-building and deep characterizations of George R.R. Martin's universe.