The Bittersweet Ending: Who Has the Thickest Plot Armor in Game of Thrones?

Game of Thrones, a series famed for its unpredictability and brutal narrative, often veers into seemingly contrived territory with its characters. While some argue the plot armor is a necessary evil, others see it as a glaring flaw. This article delves into the characters with the thickest plot armor and explores the reasoning behind such narrative choices, including the bittersweet resolution of the series.

Introduction to Plot Armor

In literature, particularly in fantasy and speculative fiction, plot armor refers to a character's unrealistic resilience against harm. This concept has been a recurring theme in Game of Thrones, where pivotal characters often defied the odds and survived life-threatening situations. Let's explore who possessed the thickest plot armor and the reasons behind it.

Jon Snow: The Guardian Angel of the Wall

Jon Snow is perhaps the most notable character with thick plot armor. Despite facing numerous life-threatening situations, he consistently returns to play pivotal roles throughout the series. His lineage, revealed in later seasons, further reinforces his importance in the story.

Despite living in the North, Jon has an almost uncanny ability to survive. For instance, third season episode 10, titled 'The Rains of Castamere,' showcases his remarkable survival skills. After an assassination attempt, he runs miles without dying, a feat that often eludes seasoned Northmen who have lived there their entire lives. His survival is even more uncanny in season 7 episode 6, during 'Beyond the Wall,' where he manages to return to the Wall after running kilometers without a scratch, though the result is his exile to the Bastards of Bear Island.

Daenerys Targaryen: The Loyal and Valiant

Daenerys Targaryen is another character often cited for having thick plot armor. She endures significant hardships, including assassination attempts and betrayals, yet she manages to rise from seemingly insurmountable challenges. Her dragons and a loyal following have significantly contributed to her resilience.

Season 8, episode 3 of the series 'The??? hills' is a prime example of plot armor. The ravens managing to reach her in seconds and her ability to travel from Dragonstone to Winterfell in a matter of minutes, saving Jon and his team, are just two instances of her enduring and heroic spirit. The Night King killed her younger brother Viserion, but left her dragon, Drogon, intact. This was an unparalleled example of plot armor, considering Drogon was the closer target and would have likely been an easier kill for the Night King.

Arya and Sansa: The Grounded Heroes

In contrast, characters like Arya Stark and Sansa Stark also survive and thrive, but their stories are more grounded in personal growth and resilience rather than sheer plot armor. Arya's journey involves avenging her family, while Sansa's involves reclaiming her family's name and position. Their survival is more a testament to their strategic thinking and emotional growth rather than plot-driven luck.

The Night King and the Bittersweet Resolution

The plot armor of Jon Snow and Daenerys is especially notable in the context of the bittersweet ending of the series. Jon's final fate, returning to the Night's Watch and being somewhat exiled, is a complex resolution that honors his character journey and provides a sense of closure, albeit with a touch of sadness.

The Night King's behavior also raises questions about plot armor. Why does he let key characters like Jon and Daenerys survive? It is often suggested that this is to ensure their survival for the sake of the plot. However, the series raises more questions than it answers. For instance, why doesn't the Night King kill Jon when he has the chance, or why does he let Viserion die, while Drogon survives? These instances of plot armor are often seen as convenient and, at times, frustrating for the audience.

Additionally, the series often features plot armor in its supporting characters as well. Benjen Stark, Jon's uncle, finds and saves him without any explanation, further reinforcing his role as a guardian of the Wall. Similarly, the dead are shown to possess inexplicable abilities, such as swimming, which contradicts their usual portrayal throughout the series.

Conclusion

The thick plot armor in Game of Thrones is a double-edged sword. It ensures that the key characters survive and return to play crucial roles, but it also raises questions about the realism of the plot and the choice of narrative convenience. The bitter-sweet ending of the series itself is a testament to this, providing a sense of closure but simultaneously leaving many plot threads unresolved.

Summary

In conclusion, Game of Thrones features multiple instances of plot armor, particularly in key characters like Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen. While their survival ensures the continuation of their arcs and provides a sense of continuity, it often feels contrived and unrealistic. This article has highlighted these examples, the reasoning behind them, and the resulting impact on the series' narrative structure and viewer satisfaction.