The Omissions in Sansa Stark’s Character and Story in Game of Thrones

Understanding the Differences: Books vs. TV Show

As a Game of Thrones enthusiast, it's easy to recognize the numerous differences between the character of Sansa Stark in the books and the TV show. These differences arise from the unique structure and narrative choices made by George R.R. Martin and the showrunners. This article will explore the notable omissions in Sansa's character and story, focusing on her intelligence and development, and the significant plot changes that have led to a different narrative arc in the show.

Character Development: Intelligence and Insight

Books: A Sharper Laywer

In the books, Sansa Stark is often depicted as much smarter and more insightful than she appears in the TV show. This is primarily due to the format of the written narrative, which allows for internal monologues and reflections that are highly significant to her character development. Unlike many other characters, Sansa’s thoughts and internal dialogues are not easily converted into conversations, as she is constantly being watched and snitched on by others, especially her maids who report to Cersei Lannister.

Examples of this include her observations and clever strategies that are only revealed through her thoughts. For instance, Sansa’s plan to play the game of thrones by hiding her true identity as Jeyne Poole, ultimately pretending to be Littlefinger’s bastard daughter, Alayne Stone, is a brilliant maneuver.

TV Show: Limited Expression

In contrast, the TV show often fails to capture these internal insights due to the constraints of the medium. Sansa’s thoughts and reflections are often reduced to brief verbal exchanges, which are often overshadowed by external events and the need to focus on dialogue-driven development. For example, Arya Stark’s intelligence and quick thinking are easily portrayed in the TV show through her conversations with Gendry and Hot Pie, whereas Sansa’s deep strategic thinking is less evident.

Plot Differences: Political Intrigue vs. Victimhood

Books: Politics and Intrigue

The books present Sansa’s story in the Vale as filled with political intrigue and character development. She takes on the guise of Littlefinger’s bastard daughter, Alayne Stone, to navigate the political landscape and learn the game of thrones. These moments are crucial to her growth as a character and add depth to the narrative.

TV Show: Victimhood and Tragedy

In the TV show, Sansa’s plot-line after her escape from King’s Landing immediately puts her back into the role of a victim. The show’s narrative focuses primarily on the sexual assault and victimhood of Sansa, disregarding the political and strategic aspects of her story. This divergence has significant ramifications for her character development, as fans of the books may view her arc as a departure from her potential as a powerful and resourceful character.

Critical Moments of Difference

The books and the show diverge significantly when Sansa leaves King’s Landing. In the show, Littlefinger’s push to Lysa out the Moon Door leads to his immediate sale of Sansa to the Boltons. However, in the books, Sansa remains with Littlefinger in the Vale, where the Ramsay Bolton plot line is fulfilled through Jeyne Poole, her friend.

Book Sansa’s Plan

In the books, Littlefinger’s plan for Sansa is far more elaborate and sinister. He intends for Sansa to marry “Alayne” to Harrold Hardyng, “Harry the Heir,” who is laid to be Robin Arryn’s heir to the Eyrie. Littlefinger is secretly poisoning Robin, with the intention of having him die and for Sansa and Harry to become a formidable couple. The plan aims for Sansa and the Vale to rise up and reclaim Winterfell, with Sansa likely ruling as Lady of Winterfell but never as a puppet.

Concept Summary

Overall, the books offer a much more nuanced and politically rich narrative for Sansa Stark, focusing on her intelligence, strategic thinking, and political growth. In contrast, the TV show often reduces her to a victim, stripping away the depth and complexity of her character development. This difference creates a stark contrast in the perception of Sansa between book readers and show-only fans.

Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity

While the TV show managed to capture some aspects of Sansa's character, it often failed to convey the depth and intelligence that are central to her portrayal in the books. These omissions have led to a less satisfying and less fulfilling narrative arc for Sansa's character, leaving many book readers with a sense of disappointment and a nuanced perspective that the show could not fully replicate.