Why Do So Many Game of Thrones Fans Admire Daenerys Targaryen Despite Her Complex and Troubled Character?

Introduction

Young fans and long-term followers of the HBO series Game of Thrones often vehemently perceive Daenerys Targaryen as the heroine of the series. Despite her complex and layered character, which includes significant flaws and moral ambiguities, many admirers view her as the ideal embodiment of heroism. This article explores the reasons behind this phenomenon and the deeper implications of character complexity in storytelling.

Complex Heroism in Game of Thrones

Heroic characters in Game of Thrones are not always straightforward. Instead, they often exhibit traits of both nobility and moral ambiguity, making their portrayal more nuanced and realistic. For instance:

Robb Stark, while heroic, is impulsive, short-tempered, and inexperienced. Tyrion Lannister, despite his sympathy for the downtrodden, is a bitter, self-pitying, and vindictive alcoholic. Jaimie Lannister, repulsed by rape and sexual violence, nonetheless engages in horrific acts to protect his sister and has a toxic relationship with her. Renly Baratheon is charming and friendly but gullible and easily led. Stannis Baratheon, a just and dutiful man, is stubborn, self-righteous, inflexible, oversensitive, and paranoid. Jon Snow, though brooding and melancholic, is genuinely kind and brave.

These characters are not simply black and white; they possess a blend of heroic and flawed traits, making their portrayal more complex and relatable. However, people often find it easier to digest simple, uncomplicated characters, leading to a preference for straightforward heroism.

The Human Condition and Character Depth

The complexity of human nature is another reason why characters like Daenerys Targaryen are often viewed ambiguously. Daenerys is a profoundly complex character, embodying both heroism and villainy. Her morally ambiguous actions and choices are reflective of the real world, where individuals can be simultaneously good and bad. This duality is particularly prominent in George R. R. Martin's novel A Song of Ice and Fire.

Her journey as a mother figure, learner, and eventual queen involves a range of morally challenged decisions that challenge the audience's preconceived notions about what it means to be a hero. Critics often identify with heroic characters as a form of escapism or as a reflection of their own aspirations. However, the acknowledgment that heroes can also make terrible mistakes is deeply unsettling, as it forces viewers to confront their own fallibility.

The Controversial Ending and Audience Reception

One significant factor that has fueled the debate about Daenerys Targaryen's character is the controversial ending of the series. The release of the final season, particularly the final episode, garnered widespread criticism and backlash. The death of Daenerys was seen as an abrupt and extraordinary turn that many fans found hard to reconcile with the character they had come to admire. However, the Harry's Law: Bloodline of novels, which serve as the prequels to Game of Thrones, provide context that shifts the perception of her actions.

Many viewers were blindsided by the events, leading to strong feelings of betrayal and disillusionment. This reaction underscores the fan base's preference for a simplistic and idealized version of the narrative, where heroes remain untainted by moral failings. The dramatic and unexpected turn in the series challenges the audience's expectations and forces them to confront darker aspects of the story.

Conclusion

The portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen as a heroine in Game of Thrones is a testament to the rich and complex nature of storytelling. Despite her flawed character, many fans correspondingly view her as a paragon of virtue. However, her journey is a reflection of the human condition, where individuals can embody both heroism and villainy. This duality challenges the audience to think critically about the characters and storylines, pushing the boundaries of conventional fiction and offering a more realistic and nuanced portrayal of human nature.