Comparing and Contrasting Octavia Blake from The 100 and Daenerys Targaryen: Character Development and Reflection

When analyzing the characters of Octavia Blake from The 100 and Daenerys Targaryen from Game of Thrones, it becomes evident that while both characters have strong and complex backstories, Daenerys Targaryen is often deemed a more deeply written and multifaceted character. This essay will explore the parallels and distinctions between these two characters, focusing on their shared experiences of fear, idealism, and the necessity for violence to achieve their goals, as well as their respective journeys of transformation.

Shared Experiences: Fear and Idealism

Both Octavia Blake and Daenerys Targaryen experienced significant trauma in their formative years that profoundly affected their outlook on the world. Just as Daenerys grew up in a tumultuous environment with the Iron Throne seized from her family, Octavia faced the loss of her family and a life that was predetermined based on the laws and customs of her society. For both characters, fear was a dominant emotion that shaped their perspectives. Octavia, born to the wrong parents, understood from a young age that the rules were not on her side, and Daenerys, raised in a world where her family was ousted from their rightful place, felt a deep sense of injustice.

Initial Traits: Idealism and Kindness

Despite the challenges they faced, both Octavia and Daenerys exhibited a gentle heart and a strong moral compass at the start of their respective journeys. Octavia, though born into a harsh world, embraced the culture of the Grounders and sought to adapt and survive. Daenerys, while raised to believe in the sanctity of her family’s claim to the Iron Throne, also had a compassionate side, as evidenced by her initial desire to free the slaves and right the wrongs she perceived in her world. These initial traits laid the foundation for the subsequent evolutions of their characters.

Evolution and Complexity

As the stories of Octavia and Daenerys progressed, their characters evolved in distinct yet interesting ways. Daenerys’s storyline is often described as more complex and well-written than Octavia’s. This complexity stems from the layers of her story: the political maneuverings, the social upheavals, and the moral choices she makes. Daenerys’s journey often involves a struggle between idealism and pragmatism, between doing what is right and what is necessary. Her character is often seen as multilayered and morally grey, reflecting the ambiguous nature of power and justice.

On the other hand, Octavia’s character development is also noteworthy, though it may not be as universally praised for its complexity. Her character’s transformation involves a gradual shift from an idealistic young woman to someone who is willing to do whatever it takes to protect those she loves. Octavia’s fear of violence and her initial resistance to it are replaced by a hardening and acceptance of necessity, leading to a sense of redemption and self-discovery.

Personal Trauma and Relationships

Their personal traumas and relationships significantly shaped both characters. Daenerys’s relationship with her brother Viserys was strained and unhealthy, driving her to seek her destiny. Octavia, in contrast, had a more established and supportive relationship with her brother, Bellamy. This contrast is evident in how both characters handle their personal betrayals and losses. Daenerys’s hardening occurred in response to the unprecedented betrayals of her past and the destruction of King’s Landing, which seemed beyond repair for her. Octavia, however, experienced a different kind of transformation, one that involved a personal breakdown and a gradual return to her original self, driven by a desire for acceptance and redemption.

Violence and Moral Choices

The necessity for violence in pursuit of their goals is another area where Daenerys and Octavia share similarities but differ in the approach. Both are willing to make tough choices and be ruthless when necessary. However, while Daenerys’s journey often involves an increasingly hardening of her moral compass, leading to a more stoic and less emotionally expressive character, Octavia’s shift involves a gradual acceptance of violence, but not without internal conflict. Octavia experiences a complete transformation, going from an emotionally balanced person to someone who embraces violence, yet still harbor a deep-seated remorse for her actions. This transformation is seen as a poignant journey of personal growth and acceptance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both Octavia Blake and Daenerys Targaryen share common themes of trauma, idealism, and the struggle for power, Daenerys’s character is often considered more complex and multifaceted. The nature of their stories, the ways in which they handle their traumas and relationships, and their moral journeys towards violence and redemption make them compelling subjects for comparative analysis. Whether one character is “better” is subjective and depends on the criteria by which they are judged, but both offer rich and layered character explorations that resonate with viewers and readers.