The Dilemma of Brienne of Tarth in Game of Thrones: An Analysis of Character Development

In the vast and intricate narrative of George R.R. Martin's Game of Thrones, the character of Brienne of Tarth has captured the hearts and imaginations of fans. Yet, the writers of the TV series have faced significant challenges in crafting a satisfying storyline for her. This article delves into the dynamics of Brienne's character, her importance in the broader narrative, and the current state of her character development in the TV adaptation.

Understanding Brienne of Tarth's Character

Brienne of Tarth, a beacon of honor and determination, has a singular purpose throughout the series: to serve Catelyn Stark and her daughters. Before joining the Stark family, her journey was guided by her loyalty to Catelyn herself and, before that, to Renly Baratheon. Her unwavering commitment to her cause sets her apart as a character, and her complicated but profound relationship with Jaime Lannister adds layers of complexity to her narrative.

Why Is Brienne Still in the Series?

The question arises, why is Brienne still featured in the series if the writers seem to struggle with her storyline? The answer lies in the intricate nature of her character.

She is not merely a supporting character but serves as a pivotal point in the plot. Her storyline is intricately linked with that of Jaime Lannister, creating a narrative arc that cannot simply be ignored. Indeed, GRRM (George R.R. Martin) himself has acknowledged the importance of characters like Bronn in providing narrative support to other main characters, highlighting the value of characters like Brienne in enriching the overall story.

Furthermore, while early battles and plot devices allowed for the massing of subsidiary characters to fall, the complexities of Brienne's relationship with Jaime necessitated a more involved narrative. Her storyline had to move forward to ensure her impact on the overall plot, despite the occasional lack of strategic foresight in the earlier seasons.

How the Series Mismatched with the Books

The TV series often diverges from the narrative path set by the books, leading to challenges in character development and plot progression. In the case of Brienne and Jaime, the writers struggled to maintain the story's consistency with canon. The show's addition or removal of characters like Lady Stoneheart complicates the narrative, creating new challenges for Brienne's storyline.

Moreover, the delayed development of Jaime's character played a critical role in the misalignment of Brienne's story. By season five, Jaime's journey should have significantly deviated from the original narrative path, focusing more on his own experiences. Instead, Brienne's introduction and focus, particularly on the North, served as a catalyst for further complications in the plot.

Anticipating Brienne's Future in the Series

Looking ahead, it's likely that Brienne's involvement with the North will be nonexistent or minimal. Her current storyline is a direct result of the show's decision to overlook Lady Stoneheart, an important figure in the overall narrative. As such, the remaining relevant content to catch up to her storyline is not yet available, resulting in a character who is stuck in a narrative vacuum.

The writers are now faced with a tough decision: continue with a storyline that seems disconnected from the larger narrative, or find a way to reintegrate Brienne in a manner that aligns with the original source material and maintains her character integrity.

Conclusion

The character of Brienne of Tarth in Game of Thrones remains an enigma, a testament to the complexities of adapting a multilayered narrative into a series. While her storyline faces challenges, her character's significance in the broader narrative cannot be understated. As the series progresses, it is crucial for the writers to address these issues in a manner that honors the source material and the character's journey.

By understanding the dynamics of plot support, character development, and narrative alignment, the writers can find a way to integrate Brienne's storyline into the overarching narrative, ensuring a compelling and satisfying conclusion to this beloved character's journey.