The Worst POV Characters in A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF) Series: A Reader's Perspective

Have you ever found yourself frustrated by a particular character in A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF) series, or perhaps even disliked their perspectives so much that you had to skip their chapters? In this article, we explore the most divisive and least favorite POV (point of view) characters from the series, highlighting the reasons behind their perceived shortcomings. We will also discuss our own experiences with some characters in the book A Dance with Dragons, which oddly garnered a special mention due to its unique impact.

The Worst POV Characters in ASOIAF

George R. R. Martin's epic series is renowned for its complex and multi-faceted characters, but some readers find certain POV characters more frustrating than others. In this section, we delve into the five characters whose stories were at times polarizing, offering insights into why their perspectives may not resonate with every reader.

Sansa Stark

Sansa Stark is a character whose development is significant, but for many readers, her initial chapters can be perceived as frustrating due to her naivety and reliance on traditional feminine roles. Her early chapters often seem slow or less interesting compared to the more dynamic characters. While many appreciate her character's growth, some find her early stages as a perspective too repetitive and less engaging, demanding more dynamic content.

Bran Stark

Bran Stark has chapters that explore mystical elements and dream-like sequences, which can be disjointed and confusing for some readers. His journey towards becoming a greenseer introduces a more abstract narrative, leading to debates about whether the thematic shifts resonate with everyone's personal preferences or understanding of storytelling.

Theon Greyjoy

Theon Greyjoy's character development is often polarizing. His internal conflict and betrayal of the Starks can be contentious, with some readers struggling to understand his motivations and finding his storyline less compelling during more self-serving moments. Theon's character often represents the complexity of loyalty and betrayal, but his story can sometimes feel one-dimensional or less engaging for those who prefer more nuanced narratives.

Davos Seaworth

Davos Seaworth is a character known for his moral compass and loyalty, qualities that many readers appreciate. However, his chapters can sometimes be less action-driven compared to those of other characters. Readers who prefer fast-paced and politically intricate plots might find his perspective less engaging, as his stories tend to focus more on moral and ethical dilemmas rather than immediate action.

Jon Snow

Jon Snow is a beloved character with a substantial fanbase, but some readers criticize his chapters for being too focused on the Night's Watch and the moral dilemmas of leadership, which can feel repetitive and predictable. While his character arc is significant, the narrative can sometimes feel frustrating to those who are looking for a more diverse and dynamic storyline.

My Personal Reflections on ASOIAF

While I have enjoyed the ASOIAF series as a whole, there are certain aspects that stand out when discussing particularly challenging characters. Below are my personal reflections on some of the characters from the book A Dance with Dragons, a book that, while not my favorite in the series, held a special place in my mind due to its unique impact on certain characters.

Daenerys Targaryen

Daenerys Targaryen was, for me, a polarizing character. Although I was a fan in the earlier books, by the time A Dance with Dragons was released, I found her chapters increasingly frustrating. I felt that she should have focused more on the kingdom she won and less on the territories she had yet to visit. Eventually, I was skimming through her chapters, which indicates a lack of engagement with her perspectives.

Tyrion Lannister

Tyrion Lannister was, and still is, one of my favorite characters in the series. However, in A Dance with Dragons, his character seemed to fade away after the death of Tywin Lannister. The moment he killed his father and left for Essos, his narrative took a nosedive. It would have been more interesting to see him deal with the challenges of reintegrating back into the realms affected by the Ironborn and threats from beyond the Wall, rather than simply stumbling through another continent.

Jon Snow

Jon Snow is a respectable character whom I appreciate, but the Wall and the Beyond the Wall plotlines did not hold my interest as much as events south of the Wall. The presence of frost zombies did not sufficiently captivate me, as most of the story involved intrigue and war, which were still central to the narrative.

Melisandre

Melisandre is, without a doubt, one of my least favorite characters. Her arrogance and intolerance are stark contrasts to Thoros of Myr's character. If I could, I would have hoped Stannis would win in the absence of her influence. Her presence was so disruptive that I found myself hoping she would be removed from the story, even if it meant the fall of one of the major heroes.

Dishonorable Mentions

Aereo, Arya Stark's journey with the Faceless Men, and Arya Oakheart all have moments that fall a bit short. Aereo is forgotten, Arya's Faceless Men subplot could have been left a mystery, and Arya Oakheart was a character I would have liked to see more of, given her intriguing backstory.

Similarly, Bran Stark was a character I enjoyed but also found myself less interested in the Beyond the Wall plotlines beyond the conflict with the living wildlings. Having him stay south might have been more engaging for me.