Why Were Major Characters from Dorne Excluded from the Show?

The exclusion of major character arcs from the A Song of Ice and Fire series, specifically those involving Dorne, has drawn considerable criticism. Fans have expressed disappointment, questioning the motives behind such exclusions. In this article, we will delve into the possible reasons behind the decisions made by the showrunners.

Stupid Ass Decisions and Cost Constraints

One of the primary reasons for the exclusion of significant characters from Dorne, such as Arianne Martell, might be related to budget and production constraints. Filming a more substantial plot involving Dorne and the trials of Arianne Martell would have required additional resources and time, both of which the show did not have. Arianne's character and storyline would have required a more extensive setup, which could have been viewed as unnecessary when the show was nearing its finale.

Another factor might be the producers' belief that including Arianne's arc would have been too complicated. Containing the intricate plots and the 'Put Myrcella on the throne' storyline would have been difficult. This would have also meant avoiding the revenge from Cersei and the gifts from Euron, which could have altered the dynamics of the show.

Storytelling Priorities

John and David Benioff, the showrunners, have often cited the need to focus on the most critical storylines for the finale. Characters like Arianne Martell and Dorne's subplot, while rich in potential, might have been deemed less essential compared to the core plotlines involving Daenerys and the Starks.

Some sources suggest that the Dorne subplot was cut to save storytelling time. By chopping off unimportant storylines, the showrunners could ensure that audiences would stay engaged with the main story arc. The exclusion of the Dornish plot could also mean that, in the grand scheme of the series, it may just be a red herring and nonessential to the overall narrative.

Character Mergers and Plot Simplification

The showrunners' decision to cut Arianne Martell might have been linked to simplifying the plot. For instance, they might have merged the characteristics of Arianne with another character already in the show, such as Victarion Greyjoy, who is not in the show. This could explain why some fans feel that certain aspects of the characters were irreparably mangled.

Another factor could be the exclusion of Aegon Blackfyre. Given that Aegon's storyline involves significant events that alter the fate of characters, there was a risk that reintroducing Aegon and reconstructing the Dornish plot would have been too complex. Therefore, the showrunners might have opted to retain the more straightforward and impactful characters, leading to the removal of the Dornish subplot.

Conclusion

The exclusion of major characters from Dorne, such as Arianne Martell, Victarion Greyjoy, and Aegon Blackfyre, remains a topic of debate among fans. The decisions made by the showrunners, driven by budget constraints, storytelling priorities, and character mergers, have left many disappointed. While the reasons behind these decisions may not be entirely clear, one thing is certain: Dorne and its intricate plot threads were sacrificed in pursuit of a more streamlined narrative.

Keywords: Arianne Martell, Victarion Greyjoy, Aegon Blackfyre