Warning: There are new character descriptions for the upcoming season. We marked them as spoilers.
As anyone with a pulse, Internet connection or friend knows, the wildly popular and heavily pirated HBO drama Game of Thrones returns Sunday, April 12. Therefore, it’s important to know the most crucial plot points.
I think it’s only fair to preface the following points with the fact that I have read the books. Whether or not that makes me more or less qualified to talk about the show is widely up for debate, but that’s what makes Game of Thrones so fun. The debate.
So let’s get down to it. Who are all the new Dornish characters? Arguably one of the biggest changes this season is the introduction of the relatives and associates of fan favorite, Oberyn Martell. In fact, these new characters are going to be a huge part of the plot. In the books, Oberyn’s daughters are seeking vengeance on the Lannisters for their father’s death. Let’s not forget that Myrcella Baratheon is also in Dorne to be married to Tyrstane Martell. Both characters have actors making their debut this season. This all blends in with Jaime Lannister. His character, which deviates highly from the novels, will be traveling to Dorne for reasons unknown as his book character doesn’t have a reason to be in the Martell Kingdom.
New characters will also impact the King’s Landing storyline as well. With Joffrey, Tywin and Tyrion no longer in the picture, a power vacuum must be filled before King Tommen comes of age. Enter the former Queen, and Tommen’s mother, Cersei.
SPOILER (from the season five trailer): Also plotting for power is his new Queen, Margaery Tyrell. Of course, a new character named the High Sparrow will play a role here as the leader of the Faith of the Seven.What about the remaining Starks and our favorite heir of the Targaryen dynasty? Here’s where things get a little vague. So, SPOILERS will be everywhere.
Let’s start off with the eldest legitimate living Stark: Sansa. We last saw her reveal her true identity (a large deviation from the book plot). Now, it appears that she’s returning to Winterfell. That is only speculation, but it seems pretty likely. What that means for her plot is anyone’s guess as her book material was heavily changed and is now nearly depleted.
Arya’s season four ending lines up with the book fairly well. We last see her leaving the Hound to die as she flees for Braavos. In the synopsis for her episodes, viewers see that she is making her way to “The House of Black and White” where she spends a large portion of time training. In episode three, it would seem she is meeting the Many-Faced God. It’s hard to say what this means because this is only half accurate compared to her book counterpart.
As for Bran, it is widely known that he will not appear in the season.
I would go into what will happen to Jon Snow and Dany, but there are just too many spoilers. The season five trailer sticks with their character standbys. Jon Snow is brooding and Dany is taking charge. That’s all you need to know about those two for now.
At this point, fans need to choose. Will they watch the show knowing it purposely deviates from the books or leave it behind? It’s a hard choice to make, honestly, as the series sparks such passion. Either way, season five is coming.
Feature Photo via Rickey