Most people tend to agree that the novels that serve as the basis forGame of Thronesare superior to thepopular HBO seriesin just about every measurable way. The storytelling is a lot richer and there’s much more emphasis placed on character interactions, thanks in large to the narrative being told from several different perspectives.
All that said, the show’s creators did manage to get a lot of things right. The casting, for example, is phenomenal, and while not all of the narrative changes made by Weiss and Benioff improved upon the source material, there are someGame of Thronescharacters who are arguably a lot better in the show than they are in the books.
1Osha
Played by Natalia Tena
Just like in the television series,Osha becomes a servant at Winterfellfollowing an unsuccessful raid. Then, a few seasons later, she heads out with Bran and Rickon after the castle falls into Theon’s hands. However, in the novels, she ends up parting ways with Bran much earlier on, taking Rickon and Shaggydog to Skagos and then never being seen again.
On-screen Osha therefore gets a lot more time in the spotlight, during which, she showcases both her dedication to the Stark family and her aptitude in battle. Sadly,Osha and Rickon are eventually betrayed by Smalljon Umber, leading to both of their deaths. Osha at least goes out fighting, though, as she’s killed while attempting to take Ramsay Bolton out.
2Ygritte
Played by Rose Leslie
Ygritte is a wonderful character, both in the books and in the show. Her interactions and relationship with Jon are a lot more believable in the latter, though, thanks in large to the fantastic chemistry between Rose Leslie and Kit Harington. This chemistry was so strong, in fact, thatLeslie and Harrington ended up getting married a few years after their on-screen romance.
Granted,the book version of Ygritte is a lot more complex than her show counterpartand is capable of a much broader range of emotions. However, in a series so full of strong female characters with crippling vulnerabilities, having one badass woman with confidence and charisma made her a much more interesting proposition even with her lack of depth.
3Tormund Giantsbane
Played by Kristofer Hivju
In the books,Jon becomes good friends with Mance Rayder, with the two characters striking up an unlikely bond after the former ventures out beyond the wall. This happens in the show as well, although book Mance isn’t burned at the stake by Stannis, and so continues to play an important role in proceedings after the Wildling threat has been defused.
With Mance gone, Weiss and Benioff needed a wildling companion for Jon, and Tormund was the one they chose. To be clear, Jon is also friends with Tormund in the books, but their relationship is nowhere near as strong. Book Tormund is a lot older too, and plays a much smaller role inthe assault on Castle Blackthan his show counterpart does.
4Tywin Lannister
Played by Charles Dance
There are plenty ofGame of Thronescharacters who are improved as a result of their casting, but none more so than Tywin Lannister. Charles Dance is one of very few actors with the kind of gravitas needed to make such a dastardly character so likable, and the chemistry that he shares with some of his fellow cast members helps to further round off some ofTywin’s sharp edges.
Book Tywin is shown to be a truly horrible person who’s only ever looking out for himself. Granted, show Tywin isn’t too much better in this regard, but he does come across as being a lot more rational and a lot less spiteful too. He also shows genuine affection for his children, and at times manages to come across as a half-decent person, as shown duringTywin’s interactions with Arry at Harrenhal.
5Shae
Played by Sibel Kekilli
George R. R. Martin may not have been happy with all of thecreative decisions made by Weiss and Benioff, but he did seem to approve of the changes made to Shae. In the commentary for the eighth episode of season three, he makes a few observations about the character, acknowledging that the version of Shae in the show gives a whole different dynamic to the story.
In the books, Shae doesn’t really care for Tyrion, instead seeing him as little more than another John. Given his intellect, Tyrion’s blindness to this was frustrating to some readers, especially afterwhat happened with Tyrion’s first marriage. That the show version of Shae actually has feelings for him makes his decision to stay with her a lot more understandable, despite so much being on the line.
6Jaqen H’ghar
Played by Tom Wlaschiha
The show version of Jaqen H’ghar is arguably a lot better than his book counterpart, although he does have a few big advantages. For starters,the Faceless Men storylineis still ongoing in the novels, leaving the character’s arc unfinished. The show version is also an amalgamation of multipleA Song of Ice and Firecharacters, taking on the roles of both Jaqen and the Kindly Man.
In the show,Jaqen serves as the face of the Faceless Men, which isn’t really the case in the books. Some may argue that this takes away some of the intrigue surrounding the organization, and while this may well be true, Jaqen offers a bit of continuity at a time when it was sorely needed. He’s a likable character too, and, although still mysterious, is all the better for having both a face and a name.
7Bronn
Played by Jerome Flynn
When it comes toGame of Thronescharacters who are better in the show than they are in the books, Bronn is usually one of the first names that springs to mind. Expertly portrayed by Jerome Flynn, the selfish sellsword lacks just about every quality needed to be considered noble, yet somehow manages to be one ofthe best and most likable characters inGame of Thrones.
That his hands aren’t tied by duty or honor allows him to get them dirty, which turns out to be incredibly effective in his line of work. In the show, though, his tongue is every bit as sharp as his sword, providing some of the series' funniest moments. His friendships with Jaime and Tyrion add some additional depth to the character as well, even ifBronn remains self-serving at his core.
