Who is the Overarching Protagonist in ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’ and its TV Adaptation?

In the complex world of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series and its TV adaptation Game of Thrones, identifying the overarching protagonist can be a matter of debate. The title characters and main storylines often intertwine, making it challenging to name a single figure as the central protagonist. In this article, we explore the possible contenders and why each one might fit the title of the main character.

The Case for Aegon Targaryen

According to George R.R. Martin (GRRM), Aegon Targaryen, son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Elia Martell, is a crucial figure in the series. The title of the series, 'A Song of Ice and Fire,' is said to allude to Aegon's song. While the character does not play a central role in either the books or the TV show, his presence casts a long shadow over the narrative. Aegon's journey and the prophecy surrounding him make him a significant protagonist in the broader sense.

Arya Stark: Unraveling the Threads

Arya Stark, one of GRRM's Five Big Characters, emerges as a powerful contender for the position of protagonist. Arya's fate is deeply tied to that of Aegon Targaryen, and their stories are central to the series. The Dark Sister, a Valerian sword Isthisirr yielded to Arya, seems to be Aegon's sigil, further intertwining their destinies. Furthermore, Arya's experiences and growth throughout the series, filled with lessons from Gendry, Jaqen, and Syrio Forel, make her a significant character in her own right.

Bran Stark: The Intricate Divine Fidelity

Bran Stark captures the essence of the series through his journey and the prophetic nature of his experience. The story begins and will likely end with Bran, and he will eventually embrace his true identity and the title that Aegon is meant to inherit. Bran's narrative arc mirrors themes present in GRRM's earlier work, Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn, further making him a significant protagonist. His ability to see the past and the future, along with his eventual ascension to the Iron Throne, positions him as a key protagonist in the series.

Jon Snow: The Stark without Renown

Jon Snow emerges as another candidate, especially in the TV adaptation. In the books, Jon is one of the closest characters to being the main protagonist, given his critical role in fighting the Others/White Walkers. His connection to the Starks, who are deeply tied to the Others, and his half ice/half fire heritage make him pivotal to the ongoing conflict. The TV adaptation strengthens Jon's character, giving him more opportunities to demonstrate his leadership and cunning.

Daenerys Targaryen: The Dragon's Daughter

In the TV series, Daenerys Targaryen is arguably the closest to being the protagonist. The showrunners gave her supernatural abilities, intelligence, and resourcefulness that are not present in the books. Her journey from a slave to a powerful queen, and her eventual conflicts with Cersei Lannister, highlight her leadership and strategic acumen. Daenerys solves problems that other characters, such as Tyrion, cannot, making her a favorite among viewers and the showrunners.

While the title characters and main storylines often intertwine, the choice of a single protagonist can vary based on personal interpretation and the medium. For some, Aegon Targaryen's song, the intricate journey of Bran Stark, the multifaceted growth of Arya Stark, the critical role of Jon Snow, and the leadership of Daenerys Targaryen each play a significant role in shaping the narrative. A close study of the series and its interpretation will reveal the profound impact of each character and their unique contributions to the story.