Few characters in Game of Thrones captivated audiences like Arya Stark—a fierce young girl who defied convention and carved her own path. But fans of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series know that Arya’s journey on the page diverges in meaningful ways from her arc on the screen. The differences in Arya’s story between the books and show reveal fascinating contrasts in tone, pacing, and character development. From her time in Braavos to her use of the Faceless Men’s training, these discrepancies shed light on the broader themes each medium chose to emphasize.
Arya Stark’s Early Story in the Books vs. the Show
Books:
Arya Stark, a feisty and independent young girl, is the third child and second daughter of Eddard and Catelyn Stark. From the beginning, Arya struggles to fit into the traditional role expected of noblewomen in Westeros, preferring swordplay and adventure over ladylike activities. Her closest bond is with her half-brother Jon Snow, and she also shares a special connection with her father, Eddard Stark. After the death of her father, Arya is forced to navigate the dangerous and cutthroat world of King’s Landing on her own. She becomes a “beggar” in the streets, learning to survive and adapt in a harsh and unforgiving environment.
Show:
In the early seasons of Game of Thrones, Arya Stark’s character arc is portrayed differently than in the books, particularly in her relationships with characters and her experiences in King’s Landing. One significant difference is the portrayal of Syrio Forel’s death. In the show, it is implied that he is killed by Meryn Trant, while in the books, his fate is left ambiguous. This event serves as a turning point for Arya’s character, as she is forced to flee King’s Landing and begins her journey of survival and vengeance. Additionally, Arya’s time in King’s Landing is depicted with more emphasis on her friendships and interactions with characters like Sansa, Joffrey, and the Hound.
Key Differences:
In the books, Arya Stark’s emotional journey is deeply intertwined with her relationships with her family members. Her experiences and interactions with them shape her character and her sense of identity. However, in the show, the focus shifts to her more independent survival narrative as she navigates the dangerous and tumultuous world around her. This shift allows for a deeper exploration of Arya’s inner strength, resilience, and determination as she seeks to carve out her own path and survive on her own terms. The portrayal of her emotional journey in the show highlights her growth and development as a character, emphasizing her agency and independence in a way that differs from the books.
Arya’s Training and Development in the Faceless Men
Books:
Arya’s journey to Braavos was a tumultuous one, filled with danger and uncertainty. After arriving in the city, she sought out the House of Black and White, where she hoped to learn the ways of the Faceless Men. Her time there was marked by intense physical and mental training, as well as the constant struggle to let go of her past and embrace a new identity. During her time in the House of Black and White, Arya faced numerous personal challenges, including the loss of her sight as a punishment for disobedience. This forced her to rely solely on her other senses, a difficult and isolating experience.
Show:
Arya’s time in the House of Black and White is a significant and transformative period in her character development. Throughout her training, she undergoes intense physical and psychological challenges under the guidance of Jaqen H’ghar and the Faceless Men. Her struggles with her own identity and moral conflicts are prominently showcased as she learns the ways of the assassins and adopts various personas. The dramatic portrayal of Arya’s training highlights her resilience and determination as she navigates the complex and mysterious world of the Faceless Men.
Key Differences:
In the books, Arya’s internal struggles are portrayed in a more detailed and nuanced manner compared to the show. The books delve deeper into Arya’s internal conflict as she grapples with her identity and her desire for revenge. Her time with the Faceless Men is portrayed as a more complex and prolonged journey of self-discovery and moral ambiguity. In the show, Arya’s struggles are condensed and altered for dramatic effect. The show focuses more on the action and the physical training Arya undergoes with the Faceless Men, often simplifying the internal conflicts she faces.
Arya’s Revenge and Reconciliation
Books:
Arya Stark’s quest for revenge against those who wronged her family, particularly her experiences in the Riverlands and her encounters with key enemies like the Freys and Sandor Clegane, represent a significant turning point in her character development. After witnessing the brutal deaths of her family members and enduring countless hardships, Arya becomes consumed by a desire for vengeance. In her time in the Riverlands, Arya is forced to adapt to a life of survival and learns to use her wits and skills to navigate the dangerous world around her. Her encounters with the Freys and Sandor Clegane, also known as the Hound, further shape her resolve and determination to seek retribution for the injustices inflicted upon her family.
Show:
Arya’s key acts of vengeance in the show include the dramatic massacre of the Freys, where she avenges the deaths of her family members by poisoning their entire house. This event marks a significant turning point in Arya’s character arc as she embraces her identity as a vengeful force to be reckoned with. Another notable act of vengeance is Arya’s final confrontation with the Hound, where she leaves him to die after he begs her to kill him. This moment showcases Arya’s uncompromising determination to seek retribution for the wrongs done to her and her family. In the show, Arya is portrayed as a more overtly vengeful character compared to the internal conflict she feels in the books.
Arya’s Relationship with Sansa Stark
Books:
Arya and Sansa Stark have a complex relationship that is characterized by stark contrasts in their personalities and experiences. Arya is independent, adventurous, and rebellious, with a strong desire for freedom and justice. On the other hand, Sansa is more traditional, ladylike, and seeks to fit in with the expectations of society. Their differing personalities often lead to conflict, especially in the early books of the A Song of Ice and Fire series. Arya resents Sansa for conforming to societal norms and for her perceived betrayal of their family during the events of the first book. Sansa, in turn, struggles to understand Arya’s non-conformity and rebellious nature.
Show:
In the later seasons of the show, the relationship between Arya and Sansa is portrayed as tense and strained due to their differing paths and experiences. Arya, as a trained assassin and warrior, has a more cynical and pragmatic view of the world, while Sansa, as a survivor of abuse and manipulation, is more cautious and politically savvy. Tensions rise between the sisters as they struggle to understand and trust each other’s motives and decisions. However, in the show’s finale, their relationship ultimately reaches a resolution as they come to understand and appreciate each other’s strengths and experiences. This is evident in their cooperation during the final battles, where they work together to defend their family and home.
Arya’s Final Journey and Fate
Books:
Arya Stark’s storyline in the books is left unresolved at the end of A Dance with Dragons. After escaping the Faceless Men in Braavos, she decides to journey westward, leaving her fate open-ended. It’s unclear where she will end up and what her next steps will be. In The Winds of Winter, it’s possible that Arya’s path will lead her back to Westeros to reunite with her family or to continue her training as an assassin. Her character arc is still unfolding, and her experiences in Braavos have changed her in significant ways. It will be interesting to see how her skills and experiences will shape her future decisions and actions.
Show:
In the show, Arya Stark’s final fate sees her deciding to sail west of Westeros, exploring uncharted territories. This departure from the known world reflects her independent and adventurous nature, as she seeks to discover new lands and opportunities beyond the confines of Westeros. This conclusion is a departure from her journey in the books, where her fate is left as an open question. The show’s decision to conclude Arya’s story in this way provides a definitive character arc for her, showcasing her growth from a young girl seeking revenge to a strong, independent woman forging her own path. In contrast, the books leave her fate uncertain, allowing for readers to imagine various possibilities for her future.
Conclusion
In the books, Arya’s storyline differs significantly from the show in several key ways. One of the main differences is the omission of Lady Stoneheart, a resurrected Catelyn Stark who plays a crucial role in Arya’s arc in the books. Additionally, Arya’s training with the Faceless Men is portrayed more extensively in the books, highlighting her struggle with identity and morality in a deeper manner than in the show. Furthermore, her relationships with various characters, such as Gendry and the Hound, are explored in greater detail in the books, shaping her character in unique ways. These differences have a significant impact on Arya’s character development and legacy.