HBO, Game of Thrones

Cutthroat Diversity

HBO, Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones airs its season finale tonight and yeah ok maybe I’ve milked it a little bit.

Rottentomatoes: 94%

Metacritic: 80

IMDb: 9.5

Emmys: 38 wins 106 nominations

*** SPOILERS AHEAD ***




Margaery Tyrell, HBO, Game of Thrones

Margaery Tyrell

Margaery first appears in A Clash of Kings, having married Renly Baratheon and supporting his claim to the Iron Throne.  After Renly’s assassination, the Tyrells switch allegiance and Margaery is instead offered to wed King Joffrey Baratheon.

She quickly proves capability in manipulating Joffrey, which pleases his grandfather, Tywin Lannister, but makes her an enemy of Cersei.

Margaery weds Joffrey, but he is poisoned at their wedding feast. In A Feast for Crows Margaery marries Joffrey’s younger brother, Tommen, and becomes Queen.

Margaery’s growing influence over Tommen puts her in a bitter power struggle with his mother Cersei Lannister, which culminates in Cersei framing Margaery for adultery and unleashing a fanatic religious group The High Septon or The Faith.  Margaery is detained and more or less forced to face her past transgressions, she drinks the kool-aid, repents, and is released.


Margaery Tyrell, HBO, Game of Thrones

“Women in our position must make the best of our circumstances.” — Margaery Tyrell

“My husband is my king.  And my king is my husband.” — Margaery Tyrell

Quote1Sometimes severity is the price we pay for greatness.Quote2 — Margaery Tyrell

“If you give them your love.  They will return a thousandfold.” — Margaery Tyrell

“Do you want my brother to come in and help?” — Margaery Tyrell

“There’s no need to play games.” — Margaery Tyrell

“We’ll be together again soon and everything will be better than it was before.” — Margaery Tyrell

“You must do whatever you need to do.  You are a king.” — Margaery Tyrell

“You are the king.” — Margaery Tyrell

“Get out, you hateful bitch!” — Margaery Tyrell

“I imagine it must be so exciting to squeeze your finger here and watch something die over there.” — Margaery manipulating joffrey

“It’s not an easy thing admitting to yourself what you really are.  It’s taken me a while.  He’s helped me.” — Margaery Tyrell

“Ah yes I visited their hovels and I fed them soup and I made sure I was seen doing it.  I never gave them what they really needed, though.  I’ve had lots of time to think about how good I was at seeming good.  All those stories I told myself about who I was and why I did the things I did.  There were so many lies in those stories.” — Margaery Tyrell

“It’s alright it really is.  It’s such a relief to let go of those lies.” — Margaery Tyrell

“The gods have a plan for us all.” — Margaery Tyrell

“The mother watches over us all.” — Margaery Tyrell

“The lowest among us are no different than the highest if you give them a chance.  And approach them with an open heart.” — Margaery Tyrell

Cognizant, cunning, buoyant, with the abilities of a chameleon Margaery Tyrell is an Artisan.


Sansa Stark, HBO, Game of Thrones

Sansa Stark

Sansa Stark begins the series by being betrothed to Crown Prince Joffrey Baratheon, believing Joffrey to be a gallant prince.  This turns out not to be the case, at all.

After Sansa’s father Eddard discovers the truth about Joffrey’s paternity, he mishandles the situation, is slain, and Sansa is now effectively a hostage in King’s Landing susceptible to the torments of a psychopath.

After Stannis is defeated at the Battle of the Blackwater Sansa’s betrothal to Joffrey is called off so he can marry a more suitable political candidate Margaery Tyrell.

Tywin Lannister then  forces Sansa to marry his son Tyrion.  After Joffrey is assassinated, Cersei holds both Sansa and Tyrion directly responsible.  Sansa is whisked away by Petyr Baelish who once held a strong affection for her mother Lady Catelyn.

She is taken to her Aunt Lysa Arryn in the Vale, who is now married to Baelish.  Lysa is slain and Littlefinger is named Lord of the Vale.  

Baelish brokers a marriage between Sansa and Ramsay Bolton, now heir to the North after the death of Robb Stark.  This turns out to be another horrendous and sadistic betrothal for Sansa to endure.

Sansa escapes Winterfell with an old family friend Theon Greyjoy.  She is then taken under the protective custody of Brienne of Tarth who guides her safely to Castle Black where she reunites with her brother Jon Snow.

Jon and Sansa raise a small army of Wildlings and Stark loyalists to fight Ramsay Bolton, a venture which is unsuccessful until Sansa arrives with Lord Petyr Baelish, who marches the Knights of the Vale on Winterfell and decimates the remaining Bolton forces.


Sansa Stark, HBO, Game of Thrones

“Joffrey will.  The worst ones always live.” — Sansa Stark

“This isn’t a strange place, this is my home.  It’s the people who are strange.” — Sansa Stark

“The more people you love, the weaker you are.” — Sansa Stark

“It’s not enough.  We need more men.” — Sansa Stark

“I would remind you that House Glover is pledged to House Stark.  Sworn to answer when called upon.” — Sansa Stark

“He is a fool, you’re so clever to see it.  He’ll make a much better fool than a knight.  He doesn’t deserve the mercy of a quick death.” — Sansa Stark

“I am Sansa Stark of Winterfell.  This is my home.  And you can’t frighten me.” — Sansa Stark

“So he’s your most trusted adviser now?  Because he secured 62 men from a 10-year-old?” — Sansa Stark

“Stannis?  Who lost the Blackwater, who murdered his own brother, who doesn’t have a head.” — Sansa Stark

“But you’re a bastard.  A trueborn will always have the stronger claim.” — Sansa Stark

“I did what I had to do to survive, my lady.  But I am a Stark.  I will always be a Stark.” — Sansa Stark

“The north remembers the Stark name people will still risk everything for it.” — Sansa Stark

Quote1There are no heroes.  In life, the monsters win.Quote2 — Sansa Stark

“If I’m going to die, let it happen while there is still some of me left.” — Sansa Stark

“I don’t want someone brave and gentle and strong.  I want him.” — Sansa Stark

“I am loyal to King Joffrey.  My one true love.” — Sansa Stark

“I am the disgraced daughter of the traitor, Ned Stark.” — Sansa Stark

“There is no honor in tricks.” — Sansa Stark

“My skin has turned to porcelain, to ivory, to steel.” — Sansa Stark

“I don’t pray anymore.  It’s the only place I can go where people don’t talk to me.” — Sansa Stark

Fortuitous, durable, despondent, and realistic Sansa Stark is a Guardian.


Tyrion Lannister, HBO, Game of Thrones

Tyrion Lannister

Tywin appoints Tyrion acting Hand of the King in an attempt to control his grandson Joffrey. While at the camp, Tyrion falls in love with a prostitute named Shae and takes her with him to the capital.

Tyrion arrives at King’s Landing in A Clash of Kings and becomes discontent with how his nephew Joffrey is governing the realm.  His attempts to offset the vile and reckless actions of his nephew prove unsuccessful.

Tyrion leads a courageous defense against Stannis Baratheon at the Battle of the Blackwater but is grievously injured.  

Upon his recovery Tyrion finds that Tywin has assumed the position of Hand and appointed him Master of Coin, the royal treasurer.

King Joffrey is slain at his own wedding.

Cersei promptly accuses Tyrion, who is arrested.  Tyrion is put on trial and eventually demands a trial by combat that of which he loses.  Pronounced guilty in the eyes of the law, Tyrion is taken to the dungeon to await his execution.  Tyrion’s brother Jaime frees him with the help of Lord Varys.

Before escaping the palace, Tyrion slays his father and his paramour, both of which whom evidently had initiated a sexual relationship with one another.

Tyrion travels to Pentos, where he finds himself under the protection of Magister Illyrio Mopatis. There he learns that Varys and Illyrio’s allegiance lies with one Daenarys Targaryen.


Tyrion Lannister, HBO, Game of Thrones

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series 2 wins : 2015, 2011

Quote1Never forget who you are, the rest of the world will not.  Wear it like armor and it can never be used to hurt you.Quote2 — Tyrion Lannister

“All dwarves are bastards in their father’s eyes.” — Tyrion Lannister

“We Lannisters do have a certain pride… My brother is undoubtedly arrogant.  My father is the soul of avarice, and my sweet sister Cersei lusts for power with every waking breath.  I, however, am innocent as a little lamb.” — Tyrion Lannister

“My brother has his sword, King Robert has his war hammer and I have my mind… and a mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone if it is to keep its edge.  That’s why I read so much.” — Tyrion Lannister

“Why is it that when one man builds a wall, the next man immediately needs to know what’s on the other side?” — Tyrion Lannister

“Before you go you will call on Lord and Lady Stark and offer your sympathies.” — Tyrion Lannister

“Death is so final, whereas life is full of possibilities.” — Tyrion Lannister

“Lady Stark, you may survive us yet.” — Tyrion Lannister

“I wish we could converse as two honest, intelligent men.” — Tyrion Lannister

“Why are all the gods such vicious cunts?  Where’s the god of tits and wine?” — Tyrion Lannister

“One game at a time, my friend.” — Tyrion Lannister

“These bad people, are what I’m good at.  Out talking them, out thinking them.  It’s what I am.  And I like it.  I like it more than anything I’ve ever done.” — Tyrion Lannister

“When you tear out a mans tongue, you are not proving him a liar.  You’re only telling the world that you fear what he might say.” — Tyrion Lannister

“I am the gift.  It’s a pleasure to meet you, Your Grace.  My name is Tyrion Lannister.” — Tyrion Lannister

Intuitive, diplomatic, righteous, and perceptive Tyrion Lannister is an Idealist.



Samwell Tarly, HBO, Game of Thrones

Samwell Tarly

Sam is forced to join the Night’s Watch by his father as a means to disinherit him.

He is initially bullied by the other recruits, but befriended by Jon Snow.  After taking his vows, Sam is made Maester Aemon’s steward and is tasked with taking care of the ravens (written letter communication).

He develops a meaningful rapport with a wildling Gilly and flees with her into the wilderness after his regiment engages in mutiny and disbands.

He becomes a witness to the vast army of White Walkers and Wights marching to the Fist of the First Men.

When the Watch has to choose a new commander, Sam pleads the case of his good friend Jon Snow who gets elected.

Sam entreats Jon to send him to the Citadel in Oldtown in order to train as a Maester, an academic undertaking, while also taking Gilly to safety.

He intends to leave Gilly and Little Sam at his ancestral home Horn-Hill, but this venture proves unsuccessful.

Sam decides to take Gilly and Little Sam with him to the Citadel, and commandeers his rightful heritage a Valyrian steel sword, Heartsbane.


Samwell Tarly, HBO, Game of Thrones

“Sometimes a man has to make hard choices.  Choices that might look wrong to others but you know are right in the long run.” — Samwell Tarly

“I always wanted to be a wizard.” — Samwell Tarly

Quote1You’re better than me at everything.  Except reading.Quote2 — Samwell Tarly

“I’ve been worrying about Jon for years.  He always comes back.” — Samwell Tarly

“I didn’t think I’d ever come back here after my father made me renounce my title and inheritance and, well, threaten to kill me if I didn’t.  A person just doesn’t feel welcome at that point.” — Samwell Tarly

“The thing is… my father doesn’t like wildlings.  He hoped I’d make a man of myself by ‘killing some bloody wildlings,’ so it’s probably a good subject to avoid if at all possible.” — Samwell Tarly

“He’s the commander we turned to when the night was darkest.” — Samwell Tarly

“She’s a person, not a goat.” — Samwell Tarly

“How many brothers can say that they’ve killed a white walker and a Thenn?  I might be the first in history.” — Samwell Tarly

“Seems a bit greedy for one man to have so many wives.  Wouldn’t two or three be enough for him?” — Samwell Tarly

“His name was Aemon Targaryen.  He came to us from King’s Landing.  A maester of the Citadel, chained and sworn, and sworn brother of the Night’s Watch, ever faithful.  No man was wiser or gentler, or kinder.  At the wall a dozen lord commanders came and went during his years of service but he was always there to counsel them.  He was the blood of the dragon… but now his fire has gone out.  And now his watch has ended.” — Samwell Tarly

Cerebral, scholarly, studious, and well-informed Samwell Tarly is a Rational.


One thought on “Cutthroat Diversity”

  1. Someone please explain why Tyrion Lannister is NOT a rational, as well as why Sam Tarly is NOT a Guardian.

    Tyrion seems to deduce everything logically, is even/calm tempered, and tends to be steps ahead of everyone else in strategic ways. I get he speaks of souls and self, but wouldn’t his pre-disposition to be calm and logical make him a Rational? What am I missing?

    As with Sam, he is a protector, seems obligated to take care and ensure the safety of his girlfriend and the baby. He doesn’t question his position as a steward and abides by the code very strictly. Aren’t these the characteristics of belonging attributed to Guardians?

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