Why Arya Stark’s List Diverges in Books vs. Show

The discrepancy between Arya Stark's list in the A Song of Ice and Fire books and the HBO series Game of Thrones is a fascinating aspect of storytelling that offers valuable insights into the differences in narrative pacing and thematic emphasis between the two mediums.

Character Development

The Game of Thrones TV show and the A Song of Ice and Fire books present Arya Stark's journey through completely different lenses. In the books, Arya's journey is more introspective, nuanced, and character-driven. Her internal growth and reflections shape her motivations and perceptions. This is in contrast to the television adaptation, which often emphasizes her transformation into a more ruthless and deadly assassin as a strategic tool for advancing the plot. The show's pacing and thematic focus lead to significant divergences between her personality and backstory in the books and on screen.

Plot Differences

Several key plot elements in Game of Thrones veer from the original source material, influencing the characters Arya encounters and the reasons they appear on her list. For instance, certain figures who appear on her list in the series may not exist in the books, or their fates and backstories are altered to better serve the show's narrative. As an example, Ser Meryn Trant and Polliver in the books are executed by Edmure Tully, but these characters are only referenced as being killed by Arya in the show. This reflects how the show takes creative liberties to streamline the story and emphasize character arcs without always adhering to the books' detailed chronologies.

Theme and Tone

The list of names serves as a pivotal narrative and thematic tool. In the books, Arya's list is a complex reflection of her inner struggles, her goals for vengeance, and her evolving understanding of justice. This internal journey places a strong emphasis on her emotional and moral development. Meanwhile, the show often focuses on more external, action-oriented plot points, leading to a more dramatic and condensed portrayal of her evolution. Arya's transformation into an effective murderer and her role in the Night King's defeat are central to the show's narrative, whereas the books delve into her spiritual and emotional growth.

Evolution of the List

The books provide a more organic and intricate exploration of Arya's evolving list. Her names are not just alterations of her enemies but symbols of her personal and emotional journey. The show, while preserving this essence, often condenses these moments to fit within stricter time constraints and dramatic arcs. For instance, Arya's list in the show includes figures like Beric Dondarrion and Thoros of Myr because of their direct involvement in Gendry's fate, which is a significant plot point but less central in the books. Similarly, while Arya removes names like Beric, Thoros, and Roose Bolton from her list later in the books, the show emphasizes these moments as pivotal plot points.

Names on the List

Some names remain consistent between the books and the show, such as Joffrey, Cersei, Ilyn Payne, the Mountain, the Hound, and Ser Meryn. However, the show often includes additional names due to plot developments. Arya had a total of 13 names on her list by the end of the series, with seven being the same in both mediums. Six of the remaining six names from the books were people whom Arya met or knew in the books but not in the show:

Amory Lorch The Tickler dunsex Chiswyck Weese Raff the Sweetling

Arya named these characters to Jaqen H'ghar because she knew their names, but did not add them to her formal list. In the show, Arya's list consisted of 19 names, with several additions due to specific events that occurred in the series. The names Arya had in the books but were not present in the show include:

Tywin Rorge (a temporary addition, as he was killed before she could make her prayer) Walder Frey

Walder Frey’s name was added only in reference to the Red Wedding, but this event is not mentioned in the books.

Conclusion

The divergences between Arya Stark's list in the books and the show reflect the distinct storytelling approaches of different mediums. While both the books and the show provide rich narratives, the TV series often prioritizes pace and dramatic impact over the intricate details found in George R.R. Martin's source material. This divergence highlights the complexity and nuance of both adaptations, offering fans and viewers a unique perspective on the character of Arya Stark.