The Best ASOIAF Characters to Remain Off the Show

When adapting George R.R. Martin's acclaimed A Song of Ice and Fire series into television series, certain characters were omitted to streamline the narrative and avoid complicating the storyline. Let's delve into why some of the best ASOIAF characters would have benefited from remaining off the show.

1. Lady Stoneheart

Character: The resurrected Catelyn Stark who leads the Brotherhood Without Banners.

Why: Lady Stoneheart's inclusion would have significantly deepened the themes of vengeance and justice. However, her omission simplified the narrative and avoided complicating the already sprawling plot with her dark motivations and the moral ambiguity of her actions. Her presence would have added layers of complexity to Catelyn Stark's role, but her absence allowed the show to focus on the main characters and main plot arcs.

2. Aegon Targaryen (Young Griff)

Character: A potential claimant to the Iron Throne believed to be the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Elia Martell.

Why: The storyline of Aegon introduces themes of legitimacy and identity. However, the show's omission of him streamlined the plot by focusing on more central characters and conflicts, avoiding confusion over multiple claimants. His presence could have added another layer to the complex political landscape of Westeros, but it would have also introduced too much complexity without a clear resolution.

3. Victarion Greyjoy

Character: The ironborn captain of the Iron Islands known for his strength and ambition.

Why: While he adds depth to the Greyjoy family and the ironborn culture, his exclusion kept the focus on the primary characters and their arcs without further complicating the political landscape of Westeros. His inclusion would have added diversity to the Greenseeper family, but the focus on key relationships and plot arcs necessitated his absence to maintain the show's pacing and narrative flow.

4. Doran Martell

Character: The ruler of Dorne, known for his strategic mind and desire for peace.

Why: Doran Martell could have provided a more nuanced perspective on Dorne politics and motivations. However, his absence simplified the storyline concerning the Martells and their conflict with the Lannisters. His presence would have added another viewpoint to the overarching story, but it would have also introduced tangents that detracted from the main narrative.

5. Other Greyjoys (Except Yara and Theon)

Why: Characters like Asha (Daenerys's handmaiden in the show), Victarion, and the rest of the Greyjoy family were present, but their absence allowed the storyline to focus on key relationships and plot arcs without the added complexity of their family dynamics. Their inclusion would have further enriched the show, but it would have also layered the script with additional subplots that could have become overwhelming.

6. Lady Mormont (Without Dacey and Val Mentioned Here)

Why: While she was included in the show, her character was somewhat simplified. Her absence could have allowed for a more traditional portrayal of Northern houses without the added complexity of her strong-willed character. Dacey Mormont, one of Robb's personal guards, is an absolute honor for anyone, especially a woman. Her presence adds another layer to the Stark family dynamic, but her absence maintains the show's focus on the main characters.

Conclusion

Overall, the omission of these characters allowed the show to maintain a clear and focused narrative, keeping the primary plot arcs intact. Had they been included, the show would have faced the challenge of managing multiple complex storylines, potentially overwhelming the audience. However, the absence of these characters means we miss some intriguing storylines and potential character development, suggesting a delicate balance in the adaptation process.

Alternatives like Dacey Mormont, who served as one of Robb's personal guards, provided an absolute honor for any woman, were omitted to maintain the focus on the primary characters. Including Val, given where the show ends up with Jon beyond the Wall, could have provided a more satisfying ending, serving as an Easter egg for book readers. Additionally, introducing Arianne Martell would have given a unique perspective on Dorne, showing its casual viewers how entirely different the region is from the rest of Westeros. Her presence, along with other strong-willed female rulers, would have highlighted the powerful women in the series without the need for constant emphasis on their gender.