Was Margaery Tyrell in the Books a Schemer or Merely a Pawn?

Many viewers and readers of Game of Thrones may wonder if Margaery Tyrell, the complex and cunning character from the books, was indeed a schemer. However, a closer look at the original source material reveals that Margaery is actually more of a pawn in her family's ambitions, rather than a master manipulator. Let's explore her character and motivations in the books.

Margaery's Role in the Books

According to the original source material, Margaery Tyrell is not as scheming as she is in the TV adaptation. She is more a dutiful daughter who becomes queen because that is what her father wants for her. Her actions are often driven by her family's ambitions, and she may not always have the desire to be queen.

Her Family's Influence

Margaery's father, Mace Tyrell, is the driving force behind many of her decisions. In the books, she does not actively seek the throne for herself, but rather follows her father's plans. Here’s a possible conversation:

Mace Tyrell: Margaery, you are now going to wed King Joffrey Baratheon so that we can enter the royal bloodline. Just like how I plotted to wed you to Renly. Margaery Tyrell: Father, have you gone mad? You are now having your own daughter wed a monster! I do yearn to be the king's queen but I have heard rumors about this Joffrey—and I know full well he will mistreat me.

Mace Tyrell's response is likely:

Mace Tyrell: Don't worry about Joffrey. Your grandmother will take care of him and she will make sure he won't mistreat you. You must do your job and make sure he is only on your side for the time being.

Margaery agrees, showing that she is more of a willing pawn than a mastermind. Her role as a queen is more about fulfilling her family's political goals rather than personal ambition.

Margaery's Marriage Choices

Margaery marries multiple kings—Renly, Joffrey, and Tommen. However, her choices may not be as deliberate as they appear in the show. She may be told by her father and grandmother to marry them for strategic reasons, such as strengthening their position or entering the royal bloodline.

Margaery Tyrell: Now that Joffrey is dead I am now supposed to marry Tommen, right? Olenna Tyrell: Yes, my dear. You can now marry the young little plump king so you can truly be the queen. You will also be able to get him on our side more easily than with Joffrey.

Margaery's genuine feelings are revealed through her familial relationships. She may genuinely care for Tommen as a surrogate brother, rather than as a puppet to control him.

Alliances and Friendships

Another key aspect of Margaery's character in the books is her ability to form alliances, even if they are superficial. She befriends Sansa Stark when they come to King's Landing, inviting her to dinner and spending time with her. This act shows that Margaery is not purely a manipulator, but someone who can form genuine connections.

Margaery Tyrell: This is a very unfortunate time for Sansa. I really thought the plan would work for her and our sakes. She would have been happy in Highgarden. I am actually worried for her now that she is married into the Lannisters.

While Margaery is ultimately a tool for her family's ambitions, her intelligence and cunning are evident in her strategic decisions, such as in small council meetings. She knows when to take action and how to navigate complex political situations, but her motivations are more focused on her family's goals than her own personal desires.

Conclusion

While Margaery Tyrell does have a significant role in the books, her character is not as manipulative or scheming as she is in the TV series. She is more a pawn in her family's ambitious plans, and her actions are driven by a desire to fulfill her father's vision rather than her own personal ambition. Her intelligence and cunning are key assets that serve her family's goals, but her true character is one of someone willing and resourceful, rather than a master manipulator.