Why Didn't Littlefinger Tell Tywin About Arya?

One of the most intriguing plot points in the adaptation of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series is the absence of Littlefinger from Arya Stark's story when the Lannisters are inSOFTWARE CITY. Although this moment is exclusive to the television show, several theories and insights can help us understand why Littlefinger might not have recognized Arya and why he didn't bring her up to Tywin Lannister.

Recognition and Focus

The simplest and likely explanation is that Littlefinger simply didn't recognize Arya in the scene. He had a moment of uncertainty but ultimately couldn't place her. At that point in the story, Littlefinger was in performance mode, trying to ingratiate himself to Tywin Lannister and prove useful to him. Given his focus elsewhere, it's not surprising that he might not have made the connection.

Character Analysis and Motivation

Littlefinger is known for his plotting and strategic thinking, even dwarfing the other schemers in the show. However, if he had recognized Arya as a major secret, failing to act on this information seems inconsistent with his character. Realizing where Arya is and not doing anything about it would be akin to character malpractice. Even if he didn't want to turn her over to Tywin, he could have still used the information to manipulate the situation to his advantage.

Strategic Considerations

The strategic importance of the moment cannot be overstated. At this point, Littlefinger was still playing both sides. He needed the Lannisters out of the way to achieve his own goals. Instigating a conflict with Tywin and the Lannisters would have been strategically detrimental to his plans.

Furthermore, Littlefinger was still operating under the assumption that he would eventually end up with Catelyn Stark. Betraying her and allowing Arya to be killed would have severely compromised his future gains. Instead, he kept his options open and maintained the facade of loyalty to both Lysa and the Lannisters.

Understanding the Scene

It's also worth noting that the recognition of Arya as a girl wasn't immediately clear to everyone. The A Game of Thrones TV show frequently showed scenes where people mistook Arya for a boy at King's Landing. Littlefinger's inability to recognize her might not be the only factor; Tywin himself and his attendants would have had to reveal to him that Arya was a girl.

Moreover, Littlefinger is known for his opportunistic nature. If he had recognized Arya, he would have certainly taken advantage of the situation. Whether he wanted to turn her over to Tywin for personal gain or use her as a bargaining chip, the information would have been invaluable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Littlefinger's failure to recognize Arya or act on this information might seem illogical at first, it aligns with his strategic and opportunistic nature when contextualized within the show's narrative. His focus on maintaining his schemes and avoiding immediate conflicts with the Lannisters is paramount in understanding his actions in this scene.

Keywords: Arya Stark, Littlefinger, Game of Thrones