Desiree M. Cooper
In “Game of Thrones,” Female Characters Hold the Crown
by Desiree M. Cooper
“I should wear the armor and you the gown,” Cersei Lannister tells her husband in HBO’s fantasy drama “Game of Thrones.”
Lannister is one of many characters in the popular television series that tests the boundaries of the typical female role; instead of being submissive and letting men do all the work, she speaks her mind and expects to be treated equally.
“Game of Thrones,” based on New Mexico resident and self-proclaimed feminist George R.R. Martin’s book series “A Song of Ice and Fire,” never shies away from making women the heroes.
Fan-favorite Daenerys Targaryen chases her dream of ruling Westeros (the fictional land in which the series takes place) without hesitation.
Targaryan encounters countless men who claim she cannot rule because she is only a “weak” woman. She crushes this stereotype by gaining their respect, either through force or compassion.
Another female who fights for what she believes in is young Arya Stark. Stark defies the conventional image she is expected to uphold by partaking in sword-fighting and refusing to wear silky gowns.
Her sister, Sansa Stark, starts off as a stereotypical teenage girl: boy-crazy and obsessed with her appearance. After a tragedy occurs, Stark breaks away from her infatuation with the other sex and takes her life into her own hands.
These leading ladies are not alone; minor characters are also taking charge in a noteworthy manner. Brienne of Tarth could be an older Arya Stark: short-haired, sword-wielding and fearless. Ygritte, a fiery redhead, uses her quick wit and skill with a bow-and-arrow to get her way. Margaery Tyrell is both nurturing and ambitious, a rare combination for a girl in TV land.
To be inspired by the women of Westeros, watch the HBO premiere of season four on April 4 at 9 p.m. ET.
Lannister is one of many characters in the popular television series that tests the boundaries of the typical female role; instead of being submissive and letting men do all the work, she speaks her mind and expects to be treated equally.
“Game of Thrones,” based on New Mexico resident and self-proclaimed feminist George R.R. Martin’s book series “A Song of Ice and Fire,” never shies away from making women the heroes.
Fan-favorite Daenerys Targaryen chases her dream of ruling Westeros (the fictional land in which the series takes place) without hesitation.
Targaryan encounters countless men who claim she cannot rule because she is only a “weak” woman. She crushes this stereotype by gaining their respect, either through force or compassion.
Another female who fights for what she believes in is young Arya Stark. Stark defies the conventional image she is expected to uphold by partaking in sword-fighting and refusing to wear silky gowns.
Her sister, Sansa Stark, starts off as a stereotypical teenage girl: boy-crazy and obsessed with her appearance. After a tragedy occurs, Stark breaks away from her infatuation with the other sex and takes her life into her own hands.
These leading ladies are not alone; minor characters are also taking charge in a noteworthy manner. Brienne of Tarth could be an older Arya Stark: short-haired, sword-wielding and fearless. Ygritte, a fiery redhead, uses her quick wit and skill with a bow-and-arrow to get her way. Margaery Tyrell is both nurturing and ambitious, a rare combination for a girl in TV land.
To be inspired by the women of Westeros, watch the HBO premiere of season four on April 4 at 9 p.m. ET.
(All Rights Reserved for HBO with this image)