5 Game Of Thrones characters that deserved more screen time

Game of Thrones gave us some of the most memorable characters in TV history. However, not everyone had the chance to fully develop or show their potential. While the show focused on major characters like Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen, and Arya Stark, some important characters were left out or underdeveloped.

Here are five characters who could have made the show even better if they’d had more screen time.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the author’s personal opinions only. Content is for informational purposes and may include subjective views. Readers' discretion is advised.

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Characters who deserve more screen time

Rickon Stark

Rickon Stark, the youngest Stark sibling, didn’t get the attention his brothers and sisters did. His siblings, Robb, Jon, Sansa, Arya, and Bran, all had storylines that shaped the show. Rickon, on the other hand, disappeared for a long time after being sent to Skaagos for safety.

When he finally returned as Ramsay Bolton’s prisoner, he had no dialogue or signs of character development. Even his death was disappointing—he was killed while running in a straight line during the Battle of the Bastards. If the show had explored Rickon’s experiences and personality, he could have been a more complex and valuable character.

Rickon’s story could have shown how his time away changed him. More screen time could have made his death more emotional and meaningful.

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Howland Reed

Howland Reed was a mysterious but important character in the Game of Thrones world. He was the only person alive who knew the truth about Jon Snow’s real parents, Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen. However, he stayed hidden in his castle and never appeared in the show’s present-day storyline.

In the books, Howland is portrayed as a strong ally to the Stark family. He commands a powerful army and sends his children, Jojen and Meera, to help Bran, even though Jojen eventually dies.

Howland’s knowledge of Jon’s parentage could have added more tension and excitement to Jon’s storyline. Seeing Howland appear to help Jon or Bran could have made the reveal of Jon’s heritage even more impactful.

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The Kindly Man

The Faceless Men, a group of assassins Arya trains with, were supposed to be one of the most mysterious and deadly groups in the series. However, Arya’s time with them felt repetitive and didn’t add much to her character arc.

In the books, The Kindly Man is Arya’s main teacher. He has a skull-like face and speaks the common tongue, making him both creepy and wise. He teaches Arya the dark history of the Faceless Men, which makes her training more meaningful.

If The Kindly Man had been included in the show, Arya’s time in the House of Black and White would have felt more significant. His guidance could have better explained how Arya became the deadly assassin we see later.

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Robin Arryn

In the show, Sansa’s story mostly focuses on her time and wedding with Ramsay Bolton. But in the books, she spends more time in the Vale with Robin Arryn, her young cousin and the Lord of the Vale. Robin is portrayed as a spoiled, sickly child with little leadership ability.

With more screen time, Robin could have been developed into a more interesting and complex character. Sansa could have used her time with him to manipulate him or gain political power in the Vale, which would have made her more morally ambiguous.

Robin’s development could have shown Sansa’s growth as a political player. It would also have made his transformation into a more respectable lord in Season 8 feel more believable.

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Lady Stoneheart

Lady Stoneheart is one of the most famous characters from the books who never made it to the show. After being killed at the Red Wedding, Catelyn Stark is brought back to life by the Brotherhood Without Banners. As Lady Stoneheart, she is filled with hatred and hunts down the Freys and Lannisters for revenge.

In the books, her presence turns the Brotherhood from noble rebels into a vengeful, fearsome group. Lady Stoneheart could have added a chilling and tragic element to the aftermath of the Red Wedding.

Lady Stoneheart’s story could have made the Brotherhood Without Banners more complex and added more emotional depth to the Stark family’s tragedy. She would have been a powerful reminder of the Red Wedding’s consequences.

Game of Thrones had an incredible cast of characters, but some were left behind as the show focused on its main plotlines. Rickon Stark, Howland Reed, The Kindly Man, Robin Arryn, and Lady Stoneheart all had stories that could have added depth and complexity to the series.

If the show had explored its characters more, it could have changed the entire dynamic of the story.

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