George R.R. Martin has faced numerous challenges while working on The Winds of Winter, the much-awaited next book in A Song of Ice and Fire. One of the most difficult aspects for Martin has been writing Bran Stark, a character whose role in the story has grown increasingly complex.
This struggle raises concerns about how Bran’s storyline will unfold in the final books, especially considering how his character was handled in Game of Thrones.
Bran Stark: The Most Challenging Character for Martin
In a Q&A with Penguin Random House, Martin opened up about his difficulty in writing Bran Stark. While he finds other characters, like Tyrion Lannister, easier to write, Bran’s chapters have been especially tricky for him.
Bran’s storyline heavily involves magic, warging, and the supernatural—elements that need to be treated with care so they don’t overwhelm the story. Martin admitted that he had to rewrite Bran’s chapters multiple times due to the intricate lore surrounding his character and the mystical elements tied to his journey, especially his transformation into the Three-Eyed Raven.
Bran’s arc is deeply connected to the larger narrative, including the history of the Stark family, the threat of the Others (White Walkers), and the role of the Three-Eyed Raven. These complex elements are essential for the conclusion of the series, which makes it clear why writing Bran’s story has proven so difficult for Martin.
Concerns About Bran’s Role in The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring
Given how important Bran’s story is for the final conclusion of A Song of Ice and Fire, it’s concerning that Martin still struggles with writing his chapters. If Bran’s journey beyond the Wall and his eventual fate aren’t handled well, it could hurt the conclusion of the entire series, especially if it mirrors how Game of Thrones handled his character.
In the show, Bran’s storyline felt rushed and somewhat disconnected from his ultimate role as king. Many fans were left confused by his sudden rise to power, and this is something that Martin needs to avoid in the books.
For Bran to become king in A Dream of Spring, the setup needs to be strong and well-explained. The transition from Bran’s mystical journey to him taking the throne must be earned.
The way the Game of Thrones series handled it left many fans scratching their heads, and Martin needs to make sure this plot point feels natural and satisfying in the books.
Hope for a Better Bran Conclusion in the Books
Despite his struggles, there’s hope that Martin will do a better job with Bran’s story than Game of Thrones did. One reason for optimism is Martin’s deep understanding of the lore and his commitment to making Bran’s chapters work.
While the show had limited time to explore the intricate details of Bran’s powers, Martin has the space and the will to go deeper into the lore of the Children of the Forest, the Three-Eyed Raven, and the Others. This could help make Bran’s story more meaningful and impactful in the final books.
In The Winds of Winter, Martin has the chance to expand on Bran’s role, making it a much more integral part of the plot. By digging deeper into the mystical aspects of Bran’s character, Martin can give him a more satisfying and well-earned journey—something the show didn’t have time to do.
