What is it that makes a well-developed character? Is it the relatability, or perhaps it is the quirkiness of their personality? Most likely it is some combination of these ideas and a few more. Making use of character builders such as these is essential to creating detailed characters that have a seemingly real personality. One such example is in A Song of Ice and Fire in which George R.R. Martin masterfully develops the character and story arc of Ned Stark through the use of all these methods. What truly makes the character of Ned Stark memorable is his identifiable nature. Unlike most protagonists of stories Ned is not portrayed as some perfect untouchable man; rather he is portrayed as a flawed yet virtuous man. Ned is stubborn to the point of stupidity; when told “The next visitor who calls on you could bring you bread and cheese and the milk of the poppy for your pain … or he could bring you Sansa’s head.” (Martin 637) Ned chose to nobly stand for his beliefs which resulted not only in great suffering to his family but also his untimely death. Although having a relatable character is useful, having a character with unique traits is essential. Archetypes are useful tools but they are just that, tools, they are not meant to provide the entirety of the character. Martin utilizes this idea to create a uniqueness to his characters with …show more content…
No one side of the battle is portrayed as being in the right that judgment is reserved for the reader. All sides of the war make valid claims for the throne and all are willing to do heinous things to get their way. Including people who stand on the same side get caught up in their petty fights leading to a world of no trust and no confidence. Ned was caught in between the lines, “As his men died around him, Littlefinger slid Ned’s dagger from his sheath and shoved it up under his chin … ‘I did warn you not to trust me, you know.’” (Martin