storytelling techniques: Game of Thrones series

Introduction 

Game of Thrones uses several storytelling techniques that make it complex and compelling. By looking at these techniques through different literary lenses, we can see how the series builds tension, develops characters, and keeps audiences engaged. 

1. Multiple Perspectives (Narrative Lens)
Game of Thrones uses a multi-perspective narrative, showing the story from the viewpoints of various characters. This technique allows us to see the world through the eyes of everyone from noble lords to commoners, making the story feel vast and interconnected.

Example: By showing Cersei’s struggles to protect her family, Daenerys’s desire to free the oppressed, and Jon Snow’s loyalty to the Night’s Watch, we understand that every character has their own motivations. This structure allows the story to explore complex themes like power and survival from many angles, giving depth to even the “villains” by showing why they act as they do.

The narrative lens shows that this technique adds realism and moral complexity to the story, as it challenges viewers to understand each character's personal motivations and biases.

2. Foreshadowing and Symbolism (Structural Lens)
Foreshadowing is when the story gives hints about future events, and symbolism uses specific images or actions to represent deeper ideas. Game of Thrones uses both to build suspense and create thematic depth.

Example of Foreshadowing: Early in Season 1, Bran’s fall from the tower foreshadows the tragic events that will unfold for the Stark family. Also, Daenerys’s early displays of ruthlessness foreshadow her eventual turn as the “Mad Queen.”
Example of Symbolism: The Iron Throne itself is a symbol of power’s allure and danger. It’s made of swords taken from enemies, showing that it’s built on violence and betrayal. Whoever sits on it faces intense moral and physical challenges, symbolizing the harsh nature of rulership.
Through the structural lens, we see that foreshadowing and symbolism create layers of meaning in the story, enhancing the viewer’s experience by giving clues and deeper insights into the characters and their destinies.

3. Subversion of Tropes (Postmodern Lens)
In traditional fantasy stories, there are clear “good guys” and “bad guys.” Game of Thrones challenges this idea by subverting (flipping) these classic tropes, creating a story where anyone can die, and heroes have flaws.
Example: In most stories, a character like Ned Stark would be the “hero” who wins against evil. But Ned’s honor actually leads to his death, which shocks viewers and breaks from the usual expectations of heroic fantasy.
Example: Jaime Lannister starts as a typical “villain” but becomes more sympathetic as we learn about his past and motives. The show keeps viewers guessing by making villains more human and heroes more flawed.
Using a postmodern lens, this technique makes the story unpredictable and challenges viewers to question their assumptions about morality. It reflects real life, where people are neither purely good nor purely evil.

4. Realistic Dialogue and Political Intrigue (Political and Social Lens)
The show’s dialogue is often gritty, realistic, and filled with political maneuvering, which makes it feel grounded in a brutal, medieval-like world. The political conversations and schemes reveal the ambitions and struggles for power among different characters.

Example: The rivalry between the Starks and Lannisters, and the manipulative tactics used by characters like Littlefinger and Varys, show how power is often gained through deceit and negotiation rather than straightforward heroism. The way they discuss alliances, betrayals, and survival tactics reveals how power dynamics function in their world.
Through a political and social lens, this technique reflects the realities of power and how it’s often messy and morally complex. The show comments on how people manipulate others to achieve personal goals, often sacrificing morality for survival or ambition.

5. Use of Tragedy and Irony (Tragic Lens)
The tragic lens focuses on characters whose strengths become their weaknesses, leading to tragic outcomes. Game of Thrones frequently uses irony—where outcomes are the opposite of what characters intend—and tragedy to show the harsh realities of their world.

Example of Irony: Daenerys wants to “break the wheel” and end oppressive rulers, but she ironically becomes a tyrant herself. Her desire to liberate Westeros leads her to destroy it, highlighting the irony in her journey.
Example of Tragedy: Characters like Robb Stark and Jon Snow make choices based on honor, love, or loyalty, but these decisions often backfire. Robb’s choice to marry for love instead of political alliance leads to his death in the Red Wedding. Jon’s loyalty to the Night’s Watch brings him hardships and, ultimately, an exile from the land he saved.
The tragic lens helps us understand how Game of Thrones uses irony and tragedy to comment on the flaws and limitations of noble ideals. The story warns that even the best intentions can have disastrous consequences.

6. Exploration of Identity (Existential Lens)
The existential lens focuses on how characters struggle to find purpose and identity in a harsh, often indifferent world. Many characters in Game of Thrones are searching for meaning, which influences their actions and relationships.

Example: Tyrion Lannister constantly questions his place in a world that despises him for being a dwarf. Through his intellect and wit, he carves a role for himself, yet he still struggles with acceptance and self-worth.
Example: Arya Stark loses her family and identity, leading her to the Faceless Men. However, she ultimately rejects becoming “no one” and reclaims her name, choosing to live by her own values rather than those imposed on her.
Through an existential lens, the show examines how characters navigate personal identity in a world filled with chaos. This struggle makes their journeys relatable as they seek purpose amid their challenges and traumas.

7. Intertwining Plotlines and Cliffhangers (Structural Lens)
The series is known for its intertwined plotlines and frequent cliffhangers, which maintain suspense and emphasize the complex interconnections among characters and storylines.
Example: The fates of Westeros and the Wall, as well as the separate paths of characters like Daenerys, Jon, and the Lannisters, all eventually converge in the final battles. The separate storylines build tension by making each character’s journey feel unique yet crucial to the main plot.

Example of Cliffhangers: At the end of each season, the show often leaves viewers with dramatic cliffhangers, like Jon’s death at the end of Season 5, which adds suspense and keeps audiences invested in the outcome.
Through the structural lens, these techniques reveal how Game of Thrones builds complexity and keeps viewers engaged by balancing multiple perspectives and plots that eventually intertwine.

Conclusion
In summary, Game of Thrones employs a blend of storytelling techniques that, when examined through these literary lenses, reveal the series’ thematic depth and narrative richness. These approaches help us understand how the show combines traditional and innovative storytelling to create a world that feels both mythical and deeply human.