Summary
Oh, Jon Snow.
He’s firmly ensconced within my top five favorite characters fromGeorge R. R. Martin’sA Song of Ice and Fireuniverse.
In all fairness toshowrunnersDavid BenioffandD.
Image via HBO
No television show or feature film can replicate a book character’s written perspective and mental insights.
How Is Jon Snow Different in the Game of Thrones Books?
Certainly, book Jon has his fair share of personality hiccups.
Nine noble families fight for control over the lands of Westeros while an ancient enemy returns after being dormant for millennia.
That’s the point.
The social ostracization he faces as a bastard child carves a weighty chip into his shoulder.
Jon is 14 years old whenGame of Thronesbegins, and he acts like a kid.
(Yes, Jon Snow can joke!
)His quickly inflamed temper activates whenever his fragile pride is hurt, which is often.
But his Night’s Watch brothers are remorseful as they murder their beloved and admired Lord Commander.
In his heart of hearts, Jon Snow wants to be a good person.
He also wants to be found worthwhile.
Who can’t relate to that?
There’s an undeniable charisma nestled within Martin’s writing.
He wins the respect and loyalty of his Brothers because he cares for his men.
He has no special talents besides warging, and no cute dragons to raise.
Image via HBO
These unique choices make for a more fascinating, refreshing, and ever-evolving character.
AsMaester Aemonsaid, “Kill the boy and let the man be born.”
It’s no fault of Kit Harington’s; much blame can be assigned to aging up the characters.
Image via HBO
Harington was in his mid-20s whenGame of Thronesbegan, andit robs Jon’s maturation of its believable nuance.
Likewise, Jon’s Season 6 resurrection leaves much to be desired.
David Benioff and D.B.
Because subverting expectations is better than delivering upon a foreshadowed narrative, right?
To add insult to injury,Jon lacks character development in Seasons 7 and 8.
HBO had no clue, so fans will never know.
Jon Snow assumed a life of his own thanks toGame of Thrones' zeitgeist success.
Suffice it to say we’re glad theypassed on the spin-off.
Game of Thronesis available to stream on Max.
