Today, I wanted to highlight a character I've been thinking about a lot lately--Daenerys Targaryen from George R.R. Martin's Game of Thrones. As much as it pains me, I haven't yet read the books, though I did buy the first book yesterday (with Sean Bean on the cover--YUM), so I'm basing this entirely on the TV adaptation, which may or may not stray from the book.
The first scene with Daenerys just weirded me out. It seems the brother-sister relationships are just effed up. We see Daenerys' brother Viserys basically sizing her up, ensuring she'll be just perfect for the Dothraki leader Khal Drogo (AKA Mr. Crazy McSexypants). Daenerys' value is based solely on her beauty and whether Khal Drogo will want her, and really, Viserys is putting a lot of pressure on his little sister. At first, I wondered if Daenerys was going to be one of those pitiful, whiny girls whose life is determined by those around her. Oh man, was I pleasantly surprised.
Daenerys quickly became one of my favorite characters. She's AWESOME. First, yes, she's shy and nervous and scared, and who wouldn't be? Drogo is INTIMIDATING AS HELL. Plus, she doesn't really speak the language. The Dothraki are a barbaric, violent tribe, and they prefer doggy-style. Daenerys doesn't just lay down and take it, though. She learns how to please her husband the way she wants to (girl on top FTW), and thereby earns Drogo's respect.
Through the rest of the season, Daenerys and Drogo perform this delicate dance of cultivating respect and affection, eventually falling in love with each other. Apart from Ned and Catelyn Stark, they have the most stable loving relationship.
So. Cute. OMG.
I found myself looking forward to their scenes because I was so intrigued by how Daenerys had grown as a character since wedding Drogo. She adopts a lot of the Dothraki's characteristics. While her brother is busy whining and complaining and being a total douche canoe, Daenerys accepts her role as Khalissi with a grace and power I didn't expect from her. She loses her quiet doormat self and becomes a strong leader among a tribe that does not accept her because she wasn't born Dothraki. And though Drogo is willing to protect her and stand up for her (including ripping a dude's throat out for insulting her [hot]), Daenerys is also willing to stand up for herself, even if every person in that tribe could rip her limb from limb in a second. I LOVE that about her. Her inner strength is amazing. She even finds the strength to stand up to her brother.
Daenerys' progression is only beginning. I'm so anxious for Game of Thrones to start again (and to dive into the book) because I want to know what she's going to do next. Seriously, if you haven't checked out the show or the books, you should. Daenerys makes it worthwhile.
(Also, Jon Snow. He'll be featured on MANic Monday soon.)
