The fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin portrays war, politics, and human nature in a morally ambiguous (and realistic) light. The series follows many characters in a fantasy world, each intertwined in a grand power struggle often referred to as the “Game of Thrones.” Amidst court intrigue, assassination plots, blood feuds, and illicit betrayals, characters in A Song of Ice and Fire make decisions that are not necessarily good nor evil. Tyrion Lannister encapsulates this moral ambiguity that pervades the series. He is a complex, dynamic character who cannot be defined by one trait. He can be kind, eloquent, and gentle, yet can also be vindictive, bitter, and intemperate. Tyrion consorts with prostitutes, drinks far too often, and even kills at various times. Yet Tyrion is one of the clearest protagonists in the story and the reader comes to sympathize with his plight. Tyrion’s moral ambiguity reflects the nature of both the fantasy world and the real world. There is no good and evil, only people on separate sides of a conflict.
After Bran’s fall from the tower early in the story, Tyrion is …show more content…
His actions range from heroic to sinister. He is considerate of Bran and the Starks, and treats Lady Sansa with dignity and a gentle hand. He even saved King’s Landing with his tactics and leadership at the Battle of the Blackwater. However, his family’s scorn and abuse turn him vile. He murders Shae, even though she was likely coerced into betraying him; he kills his father as retribution for ruining his old marriage. Therefore, Tyrion is a morally ambiguous character, in a morally ambiguous world. In A Song of Ice and Fire, as well as the real world, there are very few traditional pure heroes and villains. Every person does both good and bad deeds, and exists within a moral grey area. Tyrion’s morality is ambiguous, because humans are by nature morally
After Bran’s fall from the tower early in the story, Tyrion is …show more content…
His actions range from heroic to sinister. He is considerate of Bran and the Starks, and treats Lady Sansa with dignity and a gentle hand. He even saved King’s Landing with his tactics and leadership at the Battle of the Blackwater. However, his family’s scorn and abuse turn him vile. He murders Shae, even though she was likely coerced into betraying him; he kills his father as retribution for ruining his old marriage. Therefore, Tyrion is a morally ambiguous character, in a morally ambiguous world. In A Song of Ice and Fire, as well as the real world, there are very few traditional pure heroes and villains. Every person does both good and bad deeds, and exists within a moral grey area. Tyrion’s morality is ambiguous, because humans are by nature morally