Game of Thrones, Episode 1: Winter is Coming
Sansa Stark’s Role in the Episode
Sansa Stark’s role in this episode is primarily focused on establishing her personality, desires, and the beginning of her arc within the story. She represents a stark contrast to her sister Arya, as she embraces the traditional noblewoman’s life and aspirations, particularly regarding her potential betrothal to Prince Joffrey Baratheon.
Key Moments and Contributions:
- Needlework Lesson – Sansa is shown excelling at embroidery under Mordane’s guidance, reinforcing her adherence to the ideal noblewoman’s role, unlike Arya, who is distracted and eventually leaves the lesson.
- Excitement Over Joffrey – In a conversation with Catelyn, Sansa expresses her desire to marry Prince Joffrey and become Queen, highlighting her youthful naivety and romanticized view of the royal family.
- Interaction with Queen Cersei – Sansa meets Cersei, where the Queen evaluates her potential as Joffrey’s future bride. This moment foreshadows Cersei’s influence over Sansa’s future and subtly hints at the dangers of court life.
- Tension with Arya – Sansa argues with Arya at the feast after Arya flings food at her. This moment further emphasizes the contrast between the two sisters—Sansa is concerned with appearances, while Arya is playful and rebellious.
- Developing Political Significance – Robert and Eddard discuss uniting their houses through Sansa and Joffrey’s marriage, setting up an important political move that will drive much of Sansa’s arc throughout the series.
Impact Rating: 3.5/10
- Minimal Influence on the Episode’s Main Events – Sansa does not directly impact any major plot developments in this episode.
- No Action-Driven Role – Her role is primarily expository, focusing on character-building rather than driving events.
- Foreshadowing Future Political Importance – Her potential betrothal to Joffrey establishes one of the central conflicts of the story.
- Contrasting with Arya – Her interactions with Arya help define both characters’ trajectories and highlight their differences.
- Establishing Relationship with Cersei – The conversation with Queen Cersei is an early step in Sansa’s exposure to the dangers of court politics.
Final Score: 3.5/10 - While Sansa is not pivotal to the main events of the episode, she plays a foundational role in setting up her arc, her political importance, and her contrasting personality to Arya.