14 Game of Thrones characters who were better in the books

14. The Sand Snakes

In George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series, the Sand Snakes are the bastard daughters of daddy Pedro’s character Oberyn Martell. Each of them has a unique personality, set of skills, and their own arcs. There are a total of eight Sand Snakes, but the ones we spend the most time with are Obara, Nymeria, and Tyene.

In Game of Thrones, the Sand Snakes are portrayed as naive, seductive, and childish. Their storylines are diminished and their characters grouped together into a trio blindly bent on revenge for their father’s death. Their methods and individual personalities are not well-developed in the slightest. Let’s take a look at what we missed:

Obara Sand: Obara Sand in the books is like a tempest in the desert, fierce and relentless with a spear that’s an extension of her soul. She’s not just Oberyn Martell’s daughter; she’s his living legacy, embodying his warrior spirit.

Born to a mother from Oldtown, Obara learned early on that if you want something in this world, you’ve got to fight for it, and fight she does. Whether it’s advocating for military action in Dorne or standing her ground in the face of danger, she’s always ready to see things through. Now, compare that to her poor portrayal in the series, where she’s, well… less distinct, to put it kindly. Instead of a character with layers and depth, she comes across as a one-note revenge-seeker.

Nymeria Sand (Nym): In the books, Nymeria Sand is the embodiment of lethal elegance. Daughter of a high-born lady from Volantis, she’s got a captivating blend of grace and deadly skill that is wonderful to read about. Instead of charging into battle, Nym would likely be three steps ahead while quietly crafting a master plan as she casually flips a dagger between her fingers. She’s not just muscle; she’s a strategist.

The show does not to Nym justice at all.  It’s like serving a fine wine in a paper cup. The essence is (kind of) there, but the full experience is just not the same.

Tyene Sand: The daughter of a septa, Tyene may look like the girl next door, but she’s forgotten more about poisons than most people will ever know. Far from being a sidekick to her fiercer sisters, she plays an important role in Dornish politics. Tyene not only supports her uncle Doran Martell’s plans for vengeance but is also a fervent believer in the Seven. Imagine her as a blend of a quiet strategist and a devout believer, making her one of the most interesting of the Sand Snakes. Now, if you turn to her portrayal in the show, well…… let’s just say she’s watered down.

While the series understandably had time constraints that led to the consolidation and simplification of numerous subplots and characters, many fans of the books found the onscreen portrayal of the Sand Snakes to be the most lacking in comparison to Martin’s novels.

Whether you’re a fan of the books, a fan of the series, or someone who enjoys both, the differences in character portrayals offer an interesting look inside the adaptation process. But if you ever find yourself wanting more from the characters we all love so much, remember that the pages of George R.R. Martin’s epic series are always there, inviting you to get lost in the rich history and stories of Westeros.

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