Game of Thrones was never afraid to make changes to its source material, George R.R. Martin's iconic series of fantasy novels, A Song of Ice and Fire. Though the HBO show's first season remained very similar to Martin's first book in the series, A Game of Thrones, as the show progressed, it drifted further and further away from the books. Eventually, the TV series surpassed Martin's published works, forging its own path for the final few seasons.
In its changes, Game of Thrones introduces new character dynamics to the World of Ice and Fire. The sheer size of Martin's ensemble means many characters don't even interact in the books. However, the show played around with new pairings based on characters who rarely, if ever, appear together in Martin's pages, leading to some fan-favorite duos.
1. Arya and Tywin cross paths in Harrenhal
In both season 2 of Game of Thrones and the second book in A Song of Ice and Fire, A Clash of Kings, Arya Stark becomes a captive in Harrenhal after she and her Night's Watch traveling companions are ambushed. However, unlike in the books, Arya crosses paths with the patriarch of the Lannister family, Tywin, at the cursed castle. She serves as his cupbearer, and matches his wit beat for beat.
Though Tywin never fully figures out who Arya really is, he sees right through her, deducing her noble birth quickly. Their conversations are widely considered one of the first great additions to the series' lore. Additionally, these scenes helped prove Maisie Williams' skills as an actor, as she stood out as a worthy scene partner for the iconic Charles Dance as just a teenager.
2. Davos and Shireen's friendship makes her death hit harder
Despite serving as Stannis Baratheon's Hand of the King, Davos Seaworth doesn't spend much time with Shireen, Stannis' daughter, in the books. However, the show increases Shireen's role, emphasizing her friendship with Davos. Shireen even takes over as Davos' tutor,
replacing Maester Pylos from the books, as she teaches the former smuggler how to read.
At this point in the books, Shireen is still alive. However, it is widely understood that she will eventually meet the same fate as her show counterpart, with her father burning her at the stake as a sacrifice. This scene proved hard to watch in the show, but it was equally devastating seeing Davos' reaction to his young friend's death.
3. Bronn becomes one of Jaime's closest allies
After his goodbye to Tyrion in A Storm of Swords, Ser Bronn of the Blackwater all but disappears from A Song of Ice and Fire. While the sellsword turned knight is mentioned a handful of times in Cersei's chapters in A Feast for Crows, proving to be a thorn in the Queen Regent's side, he's still yet to physically appear after Tyrion's trial.
However, the show injects a second life into the character by pairing him up with Tyrion's brother Jaime. He absorbs Ilyn Payne's role in the books, teaching Jaime how to fight with just one hand. The two eventually go on grandiose adventures together to Dorne and the Riverlands, proving to be a match made in heaven.
4. Davos serves Jon Snow as faithfully as he did Stannis
Thanks to his role in seasons 6, 7, and 8, Davos makes his second appearance on this list. After the death of Stannis, Davos becomes a key ally to the newly resurrected Jon Snow. Davos continues to serve Jon after he becomes King in the North, acting as one of his most trusted advisors.
In the books, Davos and Jon have yet to meet. Notably, Davos does not accompany Stannis to the Wall, instead heading to White Harbor in order to treat with Wyman Manderly. As such, book readers have no idea what Jon and Davos' relationship would be like if the two ever crossed paths.
5. Aging up Missandei leads to her relationship with Grey Worm
The character of Missandei is almost unrecognizable from page to screen. In the books, Missandei, who serves as Daenerys' faithful translator, is a 10-year-old girl. In the show, she appears as a grown woman. This age lift leads to Missandei and Daenerys seeming more like peers, and becoming close friends.
However, Missandei being older also makes her romantic relationship with Grey Worm, the commander of the Unsullied, possible. Theirs proves to be one of the best love stories in all of Game of Thrones, until Missandei's out of nowhere death towards the middle of season 8. In contrast, the two barely interact in the books, despite both being Daenerys' loyal allies, due to their extreme age difference.
For more from the world of Westeros, make sure to catch A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms when it airs on HBO Max on January 18, 2026.