George R.R, Martin tells the iconic story of A Song of Ice and Fire through the use of point-of-view characters. Each of these characters takes readers through sections of his books, introducing audiences to the world of Westeros and beyond through their own unique perspectives. Not counting one-off narrators in prologues, Martin's first A Song of Ice and Fire book, A Game of Thrones, divides its chapters among eight main point-of-view characters: Bran Stark, Catelyn Stark, Daenerys Targaryen, Eddard "Ned" Stark, Jon Snow, Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, and Tyrion Lannister. Future books remove certain viewpoint characters whose stories are complete while adding other iconic figures, such as Theon Greyjoy, Davos Seaworth, Samwell Tarly, and Jaime and Cersei Lannister, as chapter headliners.
However, due to the abundance of narrators in Martin's work, not all of them are treated equally in terms of story importance. Throughout A Game of Thrones, Ned Stark narrates the most chapters, tricking audiences into believing he'll be the series' main character until his untimely death. In the second book in the series, A Clash of Kings, Tyrion Lannister takes centerstage while newcomer Davos Seaworth, introduced to provide a perspective on Stannis Baratheon's campaign for the Iron Throne, only leads three chapters. In the fourth book, A Feast for Crows, Martin starts naming some chapters — especially chapters told by more minor point-of-view characters — after descriptions rather than their names, such as "The Kraken's Daughter" being an Asha Greyjoy-led chapter. This tradition continues into book five, A Dance with Dragons, where some chapters' titles, such as Jon Connington's "The Lost Lord," don't even refer to the narrator.
Aside from Martin's prologues and epilogues, which famously all end with the deaths of their one-off narrators, every one of Martin's viewpoint characters, save two, returns for at least a second chapter. Even the likes of Areo Hotah, who's far from the focal point of his chapter in A Feast for Crows, returns for a second chapter in A Dance with Dragons. However, for whatever reason, two main point-of-view characters have only narrated one chapter each so far, and one of them is one of Martin's most recognizable characters.
Arys Oakheart, Knight of the Kingsguard
Before taking center stage in a chapter of A Feast for Crows, Ser Arys Oakheart appears as a minor character in Martin's earlier books in the series. A knight of the Kingsguard, Ser Arys sails to Dorne with Myrcella Baratheon in A Clash of Kings, sworn to keep the princess safe. He is mentioned a handful of times in both A Clash of Kings and its sequel, A Storm of Swords, but most readers likely forgot about him until his book 4 return.
Ser Arys narrates the Dornish-set chapter, "The Soiled Knight." However, the chapter serves as more of an introduction to the more important future-narrator, Arianne Martell. Arianne and Arys have sex, which betrays Arys' Kingsguard vows. Arianne then convinces Arys to help her place Myrcella on the Iron Throne, since she's older and better suited for the job than her brother Tommen.
However, Arys' time as a point-of-view character is cut short, as, in "The Queenmaker," Arianne's first chapter as narrator, he is killed in combat by Areo Hotah. Perhaps Arys' chapter serves as a red herring to cause audiences to expect him to play a larger part in the Dornish schemes. Or, perhaps Arys acts as a way to introduce Arianne without putting her front and center right away. Either way, it's unlikely that Arys will return to narrate future chapters given his death, meaning he'll likely always hold the record for fewest point-of-view chapters for a non-prologue or epilogue narrator.
Melisandre, the Red Woman
Due to her signature red look, iconic catchphrase of "The night is dark and full of terrors," and for being one of the most magical characters in Martin's universe, Melisandre has solidified herself as one of the most iconic figures in the franchise. Even casual Game of Thrones fans will likely recognize her.
While Melisandre's book appearances usually place her in an antagonistic supporting role in Davos Seaworth's chapters, with her later popping up in Jon Snow's sections, she does take the reigns in one self-titled chapter in A Dance with Dragons. Melisandre's chapter features the reveal that Mance Rayder, thought to have been burned alive, has actually survived and, with Melisandre's help, has been posing as Rattleshirt. Melisandre then sends Mance to Winterfell to save Arya Stark from the clutches of Ramsay Bolton.
Strangely, this is Melisandre's only chapter in A Dance with Dragons. Afterwards, she goes back to playing a supporting role in Jon Snow's chapters. However, her brief time in the spotlight in book five, and her survival of said book, likely means Melisandre will return for more point-of-view chapters in future novels. With Jon Snow's death at the end of book 5, maybe Melisandre will narrate future chapters set at the Wall, until Jon Snow's much speculated resurrection puts him front and center once again. Melisandre's sole chapter in A Dance with Dragons could set up her future role in the forthcoming sixth book in the series, The Winds of Winter.
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.