Arya Stark’s Original Character in GRRM’s Game of Thrones Plan: Surprising Differences and a Possible Jon Snow Romance

Arya Stark’s narrative is regarded as one of the most compelling arcs in Game of Thrones. Known for her individuality, Arya’s journey diverged significantly from the typical path expected for noble ladies of Westeros, including her sister Sansa. From her early days to the conclusion of the series, Arya carved out a path of her own, evolving into a formidable fighter while maintaining her core humanity, even amid unimaginable trials.

Maisie Williams’ portrayal brought Arya to life, making her a standout character not only in the television adaptation but also in George R.R. Martin’s original book series, A Song of Ice and Fire. Interestingly, Martin’s initial plans for Arya’s character were quite different from what fans eventually witnessed. An overview crafted in 1993, when the story was envisioned as a trilogy, included dramatic plot points such as Jaime Lannister ascending to the throne and Catelyn Stark meeting her end at the hands of White Walkers, while Arya’s journey after departing Winterfell took an unexpected turn.

Arya Stark’s Original Storyline According to GRRM

A Completely Different Direction

In Martin’s early concept, Arya’s path would not lead her down to King’s Landing but rather northward to the Wall and beyond. Some foundational elements remained—the feud between the Starks and Lannisters and the assassination of Ned Stark by Joffrey Baratheon—but Arya and Catelyn were assigned to Bran’s storyline, with significant differences shaping their fates.

“All the north will be inflamed by war… Robb Stark will die in battle, and Tyrion Lannister will besiege and burn Winterfell… When Winterfell burns, Catelyn Stark will be forced to flee north with her son Bran and her daughter Arya. Wounded by Lannister riders, they will seek refuge at the Wall, but the men of the Night’s Watch give up their families when they take the black, and Jon and Benjen will not be able to help, to Jon’s anguish. It will lead to a bitter estrangement between Jon and Bran.

“Abandoned by the Night’s Watch, Catelyn and her children will find their only hope of safety lies even further north, beyond the Wall, where they fall into the hands of Mance Rayder, the King-beyond-the-Wall, and get a dreadful glimpse of the inhuman others as they attack the wildling encampment. Bran’s magic, Arya’s sword Needle, and the savagery of their direwolves will help them survive, but their mother Catelyn will die at the hands of the others.”

According to Martin’s outline, Arya would have faced White Walkers long before her infamous confrontation with the Night King in Season 8. Notably, she would have remained close to Bran and Catelyn, and likely her direwolf Nymeria, contrary to their early parting in A Game of Thrones when Arya sends her away to protect her.

Though Arya would still wield her iconic sword, Needle, her association with Bran and witnessing her mother’s death at the hands of White Walkers would reshape her character arc profoundly. It’s difficult to envision how her personality would develop on this alternate path, leading into subsequent narratives within The Winds of Winter and beyond.

Exploring the Arya Stark and Jon Snow Dynamic

Unexpected Romantic Entanglements

Jon and Arya hugging on Game of Thrones — Jon Snow and Arya Stark sharing a moment on Game of Thrones.

While imagining Arya’s alternative narrative is curious, the most surprising aspect lies in the potential romantic development between Arya and Jon Snow. Their bond, characterized by a brotherly affection, remained platonic throughout the series, a contrast to Martin’s original framework, which hinted at romantic tension:

“Arya will be more forgiving. .. until she realizes, with terror, that she has fallen in love with Jon, who is not only her half-brother but a man of the Night’s Watch, sworn to celibacy. Their passion will continue to torment Jon and Arya throughout the trilogy, until the secret of Jon’s true parentage is finally revealed in the last book.”

Even in early drafts, the implications of incest were already present, casting a shadow over their relationship. Thankfully, this thread was avoided in the final narrative, as the budding romance would have detracted from both characters’ depth and integrity.

Interestingly, Martin’s outline also touched upon Jon’s parentage, suggesting that even in 1993, he had conceived the pivotal R+L=J twist, potentially positioning Jon and Arya as cousins rather than siblings. Although cousin relationships are common in Westeros, this angle would still have been an uncomfortable narrative choice.

Moreover, the plot hinted at an additional layer of complexity: while Arya was experiencing feelings for Jon, Tyrion Lannister was said to have developed feelings for Arya.

“Tyrion Lannister will continue to travel, to plot, and to play the game of thrones, finally removing his nephew Joffrey in disgust at the boy king’s brutality. Jaime Lannister will follow Joffrey on the throne of the Seven Kingdoms, by the simple expedient of killing everyone ahead of him in the line of succession and blaming his brother Tyrion for the murders. Exiled, Tyrion will change sides, making common cause with the surviving Starks to bring his brother down, and falling helplessly in love with Arya Stark while he’s at it. His passion is, alas, unreciprocated, but no less intense for that, and it will lead to a deadly rivalry between Tyrion and Jon Snow.

Tyrion aligning with the Starks aligns well with his character, given his disdain for his own family. However, the notion of him falling for Arya appears convoluted, likely influencing his later union with Sansa, which lacked genuine affection. It is comforting to know that Jon and Tyrion’s bond remained intact, sparing the storyline from unnecessary rivalry.

Why I Appreciate GRRM’s Evolving Vision for Arya Stark

The Evolution of Storytelling

Arya practicing water dancing with Needle in Game of Thrones — Arya practicing her skills with Needle.

Martin’s storytelling naturally evolved over time, departing significantly from his initial outline as the saga expanded from a trilogy to an anticipated seven books. He has often stated that he prefers to let the characters and narrative develop organically rather than sticking rigidly to predefined plots; in his own words, he is a “gardener, not an architect”[via The Guardian].

Arya’s revised storyline exemplifies this evolution. The contrast between the original plan and the series we now know is stark and, ultimately, for the better. Arya Stark’s journey through themes of identity, loss, vengeance, and self-discovery resonates deeply within both A Song of Ice and Fire and Game of Thrones. Her character’s development remains one of the most profound and impactful arcs, underlining the importance of creative flexibility in storytelling.

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