A Storm of Swords

Main Characters and Their Development

• Jon Snow: In A Storm of Swords, Jon Snow continues his service in the Night’s Watch. He ventures beyond the Wall, meets the wildlings, and falls in love with Ygritte. Jon is forced to betray the wildlings and return to his brothers to warn them of the coming threat. By the end of the book, he becomes Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch.
• Tyrion Lannister: Tyrion faces numerous challenges in this book. He loses his position as Hand of the King and must fight for his place at court. His relationships with his father Tywin and sister Cersei deteriorate. By the end, he is accused of King Joffrey’s murder and escapes from prison, killing his father.
• Arya Stark: Arya continues her journey, hiding under various names. She is captured by the Brotherhood Without Banners and later ends up in Harrenhal. At the end of the book, she decides to travel to Braavos, using the coin given to her by Jaqen H’ghar.
• Sansa Stark: Sansa remains in King’s Landing, where her situation grows ever more dangerous. She is forced to marry Tyrion Lannister. After Joffrey’s murder, she escapes the capital with the help of Petyr Baelish, who takes her to the Eyrie.
• Daenerys Targaryen: Daenerys continues her journey through Essos, gathering an army and freeing slaves. She conquers the cities of Astapor, Yunkai, and Meereen, becoming increasingly powerful. Her dragons grow, and she begins to realize her role in Westeros’s future.
• Jaime Lannister: Jaime is freed from captivity and returns to King’s Landing. Along the way, he loses his hand, which profoundly changes him. He begins to reconsider his actions and his relationship with his sister Cersei. By the end of the book, he becomes Lord Commander of the Kingsguard.