Why Game of Throne’s version of Missandei outshines George R. R. Martin’s original version 

HBO’s Game of Thrones made notable changes, for which it is praised even by the author of the book on which the series is based. Some significant changes to George R. R. Martin’s original A Song of Ice and Fire books, particularly with the character Missandei, were highly appreciated by fans.

In the book, Missandei is a young girl, approximately 10-12 years old, intelligent, and fluent in several languages; however, in the series, she is significantly older than that. This allowed the writers to give her some meaningful relationships and emotional weight.

Read on to know more about why Game of Thrones’ version of Missandei outshines George R. R. Martin’s original version.

Here is why Game of Thrones’ version of Missandei outshines George R. R. Martin’s original version

When Game of Thrones creators gave Missandei an adult age group, it allowed them to explore her friendship with Daenerys in a much more nuanced manner, which added some layers and voice to Missandei's character. Daenerys buys her from her master along with other slaves, and gradually she becomes her closest confidante.

Missandei also ends up being romantically involved with Grey Worm, which allows the character to be vulnerable and be exposed emotionally more prominently. Daenerys and Missandei also share a moment where she shares her feelings from Worn with her, and they both understand and smile. The character is played by Nathalie Emmanuel gracefully, witnessing and influencing major decisions in the Game of Thrones storyline.

When Missandei dies, it comes as a turning point that destabilizes Daenerys and leads to her eventual downfall. Missandei's death was tragic, but her expanded role in the show gave her more agency and fleshed out her character more thoroughly than the books. Moreover, her character's age can align better with the show's mature tone.

Even George R. R. Martin has praised some of the show's changes, including the more complex characterization of Missandei. With this, the show also avoided the challenges of working with a child actor by also keeping her in line with the age of other characters like Jon Snow.

Missandei becomes the spokesperson for the enslaved in Game of Thrones

Missandei is enslaved and has a traumatic backstory in Game of Thrones. When Khaleesi comes to buy all the slaves by offering one of her dragons, she is questioned. But she chooses to continue the deal and free 8000 slaves along with Missandei, who then becomes her closest confidante. Khaleesi recalls how, when she tried to save one of the slaves, they begged for their death. Missandei adds to it by saying, "There are no masters in the grave". This maturity and voice wouldn't have been possible had she been a child.

Therefore, Missandei’s emotional depth is better portrayed by an adult actor who can convey her resilience and wisdom. She becomes a spokesperson for the formerly enslaved, often reflecting the broader struggle for freedom and justice in Daenerys’ campaign. A child in the role could have been less effective, especially in scenarios with serious political conversations.

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We can say that Game of Thrones ' makers' decision to age Missandie was strategic and not just convenient. It deepened her character and made her character arc wholesome, which wouldn't have been possible with a child, like in the books.

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