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Game of Thrones, an adaptation of George R. R. Martin’s Song of Ice and Fire series, revolutionized television with its intricate plotlines and large ensemble cast. It became a must-watch show, eagerly anticipated every Sunday night. While many viewers now follow its spin-off, House of the Dragon, the ensemble cast allowed both actors and writers to explore a range of complex characters.
One character who underwent remarkable development in the series is Sansa Stark, portrayed by Sophie Turner. As Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) once remarked, “Many people underestimated you, and most of them have met unfortunate fates.” Sansa’s journey took her from a naive girl obsessed with romance and dreams of becoming a princess to a cunning and formidable leader, earning the loyalty of many. Let’s delve into some of her most notable strategies and moments on the show.
Game of Thrones: Sansa Stark’s 10 Best Strategic Moves
Knows Her Weaknesses
One of the crucial aspects a leader must recognize is their own strengths and limitations. When the White Walkers threatened Winterfell, Sansa made the strategic decision to take shelter in the crypts rather than joining the battle. Her absence from the battlefield ensured that she wouldn’t become a liability, allowing her brother and sister to focus on the fight without worrying about her.
Tyrion and Sansa share many common traits, notably their mastery of political maneuvering and intelligence. They both excel in the realm of power games due to their cunning and superior intellect.
Ned Stark Was a Traitor
Sansa successfully persuaded Prince Joffrey, portrayed by Jack Gleeson, not to execute her father, Ned Stark, played by Sean Bean, by offering her family’s loyalty. Unfortunately, Joffrey later reneged on his promise and ordered Ned’s execution. This led to Sansa enduring both psychological and physical torment from Joffrey, who even took her to witness her father’s severed head displayed on a spike.
In response, Sansa begins a journey of resilience and adaptability. She decides to tell Joffrey what he wants to hear, labeling her own father, Ned Stark, as a traitor. This strategy transforms her into the kind of person the king wants to protect, allowing her to navigate the treacherous waters of politics while striving to stay alive.
Saving Ser Dontos
At Joffrey’s Name Day celebration, Ser Dontos, played by Tony Way, seems visibly drunk. Joffrey forcefully compels him to drink even more wine, putting his life in danger. Sansa steps in, suggesting that it would be unlucky to kill someone on their Name Day. The Hound, portrayed by Rory McCann, supports this notion. Sansa proposes an alternative, suggesting that Ser Dontos could become Joffrey’s new Fool instead of facing immediate death. Joffrey finds this suggestion appealing and agrees to spare Ser Dontos’ life.
Distrusts Daenerys
Sansa endured significant hardships due to the actions of queens and nobility in her past. When Daenerys, portrayed by Emilia Clarke, arrives with her dragons, Sansa is clearly hesitant to comply with all of the young Queen’s demands. In contrast, Jon, played by Kit Harington, is more open to doing so.
Sansa chooses not to pledge allegiance or concede to the Targaryen’s demands, but her refusal to accept assistance when the White Walkers emerge does not make her foolish. Instead, it underscores her wisdom and prudent approach to ruling, as she carefully evaluates the situation before making any decisions.
Jon’s Secret
Jon discovers his true lineage as the child of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark, which potentially makes him a candidate for the throne. Despite Daenerys urging him not to reveal this information, Jon confides in his sisters. Sansa, concerned about the future queen’s suitability, confides in Tyrion and informs him about Jon’s heritage.
Word of Jon’s true parentage quickly spreads, thanks to Tyrion sharing the news with Varys. Sansa believes that Jon’s decision to pledge loyalty to Daenerys has not benefited the North and takes a calculated step she believes will benefit both their region and the entire continent. Her decision ultimately proves to be a wise one.
Alliance With Arya
Arya (portrayed by Maisie Williams) and Sansa underwent distinct journeys since their initial separation in season one. When they finally reunited, it was a moment filled with emotion, though tinged with an unusual sense as they had both changed significantly. Littlefinger (played by Aidan Gillen) attempted to manipulate them into conflict, and it seemed to be successful, but their true intentions were eventually unveiled. They joined forces to outsmart the scheming Littlefinger, leading to Sansa giving the order for his execution. It was noticeable that Arya was quite enthusiastic about carrying out the execution.
Relationship With Tyrion
The wedding of Tyrion and Sansa, initially orchestrated as a cruel jest by the king, ultimately led to a profound connection forged through shared adversity. As they endured their hardships together, their bond grew stronger, transforming them into not only close friends but also formidable allies. Initially motivated by the need for mutual trust and security, their partnership evolved as Sansa came to appreciate Tyrion’s true character, leading her to wholeheartedly endorse their alliance.
Sansa Saves Winterfell
The Battle of the Bastards was a gripping episode, where the Stark siblings faced an uphill battle to reclaim their home, Winterfell, from the ruthless Bolton, portrayed by Iwan Rheon. Despite having fewer troops, Sansa emerges as the hero of the day by seeking assistance from The Vale, orchestrated through her connection with Littlefinger. Her strategic brilliance and understanding of their forces’ strengths and weaknesses ultimately lead to their victory, showcasing her transformation from the idealistic girl she used to be.
A Passive Player
Sansa’s early and impactful decision was to leverage people’s perceptions of her to her advantage. Initially, upon her arrival in King’s Landing, she was an innocent girl with dreams of becoming a princess. However, her world drastically shifted when her father was tragically executed.
In response to the dangers of her new reality, Sansa became more astute, maintaining the facade of a vulnerable girl who seemed oblivious to the threats around her. While some may argue that she didn’t take direct action in the series, her strength lay in her ability to remain silent and observant. This led many to underestimate her, only to realize their mistake when it was too late. Sansa’s power wasn’t wielded through swords but through her cunning strategy of keeping her true intentions hidden until the right moment.
The North Remains Independent
In the final season, following her brother Bran’s ascension to the throne, Sansa takes a decisive step by declaring the North’s independence, asserting her deep attachment to her ancestral home. This move underscores her belief that the ruler in King’s Landing is inconsequential, as she prioritizes the welfare of her people above all else. As a result, numerous individuals view her as the ultimate victor of the Game of Thrones, culminating in her coronation as the Queen of the North in Winterfell.
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