A Game of Thrones. From Novel to TV

Table of Contents

1 Introduction

1.1 Game of Thrones – From Novel to TV

1.2 Theoretical Background

1.2.1 Adaption Theory: Fidelity Debate and Adapting by Translating Narrative Functions

1.2.2 Terminology

2 Main Part

2.1 The Authors

2.1.1 Author of the Novel: George R. R. Martin

2.1.2 Authors of the TV Series: David Benioff & D. B. Weiss

2.2 Setting of A Song of Ice and Fire

2.2.1 The World of A Song of Ice and Fire

2.2.2 Plot Summary of A Game of Thrones

2.3 The Structure

2.3.1 Structure of the Novel

2.3.2 Structure of the TV Series

2.4 The Characters – Alterations from the Novel

2.5 Fidelity Criticism and Game of Thrones

2.6 Why adapt A Song of Ice and Fire?

2.7 Game of Thrones – a Mirror to our World?

2.8 HBO, Game of Thrones and the Illicit

3 Conclusion

Research Objectives and Core Themes

This thesis examines the adaptation process of George R. R. Martin's novel "A Game of Thrones" into the HBO television series. It investigates how narrative structures, character portrayals, and themes are translated across different media, focusing on the tension between fidelity to the source material and the necessity of medium-specific changes.

• The structural and dramaturgical differences between the novel and the TV series.
• The evolution of character depictions and the reasons behind specific alterations.
• The influence of "fidelity criticism" on the adaptation and reception process.
• The role of the TV medium in enhancing or modifying thematic elements, such as political statements and the portrayal of illicit content.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

1 Introduction: Provides an overview of the source material and the HBO adaptation, establishing the scope and research questions regarding the adaptation process.

2 Main Part: Analyzes the authors, the fictional world, structural differences, character shifts, the role of fidelity, motives for the adaptation, political themes, and the portrayal of illicit content.

3 Conclusion: Summarizes the findings, noting that while the series maintains the core of the novels, it employs necessary adaptations to succeed as a visual medium.

Keywords

Adaptation, A Song of Ice and Fire, Game of Thrones, George R. R. Martin, HBO, Fidelity, Narrative Structure, Character Alteration, Television Studies, Fantasy, Violence, Nudity, Political Allegory, Media Comparison, Dramaturgy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fundamental focus of this thesis?

The thesis explores the process of adapting George R. R. Martin's "A Game of Thrones" into an HBO series, comparing the novel's structure and characterization with the show's narrative.

What are the primary thematic areas covered?

Key areas include the fidelity debate in film adaptation, the impact of the television medium on storytelling, character evolution, and the presence of political and "illicit" themes.

What is the central research question?

The study aims to understand how the television series successfully translates the complex narrative of the novels, identifying why certain changes were made and how they affect the audience's reception.

Which scientific methods are employed?

The work utilizes a structural and narrative analysis, comparing the novel's text with the TV episodes, supported by adaptation theory and secondary literature.

What subjects are addressed in the main body?

The main part covers the backgrounds of the authors, the plot and setting, technical structural analysis, specific character changes, fidelity criticism, and the use of explicit themes in the show.

Which keywords characterize this work?

Key terms include Adaptation, Fidelity, Narrative Structure, Character Alteration, Fantasy, and Media Comparison.

How does the author evaluate the "fidelity" to the original novels?

The author argues that while fidelity is a concern for fans, the series often prioritizes dramaturgical and medium-specific needs over direct replication, sometimes resulting in deeper character exploration.

How does the series differentiate its depiction of the "illicit" from the source material?

The author notes that the television series increases the levels of violence and nudity compared to the novels, often using these elements as a brand strategy to establish its identity as mature, subscriber-based television.