10 Dead ‘Game Of Thrones’ Characters Who Are Alive In The Books
10. Petyr 'Littlefinger' Baelish
Littlefinger was the mastermind behind many of the greatest conflicts in the Seven Kingdoms, starting with the death of Jon Arryn, which destablized everything. Deviously cunning, Littlefinger manipulated people and events to climb the ladder of power, always keeping his eye on the Iron Throne. In Season 7, Arya executes him on Sansa’s orders, marking the end of his intricate plots. But in the books, the conspiracy wizard, Littlefinger, is still very much alive, continuing his schemes—though he’s yet to make a serious claim to the ultimate seat of power.
Ellaria Sand
Ellaria Sand’s passionate love for Oberyn Martell turned into a thirst for revenge after his brutal death at the hands of Gregor Clegane. In ‘Game Of Thrones’, she kills Prince Doran Martell and seizes control of Dorne, aligning herself with Daenerys. The book version of Ellaria is quite different. Though devastated by Oberyn’s death, she understands the nature of trial by combat and does not seek vengeance. So, she returns to Dorne and focuses on protecting her children and also dissuades her eldest three from wanting to avenge their father.
8. Jojen Reed
Jojen Reed, the frail boy with warning abilities who guides Bran to the Three-Eyed Raven, meets a sorrowful end in the TV show. Weakened by his visions and seizures, Jojen is determined to complete his mission. As the group reaches the cave beneath the weirwood tree, he is attacked and killed by wights. In the books, Jojen is spared this ugly fate and he accompanies Bran to the three-eyed raven ,completing his quest. He survives the journey and then continues to assist Bran in discovering his powers.
7. Summer
The direwolves of House Stark were both lovely and fiercely loyal. Sadly, by the end of the HBO show, only two from the original pack survived—Jon’s Ghost and Arya’s Nymeria, who had chosen the wilderness. Bran’s direwolf, Summer, died while protecting Bran and Meera from the wights, sacrificing his life outside the cave of the Three-Eyed Raven. However, Summer is still alive in the books. During the attack, Bran wargs into Hodor to fight the wights. Each direwolf’s death in ‘Game Of Thrones’ carried symbolic meaning—Summer’s death represented the end of Bran’s humanity as he fully transformed into the Three-Eyed Raven. As Meera told him, “You died in that cave.”
6. Margaery Tyrell
Margaery Tyrell was poised to be a formidable queen alongside Tommen Lannister, but she perishes in ‘Game Of Thrones’ during the destruction of the Sept of Baelor orchestrated by Cersei’s wildfire. She dies alongside her brother Lores Tyrell, who was awaiting a trial by the High Sparrow. In A Song of Ice and Fire, however, Margaery is imprisoned by the Faith on charges of fornication and adultery, part of Cersei’s political plot. She is visited by a septa each hour to confess her crimes. When the Blue Bard recants his accusations, implicating Cersei instead, Margaery is released from prison and placed under house arrest.
5. Olenna Tyrell
In ‘Game Of Thrones’, Lady Olenna Tyrell abandons political maneuvering after Cersei Lannister wipes out her family. Her sole focus becomes vengeance. She meets her end by poisoned wine, given to her by Jaime Lannister. But, she twists the knife one last time by confessing to Joffrey’s murder. In the books, Olenna is still alive. Since Margaery survives and is not tried by the High Sparrow, House Tyrell maintains its power. The Tyrells play a quieter but still important role in Westerosi landscape, but their house is spared from getting destroyed as it was in the series.
4. Ser Barristan Selmy
Barristan Selmy was a faithful golden cloak in King's Landing. When Cersei put him out of service, he chose to serve Daenerys Targaryen. While Jorah Mormont was skilled in advising Daenerys to conquer cities, Ser Barristan’s wisdom and integrity made his diplomatic counsel valuable. In the show, he’s killed in the streets of Meereen by the Sons of the Harpy. In the books, however, Ser Barristan is still alive and plays a crucial role in Meereen while Daenerys is missing. The show made Daario Naharis rule in her place. Perhaps if Ser Barristan had accompanied Daenerys, she could have had a friend by her side who prevented her from becoming the “Mad Queen.” Well, the books still need to reveal her final fate.
3. Shireen Baratheon
Innocence dies a sad death in the brutal world of ‘Game Of Thrones’. No wonder Shireen’s tragic death devastated fans. The clever, kind-hearted daughter of Stannis Baratheon is burned at the stake by Melisandre, who believes her royal blood holds magical power. Although the sacrifice is meant to aid Stannis’s campaign, it ultimately breaks him—and his family. Shireen’s mother hangs herself in despair, Ser Davos is heartbroken, and even Melisandre begins to question her faith, realizing Stannis is not the Prince That Was Promised. In the books, however, Shireen remains alive and well—her fate yet unwritten.
2. Hodor
Hodor was the dim-witted giant who would not hurt a fly. His innocence was endearing, making his death one of the most devastating moments on ‘Game Of Thrones.’ Hodor died heroically while giving Bran and Meera a chance to escape from the cave of the Three-eyed raven. Bran’s visions reveal how he warged Hodor’s body in the past, shouting “Hold the door” against the wights. This broke the giant and he kept repeating the amalgamated version- Hodor. Thankfully, in the books, Hodor is still alive. He has stolen a sword from the Winterfell crypts, and Bran has begun practicing combat by warging into him. When Bran commands him to “hold the door,” Hodor fights back with all his strength. Yes, he avoids the tragic fate shown in the series.
1. Catelyn Stark
Catelyn Stark’s death at the Red Wedding was one of the show’s darkest moments. After pleading for her son’s life, she’s murdered in cold blood by the Freys. It’s a devious betrayal soaked in blood. However, Catelyn is resurrected in the books. Beric Dondarrion finds the Stark matriarch’s corpse floating in the river and drags her out of the water. He gives up his life to revive Catelyn using the magic of R’hllor. Though not fully restored, she returns as the vengeful and ghostly Lady Stoneheart—hellbent on justice and revenge.
