Women in television are often portrayed as stereotypical roles, especially in programs set in the medieval times. Game of Thrones is a medieval fantasy novel adapted into a television show on HBO. Game of Thrones follows the lives of two powerful families and their desire to control the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros and sit on the Iron Throne. Game of Thrones often portrays women as powerless, and very feminine. Although, as the show progresses the women become stronger and powerful while maintaining their femininity. Arya Stark is the one exception in the Game of Thrones. She begins the series as a strong young girl. Arya Stark is the daughter of Lord and Lady of Winterfell – Ned and Catelyn Stark. Arya is born and raised in Winterfell along with her five other siblings. She has an older sister, Sansa Stark an older brother, Robb and two younger brothers, Bran and Rickon and an older “bastard brother”, Jon Snow.

Arya Stark has always defied gender roles. In contrast, her sister Sansa Stark is the epitome of a perfect young lady. When we first meet Sansa, she is wearing a clean blue dress with her hair braided. Sansa is receiving compliments from the teacher on her outstanding embroidery work. Meanwhile Arya is wearing raggedy old grey clothes with her hair in pig tails showing her innocence. Arya looks annoyed as her sister is receiving compliments. Arya is more focused on the noises coming from outside where her brother, Bran Stark, is practicing archery. Arya escapes her needlework class to find Bran struggling to hit the target. As Bran is pulling back on the bow, an arrow flies directly to the bullseye of the target. It was Arya who made the shot she has a huge smile across her face (“Winter is Coming”). Arya shows where her interests truly lie.