Topic: How to Write for Game of Thrones
I just finished Game of Thrones season 1, and I have to say, I'm really not feeling the love. Sopranos, I got. Solid character-based drama with a sense of humor and subtlety. There's nothing that's subtle about Game of Thrones. Here's what I've learned....
Make every character say exactly what they're thinking, except when a character is lying to set up a power play.
In any conversation, always have at least one character insult another character, even if it damages a relationship they'd rather not damage.
If a conversation is with or about a bastard child, eunuch, dwarf, prostitute, or foreigner, always include direct references to that fact.
Make sure that no one treats noblemen and -women or even royalty with much respect or subservience. Have the nobles and royals angrily growl their demands again at the servants who defy them.
Any character who has any power should always use that power and never simple persuasion or bargaining to get what he or she wants.
This isn't really Medieval Europe, so ignore historical norms. Make executions somber instead of cheery (people used to LOVE executions: they were getting rid of murderers and such). Have noblemen say that their hands are tied by laws which in fact they themselves decree and execute. Ignore the idea of feudal obligations of fealty. And don't worry about out of place things like "mountain lions".
Plot the story as you would any episodic mystery show with a long arc about politics in the background. Then remove the mystery plot and just leave only the politics subplot.
Treat "dire wolves" exactly like dogs. They should be loyal, protective, and trainable. They should even bark.
When in doubt, tits out.
Give every character a rich backstory. Make all of them about random cruelty.
Last edited by Zarban (2013-03-09 16:38:21)
