May 20, 2019

Game of Thrones characters, re-imagined (no finale spoilers)

We found a surprising number of parallels between Westeros and the social sector, and with the series coming to an end, we thought we'd assign the characters some new roles.

2 min read
Daenerys Targaryen: The founder

She starts off with good intentions (and a hint of a saviour complex), but slowly starts getting power-hungry, loses the plot, and refuses to give up her seat.

Daenerys Targeryan from Game of Thrones riding her dragon Drogon

Sansa Stark: The CEO

Determined to stay autonomous, she rules as she sees fit, despite what donors tell her to do.

Jon Snow: The founder’s nephew

He knows nothing (and does even less), but somehow keeps getting promoted, and gets credit for simply being there. Points for loyalty?

What is IDR Answers Page Banner
Tyrion Lannister: The board member

Intelligent and full of gyaan, you invite him to be a part of your organisation, but quickly start losing faith in him.

Jaime Lannister: The corporate crossover

He’s spent all his life in the corporate world, but later shifts to the social sector. On completing a project, he realises that he misses his former life too much, and moves back the first chance he gets.

Cersei Lannister: The fundraiser

She has one goal, and one goal only. Nothing can stop her in the pursuit of it, and she will go to any lengths to make sure she gets what she wants. 

Arya Stark: The fieldworker

She keeps herself away from organisational politics, and focuses on the job at hand. She’s the only one who actually gets things done.

Arya Stark killing the Night King Game of Thrones

Related article: If Game of Thrones was about nonprofit life

Bran Stark: The senior adviser

He disappears when you need him the most, only speaks in riddles, and leaves you feeling more confused than you were before you decided to seek his advice.

Sandor ‘The Hound’ Clegane: The social justice activist

He is determined to fulfil his destiny, and works towards the greater good of humanity, even at the expense of his own life. A true martyr. 

Lyanna Mormont: The intern

Passionate about fighting for what she believes in, she punches well above her weight, but burns out in the first week.

Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones charging towards a giant

Brienne of Tarth: The only woman in a boys club

She’s more qualified than most, has a phenomenal work ethic, and is always up for a challenge, but it takes her seven years to get promoted (just because she’s a woman).

The Night King: The environmental activist

He’s been fighting global warming since forever (in vain), and has been trying to get humans to look past their petty squabbles and focus on the larger issue at hand: the disappearing ice-caps. 

We want IDR to be as much yours as it is ours. Tell us what you want to read.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Ayesha Marfatia-Image
Ayesha Marfatia

Ayesha Marfatia is a communications associate at the Good Food Institute India, a nonprofit working to build the alternative protein ecosystem in India. She has previously worked as a consultant for Eco Femme, and as an editorial associate at India Development Review, where in addition to writing and editing, she also worked on the podcast 'On the Contrary' hosted by Arun Maira. Ayesha's work has been featured in The Wire, Scroll, and Quartz India. She holds a BA from St Xavier’s College, Mumbai.

Saahil Kejriwal-Image
Saahil Kejriwal

Saahil Kejriwal is an International Innovation Corps Fellow, currently working as a consultant at Learning4impact, a knowledge partner of USAID/India. Previously, he was a programme associate at Centre for Effective Governance of Indian States (CEGIS), and before that, an associate at IDR. Saahil has completed the Young India Fellowship, a postgraduate diploma in liberal studies, from Ashoka University, and holds a BA in economics from Hansraj College, University of Delhi.

Lamya Karachiwala-Image
Lamya Karachiwala

Lamya is an intern at India Development Review. She previously worked as a correspondent at DNA, and her work has been published in DNA and Mid-day. Lamya completed her MSc in Development Studies from SOAS, University of London in 2018. She also holds a BMM degree from Sophia College, University of Mumbai.

COMMENTS
READ NEXT