Graham Armstrong
2 min readApr 2, 2023

Game of Thrones: A Beginners Guide - Everything You Need to Know Before Watching.

With its epic battles, intricate plotlines, and unforgettable characters, "Game of Thrones" has captured the hearts of millions of viewers around the world. But with eight seasons and a sprawling cast of characters, it can be overwhelming for newcomers to dive into the world of Westeros. In this article, we'll provide a beginner's guide to "Game of Thrones," covering everything you need to know before watching the series.

The Basic Premise

"Game of Thrones" is a fantasy drama television series based on the "A Song of Ice and Fire" novels by George R.R. Martin. The show is set in the fictional world of Westeros and follows the power struggles between several noble families as they fight for control of the Iron Throne.

The Major Houses

There are several major houses in "Game of Thrones" that are central to the plot. These include:

House Stark: The noble family from the North of Westeros, led by Lord Eddard "Ned" Stark and his wife, Lady Catelyn Stark.

House Lannister: One of the wealthiest and most powerful families in Westeros, led by Lord Tywin Lannister and his children, Cersei, Jaime, and Tyrion.

House Targaryen: The former ruling dynasty of Westeros, led by the exiled Daenerys Targaryen and her brother Viserys.

House Baratheon: The family that currently holds the Iron Throne, led by King Robert Baratheon and later his younger brother Stannis.

The Major Characters

There are dozens of major characters in "Game of Thrones," but some of the most important include:

Jon Snow: A basterd member of House Stark who becomes involved in the fight against the White Walkers.

Daenerys Targaryen: A powerful dragon queen who seeks to reclaim the Iron Throne for her family.

Tyrion Lannister: The witty and intelligent younger brother of Cersei and Jaime Lannister.

Arya Stark: The youngest daughter of the Stark family.

Cersei Lannister: The ambitious and ruthless queen who will stop at nothing to hold onto power.

The Major Themes

"Game of Thrones" explores a number of major themes, including power, loyalty, family, and the consequences of one's actions. It also features plenty of political intrigue, betrayal, and shocking plot twists that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

In conclusion, "Game of Thrones" is a complex and thrilling series that can be daunting for newcomers. However, with this beginner's guide, you should now have a solid understanding of the major plotlines, characters, and themes that make up this epic tale. So sit back, grab some popcorn, and get ready to be transported to the world of Westeros!

Graham Armstrong
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I'm a published author and poet with a passion for all things film