CREDIT: ALICIA MAK

Readers of A Song of Ice and Fire know something watchers of HBO’s Game of Thrones don’t.

They know that the stories in the show are incomplete, missing many beloved characters that shape the world in important ways. Fair warning: This article may contain minor spoilers.

Dorne

The land of Dorne is portrayed as being unique in the show, but there is one important aspect to Dornish culture in the books that is completely ignored. In Dorne, inheritance goes to the oldest, regardless of gender. The true heir to the Martell dynasty in the books is Arianne Martell, a strong and beautiful woman with a fierce intelligence that matches her ambition. The loss of such a wonderful character is unfortunate and the actions of the Sand Snakes make far less sense without the princess to guide them.

Trystane, engaged to Myrcella Baratheon, is the youngest of three siblings and was never supposed to inherit anything. The different rules of inheritance are also important in explaining Myrcella’s importance to Dorne and the reason for her attempted kidnapping. In the eyes of the Dornishmen, Myrcella is the true heir to the Iron Throne.

Also missing from the show is Quentin Martell, the middle child sent on a mission by his father to find the last Targaryen.

Targaryens

Speaking of Targaryens; in the books, Daenerys is missing one of her most interesting advisors, Strong Belwas. A mighty warrior from Meereen’s fighting pits, Belwas arrives with Ser Barriston serving as his squire, which goes towards explaining why, in the books, it takes Jorah some time before recognizing the famous knight. Belwas acts as both bodyguard and counsel, used to intimidate the Khaleesi’s enemies and deliver some much needed comedic relief. Luckily, in the show, Tyrion has made his way across the Narrow Sea to Dany’s side, and it seems like he’ll take on the role of delivering caustic, yet hilarious, one-liners.

Satin

Also used to lighten some of the darkest scenes in A Song of Ice and Fire is Satin, a beautiful pillow-boy turned Night’s Watchman who is excellent with a bow and serves as Jon Snow’s steward. He is being groomed for command in the way Snow was himself by the Old Bear, Lord Commander Mormont. Instead of the lively, slightly flamboyant and incredibly clever Satin, we instead get Ollie, who is comparatively useless and uninteresting. This is one of the more pointless and disappointing character omissions in the show. The Watch desperately needs a character like Satin, who acts as both a point of contention and a morale booster.

There are many other characters missing from the show, including three Greyjoys, Griff and Young Griff, who take Jorah Mormont’s place as the kidnappers of Tyrion, and an entire mercenary company called the Golden Company, all of whom may still make an appearance. Fans of these characters will sadly have to wait with baited breath, hoping to hear of a casting call for their favourites.