Daenerys

              For the first Game of Thrones blog post, I have chosen Daenerys as the subject. In these chapters the reader is introduced to the Targaryens, thirteen year old Dany and her older brother Viserys. Their family ruled the Seven Kingdoms, until the king, Dany and Viserys' father, was dethroned by Jamie Lannister, also referred to as "Kingslayer."
              The first Daenerys chapter is what really drew me into the book and kept me reading. I think the reason behind that is the characters these chapters present. Before I even got to know these new characters, I had already formed an opinion on them. I felt immediate sympathy for Dany's character, and immediate disdain for Viserys. I didn't expect such an obviously antagonistic character to erupt into their role so quickly. The treatment of women in these chapters is utterly disgusting. While the rape in the story made me uncomfortable and sick to my stomach, I understand why the author included it. It forces the reader to develop a sudden contempt for Viserys' character for allowing his younger sister to be exposed to such things, and put in danger, all so Viserys can regain his coveted crown. That feeling is what makes you want to keep reading to find out how and when Viserys will be repaid for his sadistic actions.