Brienne’s strength is comparable to the Hound’s strength, according to Jaime Lannister. Considering the freakish size of the Hound and the biological differences between men and women, Brienne’s strength in the story would not be achievable by even the strongest women in the world. So it seems like Brienne’s absurd strength is an instance of GRRM cranking the fantasy dial up to eleven. But I think it’s great that he did.
“A protagonist and his story can only be as intellectually fascinating and emotionally compelling as the forces of antagonism make them.” — Robert McKee
A major force of antagonism at play in Brienne’s story is about the role of women in society. With most women in the story, the antagonism is not very strong because most women are not like Brienne. They are mostly suited for and comfortable in most of the usual womanly roles. But with Brienne, we have a woman who is so wildly suited for many of the most important usual male roles that the forces of antagonism at play are very strong, making the issue very interesting.
Created Sep 22, 2021
Apples and Dragons 