Who are your 10 Favorite characters in A Song of Ice and Fire?
In no particular order (I think) I'm gonna try to be vague so my answer doesn't contain spoilers (for some people who haven't finished reading the five books) Arya (I'm not sure but I think she was my first ever favorite. I just love her independence. She kicks a**!) Jaime (Must. Not. Spoil.) Cersei (I've always had a thing for protective mothers.) Tyrion (Who doesn't?) Sansa (I really hated her when she was her romantic, dreamy, and yes, stupid self. But then things have changed, so yeah.) Jon (I think of all characters, his chapters were the ones I initially looked forward to, until he joined the Night's Watch. Then, I learned to like him again...until he fell in love with Ygritte. Then I liked him again when he came back...) Bran (I must admit Isaac Hempstead-Wright plays a role in this. But Bran, oh, Bran. Probably my second favorite Stark, after Arya of course. there are even times when I like them equally.) Davos Seaworth (Ah, our moral compass in a book series of grays.) Theon Greyjoy (He was a ward! And he was tortured! For the sake of other readers who still don't know what happens next...) Podrick Payne (His loyalty. Need I say more?) There are other characters I like...but not in the way that I still worry for their deaths. Or maybe they've died already so I don't care anymore. Doran Martell Syrio Hot Pie Sandor Barristan Selmy Gendry Viserys (Yes.) Joffrey Baratheon (Yes. People who've only watched the series hate him so much and I go "Guys, there are a lot of people in ASoIaF who make him look like a cute puppy.") Daenerys. (You might be wondering why I'm not a big fan. Well, I used to be. I even used to ship her with Robb after Drogo died, simply because I didn't want the Starks killed by dragons. Anyway, people seem to think she's the most bada** character, but I believe it's so unfair because Arya is so much better. I mean, in ADwD, you see how from Dany's perspective she's just so right and perfect but here comes Tyrion who thinks she's a simpleton (well, that was an exaggeration, but I hope you get my point). Anyway, that's just my opinion. Enjoy!
I have read all the books. Now I have something bothering me. During the trial where Mountain fights Oberyn, how can Cersei choose Mountain as her champion. Mountain is not a kingsguard right?
Spoilers for the fifth book, for clarification purposes. The way I've seen it explained is that when a member of the royal family is the accused, the Kingsguard is obligated to act as champion because it falls under the auspices of defending the family. An example of this is in the fifth book when Cersei opts for a trial by combat and will end up having Robert Strong, a Kingsguard (*cough*) defend her. But since Tyrion is the accused here, Cersei is not under obligation to have a Kingsguard represent her interests in the trial. And in fact, Gregor is a superior fighter to any Kingsguard at that time, especially with Jaime disabled. So while Cersei could have a Kingsguard fight in the trial, she doesn't have to and wouldn't really choose to if she could get Gregor to do it.
Why did Oberyn kill someone for singing?
Oberyn is a skilled killer and competent fighter - and is always glad for an opportunity to demonstrate either.He also hates the Lannisters, primarily because be blames them for the rape and murder of his sister. He sees the Lannisters as cruel and cowardly."The Rains of Castamere" is a song in which the Lannisters gloat about violently destroying a rival family. It is a symbol of the Lannister's power and viciousness. If you already hate the Lannisters for their murderous excesses, the song sounds particularly vile.The two men that Oberyn attacks are singing "The Rains of Castamere". Oberyn can't stand for that, already. When he confronts them, they insult them - and it's clear they think they have the upper hand. Oberyn absolutely couldn't resist the opportunity to put them in their place, while broadcasting his contempt for the Lannisters.
What major plot points from the books do you expect in the episodes for Season Four of Game of Thrones?
We are already through three episodes by the time of this answer:Ep. 1 "Two Swords" Ned Stark's Valyrian great sword is reforged as two longswords, one for Jamie and one for Joffery. Arya also recovers Needle, her sword. (And initial movements along the plot fulfilled next episode are performed.)Ep. 2 "The Lion and the Rose" - Bran has a vision of where to go. Theon is revealed as Reek, utterly broken. Death of Joffery Lannister at his wedding.Ep. 3 "Breaker of Chains" - Daenerys takes the city Meereen, last of the great slave cities. Petyr Baelish reveals that he is behind "rescuing her" and up to further ruthless plots.My guesses:Ep. 4 "Oathkeeper" - Jamie gives is Valyrian sword, Oathkeeper, to Brienne and sends her to find Sansa and protect her. (I think they will skip the plot of Brienne being accused of Renly's murder, or it will be resolved in just this one episode.) Building of evidence by Cersei against Tyrion.Ep. 5 "First of His Name" - [I'm drawing a blank here.]Ep. 6 "The Laws of Gods and Men" - Catelyn Stark is revealed as back from the dead and leading the Brotherhood without Banners. She has several Freys hung for his treason. (They might just go straight for Walder in the TV show.)Ep. 7 "Mockingbird" - Lysa and Petyr marry. (Therefore...) Lysa Arryn tries to throw Sansa from the Moon Door, but Littlefinger saves Sansa and kills Lysa. Arya gets passage to Braavos.Ep. 8 "The Mountain and the Viper" - Trial by combat to prove Tyrion's innocence in the poisoning of Joffrey. Both Oberyn and The Mountain die, one from wounds and one from poison. Tyrion escapes from prison with his brother's help and discovers Shae naked in his father's bed. He kills both of them.Ep. 9 "The Watchers of the Wall" - The big attack by Mance and his army of Wildlings. Many in the leadership of the Night's Watch die and attack is stopped by arrival of army from the South.Ep. 10. "untitled" - [Hard to say how far into book 4 they will go. Season three was mostly wrap-up for the final show after the Red Wedding. Probably the same here for the big war.]