{alltv} 'Game of Thrones': George R.R. Martin on killing characters, ending the series

Thursday, July 21, 2011

{alltv} 'Game of Thrones': George R.R. Martin on killing characters, ending the series

"It keeps you on your toes. I want people emotionally involved in my story. I want readers to be afraid to turn the page, not knowing who's going to live and die."

So says "Game of Thrones" mastermind George R.R. Martin when asked by an audience member at Comic-Con why he kills so many beloved characters (See: Jason Momoa's Khal Drogo and Sean Freakin' Bean's Ned Stark to name a few). Momoa's reaction to Drogo's death? "F*** this s***!"

At the HBO series' panel on Thursday, July 21, Martin, who moderated the hour-long discussion, admitted he mourns every character's death while writing the series. "I tell myself it's not be killing them," Martin says. "It's the other characters."

When one audience member pointed out that he seems to reject themes such as the hero saving the day and good triumphing evil, Martin says, "We all know books and movies where a hero's are in trouble and you know they're going to get out of it. Those are fun but don't involve your emotions."

Martin also discussed ending the series and whether or not he feels any pressure to "not pull a 'Lost.'"

"Well, I think Damon Lindelof is in the room, so I have to be careful what I say. Yes, I am concerned about the ending. I'm juggling a lot of balls. I'm going to juggle as fast as I can and bring everything together in the magnificent way I see it in my head. In terms of making people happy, hopefully it will make some people happy."

Martin, who pointed out that he loved the way J.R.R. Tolkien ended "The Lord of the Rings," says, "I've always been a fan of the bittersweet ending." Translation: Prepare for more heartache.

Finally, here's a few George R.R. Martin fun facts: His favorite character is Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage), "RW" (that's all we're saying to avoid spoilers) was the hardest thing he's ever had to write and he'll be tackling the Battle of the Blackwater for the show in Season 2.

One last thing: He is extremely happy that the show was nominated for 13 Emmys but believes Bean was "robbed." We wholeheartedly agree, sir.