Cersei's Dependence on Jaime
A Dance with DragonsCersei repeatedly calls for Jaime's help, but he does not come, highlighting their fractured relationship.
increasing
Bearing strength in each event
decreasing
The Letter

The Letter
The Plea
Cersei writes to Jaime, begging him to come to King's Landing. She declares her love.
The Hope
She believes Jaime will save her. She waits for him.
The Disappointment
Jaime does not come. Cersei is left alone to face her enemies.
The Walk of Atonement

The Walk of Atonement
The Humiliation
Cersei is forced to walk naked through the streets. She thinks of Jaime, wishing he were there.
The Absence
Jaime is not there to protect her. She must endure alone.
The Bitterness
Cersei becomes bitter. She feels abandoned by the one person she trusted.
The New Champion

The New Champion
Robert Strong
Cersei gains a new champion, Ser Robert Strong. She no longer needs Jaime.
The Replacement
Robert Strong is a silent, monstrous knight. He will fight for her in trial by battle.
The Emotional Shift
Cersei's dependence on Jaime fades. She has found a new protector, but her heart is hardened.
early in the book
midway through the book
late in the book