Arya Stark's Loss of Innocence

Arya witnesses violence and death, losing her childhood innocence and becoming a survivor.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Tomboy Princess

The Wild Child The Needlework Arya hates sewing and prefers swordplay. She is given a sword by Jon and begins training with Syrio Forel. The Conflict with Joffrey Arya defends Mycah, the butcher's boy, from Joffrey. Her direwolf Nymeria bites Joffrey, and Arya is forced to send Nymeria away. The Death of Lady As punishment, Sansa's wolf Lady is killed. Arya feels guilty and begins to understand the cruelty of the world.

The Witness to Murder

The Horror The Escape Arya escapes the Red Keep after Syrio's sacrifice. She hides in the city, witnessing the aftermath of the coup. The Execution Arya sees her father beheaded. She is pulled away by Yoren, who shaves her head and disguises her as a boy. The First Kill Arya kills a stable boy who tries to capture her. She is traumatized but learns that she must be strong to survive.

early in the story, at Winterfell and on the road

during the coup and after