6. Carrying noticeable similarities in their narratives, the character of Theon Greyjoy is closely connected to the life of George Plantagenet during the Wars of the Roses
Taken as a hostage following his father’s failed rebellion, Theon Greyjoy was raised in Winterfell alongside the Stark children. Initially pledging his loyalty to his longtime friend Robb upon his declaration as King in the North, Theon betrays his adopted family and sides with House Grejoy in the War of the Five Kings. Attacking Winterfell, Theon captures the seat of House Stark but is in turn betrayed and captured himself. Tortured and castrated by Ramsay Snow, the core narrative of Theon’s journey is reflected in the life of George Plantagenet, 1st Duke of Clarence, during the English Wars of the Roses.
The younger brother of Kings Edward IV and Richard III, George initially supported his family, the House of York, in the civil war. Following the split between Warwick and York, George turned his back on his brothers and joined the Lancastrian cause, hoping in turn to advance his own claim to the throne. Following the declining fortunes of the Lancastrians, George then attempted to revert to the Yorkists once more. Tiring of his duplicity and cowardice, George was convicted of treason against his brother and sentenced to death. Whilst not suffering the mutilations of Theon, George was allegedly killed by being drowned in wine.