31 Things We Learned from the Game of Thrones Women

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4. Honesty is the best policy.

Arya Stark

Cliché as it is, this is what has made and challenged Arya, in equal measure. Her time at the House of Black and White presented her biggest question: How far would she go to become a Faceless Man? But Arya was never that type of assassin; rather, she always kills with purpose. She could not in good conscience kill Lady Crane, to whom she took an immediate liking. There is no honor in killing for gold.

Arya’s long and bloody path is one marked by vengeance and honoring her loved ones’ memories. Her death toll is certainly a disturbing one, but she hasn’t completely lost herself to it. In fact, by the Season 6 finale, she’s really coming back into her own. By staying true to her identity, Arya has found a new purpose beyond murder. “A girl is Arya Stark of Winterfell. And I’m going home,” she tells Jaqen, and leaves her homicidal past behind (well, except for that pit stop at the Twins).

By being honest with herself, Arya has regained the motivation to reunite with what’s left of her family. Once again we see that Arya needs to be surrounded by those who care for her, and who she cares about. Her solo murder mission would have left her desolate and alone. Now, by accepting who she is, she has something to fight for again.