From a narrative perspective

Let's think for a minute not of clues and foreshadowing and what we want to happen, but of what makes a good story? This is arguably the most talked about TV show of all time. The season arc needs to build tension, result in an epic climax, and then have a bittersweet resolution. All the characters' need a part to play, and then their plots need to be wrapped up nicely.

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Jon - Jon is the main character and the hero of this story. I think he will die after taking down the Night King.

Daenerys - I'm lost here. I'm fairly certain at some point she will have a clear path to the throne, but she will decide to "break the wheel" by not taking up the throne. I believe she will have one of her dragons melt the Iron Throne.

Tyrion - Tyrion is for sure riding a fucking dragon. It has already been hinted. I also think that after Cersei's death he will inherit command of the Lannister armies, be known as a capable and benevolent ruler, and finally earn the respect and honor he deserves. I'm wondering if it will ever come back into play that he's technically still married to Sansa. Alternatively, he could betray Dany for his family, which would be much more interesting.

Arya - Arya's ability as a faceless woman has already been used as a plot device twice. So I don't know that will come into play. Obviously we're waiting for several touching reunions here - Sandor, Jon, Gendry. Maybe she will marry Gendry and become the Lady of Storm's End?

Sansa - If Tyrion becomes the ruler at any point, Sansa is rightfully queen. However, so much has been made of her reclaiming her Northern heritage. Not sure here.

Bran - I definitely subscribe to the "Bran goes back in time" theory. Bran definitely whispers to the Mad King, probably on accident. He might be the Night King. He might be Bran The Builder. There's going to be a big reveal with his warg/greenseer abilities. Obviously he also needs to tell Jon that he's a Targaryen. I definitely think he will die.

Cersei - The Mad Queen will be killed by Jaime. The end.

Jaime - From Kingslayer to Queenslayer. Reunion with Brienne at some point. He'll probably die also.

Sam - He will figure out how to make Valyrian steel which will be essential to arming the armies against the White Walkers.

Missandei - She will betray Dany somehow. Maybe to save Greyworm ("betrayed once for love"). Dany will execute her.

Brienne - She'll end as Head of the Queensguard, protecting Sansa. Taking over Jaime's place.

Melisandre - She will need to be called upon to do some serious magic. It is going to have to be the most spectacular piece of magic she's done because after shadowbirth, burning and princess alive, and resurrecting Jon it would be anticlimactic for her to do something small. My bet is either on a) resurrecting the ice dragon, b) using some kind of fireshield to hold back the White Walkers. Whatever it is will kill her and she will be at peace after 600 years.

The Hound - Obviously Cleganebowl. No way the writers don't give these fans a nod.

Jorah - He'll die doing something noble to protect Dany.

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Thoughts? They are clearly pandering so we need to figure out what makes good (not too confusing) TV.