Winter is coming for everyone on Game of Thrones, but what will happen to each character in season 5 is a bit of a mystery. Source material author George R.R. Martin recently revealed that the upcoming season of the hit HBO series could make some significant departures from his “A Song of Ice and Fire” books. Reportedly, characters who haven’t died yet in the novels may not make it out of this season alive, while others like Bran Stark (Isaac Hempstead-Wright) won’t even show up at all.

So it’s anybody’s guess as to how this season will play out. But when we last saw Daenerys (Emilia Clarke), the warrior queen was still learning the ropes of how to be a proper ruler. Meanwhile at the wall, Jon (Kit Harington) witnessed King Mance Rayder (Ciarán Hinds) being captured by Stannis Baratheon (Stephen Dillane); and in King’s Landing, Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) had murdered his father Tywin (Charles Dance) before fleeing. And elsewhere, Arya (Maisie Williams) boarded a ship for Braavos.


Fortunately, we do have a few clues as to what will happen in season 5, thanks to new plot synopses for the first three episodes:
Episode #41: “The Wars to Come”: Cersei and Jaime adjust to a world without Tywin. Varys reveals a conspiracy to Tyrion. Dany faces a new threat to her rule. Jon is caught between two kings. (Written by David Benioff & D. B. Weiss; directed by Michael Slovis.) (TV-MA) [AC, AL, GV, N] ESP Playdates: 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 24

Episode #42: “The House of Black and White”: Arya arrives in Braavos. Pod and Brienne run into trouble on the road. Cersei fears for her daughter’s safety in Dorne as Ellaria Sand seeks revenge for Oberyn’s death. Stannis tempts Jon. An adviser tempts Dany. (Written by David Benioff & D. B. Weiss; directed by Michael Slovis.) (TVMA) [AC, AL, V] ESP Playdates: 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25

Episode #43: “High Sparrow”: In Braavos, Arya sees the Many-Faced God. In King’s Landing, Queen Margaery enjoys her new husband. Tyrion and Varys walk the Long Bridge of Volantis. (Written by David Benioff & D. B. Weiss; directed by Mark Mylod.) (TV-MA) [AC, AL, GV, N] ESP Playdates: 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30


The synopses, of course, don’t give away much of the plot. Instead, they keep details to a minimum, while confirming that the various storylines of season 4 will continue where they left off. It seems Daenerys’ problems ruling Meereen will only get worse, while Jon will find himself at a crossroads when it comes to determining where his true loyalties lie.

Still there are some exciting moments coming up ahead. ‘The House of Black and White’ will see Arya in a new location with new adventures and joining the guild of the Faceless Men. And ‘High Sparrow’ will introduce the eponymous character, High Sparrow (Jonathan Pryce), the leader of the Faith of the Seven. What do you think of the synopses, Screen Rant readers – are you excited for all the new locations and characters in season 5?

Game of Thrones season 5 begins airing on April 12th, 2015.