Family & Children
In the time of the Seven Kingdoms a select group of elite families that control most of the world. With such a small demographic of people in power, some families are opening their arms to try and extend their reach. One of the families that is guilty of this is the Starks. Eddard and Katelyn have five children of their own. Add two more people and you have a large extended family. "When relatives such as aunts, uncles, parents, children and grandparents live together in a common household, the result is an extended family"(FC1). This creates interesting dynamics among family members. Specifically the young men of the house. A son, a bastard son, and a boy are watching over all around the same age, under one roof. As we learn more about the characters we see that there is a significant amount of tension between these boys. Although a nuclear family might have less issues, these bonds between the extended family will prove to be beneficial in the future.
Towards the end of the first season Arya Stark is separated from her family. Most children her age want to run away from home, but all she wants to do is return. This is because of her attachment to her family. When Arya was growing up she would frequently go and explore around Winterfell, go and talk to strangers and wander around. She was a "Secure" child. "Children who develop secure attachments to their caregivers are more likely to feel free to explore, approach others, and be positive towards strangers"(FC2). As she is now separated from them she wants to return. She is strong and independent, but relies on her family to help her and get her through hard times.
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