- Do you think the novel has a main protagonist? If yes, who and how does this character influence your reading of the novel's kingly conflict? If not, then how does not having a main protagonist change your reading of the events based on other fantasy novels that do?
- The novel's title, A Clash of Kings, is a reference to the War of the Five Kings, yet none of the novel's point-of-view characters are said kings. Why do you suppose the story is never given the royal POV treatment? What does this POV choice reveal, but also what do we miss out on? Finally, why do you think the novel uses the POV characters it does?
- How does Dany's story influence your understanding of the events taking place in the Seven Kingdoms? Why do you think her story was included in this novel despite having little to no direct contact with the events of the other stories?
- Martin includes truck-loads of details to build his fantastic world, everything from history to family lineages, cultural relations to economic commerce. Why do you think Martin took the time to add so many details to his story? Do these worldly details ultimately enrich or detract from your reading of the story? Were you confused? Engrossed?
- Who do you think would be the best king for the Seven Kingdoms? Why? If you'd like to name more than one king, how would you divvy up Westeros between them and why? Explain your answer with specific details.
- Let's go back to A Game of Thrones. Late in the novel, Ned Stark tells Cersei he knew the truth of Joffrey's parentage and gives her a chance to flee. After reading A Clash of Kings, you've seen the fallout of his decision. Knowing this, do you think Ned made the morally correct decision to give Cersei this chance? Why or why not?
- Speaking of morality, what do you think the novel's stance is on the relationship between morality and necessity? Is Cersei doing the right thing when she protects her child (even if it is Joffrey)? Is Stannis killing Renly necessary and therefore moral, too? What about Jon killing Halfhand? Consider these, or other, specific examples when answering.
- Watch season two of HBO's Game of Thrones. What changes did you notice the television show made to its source material, A Clash of Kings? Did these changes change your understanding of a key character or event? Why or why not?