Game of Thrones is a TV series and book series that follows the story of a war for power in the fictional Seven Kingdoms of Westeros and the continent of Essos: Plot The series follows multiple storylines, including a war for the Iron Throne and other noble families fighting for independence. The story takes place in a world where summers last for decades and winters can last for a lifetime. Characters Some key families include the Starks, who rule the North, the Lannisters, a wealthy family from the West, the Baratheons, who hold the Iron Throne at the beginning, and the Targaryens, who once controlled the Iron Throne with dragons. Themes Characters often face decisions that require them to balance redeemable traits, such as love for their family, with the greater interests of duty, honor, and the realm. Inspiration The War of the Roses, a series of battles for the British throne that took place between 1455 and 1485, is said to have inspired Game of Thrones' War of Five Kings. Books Game of Thrones is based on the A Song of Ice and Fire book series by George R.R. Martin. Video game A 2014 video game based on Game of Thrones has players making significant decisions at five points in each episode.