hat is a hero? Why do some people W stand up despite all odds and fight to do what is right, no matter what it costs them? Positive psychology offers sollle clues. CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Pure as Snow: tb~ Character Strengths an() Virtues of a J-1~ro

DANA KLISANIN

"I shall take no wife, hold n~ lands, father no children. I shall wear no crowns and win no glory. . . . I pledge my life and honor to the Night's Watch, for this night and all the nights to come." -Night's Watch Oath1

"Heroes always deviant. Heroes, always doing something' that moSt people don 't. · · · " -psychologist Philip Zimbardo2

h it might seem easy hat makes someone heroic? Althoug ducted o ists have con W. to answer that question, psychol g d le identify httl · · Why o peop e research on it and debate what it is. ·

239 GAME OF THRONES PSYCHOLOGY 240

e individual as heroic but not another? Many Game orT,_ on . ~ nrones fans see Jon Snow as ~ne of the ~o~t her01c ch~racters. But ? What are the 1naJor charactensttcs and qualities a .b w hy. . . . sen ed to heroes? Are they born in special circumstances? What propels thenl to action? Are they courageous? Selfless? Honest? Do they obey authority or disobey? What makes them stand out frorn the crowd? Is Jon rea11 y " pure as snow "?.

Heroism

Although heroism has been historically understudied in psychol­ ogy, it has recently become a major topic of scientific inquiry. 3 Researchers are exploring the characteristics of a -variety of heroes, from military heroes to whistle-blowers, activist heroes to celebrity heroes.4 There are obvious differences between these heroes, such as the physical risk involved in a heroic act. Researchers Scott Allison and George Goethals suggest three important dimensions in which our perceptions of heroes vary: 5

1. We view them as moral or competent, and possibility both at once. 2. We view them as being born with stable heroic traits or made into heroes by specific circumstances. 3. They inspire us or show great leadership. 6

A famous soldier, a professional basketball player, and an award-winning actress will be viewed differently than.a whisde­ blower or an activist, but they each inspire us in some way, even as people argue over whether to call any of them heroes_. 15 · One of the most important· findings in heroism resea rch related to disobedience, in that those who actively refuse to do PURE AS SNOW 241

wrong are seen as more heroic in their effc d . . orts to o what is nght In one of psychology's most famous exp · · . . . . enments; a researcher m a white lab coat directed participants t d . . 0 a minister poten- tially dangerous shocks to another person 7 . . • surpnsmg · · 1 y, many participants obeyed the authority figure co t· . h . , n mumg to s ock the subject. although obvious pain and distres s were apparent. However, some disobeyed. When Samwell Tarly arrives at Castle Black, Jon directly disobeys his commanding officer's order to fight the unprepared Sam because it is a cruel and unfair order. In addition to refusing to obey orders to be cruel, heroic individuals will resist pressures to conform and to join others in their cruelty. In another of psychology's most famous exper­ iments, participants ~ere randomly assigned to play roles as either "prisoners" or "guards" in a mock jail at Stanford University. 8 What was surprising about this study is that a number of guards became sadistic toward prisoners in just a few days. Although the lead researcher, Philip Zimbardo, spent many years discussing how the roles brought out the worst in some of those assigned to be the guards,9 he later began to look more at why some people resist the pressure to do wrong and instead stand up to do what is right. 10 When others in the . Night's Watch set a fire to burn Mance Rayder to death, Jon Snow not only refuses to take part but instead shoots Rayder in order to spare him the agony of burning to death. This ability to disobey authority or resist conforming to actions that are contrary to one's moral values, ideals, or established code of conduct is a quality that many heroes sh are. 11 12 Heroism is closely associate· d wit· h mora lity, but the study . . h · h d' .cc:.culty since it is closely of morality 1s often fraug t wit 1111 , bound to cultural norms, which vary widely. We see these cultural differences reflected in hotly debated issues such as abortion rights, with some individuals staunchly opposing a GAME OF THRONES PSYCHOLOGY 242

, ·ght to choose and others championing th . womans n . . . . at right. differences are often aligned with religious view These s. For . ple although Jon Snow does not approve of Melisa d exam , . . n re 's burning of sacrificial v1ctm1s to the fire god, her followers understand, support, and carry out her wishes. · We often th ink of heroes as people who inspire, show great leadership, or have character strengths-and for good reason. Research shows that heroes are often leaders13 and often share some combination of the following "eight great traits": smart, strong, resilient, selfless, caring, charismatic, reliable, and inspiring.14 It's unusual for a hero to possess all eight of these characteristics, but most heroes have some of them. Many of these traits are widely studied in the field of positive psychology. The Values in Action (VIA) Inventory of Strengths 15 is a classification comprising 24 character strengths that fall within six broad virtue categories: wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, and transcendence. Charac­ ter strengths are the positive components of our psychological landscape. Let's examine Jon's character strengths, using the Values in Action Inventory of Strengths as a guide, and see what we learn about him.

Wisdom Wisdom is a form of cognitive strength made up of creativity, cur~osity, judgment, love oflearning, and perspective,16 rn°st of which Jon Snow epitomizes.

• While creativity· · 1s· probably not the first characte r st rength that springs to mind when we think ofJon, in fact, he con · 1 · k of sistent Y demonstrates it when he thin s new. ways. to conceptualize· and do things. He frequen cly imagines. alt ernat1ves.· When Jon has a sword ma d e for his youngest · 17 · to s1ster, when he urges his superior 243

close the tunnel, 18 and when h e urges the the Night's Watch to make p . men of . . eace with wildlin s t9 he shows creativity. In each of th . . g ' ese situations J demonstrates a new way to do thin . . ' on . . . gs or imagmes new alternatives. By giving. his sister a swo rd ' Jon sh ows her more than· affection-his gift actually empowers her to be who she is, rather than who society tells her to be. When he urges his superior to close the tunnel,Jon . presents an option that others haven't thought of, thus showing creative thinking. And finally, when he urges the men of the Night's Watch to make peace with the wildlings, he extends his imagination to the .limits of the possible-peace between enemies. • Jon frequently uses good judgment, thinking things through without jumping to conclusions, when he weighs evidence and considers it fairly. Examples are abundant, particularly in all of his dealings with the wildlings. He consistently demonstrates the ability to consider the merits of either side of an argument, ignoring whatever emotional involvements he may have, as well as overcoming prejudice. . . h b·1· 1 k at experiences and • Perspective is t e a 11ty .to oo , events critically, generally in more than one way. Jons . · is a ma1or part of ability to take multiple perspectives ~ th what led him to become Lord Commander of e d Mormont chose Jon Night's Watch. Lord Cornman er . 1 because he valued to be his personal steward precise Y d would be a goo Jon's perspective. He knew Jon reat leader. advisor, and could become a g

Courage h that involves using· one's Courage is a form of emotional strengt f sition. Some . . the face o oppo Will to accomplish goals, often in GAME OF THRONES PSYCHOLOGY 244

o f the traits associated with courage are bravery, perseveranc e, 20 h onesty , and zest.. Jon .is strong in all of these traits.

• Bravery 1neans standing up to threats and being able to speak up for what is right. Though he is not a seasoned warrior, Jon readily faces every challenge of combat. Perhaps an even greate~ sign of bravery is Jon's willingness to stand up for his beliefs, especially in the face of his superiors at the Wall. • Perseverance, what it takes to finish what we start, means persisting in a course of action despite obstacles. Jon's unfailing commitment in his oath to the Night's Watch, even when it meant leaving a woman he truly loved, 21 is evidence enough. • Honesty means speaking the truth and showing integ­ rity. A great example of integrity is Jon's refusal to accept Stannis's offer to legitimize him as a Stark and make him Lord ofWinterfell.22 We know this is nothing less than his lifelong dream and yet we see his integrity when he informs Sam that he will not accept but will remain true to his oath. • Zest is about living life full throttle-with excitement and energy. We know that Jon is full of zest, having chosen a life of adventure at the Wall over a long and comfortable life as a member of a noble family.

Humanity Humanity is a vi t h · · fi · d r ue t at involves caring for and being a nen to others. The ch . . · 1 d . aracter strengths within this category inc u e love, kindness, and social intelligence. 23

• Love is about h • . s anng ourselves with others in a meamngful wa d h . Y an s owing them that we value PURE AS SNOW 245

our relationship with them. After Yg .t , d . . . n te s eath, Jon shows his love for her by burning herb d · . · 0 Y m a private 24 ceremony and refusing the advances of Me 1· isan dre. 2s • Kindness is when we help others in meaningful ways. We see this character strength in Jon when he arrives at Castle Black. He immediately stands up f~r Sam­ well ~arly, refusing to let others fight him-disobeying direct orders from his superior. 26 • Social intelligence is being aware of the motives and feelings of other people and knowing how to behave in different social situations. When Stannis orders the execution of Mance Rayder, Jon reveals social intelli­ gence by describing how well he was treated while he was Mance's prisoner in order to appeal to Stannis's sensibility as a military commander. 27

Justice d h. 2s Justice is a combination of teamwork, fairness, and lea ers ip. Jon excels in each of these character strengths.

. . b · b. d in decision-making, • Fairness is about eing un iase . . • b d on friendship or rather than showing favonusm ase . . . Wh J is nominated by desire for personal gain. en on . . Sam to be Lo~d Commander, he later shows fairn~ss . . S Alliser a semor and impartiality by appointing er '. b dislikes him, to e brother of the Watch who open1 Y First Ranger. f ·tuation or . . k harge o a si • Leadership is the ability to ta e c k together them to wor group of people and encourage . . al skills and . . . 1 O rganizauon . to accomplish tasks.-It invo ves . 29 This abihty . . d with heroism. is considered intertwine h.6.ts leadership . JO n He ex i i seems to come naturally to .· f en and go a group o n1 when he volunteers to ta ke 246 GAME OF THRONES PSYCHOLOGY

Beyond the Wall to avenge Commander Mormont's death, 30 leads the defense of Castle Black during the wildling attack, and attempts to establish peace and · security by suggesting that the Night's Watch gift the wildlings the lands south of the Wall in order to unite their forces and fight the White Walkers.

Temperance Temperance protects us against excess. It encompasses forgive­ ness, humility, prudence, and self-regulation. 31 Jon is particu­ larly strong in humility and self-regulation.

• We demonstrate humility when we let our accomp­ lishments speak for themselves. Jon Snow is an exemplar of humility, so much so that he doesn't even speak for himself when he is nominated to be Lord Commander. It is Sam who speaks on behalf ofJon's merit, and we know that Jon's accomplishments speak for themselves because even without speaking he is elected Lord Commander. • The fact that Jon does not just stay with Y gritte and the wildlings demonstrates a remarkable level of self­ control. Rather than letting his emotions take over, he shows discipline and remains true to his vow.

Transcendence Transcendence is unique to each person. It is often described as a feeling of interconnection with the universe. Character strengths associated with it include appreciation of beauty aucl excellence, gratitude, hope, humor, and spirituality. 32

•A .. ppreciation of beauty and excellence is self-explanatory. A great example ofJon's appreciation of excellence is PURE AS SNOW 247

What Are Your Character Strengths an~ Virtues?

We all have unique character strengths and virtues. Posi­ tive psychology indicates that by knowing our personal constellation of character strengths and virtues we can forge healthier, happier lives. Many of us have the tendency to fixate on our weaknesses-complaining about the areas where we ,don't excel, rather than focus­ ing on our strengths. Research in positive psychology suggests we have a better chance for health and success if we focus on our strengths.33

, when he agrees to allow Sam to be sent to the Citadel to become a Maester. He recognizes Sam's intellectual . excellence and suitability for a Maestership. • Most of us are familiar with hope, the feeling or belief that something good is going to happen. Jon belie~es there is a future for Westeros and that the White his he J.oins Walkers can be defeated. Because O f t , forces with the wildlings. . h purpose or • Spirituality involves a sense o f hig er . . . . • ed in spirituality, meamp.g in life.Jon's character is ste_ep . h oses to take his or adherence to moral ideals. H e c O h , N h nd althoug vows before the Old Gods of the ort 'a . , . hi to the Nights it appears that Jon has broken s vows b . d . what must e Watch, ultimately he is actually mng done to keep it. He disobeys in °rder to obey. GAME OF THRONES PSYCHOLOGY H!

A Hero to the End . . .

Through e:'..-ploring Jon's character using the Valu es in Action ( T "/. -IJ fol'<'llTM)'

manY 0 { the perceptions held about heroes in general. He is smarr. strong. resilient, selfless, caring, charismatic, reliable, and inspiring-embodying the "eight great traits" associated \\-ith heroism. He is an inspirational leader, but his strong sense of morality and his ability to know when to disobey author­ ity make him the most heroic character in Game of Thrones. To answer one of our opening questions, yes, it's safe to say that he's "pure as snow." This doesn't mean he never makes 1nistakes or cakes the wrong action-it simply means that he is ne\·er stained with vices such as greed and cruelty. Jon's char­ acter strengths and virtues, leadership ability, compassionate nature, and creativity niay make him one of his world's greatest heroes and leaders.

Refere,ues

Allison, S. T., & Goethals, G. R. (2011 ). Heroes: What they do and why we 11eed them. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press. Allison, _s. T., & Goethals, G. R. (2013). Heroic leadership: An influence taxo110111y 4 100 exa:p1umal individuals. New York N Y: Rout! d Air ' e ge. ,so~, S. T., Goethals, G. R ., & Kramer, R. M. (Eds.) (2016) . Handbook ofherviStll alld hero" leadm11ip. New York , NY.· R ourI e d ge. . Blum , L. A. (1992) Al · . . ·on, . · rru,sm and the moral value of the rescue: Resisting persecun raCJsm and g ·d · D L K b ' enoc1 e. 1n P. M. Oliner, S. P. Oliner, L. Baron, L. A. Blum, . . re s, & M. Z. Smol k (Ed . / · / a,11I historilal . ens a s.), Embracing the other: Philosopl,ical, psycl,o og,ca' . perspeoives on altruism (pp. 30-47) N v k NY· N York University Press. . ew I or , . ew Denton, A. (2008, Novembe 17) b er au/ tv/enou h r · Dr. Pl,ilip Zi111bardo. ABC: hrtp:// www.a c.n · K h g rope/rranscripts/s2421530.ht 0 n, A. (l9YfJ). The brighter sid ,r m . · day fife. New York N Y· ., . e 0J human nature: Altruism and empath y 111 every . • • uas1c M1lgram s ( · , . 1974 ). Obedience to a ti . NY· Harper & Row. 11 ior,ty: A n experimental vie1.11. N ew York, · Peterson C & S . d . .' _·, el1gman, M. E. p . dbooka11 dassijication. Wah' . · (20Home. VIA Institute on Character: http. PURE AS SNOW 249

Z. ibardo. P. G. (1969). The human choice: Individuation reason a d d in · . . • , n or er versus deindividuauon, impulse, and chaos. In W. J. Arnold & D. Levine (Eds.), Ntbraska Symposium 0 11 Motivation (Vol. 17). Li ncoln, N E: University of Nebraska Press. Zimbardo, P. G. ( 197 1, October 25). Tl,e psycliological power and pathology of imprisonmtnt. A statement prepared for the U.S. House of R epresentatives Committee on the Judi­ ciarv, Subcommittee No. 3: Hearings on Prison R eform, Sin Francisco, CA . Zimba.rdo, P. G. (2008). Tire Lucifer effect: How good people turn bad. New York , NY: Random House.

S ates

l. Episode 1-7, "You Win or You Die" (May 29, 2011). 2. Denton (2008). 3. Allison, Goethals, & Kramer (Eds.) (2016). 4. Allison & Goethals (2011) . 5. Allison & Goethals (2011). 6. Allison & Goethals (2011), p. 44. 7. Milgram (1974). 8. Zimbardo (1969, 1971). 9. Zimbardo (1969, 1971). 10. Denton (2008). 11. Zimbardo (2008). 12. Allison & Goethals (2011). 13. Allison & Goethals (2013). 14. Allison & Goethals (2011). 15. Peterson & Seligman (2004). 16. Peterson & Seligman (2004). . .. h K. d" (April 24, 2011). 17. Episode 1-2, T e mgsroa . ,, une 1 2014) . 18 . E p1so. d e 4-8 , "The Mountain and the Viper) O • 19. Episode 5-5, "Kill the Boy" (May l0, 2015 . 20. Peterson & Seligman (2004). · · 2013 21. Episode 3-10, "~hysa" Oune 9• ). White" (April 19, 2015). 22 . Episode 5-2, "The House of Black and 23. Peterson & Seligman (2004). OlS) ,. ·1 2 24. Episode 4-10, "The Children" Oune 15•. · ll)· l-2, "The Kingsroad (Aprt 20 25, Episodes 1-1, "Winter Is Comrng· "(Apn 1 17 ' • 24, 2011) . k Things" (May 8, 201l). 26 . Epuode· 1-4, "Cnpp· 1 es, B a5ta~.ds and Bro en ). 27. Episode 4-10, "The Children Oune lS, 2014 28. Peterson & Seligman (2004). 29. Allison & Goethals (2013). . ., ril o, 2014). 30. Episode 4-3, "Breaker of Chains (~p 2 31. Peterson & Seligman (2004). 32 . Peterson & Seligman (2004). 33. VIA Institute on Character (2015) .