Fans of George R.R. Martin's beloved A Song of Ice and Fire series have eagerly awaited the release of the long-awaited sequel, The Winds of Winter, since the last installment came out in 2011. While the TV adaptation, Game of Thrones, has provided its own version of how the story might end, there are differences between the series and the novels that leave room for speculation on which characters might meet their demise.

George R.R. Martin is known for his ruthless storytelling, and The Winds of Winter seems like the perfect opportunity for him to introduce a graveyard of deaths. The events of Game of Thrones season 5 roughly coincide with where the books left off, so characters who died in the series, such as Jojen Reed, Myrcella Baratheon, and Barristan Selmy, are still alive in the novels.

Additionally, the characters who are still alive in the books may find themselves in different positions, potentially changing their fates.

Here are some characters who could potentially perish in The Winds of Winter:

1. Tommen Baratheon: As the current occupant of the Iron Throne, Tommen becomes a prime target for those vying for power. In the TV series, he takes his own life following the explosion of the Sept of Baelor. In the books, conflicts with the High Sparrow and the impending Targaryen invasion could lead to Tommen's death.

2. Myrcella Baratheon: The prophecy of Maggy the Frog suggests that Myrcella's fate is sealed.

In the TV series, she is poisoned by the Sand Snakes. In the books, the Dorne storyline differs, but her death is still imminent.

3. Stannis Baratheon: Stannis, the last surviving king from the War of Five Kings, is in a precarious position in the North. In the early released chapters of The Winds of Winter, he prepares for battle with the Bolton forces. His character and position in the novels differ from the TV series, leaving his fate uncertain.

4. Shireen Baratheon: In the TV series, Shireen meets a horrifying end at the hands of her father. In the books, she hasn't accompanied Stannis on his march to Winterfell, but a quote from George R.

R. Martin suggests a similar fate awaits her.

5. Hodor: Martin's comparison of Hodor's death in the TV series to his planned death in the books implies that Hodor will play a heroic role in defending against the Others.

6. Three-Eyed Crow: The book version of the Three-Eyed Raven, also known as Brynden Rivers, is likely to have a more developed story and may meet a similar fate as his TV counterpart.

7. Loras Tyrell: Loras is severely wounded in the siege at Dragonstone and may not survive.

8. Margaery Tyrell: Cersei's disdain for the Tyrells could lead to Margaery's downfall.

9. Roose Bolton: Roose is on the brink of battle with Stannis, which could result in his demise.

10. Ramsay Bolton: Ramsay's death in the North seems inevitable, but it could come at the hands of various characters.

11. High Sparrow: Cersei has a vendetta against the High Sparrow, and his position of power is not guaranteed to last.

12. Jojen Reed: Jojen's fate is uncertain, with theories suggesting he may already be dead.

13. Barristan Selmy: With battles looming in Meereen, Barristan Selmy could meet his end on the battlefield, potentially making room for Tyrion as Daenerys's advisor.

As fans eagerly await the release of The Winds of Winter, the fates of these characters remain in question.

George R.R. Martin's merciless storytelling style leaves little room for safety, and readers can expect more twists and turns as the series nears its conclusion.