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  == Character overview ==
  The youngest point of view character in the novels, Bran is very first chapter character and was set up by Martin as a young hero of the series.  Mikal Gilmore of ''Rolling Stone'' noted in 2014 that the moment in ''A Game of Thrones'' in which Jaime Lannister pushes Bran to his likely death "grabs you by the throat". Martin commented in the interview:
  In 2000, Martin called Bran the hardest character to write:
  ''Booklist'' cited Bran as a notable character in 1999, and the ''Publishers Weekly'' review of ''A Game of Thrones'' noted, "It is fascinating to watch Martin's characters mature and grow, particularly Stark's children, who stand at the center of the book."
  Noting Bran's absence in 2005's ''A Feast for Crows'', James Poniewozik of ''Time'' wrote in his review of ''A Dance with Dragons'' (2011):