User blog comment:Rachel P/Replacement characters/@comment-9083122-20130503231729

I started off by watching the first 2 series' and then reading the books because I couldn't wait for season 3 and I agree with the seemingly hasty switcharooing (which is now a word...) in character roles. The big one so far for me is as you say, Loras taking Willas' place as first Sansa's bethrothed and now Cersei's, who was planned by Tywin Lannister to be betrothed to The Red Viper in the books. Also, by this point in the books Loras is already a Kingsguard, thus giving up all rank and title, which is somewhat important to his roles further on.

Another big one already in the motions is Melisandre's journey for "royal blood" to sacrifice to the lord of light to aid Stannis, which already looks like it will be far different than in the books.