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Sometimes power in fantasy can be as simple as a sword swing, but in A Clash of Kings, power is a much more nuanced affair. Varys uses information to levy his influence, while Joffrey's authority comes simply being the son of a now dead king. Littlefinger has immense power over people because he controls the flow of money. The Hound is strong, but if strength equals power, then why do others dominate his choices? As such, there are many varieties of power in this world, but which is the most powerful power? We honestly couldn't say.
Jon and Daenerys's journeys to unknown countries bring new understandings of power to the Song of Ice and Fire series. Daenerys's interactions in Qarth show the power of trade and commerce while Jon's encounter with the wildlings suggests a type of power in community.
In each novel of the series, a central character overreaches for power and succumbs to a disturbing fate. In A Clash of Kings, this character is Theon.