A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms showrunner explains why Rafe is portrayed as a girl in the show

One of the most intriguing creative choices in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms was changing Dunk’s childhood friend Rafe into a girl, adding a subtle romantic undertone to their relationship. Showrunner Ira Parker explained that the decision wasn’t about rewriting canon so much as exploring Dunk’s loneliness and his lifelong search for family. As an orphan, Dunk’s yearning for connection defines his choices, and Rafe’s presence fills that gap in ways both tender and complicated.

Quick Read

• Rafe’s gender change adds nuance and romantic tension.
• Parker says Dunk’s orphanhood drives his search for family.
• Rafe represents care and companionship Dunk never had.

Dunk’s loneliness and Rafe’s role in filling the gap

Parker emphasized that Dunk’s orphanhood weighs heavily on him, shaping his worldview and decisions. He explained that Dunk’s search for family and belonging is central to his character, and Rafe embodies that longing. Before elaborating, Parker framed the emotional core of Dunk’s journey (Collider):

“Is it 100% confirmed that Rafe was a boy? More than anything else in Dunk’s life, the fact that he was an orphan with no family probably weighs the heaviest and informs most of his decisions. Just that search for family, that search for a mother and somebody to take care of you, which he never had, is very at the core of what it is to be a lonely kid out there, trying to do better. I think Rafe fills that gap in some ways. Not in all ways.” 

This insight shows how Rafe’s presence isn’t just about romance — it’s about giving Dunk a glimpse of the family he’s always craved.

Manipulation and earnestness: the complexity of Rafe and Dunk’s bond

Parker went further, suggesting that Rafe’s relationship with Dunk isn’t entirely pure. He explained that while Rafe isn’t a bad person, she may use Dunk’s strength and earnestness to her advantage. Before clarifying, Parker underscored the tension between Dunk’s optimism and Rafe’s survival instincts:

“Dunk does this thing where he tries to see the very best in everyone because he really wants that family, even when it’s not quite right. I’m still not completely convinced that Rafe isn’t using him a little bit because he’s big and he’s strong, and he doesn’t seem to be that smart, so she can manipulate him. She’s not a bad person. That’s just what she has to do to get by. Dunk is quite earnest. He wears his emotions at the front. It makes you hope for good things.”

This reflection highlights the layered dynamic between Dunk and Rafe — a bond built on longing, vulnerability, and the harsh realities of survival.

Read next: How budget constraints reduced Dunk’s group of childhood friends down to just one key relationship