Betrayal

Betrayal abounds in A Dance with Dragons. Everyone wants power, whether it is taken by righteousness, fear or conquest. It seems that few can trust anyone although there are some that are loyal to the end, such as Barristan and Jon. The more wicked characters take advantage of the weaker ones, particularly those who are new to power or are still somewhat green.

Melisandre warns Jon:

"'It is not the foes who curse you to your face that you must fear, but those who smile when you are looking and sharpen their knives when you turn your back. You would do well to keep your wolf close beside you.'" Chap. 3, p. 59

The characters seem to take betrayal and death in stride since there is so much of it. The last person to be betrayed is Kevan Lannister, who falls victim to Varys:

"Ser Kevan was cold as...