If Southern states were Game of Thrones characters

Watching Game of Thrones, be sure to keep your houses straight: you can’t mix up the Lannisters with Boltons or the Starks with the Greyjoys. In the South, the same can be said about the states. Don’t mix up your Carolinas, know the difference between Alabama and Georgia, and please remember that West Virginia is not a part of Virginia.

To show just how similar Game of Thrones and the South are, here are the states as characters in the show.

West Virginia: Joffrey Baratheon

West Virginia considers itself to be in the South, but they actually broke apart from Virginia in order to stay in the Union, *technically* making it a part of the North. Joffrey claimed the Iron Throne by birthright, but as the bastard of Cersei and Jamie, his claim was illegitimate – just like West Virginia’s claim to be part of the South.

North Carolina: Cersei Lanister

Cersei isn’t just a pretty face, she’s a political mastermind and fierce queen. And while North Carolina might be known for its beaches, it’s home to so much more – over 1.7 million acres of military bases, the Research Triangle and Mount Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi River. While the people who call North Carolina home aren’t secretly conniving like Cersei, they’ll still surprise you.

South Carolina: Jaime Lannister, the Kingslayer

Jaime got his nickname when he literally stabbed his king in the back. Similarly, South Carolina figuratively stabbed the United States in the back when it was the first state to secede and is the home of Fort Sumnter, the site of the first battle of the Civil War.

Texas: Daenerys

Texas is basically its own country and subculture in the South, and since Dany is Essos while basically everyone else is in Westeros, it makes sense. But the similarities don’t stop there. Everything is bigger in Texas, and Dany has three HUGE dragons.

Louisiana: Melisandre, the Red Woman

No one really understands Melisandre and her magic, and no one truly knows Louisiana, except for those from there. Mixing Southern culture with that of French and African culture, Louisiana is full of surprises that will leave you with more questions than they’ll answer. Melisandre carries a variety of potions and herbs with her, and if you’ve been to Louisiana, you’ll know that Cajun flavor is all about the cayenne pepper and spices.

Virginia: Ned Stark

Ned Stark was never the king, but was well respected in Westeros and a beloved character in the show. And while Virginia isn’t the Deep South, it has been historically influential and its capital Richmond was the heart and capital of the Confederacy. Ned had six kids that are all major characters (well, except for Rickon), and Virginia is birthplace to eight presidents.

Arkansas: Arya Stark

People might have been quick to write off Arya, but she’s proven herself as one of the toughest characters in the show. She’s loyal to her family and wants to kill those who have wronged them. She has busted her butt to become a good fighter and she’s been able to survive on the run and in the wild. Similarly, Arkansas is filled with people whose two greatest loves are their families and the outdoors. Sure, the people of Arkansas are sweet, but they’re tough – just like Arya.

Mississippi: Samwell Tarly

Sam is often ridiculed by the Night’s Watch for being fat and not manly enough, and Mississippi sometimes gets a bad rap and is often the butt of jokes about hillbillies and the rural South. Regardless of the teasing, Sam and Mississippi are friendly, welcoming and have good hearts. Sure, neither are perfect, but they’ll invite you to their church potluck every time.

Alabama: The Mountain and The Hound

Alabama gets two characters since the state is split between Bama fans and Auburn fans. Yes, they’re all from Alabama, but that doesn’t mean they won’t hold their fellow statesman’s face in the fire. With all the bad blood between them, it’s hard to remember they share a bloodline. And just like the Mountain and the Hound, both Alabama and Auburn are strong, tough fighters.

Georgia: Stannis Baratheon

When Stannis tried to invade King’s Landing, his fleet was destroyed by wildfire, and when Georgia fought in the Civil War, it was burnt to the ground during Sherman’s March to the Sea. But just like Stannis, Georgia rebuilt. Although not the biggest city, Atlanta is a major player in the South and across the country, similar to the second Baratheon son.

Tennessee: Oberyn Martell

Oberyn is charismatic, sexy and just plain fun. He always puts on a show, whether in Dorne or Westeros. Tennessee is just as charming and will keep you entertained from Nashville to Memphis.

Kentucky: Tyrion Lannister

Home of bourbon and horses, Kentucky is always ready for a party. And as Tyrion has proven throughout the show, he loves his wine and having a good time. But he’s also a talented diplomat and has connections with all the major houses. Located on the border between the South and the Midwest, Kentucky balances being a part of both regions. The people of Kentucky are kind, but serious and hard-working when they need to be – traits also found in the shortest character on the show.

Maryland: Jon Snow

Right on the edge of the Mason-Dixon Line, Maryland separates the South from the Northern states, and in Game of Thrones, Jon Snow guards Westeros from the wildlings and White Walkers along the wall in the North.

Florida: Aerys II Targaryen, the Mad King

Have you seen the headlines that come out of Florida? The whole state is insane, just like Aerys.