tanselle too tall

appearance

Tanselle was slim, with small breasts. She had black hair and olive skin. She was taller than most women, only half a head shorter than Duncan the Tall[1] (who was measured about a year later at 6'11")

personality

Artistic and Creative: Tanselle is depicted as an artistically inclined individual. She paints the puppets crafted by her uncle, showcasing her creativity and skill. This artistic flair not only highlights her talents but also suggests a deeper appreciation for storytelling and performance art. Independent and Strong-Willed: Despite being subjected to the whims of powerful figures like Prince Aerion Targaryen, Tanselle demonstrates resilience and independence. Her decision to decline Dunk’s initial invitation for ale indicates a sense of self-reliance and perhaps caution in forming attachments too quickly. Flirtatious yet Reserved: Tanselle engages in light flirtation with Dunk during their interactions, suggesting she possesses a playful side. However, she maintains a level of reserve, as seen when she does not pursue a deeper connection with him despite their chemistry. Courageous: When faced with danger from Prince Aerion’s violent outburst against her puppeteering troupe, Tanselle shows courage by continuing to perform despite the risks involved. Her ability to stand up against such threats speaks volumes about her bravery. Nostalgic and Reflective: Throughout Dunk’s journey after their brief encounter, he often reflects on Tanselle, indicating that she left a significant impression on him. This nostalgia suggests that Tanselle herself may have moments of reflection about her experiences and relationships. Empathetic: The way she interacts with her uncle and fellow puppeteers shows that she values community and familial bonds. Her concern for their well-being during the tumultuous events at the Ashford Tourney illustrates an empathetic nature.

history

Tanselle and a group of Dornish puppeteers, including her uncle, perform puppet shows at the Ashford Tourney in 209 AC. Tanselle's uncle had carved the puppets, and she had painted them. The shows they perform include the stories of Florian and Jonquil, Nymeria and her ten thousand ships, Symeon Star-Eyes, and a knight defeating a dragon. After seeing her perform several puppet shows, Ser Duncan the Tall asks Tanselle to share a horn of ale with him, but she declines. Later he speaks with her, and discovering her skills with paint, pays her to paint his shield with his new sigil. They flirt a bit, but nothing comes of it. The first night of the tourney, Prince Aerion Targaryen sees the puppeteers performing the show about the dragon, and takes issue with the dragon's death, calling it treason. Aerion has the puppets destroyed by his men-at-arms, and begins attacking the puppeteers; but Dunk's squire Egg (secretly Aerion's brother Prince Aegon) had been at the show, and runs to Dunk telling him that Aerion was hurting Tanselle. Dunk arrives in time to see Aerion breaking one of Tanselle's fingers, and comes to her rescue, but is taken prisoner for striking a royal prince. The puppeteers, including Tanselle and her uncle, leave for Dorne as quickly as possible afterwards, but Tanselle leaves behind Duncan's painted shield in the care of Steely Pate. According to Steely Pate, Tanselle's uncle feels they would be better off "well gone and well forgot", and that it would not be good for her to see Dunk die in his trial of seven.

setting

takes place during the events of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms