Possible early inspiration for Sandor Clegane
This is an interesting bit I stumbled upon by accident. It’s been noted before by others in the fandom that the character Bretan Braith of George’s earlier sci-fi novel "The Dying of the Light" seems to be an early prototype of a character he’ll recycle in Sandor Clegane. Almost exactly the same appearance and demeanor. The original idea may come from one of George’s documented favorite sci-fi novels.
George recommended “The Stars My Destination” by Alfred Bester (published 1957) a few times on his LJ: here, here in the comments, and here calling it a “masterpiece.” Also here in this article. Look at one of the first images of cover art for it that popped up:
The main character, Gully Foyle, is consumed by a burning need for revenge that is his main motivator for his actions. In the course of the story, he is captured and his face is given this shockingly horrific bestial tattoo. His personality early on his described as brutish and blunt. Later in the process of burning off the tattoo with acid he receives equally horrific scarring that flares up when he becomes too emotional. Gully also tormented by visions of The Burning Man, which is himself on fire.
I haven’t read this novel nor “Dying of the Light” yet, but I’m curious. I’d love to see if there’s more parallels.