When HBO's Game of Thrones wrapped up Season 4 earlier this month with "The Children", many fans were surprised that a prominent part of George R.R. Martin's novels was omitted from the series. There will be major spoilers for those who aren't caught up with the books, or if you haven't finished Season 3, so read on at your own risk.

In the epilogue of George R.R. Martin's book A Storm of Swords, Lady Catelyn Stark (Michelle Fairley), who died in Season 3's infamous "Red Wedding," was resurrected as a new character known as Lady Stoneheart. In the books, after Stark's corpse was thrown in the river, she was rescued by The Brotherhood Without Banners, after their leader Beric Dondarrion gave his life for hers. Stoneheart takes over the brotherhood and leads them on a quest for vengeance in the books.

During a new interview with Entertainment Weekly, Michelle Fairley (who was also recently killed off on Fox's 24: Live Another Day), revealed that Lady Stark is in fact dead, while stating that she respects the writer's decision to kill her off.

"Yeah, the character's dead. She's dead. You respect the writers' decision. I knew the arc, and that was it. They can't stick to the books 100 percent. It's impossible - they only have 10 hours per season. They have got to keep it dramatic and exciting, and extraneous stuff along the way gets lost in order to maintain the quality of brilliant show."

When asked if she was aware of the fans' furor over Lady Stoneheart's omission, the actress had this to say.

"I actually haven't seen any of that. I don't look that stuff up. I avoid it like the plague. I was totally unaware."

As Michelle Fairley said, Game of Thrones is only given 10 episodes per season, and there is only so much material from George R.R. Martin's books that can be crammed into one season. However, that doesn't mean Lady Stoneheart still can't come back at some point in Season 5 or Season 6, but we'll have to wait and see.

Are you upset that Lady Stoneheart didn't show up in the Season 4 finale? Do you think she should come back for Season 5? Chime in with your thoughts below.