Sophie Turner defends Game of Thrones' graphic scenes

Sophie Turner is bemused by the negative attention Game of Thrones receives.

The 20-year-old actress, who stars as Sansa Stark on the HBO fantasy television series, has defended the show's graphic portrayal of real-life events, insisting it is important to provide an accurate account of things that go on in the real world.

She said: "The thing is, Game of Thrones does not shy away from things that happened in those times.

"The oppression of women happened, and rape still happens, particularly in wars and arranged marriages. Why is there so much attention when it happens on television and not when it happens in the real world? It happens every day all over the world and you never hear about it."

Sophie started working on the popular series at the age of 14 and admits it was strange living the life of a child actor.

The British star told the Sunday Times newspaper: "On set, you're treated very much like an adult, so then you go back to school and you're suddenly back to being a little schoolgirl, getting told off if you're naughty. It's a totally different mindset."

Meanwhile Turner says she is having an "identity crisis".

The Game of Thrones star finds herself becoming Sansa Stark, her character on the popular drama show, any time she is on set.

Alfie Allen as Theon Greyjoy / Reek and Sophie Turner as Sansa Stark in the 5th Season of Game of Thrones. Photo / Supplied

She told Marie Claire magazine: "I feel like I know her better than I know myself. Which is strange, because I totally don't know who I am at this point. When I'm on set walking around, I find myself becoming her ... I am actually having an identity crisis at the moment."

The 20-year-old star previously revealed she is looking forward to "prove all the haters wrong" with her character in the new season.

She said: "I'm so excited.This is the season I've kind of been waiting for for Sansa, and I feel like fans have been as well. Those people that get frustrated at her for doing nothing - this is the season where she actually does something.

"This isn't Sansa being a pawn in other people's games and being shipped around by different people. She is taking charge and she is bringing the people that she wants with her to get what she wants. She becomes a leader in her own right.

"It's such a relief. I always saw this potential in Sansa right from the very beginning, from the moment I started playing her, and other people just didn't see it, I guess. And now it's just fun because I get to prove all the haters wrong."