Author George R.R. Martin recently took to his LiveJournal blog to answer several questions about the upcoming "The Winds of Winter" novel and the HBO series "Game of Thrones." One of the fans asked if Stannis Baratheon, played by Stephen Dillane in the show, is still alive. 

Back in season 5, Stannis attempted to mount an attack against the Boltons now residing in Winterfell. Their siege failed however, and Stannis was able to escape to the woods where he encountered Brienne of Tarth (Gwendoline Christie). The season ended with a cliffhanger, never revealing if Brienne killed or spared Stannis. 

In the books, Ramsay Bolton (Iwan Rheon) defeated Stannis' army and wrote a "pink letter" to Lord Commander Jon Snow (Kit Harrington). However, the books did not showcase any proof that Ramsay had indeed killed Stannis, although it is very likely that Stannis' army had been defeated. 

In response to the question about whether or not Stannis was alive, Martin replied, "In my books? Alive, beyond a doubt." 

However, just because the character lives in "A Song of Ice and Fire" does not necessarily mean Stannis is alive in the show. "Game of Thrones" has made some significant changes from the source material, such as Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) heading to Mereen, the exclusion of Young Griff and Lady Stoneheart, and the differences in why Jon Snow was killed. 

Additionally, a report from Watchers on the Wall mentions Irish actors Andrew Bryan and Tristan Heanue being cast for minor roles in season 6. Bryan is set to portray a Bolton officer, while Heanue is expected to play a character who will be alongside Brienne and Podrick Payne (Daniel Portman) as well as Bryan, indicating he may be a Bolton soldier.

"Game of Thrones" season 6 is currently in production and will premiere early 2016.