Top 10 Best Game of Thrones Series Characters
The Game of Thrones series is famous for its wide range of characters, each with their own goals, strengths, and weaknesses. From honorable heroes to sly villains, the series has a colorful mix of personalities. But who are the best Game of Thrones characters? That's a question with as many answers as there are fans of the show.Maybe you like the honest and fair characters, like Ned Stark, or the clever and power-hungry ones, like Tyrion Lannister. Perhaps you're interested in the complex and not-so-clear-cut characters, like Jaime Lannister, or the tough and persistent ones, like Daenerys Targaryen. Maybe you connect with the underdog stories of characters like Jon Snow or Arya Stark.
The great thing about Game of Thrones is its ability to create characters that are so interesting and relatable, even in their imperfections. It's a sign of the show's good writing and the actors' performances that you can find yourself cheering for characters who can do both good and bad things.
Tyrion Lannister, known as the Imp, is a sharp-witted and cunning member of House Lannister, often underestimated due to his stature. He possesses a talent for political maneuvering and is skilled in the art of rhetoric. In the harsh and serious world of Game of Thrones, every time Tyrion comes on the screen, it feels like a breath of fresh air. He honestly seems like the nicest guy in this series' entire universe. He genuinely cares for those who need care, he's honest, and has a way of diffusing tension through humor and by not taking anyone or anything too seriously. I love him very much!
The man whose character is the closest you're ever going to get to that of a person of modern times. His philosophy and reasoning are not only the best of any of the characters in the show, but they are also why we adore him and why he survives in the terrible Known World.
When we see scenes including Tyrion, we can relate deeply to how he thinks about what is going on around him and how he feels.
Jon Snow, the illegitimate son of Eddard Stark, rises from his humble beginnings at Winterfell to become a formidable leader of the Night's Watch. His sense of honor and duty drive him to make difficult decisions, earning him respect and loyalty from his peers. Jon Snow is the hero of this story, along with Dany. He's the ice to her fire. Out of the two elements, I prefer ice. It's cold, hard, and unforgiving, just like Jon Snow's path.
He has had to defeat a White Walker in single combat to survive the slaughter at Hardhome. He held off Mance Rayder's attack on the Wall and went on a suicide mission to kill Mance, only to be saved at the last moment by Stannis. After all this, he gets stabbed by his own sworn brothers. He was resurrected by the same woman who burned a little girl. His path has truly been dark and full of danger, but he keeps doing what is right. He's the best character in Game of Thrones.
Arya Stark, the spirited daughter of Eddard Stark, undergoes a transformation from a sheltered noble girl to a skilled assassin seeking vengeance for her family. Her journey is marked by resilience, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of justice. Give this girl a needle, and she'll sew a legacy with her enemies' blood as the thread. She's never made the victim, unlike her older sister, except when she chooses to suffer for her studies in murder school. She demands justice and walks among the most ruthless of warriors - the Hound and the Faceless Man - and murders as an equal.
Funny how she is nearly as short as the dwarf, yet manages to be so much deadlier and easier to underestimate. Arya "Not a Lady" Stark is the Mountain of the Stark family.
I can't help but upvote Arya! There are many great characters, but if I really had to pick one, it would be Arya. She's the most relatable character, in my opinion. She is a strong force of nature in her own way.
She is not afraid to be herself, no matter what others say. She doesn't care about your needlework - haha. She's been bullied, she lacks self-confidence, and she's lost people that she loves. She's been hurt emotionally and physically, but she is living. She has never given up on life, no matter what.
Daenerys Targaryen, the last surviving member of the Targaryen dynasty, evolves from a timid young woman into a powerful and determined queen. With her dragons and unwavering belief in her destiny, she seeks to reclaim the Iron Throne and liberate the oppressed. This is why I love Dany. She's not your stereotypical Disney hero. She's a gray character. There is nothing compelling about a morality robot. Gray characters are what made this show a hit in the first place. If most characters were like Jon Snow and Ned Stark, the show would've been canceled ages ago.
Dany is great because she's not afraid to show her ruthless side. She's willing to use her wits and cunning to deceive her enemies into giving her what she wants. She stands out because the writers intentionally highlight her connection to her Mad King father to keep people on their toes about her. She has both good and bad in her, which makes you never 100% sure what she'll do next. That's what a compelling character is about, not just her dragons.
Sure, Jon has overcome adversity, but so have plenty of other characters. There are even others who have overcome death as well. The most interesting aspect of his character, in my opinion, is who his parents just happen to be. Dany will always be the better-written character. She may not be the rightful queen of the Iron Throne, but she is undoubtedly the rightful queen of this series - right next to Lena Headey's Cersei, of course.
Jaime Lannister, known as the Kingslayer, is a complex character torn between his loyalty to his family and his own sense of honor. Despite his reputation as a skilled swordsman, he grapples with moral dilemmas and seeks redemption for his past actions. He's the most complex character on the show, hands down. We not only learn how he's perceived, but also who he actually is. We discover his morals and values, his honor, and his loyalties.
We see him at his highest and his lowest, at his most despicable and his most lovable, at his most haughty and his most modest. We hated him when he pushed Bran out the window, felt sorry for him when he lost his hand, and even found ourselves cheering for him when he caught that sword with his fake hand.
If there's one thing that defines Game of Thrones, it's the grey area, and Jaime is the perfect representation of that. He's not good, but he's not evil either. He was on Cersei's side (pre-Season 7 finale), but he fights with honor. He broke his oath and killed the king he was sworn to protect, but he did it to save half a million innocent people. He tried to kill Bran Stark but swore to protect Sansa and Arya. Jaime redefines what it means to be good or bad, a hero or a villain, because he's neither.
He loved his family, was loyal, honorable, a fool in love, and stood up for Tyrion when no one else would. And then he walked out on Cersei. Jaime, you're free now. Be the lion you were meant to be.
Bronn, Tyrion Lannister's loyal sellsword, is a skilled fighter with a sharp tongue and a knack for survival. Despite his mercenary nature, he forms a genuine bond with Tyrion and proves himself to be a valuable ally in times of need, always looking out for his own interests above all else. Great personality, amazing dark humor, and wit. He's a man with simple desires but is recognized for his talents. He can duel with the best of the best and make them look silly.
A good friend of Tyrion, the best character on the show. He makes many episodes worth watching!
Bronn is the coolest character on the show. He's a calls-it-like-he-sees-it type.
The guy has amazing one-liners. I totally love it every time he appears!
You probably don't know his father, but Bronn himself is unforgettable.
Eddard Stark, the honorable patriarch of House Stark, is a man of integrity and duty, fiercely protective of his family and his principles. His unwavering adherence to honor ultimately leads to his downfall in the treacherous game of thrones. Ned was my favorite and always will be. He was such an honorable man who cared for his family and didn't deserve to die the way he did. People say he was dumb because he didn't know how to play the Game of Thrones, but in my opinion, Ned was clever. We never really see him fight, apart from when he fought Jaime and was on the verge of beating him. Sean Bean's portrayal only adds to the character's appeal.
I just wish he had stayed alive. If he had, everything that happened to his family might have been avoided. Even if events had still unfolded the way they did, Ned would have gotten his revenge through war. Imagine him leading an army against the Lannisters. They wouldn't have stood a chance against him, as he was very smart in battle. Rest in peace, Ned.
Petyr Baelish, also known as Littlefinger, is a cunning and manipulative master of intrigue, adept at playing the political game to his advantage. His ambition knows no bounds as he schemes and plots his way up the social ladder, always seeking more power and influence. The most absolutely greatest character in the show. A complete puppet master who manipulates everyone. He's the slickest and most clever character.
I honestly can never put into words how much I love Baelish and how he is, without a doubt, the most interesting character. Most people don't give him a chance because his scenes are "boring," consisting mostly of him talking. However, if they were to pay attention and actually listen to what he is saying, they would realize he is literally ruling and playing everyone, while staying in the middle ground and pretty much on everyone's side. Again, he is the best.
Sandor "The Hound" Clegane is a fearsome warrior with a brutal exterior masking a tortured soul. Despite his cynical outlook on life, he demonstrates unexpected acts of compassion and struggles with his inner demons while navigating the violent world of Westeros. Comfortably the most intriguing and interesting individual in Westeros. Unpredictable at all times. No matter what he was up to, it was thoroughly engrossing and enjoyable to witness.
What should really push him to the top of this list is the way in which his arc panned out - from brutal, bloodthirsty, hateful "Hound" to bordering on selflessly soft and considerate to the people he cared for around him. There's a reason both Sansa and Arya cared deeply for him, and that reason should be good enough for anyone else.
Tywin Lannister, the stern and calculating patriarch of House Lannister, is a master strategist and ruthless leader. His influence and power extend far and wide, driven by an unyielding desire to secure his family's legacy at any cost. Tywin should be number one. His cold and heartless view of politics and war defines Game of Thrones. His character encapsulates the show's genre as being ruthless. He is a unique character, making the viewer question how far he would go to see his plans and motives fulfilled. He won the War of the Five Kings. He's not a boring hero, but a dark antihero.
Tywin is the man. A medieval lord, he plays this game as it used to be played. He approaches every move like a chess player, well aware that a small mistake can result in a lot of time spent trying to correct it. That's why he felt the North was justly aggrieved and tried to antagonize it less than the rest of the Lannisters. He embodies how a real man should behave.
Robb Stark, the eldest son of Eddard Stark, rises to become King in the North after his father's execution. Known for his military prowess and strong sense of justice, his quest for revenge and independence leads to tragic consequences. I know that Robb was at times an idiot, but if he was an idiot, then Ned had absolutely no brain activity. This is because both of them always did the right thing, not always the smartest thing to do. This ended up costing them their lives, along with actions from Walder Frey and the Boltons (Arya slit their throats).
But whether you loved him or hated him, you have to admit he might have been the greatest general of his time. Seriously, the guy was outnumbered by the Lannisters 3-1 and still destroyed most of their army. Even all of Tyrell's men, which numbered 70-100K, would have been rolled over by the genius that was Robb Stark.
And I don't know about you, but I would have loved a scene where the Lannisters freaked out over the fact that Casterly Rock had fallen. Boy, do I miss him so much. The King in the North! But despite all of this, we must keep one thing in mind: The North remembers everything that has happened, and no matter what, they will get their revenge.
Cersei Lannister, the ambitious and ruthless queen regent, is driven by a deep-seated desire for power and control. Her cunning and Machiavellian tactics make her a formidable adversary, but her obsession with maintaining her grip on the Iron Throne often leads to her downfall. Cersei gets too much hate compared to other female characters who have also committed evil acts. She's a great example of what it means to be a queen in a male-dominated society. Caring and protective toward her loved ones, she is simply a player in the Game of Thrones and wants to win.
Cersei is the most intriguing and complex character by far. A lot of the hate for her comes from people who misunderstand her and hold double standards.
Lena is such an amazing actress who did Cersei justice.
A very cunning and intelligent woman. She has no right to the throne but took it anyway, at the cost of losing someone she deeply loved.
She was born to play the Game of Thrones. Top 5 material.
Margaery Tyrell, the ambitious and charismatic member of House Tyrell, is skilled in the art of courtly manipulation. Her beauty and political acumen enable her to navigate complex alliances and marriages, always with an eye towards increasing her power. She was my favorite female character in the series. I love how manipulative, smart, and ambitious for power she is. At the same time, she is very gentle, soft, and has a good heart. This combination of traits makes her a very peculiar and rare female character. As a bonus, I consider her the prettiest and most elegant girl on the show. Game of Thrones lost much of its grace without Margaery.
I love how she's known for being the queen who could win over the hearts and minds of her people. This is sort of a contrast to Cersei.
I think the reason I like her the best is actually because I really hate Cersei. Plus, she's played by the one and only Natalie Dormer.
Jaqen H'ghar, a mysterious assassin of the Faceless Men, possesses the ability to change his appearance at will. His enigmatic nature and teachings play a crucial role in Arya Stark's transformation into a skilled and lethal warrior. A man does not think a Faceless Man should be at the top spot but should be in the top 10, as he already is.
A man does not drink for days and nights. A man has thirst. A boy could make a friend. The finest actor in Game of Thrones.
A man is no one, but at least a GOT fan could bring him into the top 10.
Sansa Stark, the eldest daughter of Eddard and Catelyn Stark, begins as a naive young girl with dreams of romance and nobility. Through numerous trials and betrayals, she matures into a shrewd and resilient leader, adept at navigating the dangerous politics of Westeros. At first, I hated her. But as the story progresses, my feelings toward Sansa have shifted to sympathy. She's not my favorite character, but I think Sansa is a great character because she's very realistic.
Many of us women dislike Sansa because she reflects what we were like as pre-teens. She starts the story overly naive, with misconceived views about romance, waiting for her perfect enchanted prince or boyfriend. Initially guided solely by appearances, she is unaware of the wickedness of the world. However, Sansa is then forced to navigate through dozens of terrible situations, which serve as a harsh reality check for her. She matures through all the pain and begins to engage in the game.
Brienne of Tarth, a formidable and honorable warrior, defies traditional gender roles with her unmatched combat skills and unwavering sense of duty. Her loyalty and courage earn her respect and admiration, despite the prejudices she faces. A true hero. She is the most honorable character.
I'm glad she's an awesome warrior because I like to see good women succeed.
Most badass female character of the series, defeated both the Hound and Jaime. Honorable and loyal till the end.
She needs to be higher on this list! Awesome character. She could destroy most of the men in the show.
Theon Greyjoy, once the cocky heir to the Iron Islands, undergoes a harrowing journey of identity crisis and betrayal that leaves him broken and tormented. His tragic fall from grace and subsequent struggle for redemption highlight the complexities of loyalty, family, and honor in the brutal world of Westeros. Theon is the most tragic character in Game of Thrones, in my opinion. Even though I love other characters like Jaime and Tyrion Lannister and Arya Stark, I still think that Theon was the best on the show. He may have been an ass in the first couple of seasons and even betrayed Robb for really no reason, but he recognized his mistakes and ended up dying to protect the Starks.
Ramsay Bolton put him through hell. He castrated him and made him believe his name was Reek. He eventually ended up saving Sansa from Ramsay and protected her like she was his actual sister. Theon Greyjoy made a lot of mistakes, but it's hard not to love him (no matter how hard I try). The only thing Theon ever wanted was to be a Stark.
Oberyn Martell, known as the Red Viper, is a passionate and vengeful prince of Dorne, renowned for his combat skills and sharp wit. His pursuit of justice for his slain family members brings him to King's Landing, where his fierce spirit leaves a lasting impact. Of all the characters I would have brought back in the show, I would choose him. He has a good sense of the world and cares for anyone he believes is treated unfairly. Beyond all the goody-goody about him, he's epic in combat! Gosh, I'd love to see just another fight with him in it. He also has the best accent in the show.
Oberyn Martell was a badass character who made us believe that he would defeat the Mountain. However, his cockiness and need for a confession resulted in his demise.
At least he gave us one of the best fights in Game of Thrones to date.
Lord Varys, the Master of Whisperers, is a cunning and enigmatic spymaster with a vast network of informants. His true loyalties are often unclear, as he claims to serve the realm and its people above all, manipulating events from the shadows to maintain balance and peace. He is one of the most underrated characters. But he is the one who is planning and strategizing to protect the greater good. His vision has no match. The closest is Lord Baelish. Even Tyrion did not have a solution for where to go after killing his father. He just plays the game quietly.
Sneaky and smart, and not the backstabber that Baelish is. Plus, I love how he is able to move through all the different areas, regions, and kingdoms and make himself invaluable wherever he goes.
Varys isn't a spider. I like his calm, reasonable demeanor and his lack of desire to backstab anyone for personal gain.
Jorah Mormont, a loyal and devoted knight, serves Daenerys Targaryen with unwavering dedication. Despite his past disgrace and exile, he seeks redemption through his service and his unrequited love for the Dragon Queen. A great companion and one of the best advisers around, Jorah Mormont's story of love throughout the series has been both tragic and cautionary. He's wise, loyal, a great fighter, and a very honorable man.
Jorah believes in the queen he is fighting for and is a great friend. (Friendzoned maybe, but still a great friend.) He might have done a terrible thing by spying on Daenerys at the beginning of the show, and while Daenerys had every right to banish him, Jorah righted his wrongs by becoming a faithful companion. Even after he was pardoned for his crimes and was free to go back home, I still love this guy.
Ygritte, the fiery wildling woman, is a skilled archer and fiercely independent spirit who captures the heart of Jon Snow. Her unwavering loyalty to her people and her determination to live free beyond the Wall define her character, even as she grapples with conflicting loyalties and emotions. Ygritte! I love this girl so much! How is she not even in the top 20? I adore just about every scene Ygritte is in. She's entertaining and hilarious. Everything that comes out of this girl's mouth is pure gold. She's easily one of the most quotable characters in the whole series.
Besides Ygritte being hilarious, quotable, entertaining, and exciting, she also has an all-around likable personality. Ygritte is also a skilled fighter, and I have to give her props for her survival skills. Not many people can survive beyond the wall. Ygritte is one of the few women in a group of dangerous men, yet she holds her own. While she may not be formally educated, the girl's got street smarts, demonstrated by how cunning and quick-thinking she is.
Can I also just compliment the girl for how much sass and independence she has? The way Ygritte stands up for herself and her opinions is just so admirable to me. Despite all of these things I adore about Ygritte, my favorite thing has to be her relationship with Jon Snow. Ygritte loved him with all her heart, and it showed. She was passionate about him and was even willing, at one point, to betray her own people to save Jon. To Ygritte, none of these people cared about her. She was just another person in their army. But Jon cared deeply about her, and she cared about him.
As Tormund pointed out, every time Ygritte talked about killing Jon, it just showed how much Jon had hurt her, which proved how much Ygritte loved him. Even in the end, when she could have killed Jon, Ygritte couldn't do it. Anyway, I adore Ygritte. She might be my favorite character on the show.
Davos Seaworth, the Onion Knight, is a former smuggler turned loyal advisor to Stannis Baratheon. Known for his honesty and humble origins, he provides a grounded and moral perspective amidst the chaos of the War of the Five Kings. This guy has some big courage hidden under his humble and honorable attitude. He challenged Stannis when he felt it was needed because it was the right thing to do. He can confront Melisandre even though she has brainwashed Stannis. He doesn't hide from his responsibilities or from what he has done wrong.
In the book, he is even more admirable. Coming from a humble life, he made it to become a knight whom even a king pretender with divine influences, like Stannis, listens to. That's quite the achievement.
Olenna Tyrell, also known as the Queen of Thorns, is a shrewd and witty matriarch of House Tyrell, wielding her sharp tongue as skillfully as any sword. Her political acumen and strategic maneuvering make her a formidable player in the game of thrones, capable of outmaneuvering even the most cunning adversaries. This list is absurd. How come the Queen of Thorns, one of the sassiest and most sharp-tongued characters of the series, is not in the Top 10? She is a fearless woman who has wiped the floor with Cersei more than thrice. She is responsible for killing that prick Joffrey and faced the High Sparrow alone, calling him a fraud.
She even managed to embarrass Tywin Lannister. Have people watched her last scene? Have they heard her final speech when Highgarden fell to Jaime Lannister and his army? If they haven't, they must. If they have, Olenna must be put among the Top 10 as soon as possible.
Ramsay Bolton, the sadistic bastard son of Roose Bolton, is a psychopathic torturer who delights in inflicting pain and suffering on others. His ruthless and unpredictable nature makes him a terrifying adversary, instilling fear in those who cross his path as he vies for power and recognition. Unlike Joffrey, I actually have respect for this character. Joffrey was just a whiny brat trying to be evil because he thought it would impress everyone. But this guy was trying to impress no one. He killed because he was truly cruel and sadistic, and would stop at nothing to conquer. He had no affection for anyone and was irredeemable. That makes him a true villain.
I hated him, and that is why I liked him. After the death of Joffrey, we needed a person to hate. His evilness, cunning, and games were perfect for making you want him dead. The way he casually kills some of our favorite characters and then carries on as if nothing happened makes his death the cherry on top for this character.
Samwell Tarly, the gentle-hearted and bookish member of the Night's Watch, defies stereotypes with his courage and intelligence. Despite facing ridicule and discrimination, he proves himself to be a loyal friend and a valuable asset in the fight against the White Walkers, embodying the power of knowledge and compassion in a world dominated by violence. Are you kidding me? Is this all just a game to you people? IT'S SAMWELL TARLY! He's at 91? He's such an integral part of the story.
He killed a White Walker. Shae didn't. Robb Stark didn't. You are all fools.
The casting of this actor was pure genius. What's not to love about this guy? Yeah, he's a coward in his own mind, but in reality, he's a beacon of light for the good and a symbol of fearful intelligence for the ignorant.
In my opinion, Sam is the only truly good character in both the books and the show. He needs so much more love and appreciation!