Game of Thrones is one of the most popular shows of all time. No matter how people view the final season, nothing can take away from the inherent joy fans experienced while seeing their favorite characters grow, change, and die on-screen. For all its flaws, Game of Thrones has some of the greatest characters in TV history, ones that will be forever remembered for their wit, intelligence, courage, or arrogance.
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Game of Thrones featured no shortage of arrogant characters, but these ones stand out for their inflated egos.
While Game of Thrones had its fair share of despicable characters, it also had some well-written and lovable personalities who let players enjoy intermittent rays of hope in a dark fantasy series that could get a bit too sad at times.
Spoiler warning! While we keep these to a minimum, some characters are impossible to discuss without spoiling major story beats.
10
Davos Seaworth
The Onion Knight Is A Man Of Many Layers
- Debut: The North Remembers (Season 2, Episode 1)
- Performance by: Liam Cunningham
Game of Thrones has a plethora of lovable supporting characters who make the most of their screentime, even if they might not get the same attention as the Starks and Lannisters. Although he faces stiff competition from the likes of Tormund Giantsbane, Davos Seaworth might just be the show’s best secondary character, and he lasts for quite a long time.
Putting aside his contributions to the story, which are numerous, Davos stands out for his loyalty, lack of prejudice, and dry humor. While somewhat world-weary, he does not judge people by their appearance, social standing, or religion, instead basing his beliefs entirely on his perception of their behavior and personalities. Davos acts as a surrogate father for Shireen Baratheon, and they have one of the most wholesome dynamics in Game of Thrones (which is not saying much, but still). He is also a great ally and mind to have around, as he proved his worth to Jon Snow and, earlier, Stannis.
9
Eddard “Ned” Stark
Arguably The Most Important Game Of Thrones Character For Setting The Show’s Tone
- Debut: Winter Is Coming (Season 1, Episode 1)
- Performance by: Sean Bean
Eddard Stark’s time on the show is short-lived, but that fact is arguably what cements him as one of the most beloved Game of Thrones characters ever. In a world with very, very few good people, Ned stood out for his honorable nature and desire to keep peace, personality traits that made him endearing to audiences but also incredibly vulnerable within his universe. Simply put, Ned is too good for Westeros’ political climate, and his naivety was destined to be abused.
Even after his untimely passing, Ned’s shadow looms large over the rest of the story, as his death is arguably the biggest catalyst for the Lannisters’ downfall. His relatively positive parenting style also sits in stark contrast to Tywin’s relationships with his children. While Ned set the stage for his kids to blossom in his wake, Tywin’s cruelty and neglect ensured the Lannisters would collapse without his tyrannical guidance.
8
Samwell Tarly
His Wits Make Up For His Lack Of Physical Strength
- Debut: Cripples, Bastards, and Broken Things (Season 1, Episode 4)
- Performance by: John Bradley
Samwell Tarly may seem weak at first glance, but he makes up for this with his vast intellect. He’s a genius who implements various cures and pens the book that documents the epic saga of the series.
Despite being afraid of deadly scenarios, Samwell is a brave man who always stands up for his friends. It’s easy to see why he and Jon became steadfast friends who endured numerous chilling moments in Game of Thrones.
7
Arya Stark
Turns Into A Stone-Cold Killer With Incredible Skills
- Debut: Winter Is Coming (Season 1, Episode 1)
- Performance by: Maisie Williams
Arya started as a girl who didn’t want to be the typical ditzy lady like her sister, Sansa. Instead, she was mischievous and had the natural talents of a warrior.
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Still, nothing could’ve prepared her for the ordeals she endured as a member of the Stark family. She honed her combat skills, swore vengeance on those who did her wrong, trained her skills as an assassin, and became one of the most competent fighters in the series by a country mile.
6
Bronn Of The Blackwater
Could Hold His Own With The Very Best When It Came To Banter
- Debut: Cripples, Bastards, and Broken Things (Season 1, Episode 4)
- Performance by: Jerome Flynn
Characters with a smart mouth that can utter clever quips at a frighteningly fast pace end up being some of the most entertaining characters in the series, and Bronn is no exception. His scintillating chemistry with Tyrion made their interactions a joy to witness every single time.
However, despite how laid-back he seemed, Bronn was power-hungry and wanted more than what life had given him. The fact that he ascended to become a lord at the end of the Great Council in the Dragonpit is a testament to his intelligence and ambition.
5
Brienne Of Tarth
A Powerful Warrior With A Ton Of Heart Who Deserved Better
- Debut: What Is Dead May Never Die (Season 2, Episode 3)
- Performance by: Gwendoline Christie
Brienne of Tarth is a woman who is better than most men as a knight. Despite the character being lampooned for her looks, she was beautiful in her own way and became one of the easiest characters to root for in the series.
Watching her and Jaime finally acknowledge their feelings for each other was a magical moment, but the Lannister loved his sister too much to abandon her. This was heartbreaking for Brienne, who couldn’t convince the man she once hated with all her heart to change his fate.
4
Sandor “The Hound” Clegane
His Face Turn Makes Him One Of The Series’ Best Characters
- Debut: Winter Is Coming (Season 1, Episode 1)
- Performance by: Rory McCann
At a glance, the Hound may seem like a gruff and violent character who shouldn’t be wronged, but first impressions can be misleading. After he captures Arya and goes on a lengthy journey with her, fans get to see a different side to his character.
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Sandor Clegane endured a horrible childhood courtesy of his brother, and it wasn’t until his experiences with Arya and the Brotherhood Without Banners helped him amend his ways, the best he could.
3
Jaime Lannister
His Charming Arrogance Hides A Sensitive Side That’s Explored Throughout The Series
- Debut: Winter Is Coming (Season 1, Episode 1)
- Performance by: Nikolaj Coster-Waldau
A suave and lovable character who charmed both the ladies and fans with his mere presence, Jaime Lannister is one of the most fascinating characters in the series. His attitude changes from an arrogant and spoiled brat to a humble, changed man after seeing and experiencing numerous atrocities.
His skills as a swordsman are shattered when he loses his dominant hand, and his pride is constantly damaged by the numerous ruffians who treat him like dirt. However, Jaime soldiers on even after these experiences and becomes a character fans can look up to, even if he eventually becomes a slave to his feelings for Cersei.
2
Jon Snow
Everyone’s Favorite Illegitimate Son
- Debut: Winter Is Coming (Season 1, Episode 1)
- Performance by: Kit Harrington
Jon Snow is a righteous and noble character whose only crime was being born a bastard, only for it to be revealed that he was a member of the Targaryen family who was protected by Ned. This cemented his right to the throne as both a member of House Stark and House Targaryen.
However, after seeing his beloved Daenerys turn into the Mad Queen, he made the right choice and killed her before she could continue her reign of terror. It was a huge moment in the series that caused Jon Snow to recede into the shadows and join the Night’s Watch to escape the might of the Unsullied and other parties loyal to their deceased queen.
1
Tyrion Lannister
His Sharp Tongue Makes Every Scene Featuring Him A Joy To Witness
- Debut: Winter Is Coming (Season 1, Episode 1)
- Performance by: Peter Dinklage
From the very first episode, Peter Dinklage’s incredible performance as Tyrion Lannister lends an aura to this character that he retains throughout the series. Despite being born a dwarf, Tyrion was smarter and more noble than any of his siblings.
It’s a shame that he was maligned for his looks, but Tyrion let his intelligence speak for itself as he became one of the most riveting characters in the series by a country mile. Players loved how almost all of his insults were dripping with sarcasm, only to be wowed moments after by his intelligence as he advises some of the most powerful figures in the series.
