Play the music:
I thought it would be fun to sail back to Westeros a couple of years after the ~controversial~ ending of one of the most hyped television shows of all time and take a look at the best and most memorable the Seven Kingdoms and beyond had to offer us by ranking the top 100 character in Game of Thrones.
So much credit goes to both Wikipedia and the Game of Thrones wiki; there is a seriously amazing amount of information on both sites that I was able to research for this list. I also can’t believe I had to leave some notable characters out of this list. It’s kind of insane how rich and how much depth there is in George R. R. Martin’s world.
Fair warning: there is some ~fruity~ language on this countdown as quotes are included! It’s a lengthy list, so if you want to jump to a particular section, use the links below:
#100-91
#100 – Brynden Tully
Played by: Clive Russell (seasons 3, 6)
Quote: “I’ve seen wet shits I like better than Walder Frey.“
The “Blackfish” should have been a lot cooler. He made a grand entrance, pushing aside nephew Edmure to launch the arrow that lit the funeral pyre of his family member Hoster Tully. Didn’t really do much after that until making a pretty dope last stand.
#99 – Rickard Karstark
Played by: Steven Blount (season 1), John Stahl (seasons 2, 3)
Quote: “I don’t want your grief, I want my vengeance, and you stole it from me.“
Just a domino in the long, slow fall of Robb Stark. Wonderfully angry most of the time.
#98 – Mord
Played by: Ciaran Bermingham (season 1)
Quote: “Short man still making noise!”
Cracks a mean whip and cops some gold in an early reminder that Lannisters do indeed pay their debts.
#97 – Aerys “The Mad King” Targaryen
Played by: David Rintoul (flashback, season 6)
Quote: “Burn them all! BURN THEM ALL!“
The Seven Kingdom’s foremost pyromaniac and the result of decades of inbreeding, this was one crazy dude. Died before the events of the show, depriving us all of peak burning.
#96 – Meera and Jojen Reed
Played by: Ellie Kendrick (seasons 3-4, 6-7) and Thomas Brodie-Sangster (seasons 3-4)
Quote: “No, the raven is something different, something deeper. The raven brings the Sight.“
Siblings that basically serve as armor to get Bran to and from the cave of the Three-Eyed Raven. Honestly really boring and Jojen was annoying.
#95 – Three-Eyed Raven
Played by: Struan Rodger (season 4), Max von Sydow (season 6)
Quote: “I have been watching you. All of you. All of your lives, with a thousand eyes and one.“
Trains Bran in his ability to see other places and events of the past. Cool backstory about being the last of the Children of the Forest, but that didn’t really lead anywhere exciting.
#94 – Direwolfs
Played by: a bunch of really gorgeous dogs
Beautiful puppies given to the Stark children early on, but apart from one or two moments, don’t really impact the proceedings and gradually drop out of sight and mind.
#93 – Rickon Stark
Played by: Art Parkinson (seasons 1-3, 6)
Quote: “I’m coming with you! I’m your brother. I have to protect you!” (to Bran)
Ran in a straight line when literally any other move would have been the play.
#92 – Loras Tyrell
Played by: Finn Jones (seasons 1-6)
Quote: “Stannis has the personality of a lobster.“
Smooth knight and secret lover of Renly; got caught up in a game that went much, much higher, relinquishing his titles and then getting a little scorched.
#91 – Rast
Played by: Luke Barnes (seasons 1, 3-4)
Quote: “He’s sitting there, drinking our wine and eating his fill while we die!” (about Craster)
A solidly awful dude. Committed rape, got sent to the Wall, then took part in the mutiny at Craster’s and provided the death blow for Jeor Mormont. Got some solid comeuppance later on, deservedly so.
#90-81
#90 – Randyll Tarly
Played by: James Faulkner (seasons 6-7)
Quote: “You’re almost a man now, but you’re not worthy of my land and title. Tomorrow you’re going to take the black, forsake all claim to your inheritance and start north. If you do not, then we’ll have a hunt… and somewhere in these woods your horse will stumble and you’ll be thrown from your saddle to die. Or so I’ll tell your mother. Nothing would please me more.” (to Samwell)
An old school tough guy with very set ideas on being a man and honor, he is as good of a knight as he terrible as a father. Doesn’t always bend the knee quickly enough…
#89 – Polliver
Played by: Andy Kellegher (seasons 2, 4)
Quote: “Fine little blade; maybe I’ll pick my teeth with it.” (to Arya)
Earns a permanent spot on Arya’s hit list for his killing of her friend Lommy; sadly for him he enjoyed it a little too much and his actions (and his quotes!) came back to bite him.
#88 – Selyse Baratheon
Played by: Tara Fitzgerald (seasons 3-5)
Quote: “You’re doing Gods work” (to Stannis)
A total wet blanket and wife of Stannis who gets seduced by the Lord of Light. Early on she seems pitiful: sickly, boring, and so distraught over the loss of her unborn children she keeps their remains in jars (!). By her end, she goes so far down the road of belief in Melisandre and the Lord of Light it’s appalling. She realizes the gravity of what she has done far more than her husband, and she takes the only way out that she has left.
#87 – Janos Slynt
Played by: Dominic Carter (seasons 1-2, 4-5)
Quote: “You can stick your order up your bastard arse!“
One of a couple of dudes who always take the easy way out, this wuss sold out his City Watch to the highest bidder, follows orders to kill innocent children, cowers in a basement during his first real fight, and gets all pissy with Jon Snow. Somehow, only that last one really seemed to matter.
#86 – Hizdahr zo Loraq
Played by: Joel Fry (seasons 4-5)
Quote: “Is it justice to answer one crime with another?” (to Daenerys)
A decent man caught in the middle of two factions that do not exactly see eye-to-eye, Hizdahr really gets screwed over. Part of Yunkai Great Master’s, he opposed their more cruel tactics of slavery and intimidation. He loses an unrepentant father before climbing back to the top and getting engaged to Daenerys, but neither her council nor the Sons of the Harpy believe where his loyalties lie, which can be as big of a problem in Essos as it is in Westeros.
#85 – Will
Played by: Bronson Webb (season 1)
Quote: “I know I broke my oath. I know I’m a deserter. I should have gone back to the Wall and warned them, but… I saw what I saw… I saw the White Walkers.“
Speaking of screwed over, let’s talk about this guy. Holy smokes, this poor dude willingly alerted Ned to the existence of the White Walkers knowing it would mean his head. A very early taste that justice in the Seven Kingdoms isn’t very just after all.
#84 – Dontos Hollard
Played by: Tony Way (seasons 2, 4)
Quote: “Once I was a knight, and now I’m only a fool… I may be a fool, but I’m a living fool, thanks to you.” (to Sansa)
A pawn to bigger players, he helps pull off an awesome gambit during the Purple Wedding, but Petyr Baelish has a different idea of what constitutes proper payment for his services.
#83 – Beric Dondarrion
Played by: David Scott (season 1), Richard Dormer (seasons 3-8)
Quote: “Then the Lannisters caught me and executed me for treason. Was it a hanging or a dagger in the eye?“
One tough SOB who forms the Brotherhood without Banners and caught the eye of the Lord of Light. Dies and is revived 6 times, leaving him confused as to why the Lord of Light keeps him alive. Finds his purpose at the very end, however, laying his (final) life down for the cause of humanity.
#82 – Myranda
Played by: Charlotte Hope (seasons 3-6)
Quote: “Mmm. Have you ever seen a body after the dogs have been at it? Not so pretty. But, well, it’s your wedding day. Why am I talking about such things?” (To Sansa)
Representing the ladies amongst the sadists of Westeros, she and Ramsey Bolton are one truly terrifying power couple. She takes great pleasure in the torturing of Reek and Sansa, until she gets a little too caught up in her own power.
#81 – The Sand Snakes
Played by: Jessica Hanwick (Nymeria), Keisha Castle-Hughes (Obara), Rosabell Laurenti-Sanders (Tyene) – all seasons 5-7
Quote: “You want a good girl, but you need the bad pussy.“
Seductive? Creepy? Threatening? I’m not sure what they were supposed to be exactly. Oberyn Martell’s bastards that can fight, pretty much.
#80-71
#80 – Roose Bolton
Played by: Michael McElhatten (seasons 2-6)
Quote: “The Lannisters send their regards.” (to Robb)
Roose peaked a little too early to win the Game of Thrones, but man did he pull several punches before going down. One of those that turned on Robb Stark for his own gain, for a while he was living large as King of the North playing with the big dogs. Until, that is, one of his own bastards proved that he was willing to go to even more evil lengths to come out on top.
#79 – Bran Stark
Played by: Isaac Hempstead-Wright (seasons 1-4, 6-8)
Quote: “You shouldn’t envy me. Mostly, I live in the past.“
Yeahhhhh…
#78 – Edmure Tully
Played by: Tobias Menzies (3, 6, 8)
Quote: “Why should I let that old ferret choose my bride for me? At the very least, I should be offered the same choice you were. I’m his liege lord.” (to Robb)
Sister of Catelyn Stark and Lysa Arryn, he comes from an important family but doesn’t play a big role in how things shake out. He may have been the only person in the series to get a whole victory over the Mountain, beating his forces while fighting for, and exasperating, Robb Stark. His loyalty to Robb gets a him a wife and a prison cell, and he is later used as bait for his uncle during a siege. Eventually freed, his eleventh-hour claim for the Iron Throne gets him a hilarious verbal smackdown from Sansa of all people.
#77 – Tommen Baratheon
Played by: Callum Wharry (seasons 1-2), Dean Charles-Chapman (seasons 4-6)
Quote: “Wisdom. Wisdom is what makes a good king.“
A boring character but a decent guy, this poor kid became king far too young. Easily manipulated by others for their gains, Tommen was an innocent kid in an impossible situation: even his wife and his mother were using him for themselves. After Cersei’s shocking play at the Great Sept of Baelor, his grief and isolation are too much for him to handle.
#76 – The Waif
Played by: Faye Marsay (seasons 5-6)
Quote: “You, who walk in here with a coin you never earned, whose value you do not respect. Who are you?” (to Arya)
Man, she really hates Arya. I’m still not totally sure why she was upset in the first place or why she got so fixated on abusing her. She trains with the Faceless Man, but in the darkness she finds a match.
#75 – Mance Rayder
Played by: Ciaran Hinds (seasons 3-5)
Quote: “Stand boy, we don’t kneel for anyone beyond the Wall.” (to Jon Snow)
A great freedom fighter and leader, he had but two goals: get his people over The Wall to safety, and to never bend the knee. What it took to accomplish the second prevented him from living to see the first, but he was easy to root for, had pure intentions, and a sweet name.
#74 – Jeor Mormont
Played by: James Cosmo (seasons 1-3)
Quote: “Tarly… I forbid you to die. Do you hear me?“
An influential figure who took Jon Snow under his wing as Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch, he was a tough but kind man dealing with a lot of people significantly less ethical. His loyalty to the wrong person led to him to tragedy.
#73 – Robin Arryn
Played by: Lino Facioli (seasons 1, 4-6, 8)
Quote: “Can I make the little man fly now?“
Quoting Lino Facioli himself, “That weird kid from Game of Thrones”. Spoiled (and nursed!) by his unstable mother, he sure does love to send fools flying. Once his mother is gone, he slowly matures before showing up out of the blue at the end looking all suave and sassy.
#72 – Lyanna Stark
Played by: Aisling Franciosi (seasons 6-7)
Quote: “His name is Aegon Targaryen. If Robert finds out, he’ll kill him. You know he will. You have to protect him. Promise me, Ned. Promise me.“
Sister of Benjen and Ned, her love and secret elopement to Prince Rhaegar Targaryen leads to both to Robert’s Rebellion and Jon Snow. Dies in her brother Ned’s arms, but not before passing the secret of Jon Snow on to him.
#71 – The Night King
Played by: Richard Brake (seasons 4-5), Vladimir Furdik (seasons 6-8)
A thousand year buildup spoiled in one night. Shame his comrades couldn’t hear a girl screaming right in front of them. He looked really cool though, so he has that going for him.
#70-61
#70 – Hot Pie
Played by: Ben Hawkey (seasons 1-4, 7)
Quote: “You cannot give up on the gravy. No gravy, no pie. Simple as that.“
A real homie who knows how to work a kitchen, my mans baked the best bread in all of Westeros and his pies weren’t too shabby either.
#69 – Eddison Tollett
Played by: Ben Crompton (seasons 2-8)
Quote: “Ah look, more shit. I was starting to wonder what to do with the rest of my day.“
A member of the Night’s Watch, he was Jon Snow’s cynical friend. The boys went through a lot together; Edd survived battles at the Wall and beyond, but surviving the Long Night wasn’t meant to be.
#68 – Ros
Played by: Esme Bianco (seasons 1-3)
Quote: “Your grace, too much pain will spoil the pleasure“
Lowkey a very big part of the early seasons, Ros used her sex appeal to seduce and play multiple powerful men against each other. She got far pretty fast: from Winterfell to King’s Landing to the King’s Chambers. Once she got there, however, she found herself in over her head, caught in a Varys-Baelish-Joffrey triangle impossible to escape.
#67 – Lancel Lannister
Played by: Eugene Simon (seasons 1-2, 5-6)
Quote: “I’m a different person now. I’ve found peace in the light of the Seven. You can, too. They watch over all of us, ready to dole out mercy or justice. Their world is at hand.” (to Cersei)
A tortured, lost soul, Lancel gets strongarmed by family into getting King Robert hammered on his hunt, leading to his untimely demise. He ends up in a sexual relationship with his cousin, Cersei, before finding religion and trying to atone for his past by joining in the Faith Militant. Made one heck of a last stand to try to stop Cersei’s fiery plan.
#66 – Olly
Played by: Brenock O’Connor (seasons: 4-6)
Quote: “For the watch.”
The kid who killed Ygritte and stabbed Jon Snow. Honestly, his reasons for distrusting Jon come from hella trauma induced by witnessing his parent’s deaths, which make a lot of sense. Sadly for him, Jon Snow wasn’t done playing just yet.
#65 – Craster
Played by: Robert Pugh (Seasons 2-3)
Quote: “You’re prettier than half my daughters.” (to Jon Snow)
A truly deplorable character but a fascinating look at the moral gray areas of Westeros. Propped up by the Night’s Watch who use his Keep beyond the Wall as a safe camp, the fact that he keeps his daughters (and granddaughters) as his wives and sacrifices his children is overlooked by the “Good Guys” in order to protect their own well-being. It’s a fascinating quandary, but when he is done in, it is for things he did to the Watchmen and not what he did to his own family.
#64 – Missandei
Played by: Nathalie Emmanuel (seasons 3-8)
Quote: “All of us who came with her from Essos, we believe in her. She’s not our queen because she’s the daughter of some king we never knew. She’s the queen we chose.”
A leading character with an interesting backstory but not given much to work with in terms of dialogue and actions. After being rescued from slavery by Daenerys, she becomes one of her inner circle, staying that way for pretty much the second half of the show. She does have a nice wholesome relationship with Grey Worm.
#63 – Syrio Forel
Played by: Miltos Yerolemou (season 1)
Quote: “And there is only one thing we say to Death: ‘not today’.“
Arya’s teacher and inspiration, he doesn’t last long but makes an impression. An artist as much as a fighter, his swordsmanship and charisma are top tier. He makes an iconic of a land stand with a wooden sword against several King’s Guard, giving Arya time to escape.
#62 – Renly Baratheon
Played by: Gethin Anthony (seasons 1-2)
Quote: “You have to give it to the Lannisters. They may be the most pompous, ponderous cunts the gods ever suffered to walk the world, but they do have outrageous amounts of money.“
Renly, brother of King Robert and Stannis, has a underrated sense of humor often flying under the radar with all the chaos surrounding the crown in the first two seasons. A well-liked and decent guy hiding a secret, his inability to work out a solution with his older brother proves problematic when said older brother has demons on his side.
#61 – Xaro Xhoan Daxos/Pyat Pree
Played by: Nonzo Anozie (season 2) and Ian Hanmore (season 2)
Quote: “Do you think the path from poverty to wealth is always pure and honorable? I have done many things, Khaleesi, that a righteous man would condemn. And here I am, with no regrets.” (Xaro)
Two maniupulative, power leaders of the Thirteen in Qarth. They played a role in Daenerys’ maturity and development as a leader. They both overestimated their powers, and overconfidence led being locked in an inescapable vault or scorched to death.
#60-51
#60 – Wun Weg Wun Dar Wun
Played by: Ian Whyte (seasons 5-6)
Quote: “The fuck you looking at?“
Just a great big giant nearly impossible to defeat in battle. Survived the wights attack up north of the Wall, but the Battle of the Bastards was a bridge too far for our big friend.
#59 – Yoren
Played by: Francis Magee (seasons 1-2)
Quote: “Don’t look!” (to Arya)
A true unsung hero of Westeros, I didn’t even know his name until researching this countdown. But he is the dude whose quick thinking saves Arya from the fallout of Ned’s execution, cutting her hair to make her look like a boy and hiding her with some of his Night’s Watch recruits. Tries to protect Gendry as well, but Lannister forces soon catch up. \
#58 – Jaqen H’ghar
Played by: Tom Wlaschiha (seasons 2-6)
Quote: “A man teaches a girl. ‘Valar Dohaeris.’ “
I really thought this guy was going to be one of the keys to the final puzzle. A seemingly unstoppable force of well-trained assassin and someone who can alter their appearance, I thought he was going to end up being a silent force taking out foes one-by-one. All we got were some cryptic sayings and another person who helped Arya develop some new skills on her journey.
#57 – Shae
Played by: Sibel Kekilli (seasons 1-4)
Quote: “Cities make me want to fuck.“
Shae has quite the roller coaster ride in her four seasons on the show. Starting out as a prostitute of unknown origins, she wins Tyrion’s favor and becomes Sansa’s handmaiden, protecting her during Stannis’ attack. She falls for Tyrion, who for political reasons is then forced to marry Sansa. Upset at him and his increasing distance from her, she refuses to leave given the chance, but she takes Tyrion’s coded betrayal of her, in which he was hoping to convince her to leave dangerous King’s Landing, at face value. Heartbroken and captured by the Lannister’s, she turns on Tyrion for the one she knew he would hate most.
#56 – Viserys Targaryen
Played by: Harry Lloyd (season 1)
Quote: “You cannot touch me! I am the dragon! I’m a dragon! I want my crown!“
A total douchebag, he is the surviving son of the Mad King and Daenerys’ sister. He had lust but no love for her, only meaning to use her for his own benefit – to partner with the Dothraki and retake Westeros. Unfortunately, he lacked in the leadership department and soon became a laughingstock while his sister rose in influence. The dude could not read a room for his life and took a nice, hot, golden bath for it.
#55 – Robb Stark
Played by: Richard Madden (seasons 1-3)
Quote: “My ladies, all men should keep their word, kings most of all. I was pledged to marry one of you and I broke that vow. The fault is not with you, and any man would be lucky to have any one of you. I did what I did not to slight you, but because I loved another.“
The embodiment of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. Well on top early in the War of the Five Kings, Robb had enough of easy mode and decided to make things a little tougher on himself by thinking with the wrong head.
#54 – Ellaria Sand
Played by: Indira Varma (seasons 4-7)
Quote: “It’s called war. You don’t have the stomach for it, scurry back into hiding!“
Ellaria’s main role is seeking revenge for the death of Oberyn Martell; she assassinates the Doran and Trystane Martell to get Dorne to go to war against the Lannister’s. She partners with Daenerys to accomplish her goal, but she didn’t bank on the wildcard that is Euron Greyjon nor how wonderfully petty Cersei is.
#53 – Khal Drogo
Played by: Jason Momoa (Seasons 1-2)
Quote: “A crown for a king!” (to Viserys)
A crucial step for Daenerys becoming a woman and then a Queen, he was a legendary warrior who was sold Daenerys as a bride by Viserys in exchange for Dothraki loyalty. As violent as he was, Daenerys tamed him in their relationship, with mutual love on both sides. Seemingly unbeatable on the battle field, one infected cut and one bit of dark magic turned the tables.
#52 – Gregor “The Mountain” Clegane
Played by: Conan Stevens (Season 1), Ian Whyte (Season 2), and Hafpor Julius Bjornsson (seasons 4-8)
Quote: “Elia Martell! I killed her children! Then I raped her! Then I smashed her head in…like this!“
One of the scariest and least subtle men in Westeros, no one could match The Mountain’s pure love of violence. Strong, fast, and skilled in combat, not even death took him down. As the Westerosi Frankenstein, he continued in the same vein leading to an epic mano-e-mano showdown with the little bro he hated so much.
#51 – Qyburn
Played by: Anton Lesser (seasons 3-8)
Quote: “Obey your Queen, Ser Gregor!“
Filling the Evil Creepy Scientist role, Qyburn was responsible for a string of ethically questionable experiments, capped off with bringing The Mountain back. Live by The Mountain, die by The Mountain.
#50-41
#50 – Alliser Thorne
Played by: Owen Teale (seasons 1, 4-6)
Quote: “I had a choice, Lord Commander: betray you or betray the Night’s Watch. You brought an army of wildlings into our lands. An army of murderers and raiders. If I had to do it all over knowing where I’d end up, I pray I’d make the right choice again.” (to Jon Snow)
This is a gruff, no-nonsense higher up in the Night’s Watch who really, really distrusts Wildlings, a point him and Jon Snow can never truly see eye-to-eye on.
#49 – Catelyn Stark
Played by: Michelle Fairley (seasons 1-3)
Quote: “I wish that you were free to follow your heart but you have inherited your father’s responsibilities. They come at a cost.” (to Robb)
The Mama Bear of the Stark kids and Ned’s wife, nothing ever seems to go right for her in her three seasons. Pick your low point: her husband is beheaded, her son imprisons her, and her very accurate warnings constantly fall on deaf ears. She ends up seeing Red.
#48 – Euron Greyjoy
Played by: Pilou Asbaek (seasons 6-8)
Quote: “I’ve been all over the world. I’ve seen more of it than all of you combined, and across the sea is a person who hates the great lords of Westeros just as much as we do. Someone with a large army, and three large dragons, and no husband. I’m going to build that fleet, and I’m going to “gallivant” right over and give it to Daenerys Targaryen, along with my big cock.“
Certainly not complex, but insane, horny, fearless, and a quote machine? Oh yes.
#47 – Shireen Baratheon
Played by: Kerry Ingram (seasons 3-5)
Quote: “Are you ashamed of me, Father?”
Kind, inquisitive, and sweet, making it all the more sad soul-destroying when her parents start believing that darkness will deliver them Light.
#46 – Daario Naharis
Played by: Ed Skrein (season 3), Michiel Huisman (seasons 4-6)
Quote: “I only have two talents in this world: war and women…Send me to kill your enemies. Any enemy, anywhere. Let me do what I do best.“
A man with rather fluctuating hair length, Daario was one of the most ice-cold characters on the show. Most fun when goading Jorah about how Daenerys has the hots for him and not the elder knight. He stuck by his queen until staying in Essos for political reasons and presumably is chilling there to this day.
#45 – Osha
Played by: Natalia Tena (seasons 1-3, 6)
Quote: “I tried telling your brother, he’s marching the wrong way. All these swords, they should be going north, boy, not south. The cold winds are rising.” (to Bran)
Not a super memorable character, she nonetheless plays a key role in saving Bran’s (and Rickon’s) lives when Theon takes Winterfell early on, starting him on his journey to become the Three-Eyed Raven. Bit off a bit more than she could chew with Ramsay Bolton though.
#44 – Hodor
Played by: Kristian Nairn (seasons 1-4, 6)
Quote: “Hodor”
He held it.
#43 – Dragons
Quote: ~Breaths fire~
An interesting fantasy element in the show that basically served as Daenerys’ trump card, easily laying waste to most of her enemies.
#42 – Jon Arryn
Played by: John Standing (season 1)
Quote: “The seed is strong.“
Set the whole thing alight by snooping a little too hard and making poor marital decisions.
#41 – Yara Greyjoy
Played by: Gemma Whelan (seasons 2-4, 6-8)
Quote: “We’d like you to help us murder an uncle or two who don’t think a woman’s fit to rule.” (to Daenerys)
A bad*ss female warrior who kind of falls under the radar compared to Brienne, she minces no words, especially when it comes to family and dealing with sexism. She rises to the top in her homeland through sheer will and knocking off some of those not as worthy along the way.
#40-31
#40 – Walder Frey
Played by: David Bradley (seasons 1, 3, 6-7)
Quote: “Your Grace, I fear I’ve been, remiss in my duties. I’ve given you meat and wine and music, but, I haven’t shown you the hospitality you deserve. My king has married and I owe my new queen a wedding gift.” (To Catelyn)
Showed up every couple of seasons to be a d*ck to someone, which honestly was needed and appreciated. As awful as he was, it was refreshing to see someone so unashamed of his self-interest and how he has not the slightest interest in having a sense honor. He was many things, but a hypocrite he was not.
#39 – Grey Worm
Played by: Jacob Anderson (seasons 3-8)
Quote: “But Grey Worm is the name this one had the day Daenerys Stormborn set him free.“
The leader of the Unsullied, Grey Worm was solely devoted to Daenerys. It’s a shame the writers didn’t allow him to much else besides serve his Queen faithfully, with the memorable exception of when he ~improvised~ with Missandei. It felt like he was speaking for the fans when he got progressively angrier during season 8.
#38 – Septa Unella
Played by: Hannah Waddingham (seasons 5-6)
Quote: “Sinners don’t make demands. They make confessions.“
Shame! Shame! Shame!
#37 – Lyanna Mormont
Played by: Bella Ramsey (seasons 6-8)
Quote: “I think we’ve had enough small talk. Why are you here?” (to Jon Snow)
A hilariously blunt 10-year-old in charge of Bear Island and its warriors, she came in late in the show to cut everyone’s egos down a peg, and we loved her for it. She was fiercely protective of her family and the warriors serving her, refreshing in a show when the common folk were too often cannon fodder for the rich.
#36 – Gilly
Played by: Hannah Murray (seasons 2-8)
Quote: “I’m not giving it away. I’m giving it to you. Keep it safe for me, ‘til I come back..” (to Samwell)
Born into the worst circumstances imaginable, she nonetheless remains a pure soul and her relationship with Samwell is the series’ most wholesome. I had a big crush on her, which doesn’t hurt the ranking!
#35 – Gendry Baratheon
Played by: Joe Dempsie (seasons 1-3, 7-8)
Quote: “We’re not really people to you, are we? Just a million different ways to get what you want.” (reflecting with Davos)
While flying under the radar most of the show, Gendry had one of the wildest rides of anyone. A bastard child of King Robert, he fled King’s Landing, almost died as the Lannister’s prisoner at Harrenhall, got leeches put on his junk, hid for several years, became Bastard Buddies with Jon Snow, and finally became a lord.
Oh, and he and Arya actually did the thing.
#34 – Meryn Trant
Played by: Ian Beattie (seasons 1-5)
Quote: “This is the place, lads. The sleekest little minx in Braavos.“
In a show filled with some truly awful people and absurdly cruel acts, this man somehow flies under the radar. I think there is a valid argument he is worse than Joffrey and Ramsey; using his name, position, and power to get away with openly abusing children while being smart enough to figure out how to fly under the radar and not draw too much attention to himself. He plays a staring role in one of two scenes I couldn’t keep watching. Not often remembered amongst the show’s big villains, he certainly is among the most depraved.
#33 – Barristan Selmy
Played by: Ian McElhinney (seasons 1, 3-5)
Quote: “Even now I could cut through the five of you like carving a cake!“
As the Youtube video claims, he quits like a boss. An honorable guy who finally ran out of patience for all the BS surrounding him, which makes him all the more relatable.
#32 – Lysa Arryn
Played by: Kate Dickie (seasons 1, 4)
Quote: “My father, my husband, my sister – they all stood between us, and now they’re all dead! That’s what happens to people who stand between Petyr and me!“
She went so far off the deep end after losing several children, there was no getting back. Sister of Catelyn Stark and Edmure Tully, she was married to Jon Arryn but infatuated by Petyr Baelish, to the extent she had her husband killed and lied about how it happened, starting the whole plot. She realized one second too late that she was just a pawn in Littlefinger’s bigger scheme.
#31 – Eddard “Ned” Stark
Played by: Sean Bean (season 1), Robert Aramayo in a flashback (season 6)
Quote: “You think my life is such a precious thing to me, that I would trade my honor for a few more years… Of what?”
Initially the main character of the show before the first big surprise, Ned clung to his honor code rather than play dirty. Unfortunately, everyone else saw a fool and played him like a violin. When he followed Jon Arryn into researching the truth of Cersei’s children, he was destined for similar results.
He made a lot of big mistakes, but the most severe was underestimating Cersei and not laughing off her warning. He finally did sacrifice his honor, telling a lie to protect his children, but Joffrey woke up on the wrong side of the pillow that day.
#30-21
#30 – Pycelle
Played by: Julian Glover (seasons 1-6)
Quote: “The Strangler! A poison few in the Seven Kingdoms possess, and used to strike down the most noble child the Gods ever put on this good Earth.”
The antithesis to Barristan Selmy, this man new how to survive in King’s Landing and had absolutely zero shame in spouting the most outrageous nonsense to tow the party line. You have to respect the hustle.
#29 – Ygritte
Played by: Rose Leslie (seasons 2-4)
Quote: “You know nothing, Jon Snow.“
A kick-butt Wildling warrior through and through. The way she said “Jon Snow” was intoxicating, as was her love affair with the man. In another, better world, they would have been happily together forever. Westeros has a way of preventing happy endings, but this one was just devastating.
#28 – Stannis Baratheon
Played by: Steven Dillane (seasons 2-5)
Quote: “If I do not press my claim, my claim will be forgotten. I will not become a page in someone else’s history book.“
It was all going so well. Until it wasn’t. An enigma wrapped in a question mark, he was the most unreadable, stoic dude in the Seven Kingdoms. Even the actor who played him had no clue what to make of him. In one sense, he was probably the best candidate among the Five that were waging war after his brother Robert died. He was just and fair. He was also a fun sponge who inadvertently killed several family members without intending to. He came oh-so-close to knocking Joffrey off his Iron Throne, and then spent three seasons wandering around to diminishing returns.
#27 – The High Sparrow
Played by: Jonathan Pryce (seasons 5-6)
Quote: “The poor disgust us because they are us, shorn of our illusions. They show us what we would look like without our fine clothes. How we’d smell without perfume.“
I absolutely loved his run. A charismatic leader whose use of downtrodden commoners by weaponizing religion for his own gain while never breaking character got him so, so close to winning the game, only to be undone in a moment of hubris against a desperate enemy willing to go to any measure.
#26 – Cersei Lannister
Played by: Lena Headey (seasons 1-8)
Quote: “When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die. There is no middle ground.”
The most cutthroat Lannister, she let nothing stand between her and gaining power. Anyone in her path was removed, often with plenty of collateral damage. Family meant surprisingly little to her when push came to shove. She was smart but aloof, hating the people she was leading.
She lasted a long time in power, but too often towards the end she made baffling decisions or spent whole episodes staring out windows, which knocked her to #26.
#25 – Jon Snow
Played by: Kit Harrington (seasons 1-8)
Quote: “I’m the watcher on the Wall.“
I know this is an unpopular opinion, but resurrecting him felt like such a lame move and a turning point in the show’s quality for me. He is everything a fantasy hero should be: a good fighter with a heart of gold, beautiful, smart, a good leader, and noble, but I felt like his death scene was the perfect farewell to the character. It made you feel similarly to when Ned Stark got axed. A shame they couldn’t commit to it. . I don’t know; after he comes back I just find him super boring – Kit Harrington is a great actor, but I feel Jon really didn’t add anything to the show late on that couldn’t have been done by another character even with the big reveal about his parents. I didn’t think he had great chemistry with Daenerys.
#24 – Jorah Mormont
Played by: Iain Glen (seasons 1-8)
Quote: “Tyrion Lannister was right. I love you. I’ll always love you. Goodbye, Khaleesi.” (to Daenerys)
An odd case: his backstory makes him seem like a reformed bad boy, but instead he just comes off as emo and friend-zoned for most of the proceedings, and gets dunked on by Daario a fair amount. His wacky adventures with Tyrion were hilarious though, and when push comes to shove he sacrifices everything to save the person he loves.
#23 – Joffrey Baratheon
Played by: Jack Gleeson (seasons 1-4)
Quote: “My mother wishes me to let Lord Eddard join the Night’s Watch. Stripped of all titles and powers, he would serve the Realm in permanent exile. And my lady Sansa… has begged mercy for her father. But they have the soft hearts of women. So long as I am your king, treason shall never go unpunished! Ser Ilyn! Bring me his head!“
What more can be said that hasn’t already been talked about before. The dude sucks. As terrible as he was, the show lost something without his chaotic evil energy keeping everyone on their toes when he was gone.
#22 – Ramsay Bolton
Played by: Iwan Rheon (seasons 3-6)
Quote: “You don’t look like Theon Greyjoy anymore. That’s a name for a lord, but you’re not a lord, are you? You’re just meat. Stinking meat. (Sniffs him) You reek…..Reek! That’s a good name for you!“
Joffrey but smarter and even more unhinged. While Joffrey had a complex of wanting to feel powerful over other people, Ramsay just got enjoyment over causing other people the worst pain they could imagine and breaking them. This took him pretty far: from bastard to Lord of the North. What he did to Theon and then Sansa was so awful it was mostly done off screen; even that was squeamish to watch. He was truly terrifying.
#21 – Tormund Giantsbane
Played by: Kristofer Hivju (seasons 3-8)
Quote: “Gingers are beautiful! We are kissed by fire, just like you.” (to the Hound)
Spin-off idea: Guys road trip movie with Jon Snow as the straight man, Tormund saying and doing the most insane things, and the Hound sipping wine in the background roasting everyone in sight.
#20-11
#20 – Davos Seaworth
Played by: Liam Cunningham (seasons 2-8)
Quote: “Maybe that’s our mistake: believing in kings.” (to Tormund)
The show’s conscience – he has the best sense of right and wrong of anyone on the show. He is emotionally tortured for it, watching those he loves get ripped away. The dude is a survivor, though, who worked his way up from humble beginnings to serve in powerful positions under multiple monarchs while making it through a couple of major battles. Hopefully he crafts a better world.
#19 – Oberyn Martell
Played by: Pedro Pascal (season 4)
Quote: “Some day, if you’re lucky, you’ll wake up and realize you’re old. That pretty ass of yours will sag, your belly will grow soft, your back will creak and grey hairs will sprout from your ears. Nobody will want you any more. Make sure you’ve fucked your fill before that day.“
There for a good time, not a long time. A man whose appetite for pleasure, travel, and the finer things in life knew few bounds, he nonetheless cared deeply for his family and his homeland. He just got a little cocky at the worst time.
#18 – Podrick Payne
Played by: Daniel Portman (seasons 2-8)
Quote: “They wouldn’t take it, my Lord” (to Tyrion)
His performance at the brothel is so legendary he earned this spot regardless of anything he does the rest of the show. The fact that he was a loyal, solid person is just the cherry on top.
Oh, and right after surviving the end of the world, he promptly picked up two lovely ladies at the celebration feast. What a legend.
#17 – Melisandre
Played by: Catrice van Houten (seasons 2-8)
Quote: “Death by fire is the purest death.“
Now we get into the really complex characters. Melisandre was both infuriating and scary when she burst onto the scene, becoming Stannis’ spiritual “advisor”. The demon baby she unleashed on Renly was a genuinely jaw-dropping moment, as Renly had looked set to become a major player. Her faith in the Lord of Light and her magical powers gradually consumed and doomed Stannis.
Called out by Davos and having not achieved the expected outcome with Shireen, she unexpectedly realized some of her errors and tried to make amends. She performed wonders with Jon Snow, and literally gave her all to the fight during the Long Night.
#16 – Brienne of Tarth
Played by: Gwendoline Christie (seasons 2-8)
Quote: “I’m no Lady.“
A lady knight in a man’s world, Brienne was the stereotype smasher. Coming from a minor in a world that prioritized both family name and gender above all else, she wasn’t given much respect, so she just took it by force. Along the way, she never lost sight of who she was. She was the first person to try to get to know Jamie on a deeper level, earning his respect. She earns Renly’s as well, and is tortured by her inability to save him. She also struggles to protect the Stark girls. That being said, she defeats the Hound in a duel, proving her fighting prowess.
Her relationship with Jamie is one of the most touching of the series, culminating in her receiving the knighthood she dreamed of, and getting it on. While the relationship doesn’t end up working out, she doesn’t let it ruin her and she survives the carnage to lead the Kingsguard, completing one heck of a glow-up.
#15 – Lord Varys
Played by: Conleth Hill (seasons 1-8)
Quote: “Power is a curious thing… Three great men, a king, a priest, and a rich man. Between them stands a common sellsword. Each great man bids the sellsword kill the other two. Who lives, who dies? … Power resides where men believe it resides; it’s a trick, a shadow on the wall, and a very small man can cast a very large shadow.“
The eunuch who understood the ebbs and flows of politics as good as anyone else. His self-awareness was off the charts, and, not having to worry about marriages and attraction, he had the clearest head around: a very dangerous combination. For a while in the middle seasons, I thought he was coming out on top: he was more composed than the slick-talking Baelish, he didn’t have the baggage of the Lannisters, he wasn’t torn apart like the Starks, and Daenerys was still an unknown. He also had an far-reaching network of Little Birds and ambition in spades, cloaked in his stated goal of only helping the Realm.
He also suffers badly in season 8, dropping him to #15.
#14 – Margaery Tyrell
Played by: Natalie Dormer (seasons 2-6)
Quote: “The lowest among us are not much different from the highest, if you give them a chance, and approach them with an open heart.” (to Cersei)
Margaery, the beautiful daughter of Lady Olenna, was determined to be not just a Queen, but a Queen who played the game hard. She was taught well by her mother, and worked on Renly, then Joffrey and then Tommen to earn her trust over Cersei’s. She also worked the common folks: in contrast to Cersei, who openly despised those not of high status, she was often seen giving food to and talking with the residents of King’s Landing. When the High Sparrow showed up on the scene and brought her brother Loras into his Faith Militant group, she decided to work with him too to take power. She got as far as having Cersei summoned for trial for her crimes and was the first to realize she had tricks up her sleeve.
#13 – Samwell Tarly
Played by: John Bradley (seasons 1-8)
Quote: “How many brothers can say that they’ve killed a White Walker and a Thenn? I might be the first in history.“
A fish-out-of-water for most of the show, it takes good, sweet Sam a while to find his footing in the world. Essentially a beta in a world prizing alpha’s, Samwell shows up at the Wall having been disinherited by his father. Slowly but surely, Sam goes from punching bag to stud. He rescues Gilly from Craster’s Keep, kills a White Walker, learns how to be a Maester, saves Jorah’s life, stands up to his father, and fights ably during the Long Night.
The moment where he gets smacked down for suggesting democracy for the Realm is the funniest scene of season 8. He honestly wins more than anyone I think in the end: a seat of the Small Council, a loving wife, and two children he adores.
#12 – Daenerys Targaryen
Played by: Emilia Clarke (seasons 1-8)
Quote: “Dracarys”
The ranking most impacted by season 8. Dany comes from an infamous line of inbred dictators, but strives to do better. She grows from girl to woman with the help of Khal Drogo and learns a lot of life lessons from her abusive brother. Coming from her starting position as a refugee in a foreign land, she loves the underdogs of the world and hates abuses of power. That sense of justice endears her to many groups of people in Essos and then Westeros, where she sails to reclaim what she feels is her right to the Iron Throne.
Here’s the thing: I actually don’t dislike her eleventh-hour turn. I just think it was so horribly rushed and needed a couple of seasons of buildup to make any form of sense. You can kind of see it: she loses almost all of her inner circle and is in a new land with surrounded by people she can’t trust. She feels horribly alone, and the pressure builds up to where she finally snaps. How it all plays out on screen, well, is less than ideal.
The dragons were dope though!
#11 – Tywin Lannister
Played by: Charles Dance (seasons 1-5)
Quote: “A lion doesn’t concern himself with the opinions of the sheep.“
The best pure leader on the show. Tywin had the art of commanding and intimidating a room mastered and he had no time for BS. He was smart and resourceful too; every move he made was for a purpose, whether it be to gain power, prestige, battlefield victories, or political brownie points.
The de-facto king during Joffrey’s Reign of Terror, no one blinked an eye during the incredible scene where sends Joffrey to bed. If it wasn’t for one fatal flaw he had the game won: while he professed to do everything for his family, he was often openly disdainful none of them measured up to his greatness, figuratively or literally. It was unfortunate that the only one who matched his intellect and political savvy was the one he hated most.
The Top 10
#10 – Robert Baratheon
Played by: Mark Addy (season 1)
Quote: “Bessie! Thank the gods for Bessie! And her tits!” (to Ned)
Gods he was strong then: the first king we meet who much prefers a life of eating, drinking, and whoreing around to ruling the Seven Kingdoms. A quote machine who stole the show for the 7 episodes he was in, when we first meet him he is a shadow of a once great warrior surrounded by people he knows he can’t trust and in a position he hates. For my money, the single funniest character in the show: he seeks solace in booze, women, and the one person he knows he can trust, Ned. If only he was better at taking his advice.
Despite not being long for the show, he has a few great moments while sober revealing him to be much more complex than first thought. His conversation with Cersei about their marriage of convenience and ruling the Seven Kingdoms resonates deeply, as does his final conversation with Ned as he reflects on his shortcomings as a King and as a man. Much respect to the first, and honestly still the best, King on the show. He also made The Eights!
#9 – Theon Greyjoy
Played by: Alfie Allen (seasons 1-8)
Quote: “I always wanted to do the right thing. Be the right kind of person. But I never knew what that meant. It always seemed that there was an impossible choice I had to make. Stark or Greyjoy.“
Theon, for my money, has the most complete and beautiful arc on the show. A man without an identity, he strives to make one for himself by making all the wrong choices. When consequences for his actions comes his way, it does so in form of the last person you would want: Ramsay Bolton.
He is tortured and mutilated and forced to assume the humiliating new name of “Reek”. So beaten is he that he develops Stockholm Syndrome combined with PTSD, leading to him bailing out on his sister Yara and a captive Sansa multiple times. With Yara’s help, he starts to find some peace and begins to atone for his earlier actions. In one of the most poetic scenes in the show, he is forgiven by one of the family members he betrayed, and then makes one heck of a last stand.
#8 – Olenna Tyrell
Played by: Dame Diana Rigg (seasons 3-7)
Quote: “I’d hate to die like your son. Clawing at my neck, foam and bile spilling from my mouth, eyes blood red, skin purple. Must have been horrible for you, as a Kingsguard, as a father. It was horrible enough for me. A shocking scene. Not at all what I intended. You see, I had never seen the poison work before. Tell Cersei. I want her to know it was me.” (to Jamie)
She was just the best.
#7 – Bronn
Played by: Jerome Flynn (seasons 1-8)
Quote: “No… he did.” (pointing to a dude he just killed after being told he doesn’t fight with honor)
Bronn was the realest. No one was more honest about who he was; a mercenary who hated fair fights and let everyone know how stupid he thought their code of honor was. He loved his ladies and his gold with the best of them, and clowned fools at a level only reached by a beloved few.
He also launched the most devasting single arrow in history during the show’s first major battle, and never let himself get too far from his roots: his first move as Master of Coin is to get the brothels bouncing again.
#6 – Petyr “Littlefinger” Baelish
Played by: Aiden Gillen (seasons 1-7)
Quote: “Chaos isn’t a pit. Chaos is a ladder. Many who try to climb it fail, and never get to try again. The fall breaks them. And some are given a chance to climb, but refuse. They cling to the realm, or the gods, or love… illusions. Only the ladder is real. The climb is all there is. “
The best kind of sleezy: the puppet master lurking in the shadows pitting people against each other for his own benefit. The fact he spoke out of the side of his mouth with the most incredibly slimy accent just made him even more endearing.
Willing to work with anyone and anything as long as he benefitted, he racked up an incredible casualty list along the way, being at least partly the cause of Jon Arryn’s death, Ned Stark’s betrayal, Margaery’s marriage, Joffrey’s death, Sansa’s escape and subsequent relationship with Ramsay, the outcome of the Battle of the Bastards, and an attempt on Bran’s life. Until he inexplicably got hot and bothered by Sansa, he looked unstoppable. Too bad Sansa had wised up after going through the Joffrey-Ramsay ringer.
#5 – Sansa Stark
Played by: Sophie Turner (seasons 1-8)
Quote: “I did what I had to do to survive, my lady. But I am a Stark. I will always be a Stark.” (to Lyanna)
Not one person went through more than Sansa. Starting out as a lovesick young girl with dreamy ideas of romance, she soon got a taste of just how cruel the world, and powerful men, can be. Following her father’s death, she is left alone with the Lannister’s in King’s Landing, as Joffrey’s play-thing/abusee. Despite Tyrion treating her well and trying to protect her, she is blamed for Joffrey’s death. Rescued by Littlefinger, who also tries coming onto her, she is then convinced to marry Ramsay Bolton, who does things so awful to her they are left offscreen.
The most fascinating thing is that instead of folding under this onslaught of traumatic experiences and harm, she get tough and learns how to play the game too. A combination of Theon and Brienne help her escape, but after that she becomes a boss, taking charge of her family, her people, and her land. She takes orders from no one, even Littlefinger or Daenerys. She hits a mean vape too.
#4 – Tyrion Lannister
Played by: Peter Dinklage (seasons 1-8)
Quote: He’s got hundreds, but take your pick of “I’m the god of tits and wine” and “I drink and I know things”
He got kind of whiny and beaten-down at the end, but for a long time Tyrion held the number 1 spot for me. Smart and savvy with a quick wit, Tyrion loved a good roast or a good scheme almost as much as he loved his booze and female companionship.
The dude never flinched in tough situations, talking his way out of trouble on numerous occasions that should have been his end. Westeros’ Mr. Invincible, he survived not one but TWO trials by combat, the Battle of Blackwater Bay, the Long Night, and the sacking of King’s Landing. He actually had a really good heart, one that was broken on multiple occasions turning him into one jaded soul.
There is no way he got written out of the history books (lol).
#3 – Sandor “The Hound” Clegane
Played by: Rory McCann (seasons 1-4, 6-8)
Quote: There’s funny Hound: “I understand that if any more words come pouring out of your cunt mouth, I’m going to have to eat every fucking chicken in this room.” and there’s real-talking Hound: “You think you’ve wanted revenge a long time? I’ve been after it all my life; it’s all I care about. And look at me. LOOK AT ME! You want to be like me? You come with me, you die here.“
Beneath his gruff and blunt exterior, the Hound is a guy trying to heal wounds both visible and invisible. It’s actually quite touching that this dude who has spent his life killing for and protecting people he hates tries to find a higher calling. He devotes himself to protecting Arya, forming an epic buddy-cop duo for a while until taken down by Brienne.
He uses this defeat to fake his own death and live in a commune for a short but happy time until his friends are killed. This forces him back into the game, first with the Brother Without Banners, then beyond the Wall. In the single most touching moment of the final season, he realizes that he is too far down the path of seeking revenge to heal, but pleads and begs with Arya, who he can tell is on the same road, to turn back before she becomes like him.
The Cleganebowl that follows is as touching as it is epic. I bet you can still hear his final scream.
#2 – Jaime Lannister
Played by: Nicolaj Coster-Waldau (seasons 1-8)
Quote: “The things I do for love.“
Westeros’ Prince Charming lookalike, Jaime is a guy that goes through quite some development over 8 seasons, although only in Game of Thrones would “stopped sleeping with my sister” count as major character growth. Starting out as a total douche, he pushes a kid out a 10 story window straight away because he saw him getting in on with Cersei.
As he gets knocked down several pegs while in captivity with Robb Stark and then being towed back to King’s Landing by Brienne, his layers and his mask of not giving a crud start to slip. This culminates in his big reveal in the bathtub with Brienne that he slayed a king and stained his name to save thousands of others. He is much more protective of his family than either Cersei or Tywin, mourning the loss of his daughter deeply and being the only one to befriend Tyrion. An underrated warrior, he battles back after losing a hand to lead several military campaigns.
A man haunted by his addictions and belief he can’t get better, his controversial ending I actually found fitting, give or take a moment or two.
#1 – Arya Stark
Played by: Maisie Williams (seasons 1-8)
Quote: “My name is Arya Stark. I want you to know that. The last thing you’re ever going to see is a Stark smiling down at you as you die.“
Arya is hands down the most compelling the character in the show. She doesn’t really fit in with any classic trope or stereotype. She boldly blazes her own trail. Always knowing she wasn’t destined to be a lady, she found her purpose after Ned’s death – training to become a warrior and then a trained assassin. Flying under the radar to stay safe during the War of the Five Kings, she learned from many different people that crossed her path and started to develop a fearsome skillset to go along with her courage.
She takes crap from no one, not even if they were sitting on the Iron Throne. She had a kill list and was well on her way to accomplishing it. Yet her father-daughter relationship with the Hound was arguably the most important for her growth: reuniting at the end, he gives her genuinely life-changing advice that helps her let go of all the anger and hatred she held inside and found her some inner peace.
