15 Best ‘Game Of Thrones’ Characters, Ranked
15. Lyanna Mormont
Lyanna Mormont might have been just a child when she became the Lady of Bear Island, but she had the heart of a great warrior. So, with little screen time, she left a ferocious and indelible mark on ‘Game Of Thrones.’ She commanded respect with words sharper than a sword, stood unflinchingly alongside House Stark, and proved herself in battle, so much so that her heroic death scene was unimaginably heartbreaking. Lyanna showed that courage isn’t measured in size or age. No wonder her loyalty became the stuff of legends.
14. Petyr Baelish
Littlefinger manipulated chaos into a social ladder. He wasn’t about swinging swords in Westeros, instead, the man swayed kingdoms with scheming. Petyr Baelish was the mind behind many of the bloodiest chapters of ‘Game Of Thrones.’ The man played both sides, betrayed allies, and spun lies that toppled dynasties. Sure, people saw through his cunning act, but he was the force that demanded attention. After being despised for far too long, his downfall seemed like poetic justice, yet his shadow looms large on the events that transpired in the show.
13. Olenna Tyrell
Lady Olenna Tyrell was the picture of grace, but she delivered poison with her wit, too. She wasn’t one for fear; having outlived many of Westeros’ powerful rulers. She couldn’t care less about the ruthlessness of the Lannisters, the fire of dragons or the finality of death. Instead, she stood toe-to-toe with danger and served the savage final word. Glenna’s ultimate mic drop: “Tell Cersei. I want her to know it was me.” Yeah, absolutely iconic. She didn’t just play the game, she made it look effortless.
12. Oberyn Martell
Oberyn Martell exploded onto the ‘Game Of Thrones’ scene with seductive charm, brains and brawn, all simmering with a burning desire for justice. Whether delivering blistering truths in the Red Keep or dueling the Mountain, the Red Viper brought undeniable drama to the volatile landscape of King’s Landing. Oberyn’s death was shocking and brutal, but the few episodes that featured him still belong to him.
11. Sandor "The Hound" Clegane
No one expected to like Sandor Clegane. Scarred inside and out, he was the brutal killer who evoked terror. But, beneath the growls and gore was a man grappling with his humanity. He had suffered trauma and built a tough exterior that earned him the image of a killing machine. It was when we witnessed his unlikely bond with Arya Stark that we understood his deeply conflicted soul longing for redemption. Whether fighting wights or facing down his monstrous brother, the Hound has his place firmly entrenched as a fan favorite ‘Game Of Thrones’ character. His grit, gallows humor, and hard-earned honor are worthy of the legacy.
10. Sansa Stark
Sansa Stark went through a sea change on the show. She began her journey as a naive girl dreaming of great love and castles—her own fairy tale. Viewers couldn’t care less for her, and then they hated her for the damage she caused to her family. But, through the horrors she endured at Joffrey Baratheon’s court and in Ramsay Bolton’s dungeons, Sansa emerged as a leader worthy of controlling the North. After being a pawn in the game of the Seven Kingdoms, she became a queen who couldn’t be broken. In the end, Sansa ruled with her calm demeanour, sharp mind and commanding presence. And, isn’t surviving and living to tell the tale a testament to her glorious transformation?
9. Tywin Lannister
Tywin Lannister was fear incarnate—not due to his penhance for violence like so many other characters in this sage, but because of his chilling persona and cold-cold heart. He was ruthlessly pragmatic and exercised control on everything. He carried Lannister ideals and established the House’s supremacy. Tywin didn’t need steel to spill blood, he redefined power with his mind. But, even lions get their reckoning, and his came from the son he scorned.
8. Ned Stark
The honourable Ned Stark paid the price for his values, way too soon. He wasn’t made for the world he was thrust in—full of deceit and betrayal. But fans still love him. His death set off the chain of reactions that eventually burnt everything to the ground. Ned was great, but he broke the illusion that heroes get to live through the devastating politics of Westeros. The man changed ‘Game of Thrones,’ and his legacy echoed through his children.
7. Brienne of Tarth
Brienne was a true knight who defied every notion and label people tried to put on her. Well, Westeros was merciless when it came to women, but Brienne carved her own path. She was moral, loyal and fought like the greatest of warriors to ever walk the Earth. She showed knighthood is built by character, not just flaunted like a title. Her love for Renly, her bond with Jaime, and her oath to the Stark girls made her connect irrevocably with fans. In the end, she remained a real gem anyone would be lucky to meet.
6. Jon Snow
Jon Snow is one of the best characters ever written. He might’ve been beaten down as Ned Stark’s bastard son despite being a true Targaryen, but he didn’t let the burden of his supposed illegitimacy break his strength. He wore it like an armour, he served mankind with courage, and he upheld his family’s honour with all his heart. When the greatest threat arrived in the form of the Night King’s army, Jon did the right thing. Though often solemn, this snow-crusted fire had a moral compass that never wavered. Jon truly was the soul of the story, and the North prevailed because of him.
5. Jaime Lannister
In the very first episode of ‘Game Of Thrones,’ we knew the kingslayer was the poster boy for arrogance and immorality. His only motivation was to serve himself and his twisted love for his twin sister, Cersei. However, Jaime Lannister’s fall and rise was one of TV’s most intricately executed arcs. With his golden hand came humility, and with Brienne came soul-searching. Despite Jaime’s ending with Cersei, his evolution from narcissistic knight to a haunted man searching for meaning was a narrative triumph.
4. Daenerys Targaryen
Few characters soar as high and fall as far as Daenerys Targaryen. She was the girl who grew up in exile, suffered abuse at the hands of her brother, and was sold off for his ambitions. But, she grew into her own as the Mother of Dragons, the Breaker of Chains, and the Queen of Fire and Blood. She conquered not just with her noble name and army, but with unparalleled vision. Daenerys freed slaves, punished tyrants, and inspired a better future. All of that growth went up in flames with her descent into madness. Sure, power corrupts, but she deserved better. And, looking back, despite her rushed ending, this Targaryen’s journey remains enchanting.
3. Cersei Lannister
Cersei Lannister roared—through smirks, jabs, and her grand Iron Throne plans. She was the portrait of a character you will love to hate. Yet, we can’t ignore that she was a villain defined by trauma and her rise to power was spearheaded by brilliance and survival instincts. From blowing up the Sept of Baelor to outmaneuvering her enemies, Cersei never cowered at losses. Instead, she became a ruthless queen willing to destroy everything just to be relevant. She truly believed, "Power is power."
2. Arya Stark
Arya Stark might have embraced being “no one,” but she emerged as one of the most impressive ‘Game Of Thrones’ characters. Her path was paved with hardships, bloodshed, relentless training and sheer willpower. Arya was never going to be a damsel, she defied tradition and hunted those who wronged the Starks. As a faceless assassin, she dominated. Among the myths and mysteries of Westeros, her story rung loud as the mischievous girl who grew up to slay the Night King. Arya was neither born a hero nor ideated to be one, but she certainly forged herself into the ultimate saviour.
1. Tyrion Lannister
All those who underestimated Tyrion Lannister, including his affluent and highbrow family, regretted it in the end. Tyrion was the dwarf who cast a huge shadow with his intellect in ‘Game of Thrones.’ His legacy is definitely giant. Tyrion relied on his razor-sharp wit, knowledge from books, surprising empathy, and unmatched political smarts to survive. His journey is equal parts tragedy, comedy, and resilience. Whether drunk at a brothel or defending King's Landing, Tyrion snatched the spotlight in every frame. It was a once in a lifetime role, and Tyrion cemented his position as a quotable genius with a soul.
