‘Game Of Thrones’ became the epitome of TV triumph when it debuted in 2011. Based on George R.R. Martin’s ‘A Song Of Ice And Fire‘ book series, the plot featured characters who ranged from inspirational to loathsome. The story entertained us and broke our hearts over the course of eight seasons, and the characters etched themselves in our collective memory.
While some of those who lived and died in Westeros had impressive arcs, others deserved much better. But, that’s the deeply infuriating and unpredictable realm of ‘Game Of Thrones.’ But here are characters with undeniable legacies.
10. Sansa Stark
The Sansa Stark from Season 1 of ‘Game Of Thrones’ wouldn’t recognize the Queen of the North she became by the end of the series. She was a naive young girl who endured the darkest horrors perpetrated by Joffrey Baratheon and Ramsay Bolton. But, through that cruelty, Sansa was reborn as a leader with a sharp political mind commanding everyone with a calm yet powerful personality.
Related: George R.R. Martin Planned A More Brutal Fate For Sansa Stark In Original ‘Game Of Thrones’ Outline
9. Tywin Lannister
Tywin Lannister evoked fear wherever he went, much so in front of his own kids. The man didn’t resort to physical violence himself, but his cold heart was enough to chill one to their bones. In the saga of ‘Game Of Thrones,’ Tywin was a schemer who controlled many strings in King’s Landing. But, his reckoning came by the hands of the son he hated most. Yet, as far as complex characters go, Tywin made a huge impact.
8. Ned Stark
Eddard Stark was too good for Westeros. He was a man with values and honor, and he paid for his humanity with his life. The moment Ned was executed, gasps reverberated and fans were crushed. His death essentially set the tone of ‘Game Of Thrones’ where anything could happen, any soul could be lost. Despite just being in one season, his shadow looms large over the show.
7. Brienne of Tarth
Brienne was a true knight in a sea of people trying to assert their combat skills. She never cowered to the labels put on her or fell for gender notions, and walked with her head held high, but mostly, she fought with all her might while staying true to her morality. Brienne was fiercely loyal and one of the greatest warriors ever in the ‘Game Of Thrones’ realm.
6. Jon Snow
Oh, the tortured ‘Game Of Thrones’ hero if there ever was one. Jon Snow’s life was riddled with mysteries and he grew up being ridiculed as Ned Stark’s bastard son. But, he adhered to his duties, served humankind, and did everything to keep his family’s dignity. Jon was the very portrait of fire and ice. Yes, the true Targaryen heir. Maybe his brooding didn’t help with his brutal journey, but he won fans worldwide.
5. Jaime Lannister
No one liked the kingslayer Jaime Lannister when the show debuted. He was arrogant, power-hungry, and downright immoral. He pushed little Bran out the window, remember? But, as the series progressed, Jaime’s arc showed unimaginable growth. He was no longer just the twisted lover of his sister Cersei. The man tried to find his soul and purpose. This knight’s evolution was one of the best things to witness in ‘Game Of Thrones.’
In case you missed it: ‘Game Of Thrones’: Shocking Book Moments That Were Too Dark For TV
4. Daenerys Targaryen
Daenerys Targaryen was the ‘Game Of Thrones’ character to look out for when the series began. She was a pawn in the game of men, but she went through a huge transformation becoming the Mother of Dragons, the Breaker of Chains, and the Queen of Fire and Blood. By the end, it was hard to recall how she was mistreated in exile only to be sold off in a Dothraki marriage alliance by her brother. Daenerys proceeded with vision, freed slaves, built her army, punished tyrants, and promised a better future for the Seven Kingdoms. Sure, it was all undone due to her descent into the Mad Queen. But, her Targaryen story is still laudable.
3. Cersei Lannister
Cersei Lannister famously said, “When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die. There is no middle ground.” She was a shrewd woman who always had her sight on the Iron Throne. Sure, she was ruthless in her ambition, smirking at those who held honor in Westeros, and plotting the downfall of her enemies. Cersei sure had survival instincts. You can hate her, but you can’t deny she is the queen who tried to dominate a world ruled by men.
2. Arya Stark
This little Stark was a ball of fire even if she was forged in ice. Arya Stark didn’t dream of castles like her sister, Sansa. She developed into the greatest savior of the North. Her journey of becoming “no one” to emerge as a faceless assassin and avenge her family was nothing short of legendary. Arya embraced the bloodshed, the betrayals, and the hardships and became the most impressive Stark. After all, she slayed the Night King.
Related: ‘Game Of Thrones’: Why Jon Snow, Arya Stark And Tyrion Lannister’s Love Triangle Was Scrapped?
1. Tyrion Lannister
Throughout ‘Game Of Thrones’, Tyrion Lannister faced derision and insults often at the behest of his own family. But all those who underestimated him didn’t live to tell the tale. But this wise dwarf whose greatest weapon was a mixture of knowledge and wit made it right to the end, leaving a giant legacy behind. He sympathized with underdogs and gifted them his unmatched political advice. The tallest achievement, Tyrion survived and gave fans the best life lessons.
