Best Game of Thrones Characters – Top 10 Characters Ranked

Best Game of Thrones Characters

Game of Thrones started as a novel over a decade before the first episode aired in 2011. Since then, the show has taken the world by storm, catapulting actors to stardom, sparking outrage, and breaking hearts. The show has won numerous awards for its amazing cast, breathtaking locations, beautiful costuming, detailed props, and perfect music. Despite some controversial choices in the final season, Game of Thrones has brought us an incredible variety of great characters and storylines.

When starting to watch Game of Thrones, one of the biggest challenges is getting to know its massive ensemble cast. The show has so many characters, many of whom have become iconic in pop culture history. These characters are often morally ambiguous, making it difficult to determine who to root for.

To create a list of the best characters, one must consider each character’s overall arc, their development, how much viewers want to root for them, and how iconic they have become since the show ended. We have listed the 10 best Game of Thrones characters ranked in order.

Top 10 Game of Thrones Characters 

S.No	Best Characters	Seasons Appeared
1	Daenerys Targaryen	Season 1 – Season 8
2	Jon Snow	Season 1 – Season 8
3	Tyrion Lannister	Season 1 – Season 8
4	Cersei Lannister	Season 1 – Season 8
5	Arya Stark	Season 1 – Season 8
6	Petyr “Littlefinger” Baelish	Season 1 – Season 7
7	Ramsay Bolton	Season 3 – Season 6
8	Brienne Tarth	Season 2 – Season 8
9	Jaime Lannister	Season 1 – Season 8
10	The Night King	Season 4 – Season 8

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Game of Thrones Characters Ranked

1. Daenerys Targaryen

Emilia Clarke portrayed Queen Daenerys I Targaryen with perfection. It is no wonder that she is one of the best Game of Thrones characters. Born on Dragonstone,  Daenerys had to flee to the Free Cities with her older brother Viserys, who married her to Khal Drogo. It was during their union that she gained confidence, and after his death, she slowly started building her army while simultaneously freeing slaves, with the ultimate goal of taking back the Iron Throne by crossing the Narrow Sea.

Throughout the show, Daenerys had a direct and indirect impact on various events, starting with King Robert Baratheon’s order to kill her, which led to significant consequences. Her dragons’ birth, the takeover of cities, the freeing of slaves, and the acquisition of the Unsullied and the Khalasar, all reflect her power and determination to be a force to be reckoned with.

One of the strongest characters in the show, the directors and writers had given her a considerable arc, from being an innocent girl to becoming a strong and brave woman, born to rule and lead, and she proved it until the end. Some speculate that Drogon may have taken her to a red priestess to revive her, much like Jon did, which could be a possibility. Regardless, Daenerys remained a true Targaryen and an inspiring leader and character loved by many.

2. Jon Snow

One of the most liked Game of Thrones characters, Jon Snow, played by Kit Harrington, was believed to be Ned Stark’s illegitimate child for most of his life. In reality, he is Aegon Targaryen, the son of Lyanna Stark and Prince Rhaegar Targaryen. Lyanna made Ned promise to keep his true identity a secret since the Targaryens were being hunted down.

Although it was thought that Jon would be the one to fulfill the Prince That Was Promised prophecy, Arya ended up killing the Night King. Nonetheless, Jon played a crucial role in uniting the Wildlings, raising awareness about the White Walkers, procuring dragon glass to combat them, and reminding quarreling factions that they needed to focus on the bigger threat at hand.

Game of Thrones is widely regarded as an ensemble show, with multiple characters sharing the limelight. However, as the series progressed, Jon Snow gradually emerged as the central figure around whom many events unfolded. With his thrilling heroism and intriguing backstory, fans believed that Jon would play a crucial role in the final outcome of the series.

Unfortunately, the handling of Jon’s storyline in the final season was a disappointment for many fans. Despite being a pivotal character, he failed to act until the final episode, and some of his most fascinating character points were left unresolved. This left a bad taste in the mouths of fans, and many theories about a Jon Snow spinoff are already circulating. But despite this Jon Snow has remained a fan favourite character.

3. Tyrion Lannister

Peter Dinklage’s portrayal of Tyrion Lannister in Game of Thrones was remarkable. Tyrion quickly became one of the most liked characters on Game of Thrones. He was a humorous character with many memorable lines, but he was also intelligent, complex, and heroic despite how the world perceived him. He remained a prominent character until the very end of the series.

And all this was despite his tragic backstory, wherein he, born as the youngest son of Tywin Lannister had to face many challenges growing up, including being blamed for his mother’s death during childbirth. His relationship with his older sister Cersei was tumultuous, to say the least.  

After being falsely accused of murder and escaping death, he aligns himself with Daenerys Targaryen to help someone he deems more worthy of the Iron Throne, even killing his father.

Tyrion’s ability to navigate his harsh reality and survive while maintaining his kind heart and genuine loyalty is truly admirable. Despite having the potential to pursue the Iron Throne for himself, he chooses to support Daenerys, showcasing his selflessness and loyalty.

It’s easy to see why Tyrion Lannister is one of the best Game of Thrones characters. Throughout the series, Tyrion pursued his dreams, helped others, and stood up for what he believed in. His love for his brother Jaime and his penchant for drinking and knowledge only added to his charm.

4. Cersei Lannister

Introduced as King Robert Baratheon’s wife, Cersei, played by the talented Lena Headey, is depicted as someone who embraces the power that comes with her position and loves her children without really raising or knowing them.

She is one of the few characters who truly understands Game of Thrones and is capable of playing it well, which is also why most of the fans consider her the best character in Game of Thrones. However, after becoming childless, her thirst for power and reckless vindictiveness became more pronounced, leading to widespread destruction despite her shortsighted plans.

Despite her evil nature and cruel actions, many fans are drawn to Cersei because of her intriguing character, determination to achieve her goals, and refusal to be swayed by others. Throughout her 72 episodes in the show, Cersei proves to be a manipulative and sometimes unpleasant character, but one that fans cannot get enough of. It is not surprising that the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms is one of the most loved characters in Game of Thrones.

5. Arya Stark

Maisie Williams delivers a captivating performance as Arya Stark, a young girl who yearns to fight and wield weapons like her brothers. Arya’s story is a prime example of how the horrors of war can impact a young soul, yet she remains a fan favourite in Game of Thrones for her scrappy origin story and her transformation into a skilled assassin.

After witnessing her father’s death, Arya embarks on a journey to reunite with her remaining family members. However, as her family members continue to fall, Arya joins the Faceless Men and undergoes intense training to fulfil her kill list.  After completing her training, Arya seeks revenge on the Frey line and joins the battle against the White Walkers in the Battle of Winterfell. Ultimately, she defeats the Night King herself.

Her journey is fun to watch, and her assassination of the Night King makes her a heroic figure who saved not only Westeros, but possibly the whole world. The fact that fans have been hoping for a sequel to see more of her journey only reinforces the fact that she is one of the most loved Game of Thrones characters.

6. Petyr “Littlefinger” Baelish

Aidan Gillen masterfully portrays Lord Baelish, also known as Littlefinger, who serves as King Robert Baratheon’s master of coins in the show’s beginning. Unlike the book character, Littlefinger’s motive is clear: he desires the Iron Throne and will stop at nothing to obtain it, even if it means sacrificing innocent lives.

Littlefinger’s cunning schemes set many events into motion, such as Jon Arryn’s death and Sansa’s marriage to Ramsay. Although his manipulations had significant consequences for some characters, other players made bigger waves in the storyline.

Despite his despicable actions, Littlefinger’s character elicits a sense of pity due to his inferiority complex. He may briefly aid the heroes, but ultimately he prioritises his own selfish desires. Gillen’s portrayal of Littlefinger captures his calculating and pathetic nature, making the audience both repulsed and empathetic towards him and it is this that made Littlefinger one of the best Game of Thrones characters.

7. Ramsay Bolton

In season 3, Ramsay Bolton makes his debut after Theon Greyjoy loses control of Winterfell. Disguising himself as a friendly servant, he gains Theon’s trust only to reveal his true sadistic identity. Ramsay’s psychopathic tendencies and cunning nature cause chaos and destruction for those around him, including Theon, Sansa Stark, and his father’s enemies.

Ramsay’s character is a stark contrast to Joffrey Baratheon’s, as he lacks the latter’s superficial charm but makes up for it with his ruthlessness and sadism. While he wreaks havoc within Winterfell, Ramsay’s capabilities would have made him a formidable opponent had he been allowed to venture beyond the castle walls.

With his cunning and manipulative nature, Ramsay leaves a lasting impression on the audience as one of the most disturbing and terrifying villains in the show’s history. His actions towards Theon and Sansa serve as a constant reminder of the brutal realities of life in Westeros.

8. Brienne of Tarth

Introduced as a skilled warrior in season 2, Brienne of Tarth quickly becomes one of the best Game of Thrones characters and a fan-favorite due to her unwavering loyalty and dedication to protecting those she serves. Her journey takes her from being a member of Renly Baratheon’s Kingsguard to becoming an ally of the Stark family. Brienne’s role in the show may not always directly affect the main plot points, but her presence often leads to significant turning points for other characters.

One of the defining moments for Brienne is when she is tasked with protecting Sansa Stark, who is on the run from her enemies. Brienne’s loyalty to the Stark family is put to the test as she faces various challenges, including confrontations with powerful enemies like The Hound. Her determination and skill in battle prove vital in keeping Sansa safe.

Brienne’s character also challenges traditional gender norms in Westeros, as she is the first woman to be knighted. Despite facing discrimination and ridicule from those who underestimate her due to her gender and physical appearance, Brienne remains true to herself and her beliefs.

Overall, Brienne of Tarth is a shining example of a character who, though not central to the main plot, has a significant impact on the show’s narrative through her unwavering loyalty and dedication to her allies.

9. Jaime Lannister

Jaime, portrayed by Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, is introduced as Cersei’s twin brother and lover, a member of the Kingsguard, and one of the best swordsmen in all of Westeros. Initially, Jaime comes across as an arrogant and entitled man who does whatever he wants, without considering the consequences of his actions. However, his character transforms after he is captured and held hostage, resulting in his hand being chopped off.

Despite not having much of an impact on the larger storyline initially, Jaime’s character arc is arguably one of the most captivating in the series. He goes through numerous transformations, from being the Kingslayer to Oathkeeper and Oathbreaker, until he ultimately becomes a man of honor.

Jaime’s journey is one of self-discovery and redemption, as he gradually becomes a more sympathetic and nuanced character. Despite his past mistakes, he demonstrates a strong sense of loyalty to his family and those he cares for. Jaime’s complex character and his personal struggles make him one of the most liked Game of Thrones characters, and his evolution is a testament to the show’s exceptional writing and storytelling. 

10. The Night King

The Night King is a mysterious and ominous figure who lurks beyond the Wall in the icy tundra of the North. He and his army of undead, the White Walkers, are feared by Wildlings and members of the Night’s Watch who venture beyond the Wall. To many in the Seven Kingdoms, he is nothing more than a legend or a bedtime story used to scare children.

But as the series progresses, the Night King’s true threat becomes clear. He proves himself to be a formidable adversary as he begins to march south, leaving a trail of death and destruction in his wake. With each victory, his army grows larger and more unstoppable.

When the Night King finally manages to breach the Wall with the help of an undead dragon, the true horror of his power is revealed. The people of Westeros must put aside their differences and band together to face this existential threat, or risk being consumed by the Long Night.

Fan Favourite Characters in Game Of Thrones

S.No	Favourite Characters
1	Tyrion Lannister
2	Jon Snow
3	Daenerys Targaryen
4	Jaime Lannister
5	Arya Stark

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