Top 50 Game of Thrones Characters 2015 Edition

Last year, I decided to make a poll in order to find the 50 best characters of the popular tv-series Game of Thrones. The people from the IMdB-board ‘Game of Thrones’ helped me in my search and I received more than 500 votes!  This year edition includes season 1 up to season 5 and to be honest, the results were quite surprising…Let’s start!

50. The Night’s King

The Night’s King stands at #50

We saw him for the first time in episode 4 of season 4 when a White Walker smuggled one of Craster’s sons to the distant North. This crown-wearing blue guy seemed to have a special ability: turning babies into White Walkers. His best moment was at Hardhome when he stared at Jon Snow and revived thousands of wildlings to join his army of the death. He deserves a spot on this list.

49. Tommen Baratheon

Cersei’s youngest son, Tommen, also has a spot on this list. He may look a lot like his evil brother, Joffrey, although his attitude differs greatly. Thank god! At the moment, Joffrey is married to the beautiful and cunning Margaery Tyrell, who’s incarcerated by the Faith of the Seven. Tommen looked perplexed when the Faith took his wife and didn’t dare to stood up against them. Dear Tommen, I’ll hope you have a little bit more of Joffrey in yourself next season!48. The Mountain / Gregor Clegane

One of the worst people in Westeros is named the Mountain. The Mountain is infamous for torturing his enemies and for killing the Viper in combat. I wished he would have died by now, but it seems that Qyburn (Frankenstein II) has revived him. His skin looks awful and his eye very unhealthy. We almost feel sorry for his appearance… But really, this man deserves the worst..

47. Brandon Stark

Brandon Stark is one of the few remaining members of House Stark. He’s currently far beyond the Wall, in training to become a true greenseer. His story parallels a bit with Arya’s, as they are brother and sister for a reason. Brandon wants to know the future and how he can prevent the imminent threat of the White Walkers. His part in Game of Thrones seems to get more important as the seasons pass by and we’re eager to see him back next season after his seasonal break.

46. Khal Drogo

Back to season 1 where Daenerys Targaryen married this brutal warrior. On first sight, he seemed to be a physical impressive but violent man who treats women like slaves. As the season passed by, he earned our respect as he treated Daenerys like a true princess. Still, he did some terrible things and got punished for that at the end of season 1. It was heartbreaking for sure..

45. Gilly

Although Gilly doesn’t have a big contribution to the story of Game of Thrones, I still consider her as one of the good-hearted people in Westeros. She had a terrible incestuous father who treated her like sh*t. Samwell was immediately fond of her, and so were we. This brave girl really deserves the 45th spot on this list.

44. Alliser Thorne

I am not a big fan of Ser Alliser Thorne and after the very last episode of Thrones, I’m determined I’ll never change my mind about that. He is just a willing-hater son of a b*tch whose arrogance really knows no limits. Actor Owen Teale does a wonderful job portraying Thorne and so he’s on this list as well.

43. Ser Barristan Selmy

No doubt, he is one of the greatest fighter the world has ever known. Ser Barristan Selmy was as loyal as a dog and never left Deanerys’s side since he has pledged an oath to protect her. Ser Barristan had a good heart after all and I’ll never forget the moment when he owned Cersei and Joffrey in season 1.

42. Samwell Tarly

We spoke about his girlfriend Gilly not so long ago and here we have Samwell Tarly! Samwell is too good for this world and he doesn’t get the respect he deserves. Ok, he might not be the best fighter but still, he knows a great deal about the White Walkers and how to kill them. They surely need this man in the wars to come.

41. Osha

She ended quite high on the list, but she well deserves such a high spot. Osha’s character had a beautiful transition. From a wild, attacking female wildling to a caring babysitter. She genuinely cares for Bran and Rickon without being obliged to. She showed her heart of gold and I hope she’ll get respected for that. Osha will also appear in season 6! Something to look forward to.

40. Gendry

Gendry ends the top 40 list. Gendry too is one of the good guys in Game of Thrones. This guy really had bad luck in Thrones, as he’s born with the wrong name. A bastard of King Robert Baratheon. Gendry is often the victim of power-hungry kings and queens, but can manage to make his way out of the situation. We haven’t seen Gendry since season 3 and I hope to know what happened to him someday..

39. Brynden Tully

I’d like to call him the male Queen of Thorns as he has a sharp tongue for sure. He had great lines in season 3 and is one of the very few survivors of the Red Wedding. His best moment: ‘I need to find a tree to piss on’, because those legendary words saved Brynden from his death. He’ll return in season 6. Yassss!

38. Missandei

Daenerys’s most loyal right hand is … Missandei. She has been on her side since season 3 and never disappointed her. Missandei showed to be very intelligent (this girl knows more than 20 languages, for god’s sake). In season 4, she started to have her own romantic storyline with the unsullied fighter, Grey Worm. Too bad they can’t have a normal relationship..37. Maester Aemon Targaryen

Maester Aemon Targaryen deserves the #37 spot! He may be very old and blind, he’s still one of the wisest men in Game of Thrones. Maester Aemon is next to Daenerys the only surviving Targaryen. Too bad, he’s not longer with us as he died peacefully in his own bed. We really miss him! Aemon was one of the gentlest characters at the Wall.

36. Tormund Giantsbane

In season 3, Tormund came across like one of the bad guys. But really, he actually isn’t. In season 5, we get to know a whole different Tormund, who’s trying to save his people from the death. His face when Mance Rayder was dying on the pyre was heartbreaking. Tormund evolved from Jon’s enemy to his ‘right hand’. And he’s a damn good fighter.

35. High Sparrow

The High Sparrow was a great addition to season 5, and his role was quite vital to the storyline of Cersei Lannister and Margaery Tyrell. He’s really a wolf in sheep’s clothing and step-by-step he’s gaining more control over King’s Landing. Where will it end? Until we can say, King High Sparrow?He’s absolutely someone to keep an eye on next season!

34. Thoros of Myr

Thoros didn’t have a large role in Game of Thrones, but he still has a lot of fans. As he should have, this man is awesome! He has the ability to bring people back from the death and he’s very charismatic. I hope we’ll see Thoros again, maybe next to a hooded woman.. Who knows?!

33. Yoren

You have forgotten about Yoren, didn’t you. In any case, I can definitely understand his high rank at this list. Yoren had a lot of chemistry with Arya and this man reminded me a bit of Ned Stark. Unfortunately, he died protecting his people from the Lannisters. The poor man stands at #33.

32. Shireen Baratheon

The saddest storyline goes to … Shireen Baratheon. Being locked away and loathed by her mother for her greyscale, she’s still the happiest girl I have seen in Thrones. She’s too good for this world! Her scenes with ser Davos made my day every time and in season 5 she finally got some appreciation from her father too. The girl was in tears and so was I. Shireen proves herself to be pretty smart because she reads and reads most of the time. She died in a gruesome way, because her father was blinded by his lust for power. It still hurts..

31. Viserys Targaryen

Viserys didn’t stay for long with us and I don’t regret that. He was one of the main villains in season 1 and treated his sister as a tool to get what he wants: The Iron Throne. Blinded by power, he caused his own death. Viserys would never have been a good king but Harry Lloyd did a wonderful job portraying this mad Targaryen.

30. Robert Baratheon

Robert Baratheon was a terrible father, husband and not to forget — king. Most of the time, he was a drunk fool but that made his character so funny. He brought humour to Game of Thrones , something the show can really use. He wasn’t that bad after all.. He was just a broken man, finding peace in alcohol and whores.

29. Ramsay Bolton

Game Of Thrones’s main villain is … Ramsay Bolton. No doubt about that! Just look at his face and you’re already terrified. Ramsay’s known for mentally torturing his victims and thereafter flaying them. Ramsay’s power just keep growing and I hope he’ll get what he deserves at a time. Perhaps season 6? Fingers crossed.

28. Joffrey Baratheon

Another villain on the list, and yes, in some way he was worse than Ramsay. He liked to insult his uncle, Tyrion and to mistreat the poor Sansa Stark. Joffrey was a sociopath, thinking he was the greatest king that has ever lived and found pleasure in maiming animals. This guy really didn’t have redeeming qualities. Still, Jack Gleeson is a wonderful actor and made Joffrey one of the best tv adaptations ever.

27. Roose Bolton

Ramsay’s evil daddy, Roose, also stands very high at this list. Roose reminds me a bit of Tywin Lannister, as he shares his political insight. Roose was responsible for the Red Wedding and therefore I will hate this man forever. But in a strange way, I respect him too. He is definitely not someone to play with and managed to win the North in his name. Quite impressive.

26. Jaqen H’ghar

Jaqen has been a fan-favorite since season 2 and therefore D&D decided to let him return to season 5 and expanded his role. I’m not complaining. This man is really great! He has a very singular ability: changing his face when he wants. Although by the end of season 5, I actually can’t classify anymore as one of the good guys. I’d put him more in a grey zone.. And after all. Who’s Jaqen H’ghar actually? You can’t put a face on this man.

25. Ygritte

The most badass wildling is … Ygritte. This redhead was an awesome fighter and Rose Leslie was perfectly cast for this role! Her chemistry with Jon Snow was undeniable (Kit and Rose even started a relationship.) Nonetheless, Ygritte is no longer alive and her death scene was one of the saddest thing in Thrones. She stands right in the middle, at #25.

24. Catelyn Stark

Catelyn Stark (née Tully) was one of my favorite Game of Thrones characters! I loved Michelle Fairley’s performance. Catelyn was a strong female character, doing everything to protect her children. Her storyline parallels with that of Cersei, only she seems to be the good version of her. Catelyn’s last moments were impressive and Fairley can be easily named as one of the best, perhaps the best, actress in the show. Of course, she earns the #24 spot.

23. Brienne of Tarth

The best female warrior is … of course Brienne of Tarth! Who else. I worshipped this woman since the very beginning and she is the definition of a true loyal knight. She swore to bring Catelyn Stark’s daughters to safety and she hasn’t give that up yet. Loyal, even in death, this woman is really one of the good guys that need to survive the series.

22. Lady Melisandre

I love and hate this woman at the same time. Is that even possible? Yes, it is. Melisandre may be evil, her intentions might be for the greater good. And god, she’s the most fascinating character in the series. And she’s smokin’ hot. Her best scene: giving birth to a demon ghostly creature. Melisandre is more than the devil on Stannis’s shoulder and I look forward to see her storyline evolve apart from Stannis’s.

21. Lady Olenna Redwyne / The Queen of Thorns

She ends high at this list.. And she may have even landed higher in my opinion. She’s definitely one of my favorite ones: the lady Olenna. She’s awesome in every scene and never disappoints. Olenna is damn cunning too, even playing with Machiavellian Littlefinger. Margaery’s grandmother is just too awesome. Long may she live!

20. Robb Stark

Robb Stark had all of the potential to become a great king. He only made the wrong choices, which caused him to lose the war against the Lannisters. Robb was a good man as well, avenging his honorable father who was murdered because he spoke the truth. Robb had an awesome arc, and Richard Madden made the very best of his character.

19. Ser Jorah Mormont

Ser Jorah Mormont ends at the 19th spot. This man is really one of the most complex Game of Thrones characters and Iain Glenn does a terrific job portraying him. Jorah’s struggling with choosing sides since the beginning but deep in his heart, he would never betray Daenerys Targaryen. He’s madly in love with her and would even die for her if needed be. Ser Jorah’s storyline is really sad and now that he hasn’t long to live anymore, it became even sadder.

18. Ser Bronn of the Blackwater

Ser Bronn is without any doubt one of the most popular characters in the tv-series. D&D even decided to enlarge his role to make his character more prominent. Bronn is an awesome fighter with awesome lines. He had a wonderful storyline in the first two seasons and deserves this high spot on the list.

17. Sansa Stark

The most depressing storyline has … Sansa Stark. And I am not even exaggerating. In season 1, this girl’s father was killed right for her eyes. In season 2, she became Joffrey’s playtoy to torture whenever he wants. In season 3, her brother and mother are killed and the last chance to see her family again is ripped from her heart. In season 4, she manages to escape but seems to be in a worse place with her psychotic aunt Lysa. In season 5, Sansa has to marry the main villain of the show, Ramsay Bolton, who tortures and rapes her. We really feel sorry for Sansa Stark, but these events made her who she is now. A damn strong character, which is needed for her character development.

16. Peter Baelish / Littlefinger

The most cunning character in the show and one of the few characters whose influence has grown throughout the seasons. Where will he end? Littlefinger is a very strong and complex character and well deserves this high spot. He’s having a secret master plan to inherit the world and is playing with Westeros like he’s the puppet master.

15. Theon Greyjoy / Reek

The best story arc has… Theon Greyjoy. Man, his character development is pretty intense and Alfie Allen does a wonderful job. Just give this man his Emmy already. He began as the arrogant and self-assured servant of Lord Eddard Stark and was treated like a brother by Robb. His arrogance took the upper hand and slowly but surely he broke down into a timid, brainwashed kitchen mouse. Theon had an impressive evolvement and he’s easily one of the most interesting characters in Thrones.

14. Varys / The Master of Whispers

The former Master of Whispers, Varys, is a pretty epic character too. We knew nothing about his true intentions. Only that he had a clear interest in the Iron Throne. Since season 5, we know that he’s a strong Targaryen loyalist and wants Tyrion to join his side. Varys is very similar to Littlefinger, only he is one of the good guys. And he has political insight as well! A high spot for Varys, he did well deserve that.

13. Queen Margaery Tyrell

Margaery ends very high on this list, as she should be! Natalie Dormer does a terrific job too. Margaery’s character is getting stronger as the seasons pass by. Right now, she is in a less unfortunate position, thanks to Cersei. But to be honest, she hasn’t been so interesting as she is now. Margaery also showed her good heart when she visited the orphanages after the Battle of Blackwater and genuinely cares for the poorer people. May she reign as long as possible!

12. Ser Davos Seaworth / The Onion Knight

The most loyal man in Westeros is… ser Davos Seaworth. He’s one of the very few loyal people and Davos has a heart of gold. He had a heartwarming bond with Shireen and he was loyal to Stannis until the end. Davos’s storyline is similar to that of Brienne’s and I hope the two will somehow meet each other as they are so alike. I hope he’ll make it to the end of the series.

11. Oberyn Martell / The Red Viper

Oberyn Martell only lived one season, but damn, he left us with open mouths. Oberyn’s storyline was very beautiful and tragic at the same time. He came to King’s Landing to avenge his sister, but failed doing so. He died in a horrible way.. Oberyn was a very complex character and never failed to hold our attention. That’s why he deserved this super high ranking.

10. Queen Daenerys Targaryen

One of the main characters in Game of Thrones. Of course, she’s ending high in this list. Dany had a impressive development too: from a shy, modest girl who was hiding behind her brother into a dragon-riding fearless Queen. Dany is easily a fan-favorite as she is a drop-dead beauty in this show and she has proven to be a good person who wants the best for all of her people. If one person truly deserves the throne, it is her. Not only because of birth right, but also because she really deserves it.

9. Stannis Baratheon

Stannis Baratheon might have earned a higher spot in this list if he didn’t offer his own daughter. But despite that, Stannis is unarguably a great character. He literally had a devil (Melisandre) and angel (Davos and Shireen) on both of his shoulders and struggled to choose the right side. He definitely has good sides: he cared for the Night’s Watch and what’s happening beyond the Wall; he’s a fine military man with a good political insight and he would have made a  modest and rigid king. Unfortunately, Stannis was more attracted to the dark side and his striving to power made him blind when it came to ethical issues.

8. Queen Cersei Lannister

Cersei is easily one of the most complex, if not the most complex, character in the show. Is she good or evil? A damn hard question. When it comes to protecting her children, she’s a true lioness and knows no limits. But her lust for power will somehow cause her breakdown. Since season 4, Cersei is slowly but surely evolving into a broken character and I’m sure that she’ll progress into a psychotic character towards the end of Game of Thrones. She really (!) deserves this high spot!

7. Tywin Lannister

The most cunning and smartest character is… Tywin Lannister. He was evil, without a doubt, but we could somehow understand his decisions. From a political standpoint, Tywin’s plans never failed him to maintain the power in the hands of the Lannisters. He may have never been the King on the Iron Throne, but he surely ruled over Westeros for many seasons. When Tywin died, House Lannister died with him.

6. Sandor Clegane / The Hound

At first sight, we were frightened when we saw the Hound. We judged him to be one of the bad guys but after season 4, he really wasn’t. The Hound didn’t really show his caring side, but we didn’t have to because it was clear to us. The Hound truly cared for Arya’s safety and protected her from Brienne. Sandor may be the most misunderstood character in the show and his lines always delivered. Rory Mccan did a terrific job and the Hound will really be missed..

5. Ned Stark

The most honorable man is … yes, who else than Ned Stark. Everybody loved his character since the very beginning as he was the main character in the first season. Ned Stark’s storyline was actually a prologue of how Game of Thrones works. You don’t earn anything when being honorable. When you play the Game of Thrones, you win or you die. And unfortunately, Ned did die. Ned is one of the most influential characters the tv-series had, and he is mentioned in every season. Therefore he opens our top 5 characters of 2015.

4. Ser Jaime Lannister

Four years ago, everyone would have hated Jaime Lannister. He was the most arrogant character in the series and after all a child murderer. Nowadays people find Jaime one of the truly good guys in the series. When you can achieve that, you know the character has done a great job. Jaime is a very complex character as well and his chemistry with Cersei and Brienne’s character is just too awesome. Jaime’s last scenes were heartbreaking, when he saw his own daughter dying in his arms. We really feel bad for him, but never forget, Jaime really did some wrong things.

3. Arya Stark

The best female character is … Arya Stark. Arya has the most wonderful journey of all characters. Driven by hate and revenge, she has grown into a psychotic murderer who’s blinded by her lust for revenge. Seeing her family getting killed off, formed her to the person she is now. Arya no longer fits in the new world and has a strong desire to forget everything and become no one, but fails each time. She really deserves the top 3 and even higher.

2. Jon Snow

Jon Snow is the main character in the Game of Thrones series. He will have a very large role in the end game, that’s for sure. Jon Snow had a beautiful transition from zero (a bastard who was sent to the Wall) to hero (perhaps he will become King of the Seven Kingdoms). Season 5 was an incredible journey for Jon Snow’s character and his battle scenes in Hardhome were the most memorable Thrones scenes to date. Jon Snow ends at a well-deserving 2nd place.

1. Tyrion Lannister

Who else? Tyrion has been the best character since the very beginning and it doesn’t differ now. His background is wonderful (a Lannister son who isn’t respected by his own family) combined with the acting of Peter Dinklage and you get this divine result. The most beautiful and heartbreaking moment was when Tyrion killed off his own father. Since then he reached a major game changer. After four seasons being insulted and not respected for who he is, Tyrion can’t take it anymore and loses his temper. In season 5, Tyrion met the other main Game of Thrones character, Daenerys Targaryen, and their storylines are kind of merged right now. But that doesn’t change a thing: Tyrion is the best thing about Game of Thrones and the only actor who has won 2 Emmy’s AND (!) a Golden Globe.

Special thanks to IMdb-users of the Game of Thrones board. Do you agree with this list? Discuss in the commentaries below.