The 15 Best Game of Thrones Characters, Ranked

15. Varys by Conleth Hill

Varys, the Spider, was a master of secrets who quietly shaped the fate of Westeros from the shadows. Calm, clever, and always a few steps ahead, he served the realm and remained one of the show's most quietly powerful characters. | © HBO

14. Olenna Tyrell by Dame Diana Rigg

Olenna Tyrell was sharp, fearless, and always knew exactly what to say and when to say it. With her clever insults and bold moves, she outsmarted the best in Westeros and made sure she went out with the last word. | © HBO

13. Davos Seaworth by Liam Cunningham

Davos Seaworth was one of the few honest voices in a world full of power-hungry lords and liars. Once a smuggler, he became a loyal advisor who always spoke the truth, even when it was risky. He kept things grounded, and his quiet wisdom made him one of the most likable characters. | © HBO

12. Margaery Tyrell by Natalie Dormer

Margaery Tyrell was smart, graceful, and quick to adapt, making her one of the most skilled political players in Westeros. She knew how to win hearts and play the game, even managing to keep Joffrey in check with her charm and calm strength. | © HBO

11. Ned Stark by Sean Bean

Ned Stark was the noble heart of the North, a man who lived and died by his unshakable sense of honor. His shocking death set the tone for the entire series and proved no one was ever truly safe in Westeros. | © HBO

10. Sandor Clegane by Rory McCann

Sandor Clegane, better known as The Hound, was rough, foul-mouthed, and brutally honest, but beneath the anger was a deeply scarred soul. His unlikely bond with Arya and final clash with his brother made him one of the show’s most compelling characters. | © HBO

9. Tormund Giantsbane by Kristofer Hivju

Tormund Giantsbane went from wildling warrior to fan favorite with his blunt humor, fierce loyalty, and unexpected crush on Brienne. Whether he was charging into battle or awkwardly flirting, Tormund always stole the scene. | © HBO

8. Petyr Baelish by Aidan Gillen

Petyr Baelish was the ultimate manipulator, quietly pulling strings that set Westeros on fire. With smooth lies and endless ambition, Littlefinger played the long game until it finally caught up with him. | © HBO

7. Oberyn Martell by Pedro Pascal

Oberyn Martell stole the spotlight with his bold spirit, sharp tongue, and fearless defiance of the Lannisters. Though his time on the show was short, his charm and unforgettable death made him a fan favorite for life. | © HBO

6. Brienne of Tarth by Gwendoline Christie

Brienne of Tarth was the rare warrior who matched skill with true honor, fighting not for power but for her promises. Gwendoline Christie made her a true knight in every sense, and one of the show’s most admirable characters. | © HBO

5. Arya Stark by Maisie Williams

The young and spirited Arya Stark started as a fearless rebel and grew into one of the deadliest assassins in Westeros. With grit, skill, and a strong moral compass, she broke the rules and became the unexpected hero of the series. | © HBO

4. Jon Snow by Kit Harington

Jon Snow was the brooding hero with a strong sense of honor, winning hearts with his loyalty, bravery, and quiet strength. Even when his choices were shaky, fans never stopped rooting for him, and his popularity nearly earned him a spin-off. | © HBO

3. Tyrion Lannister by Peter Dinklage

Tyrion Lannister was the heart and brain of the show, a sharp-tongued outcast who rose above cruelty with wisdom and resilience. Peter Dinklage brought him to life with such charm and depth that Tyrion quickly became a fan favorite and the soul of Westeros. | © HBO

2. Cersei Lannister by Lena Headey

Cersei Lannister was the ultimate villain you couldn’t look away from - she was cold, cunning, and ruthless. Thanks to the fierce performance from Lena Headey, she became one of the most unforgettable and complex characters in the entire series. | © HBO

1. Daenerys Targaryen by Emilia Clarke

Daenerys Targaryen was the most powerful symbol of hope and fire in Game of Thrones, rising from exile to command armies and dragons. Her journey from underdog to ruler was unforgettable, and even her dark turn couldn’t erase how fiercely fans loved her. | © HBO