The Most Loved Characters In Game of Thrones, Ranked

Though the final season of Game of Thrones in 2019 felt rushed and disappointed some viewers, the actors who brought the show to life are still incredibly popular. The most memorable characters have become iconic in pop culture, and we can expect to see at least one spin-off series exploring the world of GoT soon.

Everyone enjoys fictional characters for different reasons. Some prefer characters who are kind and friendly, while others connect with those who are loyal or brave. While taste is subjective, certain characters in Game of Thrones consistently proved more popular than others. As House of the Dragon prepares for its third season, many fans are feeling nostalgic for the best seasons of the original series and the characters they loved.

Sean Bean’s Ned Stark Was Honorable But Naive

From the beginning of Game of Thrones, it was obvious that any character could die. Eddard “Ned” Stark led the Northern family and was very close to his wife and children.

Ned Stark instilled strong moral values in his children, preparing them to lead with integrity, and this gained House Stark a lot of support. However, like the rest of his family, Ned faced a series of unfortunate events. His investigation into the parentage of King Robert Baratheon’s children and the rightful heir to the throne soon created problems.

Viewers were shocked and heartbroken when a beloved character was unexpectedly killed by King Joffrey, which then led to a brutal war. The continued fondness for Ned Stark, and his family’s strong loyalty to him, demonstrates how deeply he resonated with audiences despite only being featured in the first season.

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau’s Jaime Lannister Almost Had a Terrific Redemption Arc

Jaime Lannister acted recklessly and selfishly, famously pushing a child from a window to protect a damaging secret. While he occasionally tried to do the right thing, his actions usually created more trouble than they fixed.

Meeting Brienne had a profound effect on Jaime, changing how he saw the world and what mattered to him. His decision to leave Cersei and fight alongside others against the coming winter offered him a chance to make amends, though he ultimately went back to her. Many viewers particularly loved the moment when he knighted Brienne before their last fights.

Jaime had the potential to be a truly great character throughout the series. However, his attempted transformation towards goodness didn’t quite work out in the final season, which ultimately diminished the connection fans had with him.

Gwendoline Christie’s Brienne of Tarth Was Loyal, Brave, and True

Brienne of Tarth faced a lot of negativity from others. Some people criticized her for not acting traditionally feminine, while others suggested she was too much of a woman for what was expected of her.

Brienne didn’t waste time arguing with sexism; instead, she took control of her own destiny and forged her own path to success. Often considered one of the most honorable characters in Game of Thrones, Brienne is admired for both her strength and her integrity. What makes her truly compelling, though, is how realistic and relatable she is – her challenges feel genuine and believable.

I was so thrilled when Brienne and Jaime finally got together in Season 8, but honestly, my heart broke when they had to split up for good. What I really loved about Brienne was how incredibly loyal she was – she really earned a permanent place in my heart as a fan!

Lena Headey’s Cersei Lannister Was a Relatable Villain

Cersei repeatedly went too far, making it difficult to remember all her offenses. Despite this, she remains one of the most formidable characters.

Cersei Lannister was a cunning and unpredictable leader, constantly plotting against her enemies. Many viewers found satisfaction in seeing her finally face consequences, though she also made remarkably poor decisions throughout her reign.

For example, Cersei doesn’t foresee how Tommen will react to Margaery’s death, which implies either her plans aren’t perfect or she’s indifferent to the consequences. Cersei is a complex character, and that’s part of why audiences connect with her.

Kit Harington’s Jon Snow Was the Only Real Hero in Westeros

Many fantasy stories feature a character with unwavering morals, no matter what challenges they face. Jon Snow embodies this archetype – he’s like a traditional paladin from Dungeons & Dragons, known for strong principles and a preference for peace, but he doesn’t have magical abilities.

Jon Snow’s journey was an incredible rise from humble beginnings, which led many viewers to believe he deserved to rule Westeros. His unwavering honesty, while admirable, initially led to his death, but he was thankfully brought back to life. Jon is incredibly popular, with a devoted fanbase comparable to those of characters like Daenerys and Arya.

Being the sole individual present also emphasizes why he’s considered a compelling character in Game of Thrones. However, despite his popularity, Jon made some poor choices towards the end of the show, which diminished his standing.

Emilia Clarke’s Daenerys Targaryen Was Born To Be Queen

Before her actions became increasingly questionable, Daenerys was a popular character among many fans of Game of Thrones. Her early campaigns to liberate people, and the fact that she had the last three dragons in the world, made her a compelling and well-liked figure in the show.

Daenerys commanded a formidable army, achieving victory through both skillful strategy and intimidation. This power earned her the respect and admiration of those around her.

Sadly, Daenerys’s story ended tragically when Jon Snow killed her to prevent more violence. Even though she became a villain, it’s understandable why she inspired so many parents to name their daughters after her, using names like Daenerys or Khaleesi.

Peter Dinklage’s Tyrion Lannister Was the Greatest Mind in Westeros

While Lady Olenna is a master of quick, witty remarks, Tyrion is a more skilled diplomat. This broader range of abilities is what truly won him so many admirers.

Tyrion is consistently a fan favorite in Game of Thrones, largely because of the hardships he faces and how he responds to them. Despite a difficult life, his wit and resilience make him a very likable character. He consistently overcomes obstacles, even when facing seemingly unbeatable opponents.

Tyrion’s scenes are consistently the most enjoyable to watch, often more memorable than those featuring even the show’s most popular characters. He delivers so many clever and memorable lines that fans still quote them today, years after the series ended.

Maisie Williams’ Arya Stark Saved Westeros in the End

Arya Stark is incredibly popular, likely with a fanbase as vast as the population of Westeros. Her journey from a tough, underdog character to a deadly assassin is compelling to watch. She’s a force of nature, overcoming every obstacle with incredible power and determination, and viewers were captivated as she systematically crossed names off her list.

Arya Stark is considered one of the greatest characters in Game of Thrones because she defeated the Night King, effectively saving Westeros – and potentially the world. Her character arc was also incredibly compelling, and many fans would welcome a spin-off series to explore what she does next, even more so than following the stories of Jon Snow or Daenerys Targaryen.

Considering all the hardships Arya faced, and how she not only survived but also finally became the person she’d been striving to be since the beginning of the show, it’s clear why Arya Stark is the most popular character in Game of Thrones.

2026-04-13 02:38