One of the unique elements that madeGame of Thronessuch a pop culture sensation, and cinematic masterpiece, was the presence of a lengthy list of characters who were all uniquely fleshed out, with their backstories and motivations that steered their actions throughout their appearances, making them just as significant as the main characters. By this,Game of Throneswas not just a series about noble families vying for power in a medieval setting; rather, a world of its own, with unique individuals we could see fragments of ourselves in.
With 52 main characters requiring screen time and attention in the writing room, these characters still managed to win the hearts of fans even though the show’s core plot did not revolve around them. While characters like Jon Snow, Daenerys, and Cersei’s fates lay in who sat on the iron throne, other characters couldn’t care less because they were more interested in being themselves, protecting their own, and thriving in contentment, Which made them all the more endearing.
Their unique character profiles, storylines, selflessness in the face of danger, and emotional depth reflected a glimpse of humanity in the barbaric civilization of Westeros. Some delivered memorable lines that brought insight and comic relief amidstGame of Thrones' tense plot, while the innocence of others simply made them deserve better. In case you have forgotten the names of these characters, here are 15 amazing characters worth remembering.
15Syrio Forel
Ayra’s first teacher and dance instructor,Syrio Forel, was a skilled Braavosi who won our hearts as the charming, gentle, yet bold swordsman. He was the first character that shaped Ayra into the formidable fighter she would later grow up to become. However, what he is most renowned for in the fandom is having one of thebest quotes in the series, which has seeped its way into mainstream media and meme culture: “There is only one thing we say to the god of death; Not Today!”.
Although his time was short as a result of bringing a stick to a sword fight still, his sacrifice for Ayra and courage against the sinister knight’s guards were not easily replicated by another swordsman rare in the following seasons.
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After the shocking execution of Ned Stark and the abduction of Sansa in season one, Ayra was left to fend for herself. If not forYoren, the blunt Nightswatch man who saved her and protected her identity at the Statue of Baelor, Ayra might have shared Sansa’s fate in King’s Landing. Yoren took Ayra from the Lannisters, away from the threat to her life.
As if rescuing Ayra twice was not enough, first from King’s Landing, the second from the Lannister knights, Yoren never abused her. He told her some brutal truths she needed to hear and even gave his life trying to protect her. While men like Jaqen H’ghar and Sandor Clegane taught Arya more about life, it would have happened without Yoren taking her under his wings in the first place. In doing this, Yoren displayed his loyalty to the North when the Starks had little to no allies.
13Talisa Maegyr
Before she met a tragic end along with her husband Robb Stark and Catelyn Stark at the Red Wedding,Talisa Maegyrwas a gifted healer from Volantis who served Robb’s army at The Riverlands. Aside from Talisa’s intelligence and compassion that radiated in every scene, her character offered a novel perspective on the consequences and horrors of war, contrasting with the political intrigue and power struggles of the noble houses of Westeros. Through her tending to injured soldiers and bannermen, we saw the vanity of arrogance and pursuing lost causes.
12Tormund Giantsbane
A giant crush on Lady Brienne of Tarth, droll humor, inexplicable obsession with milk, and big red beard are a few attributes that defineTormund. Still, his fierce fighting skills, partnership with Jon Snow, and the consistent delight he brought each time he appeared on screen was a breath of fresh air. Hopefully, Kristofer Hivju will reprise his role inthe Jon Snow spin-offif it still receives the green light from HBO.
11Podrick Payne
Tyrion’s dedicated squire. In medieval times, it’s rare to see a squire ascend from the lower ranks of Westeros to high society, yet it is a featPodrickthe squire attained. Due to his likable personality and loyalty to his master Tyrion Lannister, his banter with Brienne of Tarth, and Ser Bronn of the Blackwater, Podrick Payne became one ofGame of Thrones’most likable characters.
In the dog-eat-dog world of Westerosi politics, characters like Podrick were the rare semblance of decency and humanity sparse in Westeros. He had several memorable scenes, but the one that stands out most in our minds is that scene when the sex workers refused his pay because he intensely satisfied them.
From being a big scarred bully to being one of the most decent chefs we all could learn a thing or two from,Hot Piehad one of the best and unnoticed character arcs inGame of Thrones. In season 4, Episode 7, Hot Pie gave us his special recipe for his signature pie. Born and bred in Flee Bottom, Hot Pie found his way to Cross Roads Inn. Hot Pie’s arc taught us the need to make the best of whatever situations we found ourselves in and stick to our passions regardless of anything or anyone.
9Meera Reed
Meerabidding farewell to Bran is definitely one of the most disheartening scenes in the entire series. She pulled, carried, and protected Bran all the way to the Wall, and all she got was an emotionless “Thank You” from the kid her brother lost his life for. Despite her selfless nature and devotion to Bran, her arc ended in a somber trail, never to be revisited again. On the list ofcharacters who deserved better endings, Meera Reed would arguably take the cake.
8Lyanna Mormont
Before Bella Ramsey took the world by storm with her role inThe Last of Us, she had already demonstrated her audacity towards the undead in Westeros. Young and fierce,Lyanna Mormont’s heart was just as loud as her courage. Even though she was no match for a giant nightwalker when she charged at one with dragon glass, the will she had to join the men on the battlefield, coupled with her support for Robb Stark during the War of the five kings and Jon Snow during the battle of the bastards, made her an inspiring lady worth lauding. Lyanna Mormont from The Island of the Bear is one of Westeros' best-written female characters, especially considering her young age.
Related:Game of Thrones: Every Character on Arya’s Kill List and Their Deaths, Explained
Well known for her iconic line, “You know nothing, Jon Snow,“Ygrittewas a wildling woman who captured the hearts of Jon Snow and the entireGame of Thronesfandom on and off-screen. With her comic nature, sarcastic replies, and impeccable marksman skills, Ygritte lit the mood whenever she stepped on screen. Tragically she belonged to the unit of wildlings who could not see the true enemy was not the men of the Night’s Watch. Although Ygritte was more of a plot device for Jon Snow as he was on a journey of self-discovery, she remains one of the best side characters we were introduced to in Season 2.
6Maester Luwin
Maester Luwinloyally served House Stark in Winterfell before being compelled to flee after Theon Greyjoy took over Winterfell. He was like a godfather to Bran and Rickon after the death of Ned and Catelyn and the separation of thefive Stark children, all of whom he helped deliver. As a proficient master of science and medicine, Lewin would have been of great help to Winterfell as it became independent of the seven kingdoms. But he was among the characters who didn’t survive the first season.
