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Before we get into the nitty-gritty, a few house rules. There will be spoilers! Not for Season 7 of course, there is no crystal ball being used here to look into the very near future. But now that it’s established that those not caught up with Season 6 of Game of Thrones may read some things here that they didn’t know, let’s get to it. A lot of good characters to go over.
Hey, look! Another dead dude! Well, it’s Game of Thrones. Who isn’t dead or dying? But in all seriousness, Ramsay needs to be on every Best Of list constructed for Game of Thrones characters. This is a character who showed us what true evil looked like. From his unrelenting torture of Theon, then his marriage of sorts to Sansa Stark, if he wouldn’t have been killed, this is a man that maybe could have made Cersei Lannister fear for her life. On a show that really does not attempt to be PC or hide any gore or uncomfortable situations, Ramsay was the perfect storm of driven, genius, and diabolical psychopath. Thank the Gods this guy is gone. Literally all of them.
Now Bronn may not be the most influential character in this list, especially in comparison to those still to come. But come on. He definitely lightens the mood between fight scenes and beloved characters dying. And in a series as deadly as Game of Thrones, it’s the little things that help get you through. But it’s not all fun and games. Bronn was buddies in the past with Tyrion Lannister, but is currently by Jaime’s side, both in the Battle or Blackwater Bay, and at the Great Sept of Baelor. So when the time does come for Lannisters to fight Lannisters, Tyrion on the side of The Dragon Queen, and Jaime, so far, on the side of Cersei, who knows if it will be money or past friendship that wins Bronn’s alliance.
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#25 - Melisandre
You may be thinking that on a list of 25, Melisandre would be higher up on the list. But the witch has some making up to do. For a long time, she praised Stannis as being a Messiah, the one who should be given the Iron Throne, but obviously, she was wrong and in the process had quite a lot of people do some pretty horrible things to support the late Baratheon. Sure sure, she brought Jon Snow back to life and will surely be playing a part in this upcoming season, but after falling short of expectations in the past, it's time to let some other interesting characters shine.
#24 - Hodor
Hodor, in past seasons, may not have made a list of Top 25. Although it would be hard to hate the lovable giant and one of the last protectors of Bran Stark, not much was known about Hodor. But in Season 6, that changed forever. From fans repeating the phrase he died yelling, to even having the actor reprise his role in a new KFC commercial, it's clear Hodor is forever in our hearts. Even though he is no longer with us, Hodor will live on in as a hero who died doing what he felt was right and holding the door to buy one of the last Starks time to flee and fulfill a greater destiny.
#23 - Olenna Tyrell
Okay, just admit it. You wish your grandmother was as cool and capable of cutting people down as Olenna. This sharp-witted and cunning character shows what it takes to be a woman on top of a male-dominated world. It's rare to see an older woman depicted as a fierce leader, firing shots at everyone around her, so mad respect to Lady Olenna. But despite her being a crowd and personal favorite, it goes far beyond that. With her grandchildren gone, murdered by Cersei Lannister, you can place your bets on some wild or ingenious scheme being plotted to bring the new Queen down. Olenna may not ascend the Throne, or even want it, but it will be interesting to see what part she plays in the upcoming fight for Westeros.
#22 - Davos Seaworth
Davos Seaworth is maybe one of the kindest and wisest soldiers standing at arms on Jon Snow's side. And after the little Baratheon girl he cared so much about was burned alive, watching a long time friend and ruler, Stannis Baratheon, lose his way seeking the Iron Throne, and countless people led astray by Melisandre's beauty and power, he may be just the right person to lead Jon and Sansa into King's Landing and any battle that may take place before their boots touch the capital. Season 7 will be a wild ride, so it will be nice to have Davos guide us all through it.
#21 - Tywin Lannister
Yes, Tywin Lannister is dead. Yes, he still holds a powerful position in the franchise. Tywin is not only the father to some of the amazing characters still to come in this list, he gives us an insight into how the Lannister family functions and why his children are the way they are. His horrible relationship with Tyrion helps us understand Cersei's actions from last season, how she was able to allow certain events to unfold the way they did, causing her son Tommen to walk away from his responsibilities and crashing into the pavement of King's Landing below. At the same time, his cool intellect also explains why Tyrion has such a way with people and a strong mind for politics. So although Tywin may be gone, his influence is still with us to the end.
#20 - Jorah Mormont
Poor Jorah is a man who picked a side in this war before he even knew the game. You may side with Daenerys and see his betrayal as unforgivable. You may be in love with the fact that Jorah is in love with the Mother of Dragons. And even if you are neither, you have to admire his relatability and undying loyalty to the Khaleesi. You also have to admit that he will be playing a rather big role in this upcoming season now that he is back in the fray and fighting for his Queen's honor. Let's just hope that horrid skin thing clears up for him, right?
#19 - Ramsay Snow
Hey, look! Another dead dude! Well, it's Game of Thrones. Who isn't dead or dying? But in all seriousness, Ramsay needs to be on every Best Of list constructed for Game of Thrones characters. This is a character who showed us what true evil looked like. From his unrelenting torture of Theon, then his marriage of sorts to Sansa Stark, if he wouldn't have been killed, this is a man that maybe could have made Cersei Lannister fear for her life. On a show that really does not attempt to be PC or hide any gore or uncomfortable situations, Ramsay was the perfect storm of driven, genius, and diabolical psychopath. Thank the Gods this guy is gone. Literally all of them.
#18 - Sandor “The Hound” Clegane
Sandor "The Hound" has been an interesting character to follow. In early seasons it was difficult to know how to feel about this brutal, deadly man. He had a kind of sad backstory, but even knowing that, the thought of him finding and killing Arya may have pushed some fans away. Then we got to see a softer side of him when he began to look after the young Stark girl, keeping her safe from the Lannisters that wanted Arya dead. Then he went flat out missing for a while! But now, the Hound is back and will surely have a key role in the battles to come. Will he return, like a pup, to Cersei? Most likely not. But will he really want to side with the Starks? Only time will tell.
#17 - Samwell Tarly
If you don't love Sam, you don't have a soul. From the moment we met Samwell Tarly, we couldn't help but feel kind of bad for the guy. Sent to The Wall as one of the Night's Watch, everyone figured Sam would be dead in no time. The cold, the work, and just the lack of friends he was able to make that would help him get through it all could have spelled a quick end for the sweetheart. But, of course, he made friends with one of the best bros to be in a bromance with, Jon Snow. Since his early days on the show, Sam has thus gone on to save Gilly and baby Sam, discover dragon glass, AND has seen the White Walkers up close and in person. Now Sam is studying in The Citadel and will most likely have some sway or influence in the events to come in Season 7.
#16 - Bronn
Now Bronn may not be the most influential character in this list, especially in comparison to those still to come. But come on. He definitely lightens the mood between fight scenes and beloved characters dying. And in a series as deadly as Game of Thrones, it's the little things that help get you through. But it's not all fun and games. Bronn was buddies in the past with Tyrion Lannister, but is currently by Jaime's side, both in the Battle or Blackwater Bay, and at the Great Sept of Baelor. So when the time does come for Lannisters to fight Lannisters, Tyrion on the side of The Dragon Queen, and Jaime, so far, on the side of Cersei, who knows if it will be money or past friendship that wins Bronn's alliance.
#15 - Varys
Varys is another person who could tip the scales in favor of the next ruler of Westeros. Although with political savvy and knowledge of the game to match Tyrion and Petyr Baelish, it's been very hard to read Varys at times. Which side is he on? What is he doing with all of these secrets he keeps? But now that we are entering Season 7, it would seem that he is much more interested in Daenerys and what she may bring with her to the Iron Throne. Not to mention we've seen Varys and Tyrion bond far more than Cersei ever tried to bond with anyone other than her brother *cough cough.* But there is no doubt that Varys will continue to play the games until the bitter end.
#14 - Margaery Tyrell
Margaery, as anyone caught up with Season 6 will know, has left us forever. But she left us with something else before her untimely demise: hope. Hope that someone can stop Cersei Lannister. Margaery was closer than any other person had come to ripping power away from Cersei. But the new Queen gained the upper hand by getting her and her brother taken in as religious prisoners by The High Sparrow. Margaery did what she had to in order to be released from capture, but it was written all over her face that she knew this is was just another part of Cersei's plan, leading to the death of not only Margaery but also the former King Tommen. But now her influence still may be with us as Lady Olenna sets up to fight the new Queen.
#13 - Ygritte
No, this is not the last dead person I'm going to be talking about, but Ygritte, like the others, has an influence that still has an impact for Game of Thrones. Not only was she Jon Snow's main love interest, Ygritte was one of the reasons Snow was able to win over the Wildlings. She guided him through the Wildling territory beyond The Wall, pleaded a case for him, and was quick to tell anyone around them that he was no longer one of the "Crows" who was eager to see all the Wildlings killed. And she did all of this knowing it wasn't even true. But because of her loyalty and love for Jon, he was able to seek help from the Wildlings that followed him over The Wall, many of them taking up arms and forming an army to take the fight all the way to King's Landing. And none of that would have happened without Ygritte.
#12 - Bran Stark
One of the last surviving Stark kids is next up on the list. Bran has had an interesting path after Winterfell was destroyed. Being protected by Hodor and Osha, meeting Meera and Jojen Reed and really starting to understand his sight. Now Bran has gone on more vision quests than most drug users and understands something about Jon Snow's past that only his father knew. He knows that Jon may really be the rightful heir to the Iron Throne. So will we see Bran drag himself back to Winterfell and tell Jon? Will it be better if he keeps quiet and let the fates play out as they will? We'll all have to consult with the three-eyed raven for those details.
#11 - Joffrey Baratheon
No, Joffrey STILL isn't the last dead person on this list. For much the same reason as Ramsay, the late King is still on the current Top 25 list for just being a downright horrible human being, and for filling that role so well. A spoiled brat who was sick and twisted enough to use his free time to torture anyone he felt would have an amusing reaction, this little Ramsay junior would have been quite the ruthless dictator. If not for his quick end due to poison, which he so rightfully deserved. But if Joffrey hadn't passed away so soon, things may have been much different in King's Landing. Cersei would not be Queen, for starters. Tommen may still be alive, and maybe it would have made things even easier for the likes of Jon Snow or Daenerys to storm in and take the city. But we'll never know because this dude has been dead a long time now.
#10 - Sansa Stark
Sansa... should not be this close to Joffery on the list. It doesn't feel right, but the eldest surviving Stark is certainly next. Sansa has grown so much since the start of the show. And that's not in age, height, or anything else like that. This girl has gone from the carefree, naive child that wanted more than anything to make her home in King's Landing and far from the hard and bitter keep at Winterfell. But since then she has been married off three times, two of those men making it their favorite past time to beat and rape and abuse the girl in other ways. Can Season 7 finally give Sansa a break? And her standing next to Jon Snow, looking more like her mother than ever before, this may spell the end of the dark period of Sansa's life and be the start of a political and war career for the young woman. Here's hoping.
#9 - Petyr “Littlefinger” Baelish
Well...except Petyr Baelish still has plans for her.
Petyr, for the same reasons as Varys, finds himself on this list. He is sure to have a big part in the upcoming season of Game of Thrones. He has been plotting and scheming since day one. Plotting against Eddard, plotting against Sansa. But, unlike Varys, has his own betterment as his top priority and may use that to throw one hell of a wrench in Sansa and Jon's plans for King's Landing. Maybe Sansa is wise to his ways. Or maybe he will get away with murder. Literally or figuratively.
Petyr, for the same reasons as Varys, finds himself on this list. He is sure to have a big part in the upcoming season of Game of Thrones. He has been plotting and scheming since day one. Plotting against Eddard, plotting against Sansa. But, unlike Varys, has his own betterment as his top priority and may use that to throw one hell of a wrench in Sansa and Jon's plans for King's Landing. Maybe Sansa is wise to his ways. Or maybe he will get away with murder. Literally or figuratively.
#8 - Brienne of Tarth
Brienne of Tarth has sworn herself to a number of people in her journey. She's been on the side of the Starks, first Catelyn and now Sansa. And she's been on the side of Jaime Lannister. And Sansa and Jaime are sure to run into each other in the upcoming season. Brienne has been a woman of her word but has an obvious soft spot for the King Slayer who has seemed to soften as well. Will she abandon Sansa to aid Jaime in the end? Maybe Brienne will cause Jaime to leave his sister's side and fight for the Starks? Or of course, maybe none of these. But she will definitely be a big part of Season 7 regardless.
#7 - Jaime Lannister
Speaking of Jaime. The King Slayer is in the next slot on the list because he will absolutely be all up in Season 7. And after his weary look whilst Cersei is being crowned Queen of the Iron Throne, his part may be much more than playing into his sister's demands. After all, Jaime has betrayed his family before. When Tyrion was locked away, sentenced to death after Joffrey's slaying, he let his brother go. Now Jaime couldn't have known that Tyrion would then kill their father, but hey! At least he saved his brother right? So who will his loyalties lie with in the end? Cersei? Probably. But maybe it wouldn't be so surprising for him to find fault in his sister's twisted need for power and leave to aid a friend like Brienne or one of the last of his family, Tyrion.
#6 - Jon Snow
Next up is Jon Snow. Because it may be a bit early to start calling him Jon Targaryen. But we can call him King in the North. And that's fine with the people of the North who make up a portion of his growing army, as well as the Wildlings that have been following for much longer still. Does Jon have what it takes to be a King through? Although his heart is often in the perfect place, he certainly is not used to the games that get played in places like King's Landing. And although he has also seen his fair share of combat, the war he faces will be unlike anything he's done before. So in Season 7, I'm sure we will find out if he has what it takes to take it all.
#5 - Cersei Lannister
And this is who Jon Snow has to take it all from. The Queen. Cersei Lannister. This woman is savage, she is ruthless, and she is devious. Cersei has also been playing the Game of Thrones for a long time. She hasn't always been on the winning side, but she is certainly winning right now. And unlike the kindness of Jon Snow or the respect of Daenerys, Cersei has sacrificed family and played a part in slaying countless of her foes in the biggest firework show this side of Westeros. She now reigns over Westeros with an iron fist, and she will most likely have to die before giving it up.
#4 - Eddard Stark
This is the last dead person on the list and was one of the first that we watched die. Of course, it wasn't really a surprise that Eddard would die when Sean Bean was cast to play the leader of the Stark family, but man was it heartbreaking to see this kind and righteous man go. Initially, he was going to be toward the beginning of this list, but after Season 6, we should all understand why he's number 4. Eddard went to the grave with a secret that could shake the entire country to the ground. It was revealed through one of Bran's craziest trips that good guy Eddard Stark did not cheat on his wife with some no name woman, bringing home a bastard son, but instead saved the child of Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen. Mind. Blown. So Eddard may have died quite some time ago, but he sure had fans shook when his secret got out.
#3 - Daenerys Targaryen
Speaking of Targaryen, the Khaleesi, the Mother of Dragons, the Unburnt, the Breaker of Chains, yeah yeah, you get it. Daenerys is next on the list with all of her impressive titles in tow, along with an army, a bunch of boats, and some powerful dragons, all of which are on the way to take back her birthright, the Iron Throne. And that is the biggest question in the series. Will she be able to do it? Will she take back her land from Cersei? What will happen when she meets up with Jon Snow? If they do meet up that is, but come on, it's bound to happen. And if she finds out about Jon being related to her, would she really give up the throne to him? All of these questions need to be answered, which easily places Daenerys in the top 3.
#2 - Arya Stark
Arya may not play as big a role in the upcoming season, at least in the sense of going to war. But let's be real, she's been at war with the Lannisters longer than just about anyone. That, in a lot of ways, could make her a sort of wild card. Especially because Cersei is now Queen, and if you've been paying attention to Arya's kill list, she wants Cersei dead. Like yesterday. So could we see this girl go back to King's Landing, stealing the face of others to get closer to Cersei and try and take her out on her own? We've seen her do some crazy stuff not too unlike this before, including challenging her former mentor. Or will she meet up with Daenerys and help the Mother of Dragons storm the city? Perhaps she will make a fine soldier in Jon Snow's army. No matter what, her perspective on the upcoming battles will be interesting and we'll see truly how far her skills have come since first picking up Needle.
#1 - Tyrion Lannister
Number 1 is one of the audience's favorite characters. The charming, intelligent, and master game player. Tyrion Lannister. He will play a major part in this upcoming season. That's just a fact. He is leading one of the main contenders for the Throne to war with his sister Cersei, who currently holds all the keys to the castle. He's also had positive relations with Jon Snow in the past, which could smooth over any awkwardness if Jon and Daenerys do meet up before or even after taking on Cersei. He could potentially call upon Jaime's better nature so that both brothers are together in bringing their sister's reign to an end. He's served as Hand of the King, giving him even further insight into how to run King's Landing. This guy knows everything about King's Landing and quite a bit about the rest of the realm.
And beyond just him being a man in the middle of it all, Tyrion makes us laugh. He breaks up the tense moments with one-liners, outlandish statements, and honestly, lines that make us stop and think. We've been rooting for him, maybe even more so than choosing which house we want to win or who should take the Iron Throne. Tyrion (well, Peter Dinklage) makes the show, and thus, that is why Tyrion must be at the top of the list.
Of course, you may not agree with how these characters are placed. You may not even see a character you think deserves to be on this list. And that's okay. Share your opinions and make a case for your favorite characters.
And beyond just him being a man in the middle of it all, Tyrion makes us laugh. He breaks up the tense moments with one-liners, outlandish statements, and honestly, lines that make us stop and think. We've been rooting for him, maybe even more so than choosing which house we want to win or who should take the Iron Throne. Tyrion (well, Peter Dinklage) makes the show, and thus, that is why Tyrion must be at the top of the list.
Of course, you may not agree with how these characters are placed. You may not even see a character you think deserves to be on this list. And that's okay. Share your opinions and make a case for your favorite characters.
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Published: Jul 13, 2017 10:00 am