Summary
As one of the greatest book adaptations ever,Game Of Thronesranks among the finest medieval-fantasy series and stands as one of HBO’s biggest hits. Although the early seasons stayed close to the novels, the producers addedcharacters who do not appearin theGame Of Thronesbooks to advance the plot and its roster.
By bringing in these figures, the creators carried the grandeur of George R. R. Martin’s work to television with care, even while expanding the universe in new directions. These newcomers became iconic and directly affected the narrative, yielding twists that viewers and readers could not foresee thanks to their creativity and importance.
9Karsi
Her Brief Appearance Is One Of The Most Striking Moments In The Fifth Season
Created solely for the HBO series, Karsi embodies the dangers posed by the Long Night. She stands for her tribewhen Lord Commander Jon Snowand Tormund offer aid to the Free Folks against the White Walkers, yet in that same fifth season she falls on screen in one of its most unforgettable scenes for viewers.
Karsi not only humanizes the Free Folks but also highlights the peril of the Long Night, as her final appearance shows her turned into a White Walker after her death. Even in that state she cannot harm children, revealing a kind heart and clear concern for elders and youngsters alike, traits that deepen audience empathy for her.
8Olly
One Of The Catalysts For The Growth Of A Series Protagonist
By betraying Jon Snow, Olly stands as one of the best original characters inGame Of Thrones. After raiders from the Free Folks destroy his village, he finds refuge with the Night’s Watch, grows into Jon’s trusted aide, and ultimately personifies the unrest born from the commander’s pact with those same Free Folks, unrest that erupts in a mutiny and, for a time, ends Jon’s life.
In one ofGame Of Thrones’most memorable moments, Olly thrusts the fatal blade into Jon justbefore Melisandre revivesthe Lord Commander. While the series never fully explores the motives of every guardsman who joins the coup, Olly channels their anger and sense of betrayal; his subsequent execution at Jon’s order both avenges the act and sharpens the commander’s resolve as a sterner leader.
7Lady Crane
An Actress, She Is One Of The Most Talented Characters Not In The Game Of Thrones Books
During one ofGame Of Thrones’sixth-season highlights, Lady Crane emerges as a pivot for Arya Stark’s growth. Presentedas an itinerant actress who depictsCersei Lannister in a Braavosi troupe, she is marked for death by Arya yet eventually wins clemency when the novice assassin bonds with her over the dramatic craft of performance.
Later, Lady Crane shelters Arya after she is wounded, though the actress soon falls victim to the Waif. Their brief relationship rekindles Arya’s thirst for vengeance, and Crane’s nuanced portrayal of Cersei allows audiences to grasp fresh facets of the queen’s complex villainy, effects that cement the actress’s impact on Arya’s narrative even in death.
6Brother Ray
In Game Of Thrones, This Series-Original Character Serves As A Catalyst For Redemption
Absent from the novels, Brother Ray ranks among HBO’s originalGame Of Thronescharacters. A veteran of the War of the Ninepenny Kings, he abandons bloodshed to follow the Faith of the Seven and, by giving Sandor Clegane a chance at honest, peaceful labor, becomes a living emblem of redemption in the harsh, relentless brutality of Westeros.
Regretting his violent past as a soldier, he trusts that a future of kindness is possible and that one’s sins can be forgiven, a moral stance at odds with the cruelty that dominates Westeros. His brutal death propels the Hound back into bloodshed, yet the warrior reveals he absorbed Ray’s lesson by later calling the fallen healer a friend.
5Myranda
Capable Of Cruel Acts, She Is One Of The Most Notable Original Characters Of Game Of Thrones
Being one of Ramsay Bolton’s closest allies, Myranda is a character created for theGame Of Thronesseries. Through her abusive and vicious relationship with Ramsay, she is not merely a victim of manipulation but takes an active role in his wicked deeds. Myranda’s unstable behavior grows even clearer when Sansa Stark returns to Winterfell.
Under the shadow of the Boltons, others fear Myranda, who proves as merciless as her partner, as shown by her treatment of Theon Greyjoy after he becomes Reek. Yet her death exposes that Ramsay viewed her as disposable as anyone else. Thus, she was crafted to advance other characters, including Ramsay himself, Sansa, and Theon.
4Karl Tanner
He Is One Of The Most Sadistic Characters Who Are Not In The Game Of Thrones Books
By betraying the Night’s Watch, Karl Tanner becomes one of the most violent figures inGame Of Thrones. He kills two key characters, Craster and Mormont, during a mutiny at Craster’s Keep, and his threat serves as thespark that pushes Jon to take chargeand later become Lord Commander. His extreme cruelty makes him one of the show’s most despised figures.
Before that, Karl had been a throat-cutter in Flea Bottom before joining the Night’s Watch. Even as a brother of the order, he strayed from its values, and this drift intensified after he deserted, letting his true nature bloom. Though he headlines several shocking scenes, it is the fallout from his acts that steers the plot down compelling paths.
3Locke
Through His Violent Deeds, He Ranks Among The Greatest Villains In Game Of Thrones
As one of the Boltons’ strongest allies, he is a series character absent from theGame Of Thronesnovels. Unlike most men in Westeros, who chase gold and glory, Locke delights in the pain of those he dislikes. His cruelty is clear when he forces Brienne to fight a bear without the armor or weapons she needs.
The character also severs Jaime Lannister’s right hand, robbing him of his sword skill and ending his identity as the realm’s finest duelist. Locke is therefore essential to the show’s narrative because his actions link Jaime and Brienne andsignificantly weaken the Kingslayer, ultimately leading to his own violent demise at Hodor’s hands while Bran Stark controls the gentle giant.
2Ros
One Of The Most Important Game Of Thrones Characters Because She Touches Many Storylines
Playing a key role in the early seasons, Ros is a majorGame Of Thronesfigure absent from the books. She represents the marginalized class in Westeros, starting the series with little influence while working for Petyr Baelish in King’s Landing, yet gaining power through her wit and by leveraging ties with those in authority.
Through her talks with Littlefinger, she delivers exposition to the audience, discussing his schemes to seize more power in Westeros. She also interacts with other characters like Tyrion and Theon. Exploited and manipulated, she suffers one of the most brutal deaths inGame Of Throneswhen Joffrey Baratheon, one of the show’s prime villains, executes her.
1Talisa Maegyr
The Most Relevant Game Of Thrones Character Who Is Not In The Novels
Introduced as Robb Stark’s love interest, Talisa Maegyr meets one of the show’s most tragic ends. Replacing Jeyne Westerling’s role, she was invented to streamline the plot and evoke deeper empathy from viewers through an intense romance. Though her time on screen is brief, the impact of her death ripples far and wide through the story.
A battlefield healer, she draws Robb’s attention with her skill and willingness to speak her mind, even when criticizing him. Their relationship unfolds, revealing a more intimate and vulnerable side to both characters. Guided by love, their marriage violates their pact with the Frey family and leads to the tragedy that strikes House Stark in one ofGame Of Thrones’most memorable scenes.
