Summary
For a long stretch of time,Game of Thronescaptured the hearts and minds of not just fantasy lovers, but the entire world, delivering enthralling drama and edge of your seat action unlike anything ever seen on the small screen. In George R.R. Martin’s meticulous universe, noble houses squabble for power. At the same time, magical and supernatural elements such as the ice zombies, gods, and fire-breathing dragons play a key role in the epic proceedings. Besides the fantasy elements that preside over the world,Game of Throneshas become renownedfor its fully formed and thorough characters that go on long-winded journeys that see highs and lows emerge for several individuals.
In particular, many notorious characters have gone on redemption arcs that have salvaged their pride and morality, changing their ways to better themselves, withGame of Throneshaving a catalog of individuals that reform throughout the lands of Westeros.
6Sansa Stark
Spoiled Child Whose Torment And Horrific Journey Molds A Strong Leader
One of the prominent Stark children, Sansa Stark, has been a mainstay in the show, going from a wannabe princess to a dependable and intelligent leader. In her younger years, the spoiled daughter of Ned and Catelyn Stark became infatuated with the idea of being Joffrey Baratheon’s one and only, with her picture-perfect dream and distant relationship with siblings like Jon Snow making Sansa an annoyance. Due to the unfortunate murder of her father, overseen by Joffrey, Sansa endures years of torture in King’s Landing at the hands of Joffrey and Cersei Lannister, becoming a prisoner of war forced into marriage and other heinous plots. Sansa’s suffering only gets worse with Littlefinger selling Sansa to Ramsay Bolton, who inflicts traumatizing horrors that have scarred Sansa for life.
In all of Sansa’s suffering, her growth over the years and her education in politics and scheming from some of Westeros' most savvy political players sees Sansa move the needle once reunited with Jon. Thanks to her association with the Vale and her strong and hardened leadership in her brother’s absence, Sansagains the respect of The North, emerging as a queen wise beyond her years.
5Jorah Mormont
Former Enslaver And Spy Becomes Daenerys' Greatest Ally
One ofGOT’smost senior characters outside a significant house, Jorah Mormont, has been at Daenerys' side every step of the way despite his illegal and treacherous activities in the past. Fleeing Westeros for the sale of slaves, Jorah disgraced House Mormont, not before getting a reprieve as one of Lord Varys' spies on Viserys and Daenerys Targaryen, helping keep the spider and King Robert Baratheon informed of their movements. Only once he starts his informant role does Jorah stop, with his infatuation and following of Daenerys becoming his main priority, as he is enraptured by the growth and miracles performed by Khaleesi.
Despite Jorah being sent away from Daenerys and Meereen after his initial spying gets exposed, Jorah continues to show his value to the Queen of Dragons, helping save her from Vaes Dothrak alongside Daario Naharis. Although Greyscale gets in the way, Jorah returns to Daenerys' service in Westeros, helping in the fight against the undead, where, in his final moments,Jorah the Andal protects his belovedQueen from hordes of wights, righting the wrongs of his past until the very end.
4Melisandre
Red Priest Who Sacrificed Innocents Makes Up For It In The Battle Of Winterfell
The red woman, Melisandre, preaches the gospel of the Lord of Light in the lands of Westeros, primarily known for her influence on the sturdy war veteran Stannis Baratheon. Melisandre, formuch of her time onGOT, caused chaos and damage to several individuals, with her manipulation and shadow assassination of Renly Baratheon helping pave the way for Stannis to advance for the Iron Throne. At her and Stannis' lowest while in the North, Melisandre’s burning of Princess Shireen Baratheon was a sin Davos Seaworth could never forgive. However, the red priestess soon contributes to the greater good through her revival of a dead Jon Snow, bringing him back to life so that he can fulfill his role in the fight against the White Walkers.
While many look down on Melisandre and her ritualistic actions, such as Davos, Jon, and Varys, Melisandre emerges as the MVP of the Battle of Winterfell, repeatedly saving the day through her spawn of fire and directing Arya Stark on the path to success, helping humanity survive in her final moments.
3Jaime Lannister
Committed Lannister Who Attempts To Right His Wrongs After Undergoing A Traumatic Experience
UponGOT’spilot, the famed Kingslayer Jaime Lannister established himself as a vile villain early on, as his romantic mishaps with his sister, Cersei Lannister, and his involvement in disabling Bran Stark to conceal their secret set the course for the future wars to come. The smug legendary swordsman, known for killing King Robert’s predecessor, King Aerys Targaryen, carried a heavy burden that weighed on his shoulders for many years.
When Jaime became acquainted with Brienne of Tarth, Catelyn Stark’s sword shield, Jaime endured a disastrous and traumatizing experience as a hostage that involved the loss of his hand. Ever since his involvement with Brienne, Jaime started an upward trend in behavior that made him slowly drift away fromCersei and her spiteful political plots. When it came time for the White Walkers and their army to descend on Winterfell, Jaime commits to helping the cause, trying to rectify his past mistakes towards House Stark, showing remorse for his actions against Bran.
2The Hound
Former Royal Lapdog That Finds A New Meaning In Life
Sandor Clegane, otherwise known as The Hound, has become a fan favorite throughoutGOT, thanks to his brash but hilarious attitude and entertaining dynamics with unlikely characters. Before The Hound became the apple of everyone’s eye, the character acted as King Robert’s lapdog, doing his dishonorable bidding that saw Clegane slaughter an innocent butcher’s son after Joffrey gets attacked by Arya’s direwolf. While in King’s Landing, Clegane does as Joffrey pleases, performing many more horrific deeds as the king’s pet. After the Battle of Blackwater, which sees The Hound flee, the brute embarks on a journey across Westeros that reunites him with Arya, with the pair finding comfort in one another despite their differing personalities.
In his defeat to Brienne of Tarth, The Hound bounces back from the brink of death, assisting a quaint group of villagers who aimed to restart their lives, with the experience changing The Hound’s perspective on life. Later, when he joins up with the Brotherhood Without Banners, Clegane’s comical and vulgar personality flourishes with the group, aiding them in the fight against the undead in an attempt to redeem his past mistakes. Along with his heroic contributions to the Battle of Winterfell, Clegane goes out in a blaze of glory, finallygetting revenge on his evil elder brother, The Mountain, cementing The Hound as one of Westeros' most celebrated individuals.
1Theon Greyjoy
High And Mighty Heir Who Endures Pain And Suffering That Dramatically Alters His Life
Theon Greyjoy has endured the most traumatic and challenging journey of potentially any character in theGOTuniverse, with Theon encapsulating the zero-to-hero ideology. From day 1, Theon’s arrogant and self-righteous attitude saw the Ironborn pup betray his found family in the Starks in an attempt to prove his worth to the Greyjoys, with Theon’s devastating actions at Winterfell causing Sir Rodrik Cassel to perish. At the same time, the deaths of two farm boys presented as Bran and Rickon Stark fall at his hands.
For his misgivings, Ramsay Bolton tortures Theon to a point that breaks the Greyjoy heir, barely recognizable when Sansa Stark reunites with her adoptive brother. With Sansa’s life at stake, the newly nicknamed Reek saves Sansa from the clutches of her husband and devotes himself to rewriting the wrongs of his past, as the eunuch aids in Yara Greyjoy’s battle against their crazed uncle Euron Greyjoy. In the fight to save the citizens of Westeros, Theon later joins Sansa, Jon, and Bran in the battle against the White Walkers,fighting till his last breathto rectify his past grievances.
