Many characters played the game of thrones in HBO’s popular fantasy drama series, and some were powerful figures in their own right. Game of Thrones featured ice zombies, fire-breathing dragons, and mysterious religious entities that influenced humanity’s wars and nearly decimated the world.
Game of Thrones featured many fantastical elements that combined myth and magic. The White Walker invasion symbolized the devastating power that some of the characters wielded, as did the fiery dragons of Queen Daenerys and House Targaryen. With many players in the game of thrones viable candidates, here are a few of the most powerful characters in Game of Thrones.
Updated on November 19th, 2022, by David Caballero:The recent ending of House of the Dragon might inspire viewers to rewatch Game of Thrones. The show remains as compelling as it was when it premiered in 2011, despite its infamous ending, thanks to its impressive cast of characters. The debate continues about who was the most powerful player in the game, with many viable candidates vying for the top spot. And while there isn’t a definitive right answer, fans can always play the guessing game about who is the most powerful figure in the World of Ice and Fire.
25 Thoros Of Myr
Thoros of Myr was originally sent to Westeros by the Red Priests to convert King Robert Baratheon to their religion. Thoros lost his faith, however, until the Lord of Light gave him the power to bring his friend Beric Dondarrion back from the dead — six times.
Thoros’ ability to bring people back to life appears limited to just Beric, indicating that the Lord of Light had bigger plans for the fallen knight. Thoros died in season 7 after being attacked by a wight polar bear beyond the Wall.
24 Sandor Clegane
The memorable Sandor Clegane, best known as The Hound, is a strong fighter who was burnt and scarred by his older brother Gregor as a child. The Hound was the bodyguard for Joffrey Baratheon, though he became a hunted man after he abandoned his post due to his fear of fire.
The Hound was one of the most intimidating characters in the early seasons of the HBO adaptation, and while he sought a peaceful new path, he ultimately returned to fight in the final battle against his older, more powerful brother.
23 Brienne Of Tarth
Brienne of Tarth was a character that was introduced after season 1 of Game of Thrones. She earned her place on King Renly’s Kingsguard after she won a tournament, though her status was called into question after she was blamed for Renly’s murder.
Brienne would eventually impress Jaime Lannister with her fighting prowess and loyalty, which led to her knighting by Jaime to become the first female knight in the Seven Kingdoms. Brienne continued to prove her strength in battle with other intimidating warriors like the Hound and even Arya Stark, earning her eventual title as Lord Commander of the Kingsguard.
22 Gregor “The Mountain” Clegane
Ser Gregor Clegane was already an impressive warrior known as “The Mountain Who Rides” due to his size, though he was given an unnatural power boost after he nearly died from poisoning in battle with Oberyn Martell. He was saved and transformed into an undead monster before being appointed Queen Cersei’s guard.
While the Hound ultimately took the Mountain out in season 8’s highly-anticipated Cleganebowl, it was only through a last-ditch effort that took both of their lives. The undead power of the Mountain was next to impossible to outmatch.
21 Arya Stark
From the beginning, Arya Stark is one of Game of Thrones‘ most impressive characters. She trains with the Faceless Men at the House of Black and White before returning to Westeros. While training with Jaqen and the Waif, Arya learns exceptional combat skills as well as how to change her face and take on another person’s identity.
This training comes in useful later in the series, as Arya is the one to defeat the Night King during season 8’s “The Long Night.” The young Stark also uses her abilities to avenge her mother, Catelyn, and brother Robb’s deaths by killing Walder Frey and his sons.
20 Jaqen H’ghar
A member of the Faceless Men, Jaqen first encounters Arya Stark in season 3. After Arya saves his life, Jaqen kills three people for her and helps her escape Harrenhal with Gendry and Hot Pie, giving her a Braavosi coin and changing his face before disappearing.
Jaqen’s ability to change his appearance and become somebody else is a powerful asset that makes him and the rest of the Faceless Men formidable enemies. Moreover, Jaqen held considerable influence over the people of Braavos as a House of Black and White representative; his power went beyond simple magical abilities.
19 Euron Greyjoy
Euron Greyjoy was a late addition villain to the show and one who was more of an annoyance than a threat. Though he saw himself as a would-be king, he was little more than a thuggish henchman for Cersei. Still, he managed to do considerable damage in that role.
Euron leveraged House Greyjoy’s mastery of sea power to raise the largest fleet in all of Westeros, which made him a valuable ally to Cersei. He then easily decimated most of Daenerys’ ships while defeating the remaining Greyjoys and the Sand Snakes in one brutal move.
18 High Sparrow
At first glance, the High Sparrow does not seem like much of a power figure in the story. He is a religious leader who lives a modest and grounded life. However, he inspired so many followers that he nearly overthrew the Lannister family.
While Cersei attempted to use the High Sparrow’s influence to get rid of the Tyrells, he proved incorruptible and used his new power to have her imprisoned. He proceeded to manipulate Tommen to gain control over the throne. Had he not underestimated Cersei’s cunning, he could have ruled Westeros.
17 Robb Stark
Robb Stark is thrust into a position of great power after Ned Stark is executed. However, despite his young age, Robb proves himself to be a skilled military commander and inspiring leader, even being named the new King in the North.
Despite going up against more experienced enemies like Tywin Lannister, Robb wins every battle he commands. He outsmarts his enemies and is a skilled fighter himself. However, like his father, Robb is not a skilled politician, and he meets a grisly end after his bad decisions lead him right into a trap at the Red Wedding.
16 Melisandre
Melisandre was the most powerful Red Priestess fans saw in Game of Thrones, despite her unreliable prophecies. Melisandre originally follows Stannis Baratheon, believing him to be Azor Ahai, and even convinces him to burn his daughter Shireen alive before changing her allegiance to Jon Snow.
Melisandre brought Jon Snow back to life in season 6 after the Night’s Watch members killed him. She assisted during “The Long Night” by lighting the trench and Dothraki arakhs on fire before urging Arya to kill the Night King.
15 Ned Stark
Poor honorable Ned Stark. The Lord of Winterfell was a respected figure in the North; most of his bannermen loved him, and those who weren’t devoted to him at least respected and obeyed him. Ned was one of Westeros’ most prominent figures, even if he never used his power; indeed, he was content to stay in the North.
Ned’s position was significant, but his seclusion in the North made him utterly unprepared for King’s Landing and the game of thrones. Ned made a string of awful decisions in Game of Thrones, and his power and influence couldn’t save him when Joffrey called for his head.
14 Varys
The Master of Whisperers held a power unlike any other in the realm. Varys knew everything about everyone, and his secrets made him one of the leading players in the game. He had few allies and many enemies, but he was cunning enough to keep both at a safe distance.
Varys wasn’t a lord, yet he commanded more respect than many other highborn men. His standing allowed him to manipulate events that would decide the fate of Westeros, and his influence spread far across the Narrow Sea. Power isn’t always gold and armies; sometimes, it’s all about secrets.
13 Petyr Baelish
It might be a stretch to claim Littlefinger was the best choice to rule Westeros. However, Petyr Baelish’s skill as a politician was unmatched. He is the main orchestrator behind the War of the Five Kings, whose standing as a minor lord made him successfully fool many powerful people.
Littlefinger rose to become Lord of Harrenhal and Lord Protector of the Vale. He held considerable influence over many people, including some powerful lords. His ambition took him further than anyone thought possible, and he would’ve kept rising had his desire for Sansa Stark not clouded his judgment.
12 Tyrion Lannister
Game of Thrones had many powerful Hands of the King but few were more significant than Tyrion Lannister. The youngest of the Lannisters was also the cleverest, which made him a logical choice to advise the kings and queens of Westeros.
Tyrion served Joffrey, proving his shrewdness by defending King’s Landing from Stannis’ attacks by setting a wildfire trap. Sadly, his contributions go unnoticed, and he is a less effective Hand to Daenerys. However, he still ends the show as Bran’s newly-appointed Hand of the King. Not many characters win the game, but Tyrion certainly comes out on top and with a position of considerable power.
11 Joffrey Baratheon
Tywin was right; Joffrey was no true king. He was cruel, stupid, ignorant, and blatantly unprepared for the role. However, he still sat on the Iron Throne, meaning he was the most powerful figure in the Seven Kingdoms, at least on paper.
Joffrey was easily manipulated; Tywin, Tyrion, and Margaery kept him at bay, although Cersei allowed him to do as he pleased. Still, he never wielded the absolute power of the Iron Throne because someone was always there to subdue his worse impulses, especially after his stupidity in ordering Ned’s death provoked the War of the Five Kings.
10 Olenna Tyrell
Olenna Tyrell is another unassuming figure who wields incredible power in Westeros. As the oldest member of one of the richest houses in the land, Olenna allows others to think her son Mace Tyrell is in charge, but she holds all of House Tyrell’s power.
Olenna, aka the Queen of Thorns, is a cunning strategist who faces off with men like Tyrion and Tywin and succeeds in gaining the upper hand. She is also not afraid to make bold moves to better her family’s position, including killing Joffrey.
9 Tywin Lannister
House Lannister is filled with brilliant and intimidating figures: thus, it speaks highly of Tywin Lannister that they are all terrified of him. Even in his position as Hand to Aerys II Targaryen and King Joffrey Baratheon, everyone knew Tywin was the one who was really in control.
Tywin consistently makes shrewd and brilliant political moves, from alliances with the Tyrells to organizing the Red Wedding. His cruelty inspires fear among everyone, resulting in very few people willing to stand up to him.
8 Robert Baratheon
Robert was King of the Seven Kingdoms for 15 years. The realm kept a relative sense of stability and peace, although many still remembered the Targaryen rule with mixed feelings. Robert won the Iron Throne through sheer skill in battle but had no interest in actually ruling the kingdom.
Still, despite being a mostly absent king, Robert wielded considerable power during his time as ruler. Out of all the characters who sat on the Iron Throne, Robert is perhaps the most inconsequential; he didn’t do anything, good or bad. However, his reputation preceded him, and he commanded respect from everyone.
7 Jon Snow
Each of the contenders to the throne had a different leading style, with Queen Cersei ruling through fear and Daenerys ruling through power. Jon Snow managed to gather his own army as a respected leader through sheer courage and honor, making him a Stark in everything but name.
Not only was Snow highly trained as a son of Stark despite his bastard upbringing, but he was able to align formerly warring tribes together to fight the threat of the White Walkers, eventually earning him the powerful title of the King of the North like his adopted father before him.
6 Sansa Stark
Sansa was a slow learner, but she learned. Her particular education eventually led her to become the Queen in the North, a fierce and undeterred woman who did everything in her power to defend her people.
The North might be secluded, but it’s the longest kingdom in Westeros, making Sansa significantly powerful by the show’s end. Her passion for protecting the Northerners will secure their undying loyalty to her and House Stark, and her experiences with Littlefinger and Cersei would make her choose an advantageous marriage that would further increase her standing.
