With Game of Thrones entering its into its eighth and final season in April, I had the chance to find a few other people who love the series nearly as much as I have. We started talking about characters we loved, those who struggle for the Iron Throne, and those who have unfortunately lost the fight. While I sit on the edge of my seat, waiting for the final season and for George RR Martin himself to finish up the next books, here are my top 10 favorite characters (in no particular order) from the television series.
1. Margaery Tyrell
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One of Cersei's biggest rivals in the show, Margaery came in with force. She proved herself time and time again to be a very capable young woman, failing only to see just how far Cersei was willing to go to avenge her children. Margaery played the game and, unfortunately, she got burned, but not for lack of cunning and wit.
2. Arya Stark
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Arya has had one of the the most heart-breaking storylines on the show. She has seen so much death, but has also had, in my opinion, one of the biggest rises to power. From a girl hiding as a boy to escape the people who killed her father, to becoming a deadly assassin, Arya is not one to be underestimated. She's learned a lot from the Faceless Men, and I'd want her on my side.
3. Ned Stark
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How could you not love Sean Bean's acting? I would list all of House Stark if I could, but Ned Stark is the original, the first main character we were introduced to, and the moment when we are realized that no one is safe in Westeros. Even the most honorable man will fall, because the politics and underhanded cunning of the court will not pity the weak.
4. Jaime Lannister
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Remember the guy who slept with his twin sister? Remember the man who pushed young Bran Stark from a tower, crippling him forever? Remember the same man called "Kingslayer" for betrayed the king he vowed to protect? Well,Jaime Lannister is not that man anymore. Since he was taken captive by Robb Stark and lost a hand a few seasons later, Jaime has finally been able to separate from Cersei and I pray to the old gods and new that he survives to the end.
5. Sandor Clegane
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The Hound is a nasty fellow, not even mentioning that half of his face is permanently scarred from when his brother held him into the fire. But, I enjoy Sandor for his sense of humor and the way he's been, slowly, coming around from such a violent streak. And to anyone who says otherwise, consider the rest of his family. In comparison to his brother, Sandor is a true sweetheart.
6. Oberyn Martell
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The Red Viper of Dorne deserved far better. I was crushed when he died (pun intended) and I miss what could have been with the Dornish plotlines with the Sand Snakes in particular. But Oberyn was funny and witty and just the kind of character I like. I should have known it was too good to be true.
7. Olenna Tyrell
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To talk about witty and funny, Olenna was that and more. We thank her for killing King Jeoffry, and that is reason enough to put her on my list of favorite characters. But her death was brilliant, when she finally revealed her secrets after having nothing left to lose. Olenna was sassy and she shone in every scene she was in.
8. Brienne of Tarth
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Brienne is the ultimate female hero we needed and finally got. Against everyone who has ever said no to her, Brienne constantly gets back on her feet. She is one of the most honorable characters in the series, but is strong enough to protect herself and those she has vowed to. She has continue to hold all of her vows to Catelyn Stark and Jaime Lannister.
9. Bronn
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Bronn plays a very minor part in the books, though the show fleshed out his character a lot and he has become very prevalent. Whereas book-Bronn cares only about Tyrion Lannister for his money, show-Bronn is surprisingly loyal towards Tyrion and Jaime alike, aiding them time and time again when they come to him for help. Thanks to Bronn, Tyrion survived Lord Robin of the Vale and Jaime managed to not be slaughtered by the dragons.
10. Tyrion Lannister
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Tyrion Lannister is one of the most important characters in the show, with the most lines and screen time as a clear fan-favorite. He has come into direct contact with nearly every player in the game at one point or another, and is marked for his high level of intelligence and ability to stay alive against all odds. He has some of the funniest lines and the best monologue in the entire series by far. For him to not be a favorite on the show is to ignore Peter Dinklage's amazing acting and the good writing centered around Tyrion's character.
