Anyone who watches "Game of Thrones" knows it’s chock full of strong men that portray diverse and even idolized qualities, but what about the women? With the large number of male protagonists and antagonists, unfortunately, it can be easy to overlook the distinct cast of females who portray their own unique set of assets. More notably, these ladies embody significant characteristics of strong female characters, which is important in today’s media.

Daenerys Targaryen is one of the best examples of a strong woman in a position of power. Having been in exile the majority of her life and living under the cruel control of her brother, Daenerys has risen above to become a woman of power: a Khaleesi, a Conqueror of Slaver’s Bay and a mother of dragons. Dany shows her strength through her determination and ideals. Her belief in equality and justice for the downtrodden are more than admirable, and although she has a lot to learn about being a ruler, Dany’s courage and willpower are some of her strongest traits. Not only that, but she portrays fierce loyalty to all of her faithful companions. Despite the fact that madness and cruelty run in her family, Dany shows compassion while still managing to rule with an iron first and stand up against her enemies.

Arya Stark is the youngest daughter in the Stark family. Since season one, Arya has been away from her home at Winterfell, concealing her identity and on the run. Through all of her hardships, Arya’s determination never falters. The tomboy continuously diverts herself away from gender norms, wanting to learn to yield a sword and casting aside all traditional expectations of a lady. Arya never lets her voice and opinions be hushed due to her gender, and continuously depicts a tough and feisty exterior.

Sansa Stark, unlike her sister, portrays more traditional femininity and gender norms. Sansa shows that women do not need to adopt stereotypical male roles in order to be strong. Her storyline also greatly suggests that the societal expectations of women can actually doom them, for example the number of marriages that she was forced into and the abuse she has to endure because of it. Although Sansa’s family is destroyed, and she is eventually left alone, she survives and endures. She learns how to adapt and play her part all in the means of survival. However, she does not yield or kneel. She remains strong and determined, waiting for her moment.

Cersei Lannister, although hated by most for her cruelness, does portray qualities of a strong woman. Cersei’s cold and cunning personality often overshadow her more prudent and even admirable qualities. Even as an arrogant and self-centered woman, Cersei’s most defining and strongest trait is her maternal instinct. There is nothing that Cersei would not do for her children. Despite difficulties and an absent drunk of a husband, Cersei tried her best to raise her children on her own and on her own terms. Instead of giving up after her failure to lead and protect her oldest son, Joffrey, Cersei immediately bounces back to try and guide Tommen in the right direction as the new King. Cersei easily portrays the strength of motherhood in a way that is fierce and powerful.

Brienne of Tarth shows of her skills with a sword and strength almost immediately in the show by besting Renly’s knights and Loras Tyrell himself. Brienne also portrays a strong female that goes against societal expectations and gender norms. Her talents with a sword can match that of any man, and Brienne demands respect because of it. She believes heavily in chivalry and honor, always standing up for what she believes is right. Although Brienne does not depict the traditional image of “feminine beauty” and often gets met with mockery for her looks, Brienne’s vigor and determination show the importance of inner strength how looks aren’t the only important assets a woman can have.

Margaery Tyrell is as strong a female as she is beautiful. Her real strength can be found in her intelligence and cleverness. Margaery is always aware, using her charm and charisma to gain loyalty and maneuver her way around politics. She demonstrates her skill by winning the favor of two kings, Joffrey and eventually, Tommen. Margaery uses her femininity as an asset, turning gender norms and expectations in her favor. Overall, Margaery portrays a compassionate woman who finds strength within her gender and role as a woman.

"Game of Thrones" contains many strong and resilient characters, but it is important to notice the diverse and tough cast of ladies that play the game just as well as the men.