Top 5 Game of Thrones Characters

It's March. That means we're less than a month away from the highly anticipated return of HBO's fantasy drama, Game of Thrones. Author and creator of the series, George R.R. Martin, never saw the books' potential for television success. In fact, he originally tried to dissuade HBO from adapting the fantasy series, claiming "It's too big. It's too complicated. It's too expensive." A big reason why the series was so "big" and "complicated" was due to its hordes of diverse, multidimensional characters. Lucky for Throne fans around the world, George R.R. Martin couldn't have been more wrong. The show is a huge hit and we are left with a multitude of rich characters from which to select our favorite and least favorite individuals. Having had this discussion with a number of my friends who watch the show, I figured the best course of action would be to post my picks on the blog and get the discussion going among Throne fans everywhere. If you agree, let me know. If you disagree, post your picks. Remember, this is a discussion, not a lecture. Let's all start treating it that way.


5. Bronn as played by Jerome Flynn

Pound for pound, Bronn is by far the biggest bad ass on the show. Whether he's spitting out quick witted remarks or helping a small friend in need, Bronn wins over more fans each time he works his way into a scene. Refusing to give up on the 'loner' image, it's becoming increasingly evident that Bronn is not as stern as he appears on the outside. Playing the classic role of a 'jolly giant,' his tough exterior is only a facade to mask his compassionate, friendly core. There's nothing too cutting edge about Bronn, just plain, simple, and downright entertaining. Well deserving of the five spot.

4. Robb Stark as played by Richard Madden

Robb Stark's placement in the number 4 spot is less a knock on the quality of his character, and more a compliment to the characters that follow. Robb, in my opinion, is the one true hero of the series. What makes the show so interesting is the duality that each character displays, showing both flaws and attributes, alike. Robb, however, is more of a straight arrow. While some of the decisions he makes are rash and, often times, misguided, the intent is always well placed. We all make mistakes, but the driving force behind your thought process is what truly shapes your character. Robb Stark is as pure as they come, and a hell of a leader at that. THE KING IN THE NORTH!


3. Jaime Lannister as played by Nikolaj Coster-Waldau

A good show needs a good villain. Game of Thrones is a great show. Jaime Lannister is a great villain. Cunning, egocentric, and so damn hateable, Jaime is a true Lannister in every sense of the word. Sure he likes to sleep with his sister every now and then, but if I learned one thing from Anthropology 101, it's that we simply cannot judge other cultures through the eyes of our own. No matter how many times he pushes little children out of windows or brings evil, golden haired boy-kings into this world, we simply cannot judge. Maybe Mr. Lannister is just misunderstood.

P.S. what are the odds that he gets together with Brienne of Tarth at some point? I saw some serious chemistry there. Plus we all know he has a thing for angry blonds.


2. Arya Stark as played by Maisie Williams

I can't quite put my finger on what makes Arya Stark such a fan favorite, but I wholeheartedly agree. While child actors usually lack a certain level of talent for obvious reasons, every once in a while, someone will come along who transcends age. There is no point while watching Maisie act, that I think to myself, "She's pretty good for a young kid." She's just flat out good. And with a character arch like hers, it's impossible not to root for her success. She watched her dad die in front of her and had to cut off all her hair. Now she dresses like a boy, outsmarts her elders, and hatches clever little plans to get what she wants. Seemingly much smarter than most of her siblings, with the possible exception of Robb Stark, she will most likely grow up to be a great leader one day; if she grows up at all. By the way, I don't think there is a single character on the show that could make me more upset, should something bad happen to them. I'm 100% emotionally invested in young Arya Stark's journey to the top.


1. Tyrion Lannister as played by Peter Dinklage

My number one pick was a bit of a no-brainer and should come as no surprise to fans of the show. Tyrion Lannister is definitely the most recognizable face of the series and for good reason. Nobody rides the fence between good and evil better than Tyrion. He is, after all, a Lannister, but seemingly cast aside by his family, he also seems to hate the Lannisters. By far the smartest character on the show, Tyrion Lannister not only outsmarts his fellow Throne characters, but often times the audience, as he concocts master plans to further increase his position in this world. If Game of Thrones was a real game, Tyrion Lannister would definitely have a healthy lead, and for that reason, along with many others, he is well deserving of the number 1 spot in our countdown.

As I said before, whether you agree or disagree with this list, we want to hear your opinions. Please like/retweet, comment, and share this story! Follow the blog on twitter @RealRadioBlog and be sure to tune in for the season 3 premier of Game of Thrones, March 31st on HBO.