Very few shows have managed to achieve the pull and global fanfare that Game of Thrones accumulated in its prime, stunning audiences through riveting and delicately told storytelling that had its fair share of surprises. Amidst Game of Thrones‘ impressive decade-long run of dominating television, many pointed to the rich fantasy world George R.R. Martin crafted as the show’s crux, with its assortment of fascinating and detailed characters fleshing out a universe headlined by dragons, the undead, magic, and royalty.
While individuals like Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, and Daenerys Targaryen led the show, Game of Thrones became famed for its obscure characters who also contributed to the story, often being forgotten in the twists and unrelenting story beats that catapulted the show to new territory for television. Several characters that received finite screentime added tremendously to the narratives in Westeros and Essos, despite easily being forgotten by the masses.
9. Jory Cassel
Ned Stark’s Right-Hand Man
- Debut: Winter Is Coming, Season 1, Episode 1
- Played By: Jamie Sieves
Despite his loyalty, Jory gets caught up in the emerging war between the Starks and Lannisters. He’s eventually killed by the masterful swordsman, Jaime Lannister, who murders him in gruesome fashion, stabbing Jory through the eye with a blade and leaving Ned vulnerable in the capital.
8. Pyp
One Of Jon Snow’s Loyal Friends In The Night’s Watch
- Debut: Lord Snow, Season 1, Episode 3
- Played By: Josef Altin
Despite his lack of enthusiasm for war and fighting, Pyp’s tragic fate saw him perish in the battle between the Night’s Watch and the Wildings, with Jon’s lover Ygritte delivering the killing blow to one of Castle Black’s most undervalued brothers.
7. Lady Crane
Stage Performer Who Aids Arya Stark
- Debut: The Door, Season 6, Episode 5
- Played By: Essie Davis
In Arya’s fascinating journey as a Faceless Man in Braavos, her arduous tasks as a deadly assassin brought her close to Lady Crane, a stage actor who performed in a theater troupe. Playing the role of Cersei Lannister, a woman loathed by Arya, Crane’s kindness and visceral acting warm the heart of the youngest Stark daughter, who was assigned to assassinate the performer as part of her training. Instead of killing her with poison, Arya saves Crane, putting her at risk of death from the Waif.
After being suddenly stabbed by her rival, Arya heads to Crane for safety. The versatile performer shows her healing skill, saving Arya’s life before she bleeds out. Despite her heroics and motherly nature, which appealed to Arya, the disguised Waif brutally murders Crane, one of the few sweet and pleasant characters that emerge throughout GoT, despite her death being quickly forgotten.
6. Pyat Pree
Ominous Warlock Who Traps Daenerys
- Debut: Garden of Bones, Season 2, Episode 4
- Played By: Ian Hanmore
Among many antagonists who opposed Daenerys throughout GoT, one who posed a real threat to the Queen of Dragons was Pyat Pree, a warlock residing in the ethereal city of Qarth. As a member of the Thirteen, Pree takes an immediate interest in Daenerys, showcasing his duplication tricks in a bid to impress the much sought-after Khaleesi. In his bid for control, the mysterious Pree teams up with Xaro Xhoan Daxos, eliminating his peers in the Thirteen himself, and later taking Daenerys hostage in the House of the Undying, where her dragons were hidden.
Despite his position, Pree’s menacing appearance and magical abilities are not enough to hold down Daenerys, with her fledgling dragons burning the elusive Pree alive in a show of force by the Queen of Dragons.
5. Dagmer
A Back-Stabbing Ironborn Bandit
Ralph Ineson has certainly seen his star rise in recent years, with roles in Robert Eggers’ horror classic The Witch and Nosferatu, and his upcoming role as Galactus in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. These days, the actor has become a hot commodity. However, many may fail to remember that Ineson portrayed the Ironborn raider Dagmer, who accompanies Theon Greyjoy on his raid and occupation of Winterfell. While tasked as Theon’s deputy, Dagmer’s experience and peer pressure towards Theon see the Greyjoy heir commit several heinous acts that Dagmer oversees and interferes in, with the reaver convincing Theon to slaughter Sir Rodrik after taking Winterfell.
Dagmer’s savage nature and attitude immediately rub off on Theon. However, when Ramsay Bolton comes calling, Dagmer and the rest of the Ironborn flee from Winterfell instead of fighting, forcibly taking Theon and hastily killing the innocent Maester Luwin. Unfortunately for Dagmer and his men, Yara Greyjoy is later informed of their barbaric deaths at the hands of Ramsay, leaving Dagmer to suffer a violent but justified death.
4. Mirri Maz Duur
Evil Witch Who Brought Ruin To Daenerys
- Debut: The Pointy End, Season 1, Episode 8
- Played By: Mia Soteriou
Maz Duur’s spells and treatment of Daenerys’ husband and child cause Khaleesi much anguish and pain, resulting in the evil witch being burned alive, screaming in agony as Daenerys sought revenge.
3. Illyrio Mopatis
Wealthy Magister Who Remains A Targaryen Loyalist
- Debut: Winter Is Coming, Season 1, Episode 1
- Played By: Roger Allam
In GoT, many players outside the noble lineage partake in the political scheming that made the series such a hit. Illyrio Mopatis is one of the earliest examples of influential individuals intrigued by Westeros’ political landscape. Introduced as the matchmaker between the bride-to-be Daenerys and the head of the Dothraki, Drogo, Illyrio has a keen interest in backing the Targaryens, specifically Viserys Targaryen, Daenerys’ controlling elder brother.
2. Xaro Xhoan Daxos
Qarth High Roller Keen On The Mother Of Dragons
- Debut: Garden of Bones, Season 2, Episode 4
- Played By: Nonso Anozie
Daenerys’ early days with her baby dragons were not easy. Her followers and traveling party suffered in the dry lands in Essos before Xaro, one of the Thirteen, helped Daenerys seek refuge in Qarth. The Qarth storyline can easily be glossed over, with many of Daenerys’ other monumental moments capturing the hearts of audiences. However, Season 2 brought forth Xaro, a kind and generous man on the surface, but underneath the facade, the merchant prince seeks wealth and power through a potential union between himself and the Dragon Queen.
1. Ros
Brothel Worker Who Goes From Winterfell To King’s Landing
- Debut: Winter Is Coming, Season 1, Episode 1
- Played By: Esme Bianco
Debuting in GoT’s very first episode, Ros was a top-notch prostitute who became a favorite of Theon and many more in and around Winterfell due to her seductive prowess and comforting banter. Ros sporadically appears throughout the first four seasons, moving to King’s Landing to become one of Petyr Baelish’s brothel workers and informants. While learning the trade from Littlefinger and snuggling up with important political figures such as Grand Maester Pycelle, Ros’ traumatic experiences with characters like Littlefinger and Cersei see the character switch sides to join Varys, the eunuch who vowed to protect those in his service.
Unfortunately for Ros, Littlefinger catches on to her collusion with Varys, feeding Ros to King’s Landing’s most vile individual, King Joffrey Baratheon, who cruelly murders her with his trusty crossbow.
