Game of Thrones is a series known for its epic storytelling, letting fans experience George R. R. Martin’s rich medieval fantasy world with a focus on political intrigue and character relations. The major Houses in the game all boast compelling characters who play a significant role in the plot.
The best character from each major House in Game of Thrones deserves a mention for single-handedly uplifting their House. This can be because of their nobility, honor, cleverness, wit, or a combination of all these elements and many more.
9. Jon Arryn
Member Of House Arryn
- Debut: Winter is Coming (Season 1, Episode 1)
It’s a testament to how inept most of the members of House Arryn are that the “best” character from this house is a character who died before the show began. Eddard Stark was visibly affected by Jon Arryn’s death, considering him to be a wise father figure taken before his time.
8. Theon Greyjoy
Member Of House Greyjoy
- Debut: Winter is Coming (Season 1, Episode 1)
Theon Greyjoy is one of the most fascinating characters in the series. A political prisoner whose world is turned upside-down after Westeros falls into chaos, the young upstart tries to become Lord of Winterfell, only to be betrayed by his people and given to Ramsay Bolton on a silver platter.
What follows is days upon days of excruciating torture that breaks Theon’s mind and causes him to turn into Reek. Thankfully, he regains his sanity later on and redeems himself by trying to take out the Night King, even if this heroic act leads to his demise.
7. Margaery Tyrell
Member Of House Tyrell
- Debut: What Is Dead May Never Die (Season 2, Episode 3)
Margaery Tyrell is a character who loves to play the political game. She’s nothing but the perfect daughter-in-law to Cersei, even though her real goal is to work for the betterment of her House.
It’s a shame that her fascinating two-faced nature was done away with after Cersei blew up the Sept, taking out Margaery and any other political opponent who dared to stand in her way. Thankfully, the Tyrells still remain relevant courtesy of Olenna Tyrell and her entertaining quips.
6. Robert Baratheon
Member Of House Baratheon
- Debut: Winter is Coming (Season 1, Episode 1)
Robert may have had his flaws, but there’s no denying that he’s easily the best member of his house. Renly could’ve filled his shoes but was assassinated, while Stannis was too busy getting wrapped around Melisandre’s finger to realize that he was leading his army to ruin.
Despite appearing in a single season, Robert had the authority of a king and considered Ned to be a near and dear friend. If he hadn’t met his end courtesy of a freak hunting accident, who knows how events in Game of Thrones would’ve panned out?
5. Oberyn Martell
Member Of House Martell
- Debut: Two Swords (Season 4, Episode 1)
He valiantly decided to defend Tyrion Lannister in a Trial by Combat, only to get too overconfident and lose his life in a battle against the Mountain. His death was one of the most shocking moments in Season 4 and showed that no one was safe in this series (although this has already been established from the very first season).
4. Catelyn Stark
Member Of House Tully
- Debut: Winter is Coming (Season 1, Episode 1)
While Catelyn may technically be a member of House Stark, she is easily the most likable character to be born in House Tully. She was a protective mother who showed her love by letting her fingers be cut to the bone to save Bran’s life.
Ever since this moment, she guided her sons to become valiant leaders who could fill her husband’s spot. Unfortunately, Robb’s poor decision-making led to a betrayal for the ages as House Frey allied themselves with the Lannisters and carried out the infamous Red Wedding, killing Robb, Catelyn, and countless other Stark bannermen.
3. Daenerys Targaryen
Member Of House Targaryen
- Debut: Winter is Coming (Season 1, Episode 1)
It took a while for Emilia Clarke to become comfortable in the role of Daenerys, only to turn this Queen into one of the most compelling characters in the show. She tried to be a just and kind Queen who abolished slavery and forced everyone to bend to her will.
Unfortunately, Daenerys’ character was pretty much assassinated in Season 8, when she randomly became a tyrant and sacked King’s Landing. It was an ill-explained move that hammered in the show’s writing problems at the time and single-handedly ruined any interest fans had in the series.
2. Jon Snow
Member Of House Stark
- Debut: Winter is Coming (Season 1, Episode 1)
Jon Snow is one of the most honorable and bravest characters in the show. The fact that an illegitimate son ended up being the best member of House Stark is a testament to how well-written this character was.
Later on, it was revealed that Jon Snow was actually Aegon Targaryen, with Lyanna asking her brother to hide Jon’s identity so that he wouldn’t become a target. This may technically make him a member of House Targaryen, but fans know that Jon will always be a Stark no matter what.
1. Tyrion Lannister
Member Of House Lannister
- Debut: Winter is Coming (Season 1, Episode 1)
House Lannister boasts some of the best characters in the entire series, so it’s clear that Tyrion is a gem if he managed to upstage all of them as the best Lannister in the series. Peter Dinklage brought his immense charisma to Tyrion’s role and turned him into a must-watch character in every episode.
Even with other compelling characters like Tywin, Cersei, and Jaime making the Lannisters all the more appealing, Tyrion’s story was so compelling that fans can’t help but crack a smile whenever he utters one of his many iconic quips.
