The 10 Most Influential Characters in ‘Game of Thrones,’ Ranked

Power and influence within the Game of Thrones series come in various forms—some use their crowns, some their swords, and then there are those who use nothing but their sharp tongues. The incredible fantasy series is known by audiences for its characters with ruthless ambitions and complex politics. From shadowy figures, lurking and dealing in death, to noble and great houses, influence is often the genuine currency of Westeros.

Characters like Melisandre of Asshai (Carice van Houten), whose religious influence steered royal decisions, to Varys “The Spider” (Conleth Hill), who may be more selfless than most Game of Thrones characters and wields his power through the secrets of court, both prove that power does not always come in the form of titles. This list explores the ten most politically influential characters within the influential fantasy series Game of Thrones, ranking them based on how big a part they played in the overall story.

10. Eddard “Ned” Stark

Played by Sean Bean

This good-hearted yet ultimately naïve character’s life may have been cut short, but his impact on Westerosi politics was undeniable. Ned Stark (Sean Bean), a beloved and cherished character by fans, is the honorable Lord of Winterfell. Ned is the father of Rob (Richard Madden), Arya (Maisie Williams), Sansa (Sophie Turner), Bran (Isaac Hempstead Wright), and Rickon Stark (Art Parkinson), and is also believed to be the father of the equally honorable Jon Snow (Kit Harington). He posed briefly as the hand of the King, steadfast in his morals and sense of duty.

Though Ned didn’t last long in Game of Thrones, his actions played a big part throughout. He inevitably shatters the peace Robert Baratheon once maintained by revealing the percentage of then-Queen Consort Cersei Lannister’s (Lena Headey) children. The honorable and beloved Lord Stark may have died—shocking fans and revealing that main characters were, in fact, not safe—but his legacy continued to shape events long after his death, making him a great character to add to this list.

9. Margaery Tyrell

Played by: Natalie Dormer

Margaery Tyrell (Natalie Dormer) is the only daughter of Mace Tyrell (Roger Ashton-Griffiths) and the ambitious wife of Renly Baratheon (Gethin Anthony). After her husband’s death, she sets herself up to win the affections of Joffrey Baratheon (Jack Gleeson), in an effort to become his queen. When he inevitably dies, she marries the soft-hearted Tommen Baratheon (Dean-Charles Chapman), Joffrey’s younger brother, and sits at his side as queen.

One of Game of Thrones‘ best female characters, Margaery was somewhat of a wild card, though she seemed almost saintlike when she masterfully outplayed Cersei Lannister. This charming and capable woman wielded her power not roughly but instead with gentleness, significantly shaping the monarchy during her time in King’s Landing. As a character that was extremely popular with the common people, Margaery held considerable power, earned in part for her masterful charm and beguiling smile. Her influence was actually so strong that she became a great threat to Cersei Lannister, which unfortunately led to her end.

8. Jon Snow

Played by: Kit Harington

Jon Snow is a man born with little, who later gains a great deal. Introduced in the Game of Thrones pilot as Ned Stark’s bastard — honorable, loyal, and brave — Jon’s significance becomes monumental to both fans and the series’ plot. From his humble rise to leadership at Castle Black to brokering peace with Widlings enemies and becoming crowned king of the North, Jon is consistently thrust into leadership by those who witness his integrity.

Jon Snow’s impeccable traits and constant sense of duty allow for his political influence to go far beyond the North, where he was raised. As a man, rife with courage and strength to face just about anything, he is loved by many-especially by viewers. Jon Snow is a natural unifier who would rather make the hard choices over the easy ones, leading him to gain an immense following by simply doing what he does best, staying true to who he is.

7. Melisandre of Asshai

Played by: Carice van Houten

This controversial and enigmatic character drew fans in with her unwavering faith, haunting presence, and eventually her epic redemption arc. Melisandre of Asshai, also known as the Red Woman, aligned herself with Stannis Baratheon (Stephen Dillane) as the priestess of the Lord of Light. She’s a mysterious force within the Game of Thrones series, possessing blood magic, prophetic visions, memorable resurrection, and shadowbinding.

Melisandre’s might and influence come from fear and faith. Wielding incredible powers and even burning royals, Melisandre steers Stannis’s military campaigns using prophecy-driven decisions to shift battles. Even though the powerful female character isn’t an actual ruler, she skillfully manipulates kings and impactfully affects the balance of power in Westeros, marking her as one of the most influential characters in the epic fantasy drama.

6. Cersei Lannister

Played by: Lena Headey

This character is known as one of the most evil in Game of Thrones. Cersei Lannister is the twin sister and lover of Jamie Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), and the only daughter of Tywin Lannister (Charles Dance). As the Queen consort to Robert Baratheon, Cersei’s significance grows within the show’s plot after Robert’s death. Cersei’s paranoia and pride bring tremendous misfortunes to court, including feuds with her siblings, provoking the North by antagonizing the Starks, and horribly underestimating the Tyrells. After enduring several personal losses, mostly due to her ego, Cersei takes the Iron Throne for herself, and with nothing to lose, she does anything to keep it.

Coming from a wealthy and ruthless family, it isn’t surprising that Cersei Lannister stands as one of the most brutal in her pursuit of power. As Queen regent and later queen, the brilliant villainess redefined politics within King’s Landing through manipulation, brute might, and wealth, going as far as to murder her enemies in a fiery blaze. Cersei’s reign ushered in an era of fear as she stood tall upon the rubble of almost all of her rivals.

5. Varys (The Spider)

Played by: Conleth Hill

Varys “The Spider” may be as cunning and manipulative as the rest who dabble in politics, but he possesses an actual conscience with a bit more selflessness. The character is a eunuch of Lys, who rises to the top by being invaluable to King Robert as a truth-broker. While he may seem just as bad as any other noble who seeks immense power, Varys is actually driven by the philosophy that the common folks shouldn’t be trampled upon in the games of nobles.

Varys is definitely an underrated character, hidden well among the major players of the 21st-century fantasy drama. As the spymaster to several kings, his web of informants is plentiful; this fact leaves both commoners and nobles alike fearing him. Varys also steered notable players in the series, eventually turning his gaze to Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke), as he believed her rule would be good for the realm. Varys’ secret network, counsel, and the occasional assassination had a direct effect on who rose or fell in their bid for power.

4. Petyr “Littlefinger” Baelish

Played by: Aidan Gillen

This cunning fellow is the cause of many misfortunes within Game of Thrones. Petyr “Littlefinger” Baelish (Aidan Gillen) is introduced as a minor noble with overreaching ambitions. It soon becomes clear that the character is full of slyness with a penchant for manipulating “friend” and “foe.” As Littlefinger’s significance grows, so do his schemes, establishing him as one of the strongest in the room.

Littlefinger is a mastermind who fans both appreciate for his brilliant manipulation, yet hate for the chaos he causes. Throughout the series, the genius character forges ahead, setting the stage for some of the biggest events in the Game of Thrones, all the while his power steadily grows, one sly word at a time. Through cunning alone, Littlefinger rises to the top as Lord Protector of the Vale, with a significant Stark lady at his side. A case can be made that Littlefinger is behind every major event in the series, and the fact that he gets away with them for so long speaks to his cunning.

3. Tywin Lannister

Played by: Charles Dance

As the towering statesman of his era, one of the most powerful political figures in Westerosi history and twice Hand of the King, Tywin Lannister stands as one of the most powerful men in Game of Thrones. The shrewd man puts his family’s legacy first, which may seem like a great thing at first; in actuality, it is one of the hardships his children, Cersei, Jaime, and Tyrion, must face.

As a man who puts his legacy above all else, often at the expense of his children, Tywin isn’t a likable character for fans, but he was definitely a mighty one within the series. His influence was unparalleled, and his later role in the Stark’s massacre was ruthlessly flawless. Tywin is a man who gets the job done, wealthy, prideful, and absolutely ruthless in displaying the dominance of House Lannister.

2. Daenerys Targaryen

Played by: Emilia Clarke

Daenerys Targaryen is one of Game of Thrones’ most popular characters, as viewers are deeply invested in her epic journey of discovery and empowerment. The last known Targaryen in Game of Thrones, Dany was a timid young lady introduced to fans as a character who was seemingly a stepping stone for another. Quickly, fans’ perception changed as she walked through flames with the first dragons seen in a century. Throughout Game of Thrones, Daenerys becomes feared, respected, and worshiped.

Known as the Mother of Dragons — a confident, courageous, and strong claimant to the Iron Throne — Daenerys Targaryen grew her influence quickly and steadily. During her time on-screen, fans witnessed the empowering character destroy the slave trade in Essos and position herself as a queen who liberates all, gaining not only fearsome dragons but also an army filled with devotees. The ending pretty much butchered her character, but her influence throughout the show’s eight seasons is undeniable.

1. Tyrion Lannister

Played by: Peter Dinklage

Tyrion Lannister is the youngest Lannister son. Born with dwarfism, Tyrion is often heavily underestimated. The man may not be the most cunning in the series, but he is definitely a survivor, using his humor and sharp intellect to navigate court and get himself out of trouble. As first King Joffrey’s Hand of the King, then Daenerys’s, Tyrion exemplifies how a character once scorned for his stature nevertheless controlled many events of the realm.

Tyrion’s clever political tactics have molded the balance of power at various times. His first show of greatness was showcased in the Game of Thrones episode “Blackwater,” where he played the mastermind behind the defense of King’s Landing. Tyrion continuously showcased skills that, even among the mass of threats of those vying for the throne, prove that brute force isn’t always necessary. He continuously proves that wit and diplomacy are just as great as sword and fire. In the end, a very small man can indeed cast a very large shadow.