There is so much political subterfuge in Game of Thrones that it becomes rather difficult to sift between instances of actual backstabbing and downright foolhardiness. George R.R. Martin’s world-building is exceptional, but his ability to flesh reality into his characters is far more impressive.
As a result, almost every character in Game of Thrones carries multitudes within them — there is no effective way to boil them down into singular moral alignment categories. Maturity isn’t a very common trait in the story’s myriad characters, but a few characters have developed more than others.
10 Jon Snow Is Staunchly Devoted To Any Cause He Undertakes
Jon Snow doesn’t have a childhood he can look back on fondly, but he treats the Starks like his blood-kin. He absorbs his adoptive father’s moral teachings more than the rest of his siblings.
Jon is staunchly devoted to any cause he undertakes, from the Night’s Watch to his role as the King in the North. His honor is occasionally diluted by recklessness and this makes him susceptible to emotional manipulation — particularly from those he trusts the most.
9 Jojen Reed Helps Bran Temper His Newfound Powers With Common Sense
Despite his young age, Jojen Reed is incredibly perspicacious, a feature that is highlighted through his wise observations. As a greenseer, it’s nearly impossible for him not to be astute, although his explanations tend to verge on the inscrutable at times.
Jojen is the main reason that Bran learns how to balance his newfound powers with common sense, particularly when it comes to surviving the lands beyond the Wall. Jojen’s death is one of the saddest moments in Game of Thrones, revealing just how much audiences love this character.
8 Tyrion Lannister’s Tireless Efforts At Achieving Peace Highlights His Maturity
Tyrion’s vast intellect would have had the space to flourish had he not been born into House Lannister. As it stands, Tywin’s revulsion and Cersei’s disdain pigeonhole his vibrant personality.
While Tyrion tends to drown his sorrows in alcohol and sex, he understands his own importance in the grand scheme of things. This explains his tireless efforts to right the wrongs inflicted on Westeros by his family, even it means killing his father and waging war on his sister.
7 Varys Is Smart Enough To Understand The Difference Between Authority & Avarice
Varys is not very easy to outwit — his vast knowledge and exceptional shrewdness allow him to amass power. However, he doesn’t give in to delusions of grandeur like many other characters do, instead utilizing his abilities “for the good of the realm.”
Varys is smart enough to realize the difference between authority and avarice, something Littlefinger is seemingly incapable of. On the other hand, Varys is known to harbor grudges against certain people, like the sorcerer responsible for his castration.
6 Olenna Tyrell Is A Seasoned Player In The Political Games Of Westeros
Olenna’s withering sarcasm forms the groundwork for her fan-favorite status in Game of Thrones. She is never at a loss for words and exhibits an inordinate degree of bureaucratic intrigue.
Olenna is a seasoned player on the political scene — her overwhelming competence forces the likes of Tywin Lannister to acknowledge her as a notable rival. Olenna rarely balks at committing horrific acts — like murdering Joffrey — but only because her calculations show no other possibility for her granddaughter’s happiness.
5 Jeor Mormont Becomes A Symbol Of Stability For The Night’s Watch
Jeor Mormont was not always the prudent Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch — his youth was spent in ignominy. He matures considerably over the course of his long life, eventually becoming a symbol of stability for his wayward subordinates.
Jeor refuses to take the matter of the White Walkers lightly, undertaking an expedition to review the situation and put everyone’s minds at ease. Jeor Mormont is unfortunately assassinated by Rast, leaving a gaping power vacuum that is later filled by Jon Snow.
4 Eddard Stark’s Drive To Balance His Eroding World Is Extremely Admirable
There is one major glitch in Eddard Stark’s otherwise infallible character: his political indiscretion. Robert Baratheon rightly refers to him as an “honorable fool” for his tactlessness. On the scale of ethical conduct, however, there is no person in Westeros who can hold a candle to Ned Stark.
Ned’s righteousness might be outdated, but his actions illustrate his steadfast drive to restore balance to the eroding world around him. His bond with his children is unbreakable, as shown by their reaction to his unjustified execution at Lannister hands.
3 Maester Aemon Rejects The Iron Throne In Favor Of His Responsibilities To Castle Black
Aemon Targaryen, Castle Black’s resident maester, is an elderly man who possesses an incomparable level of sophistication with respect to the politics of Westeros. He rejects the Iron Throne in favor of his responsibilities to the Night’s Watch, proving his devotion to duty above everything else.
Aemon is entirely immune to the so-called Targaryen madness, further cementing the inviolability of his character. His relationship with Samwell Tarly underscores the limitless depths of Aemon’s sincere nature.
2 Davos Seaworth’s Courage Is Surpassed Only By His Capacity For Forgiveness
Davos Seaworth is nothing if not trustworthy, even if his loyalty turns out to be woefully misplaced. Nevertheless, Stannis is aware that the Onion Knight would never permit Shireen’s sacrifice, which is why Stannis has his daughter burned alive after sending Davos on a potentially pointless mission.
Davos Seaworth’s relentless courage is surpassed only by his capacity for forgiveness — Davos temporarily yields his principles when Melisandre returns to save everyone from the Night King’s Wights.
1 Lyanna Mormont Is A Greater Leader Than Most People In Westeros
Lyanna Mormont is barely ten years old when she assumes leadership of House Mormont. And yet, she manages to impress her men, her allies, as well as her enemies with her unprecedented vigor. Lyanna is a formidable ruler, a motivating orator, and a fearless warrior.
Lyanna always backs up her words with shows of solidarity for House Stark, being the first Northern leader to declare Jon as her king. Lyanna is personally involved in the Battle of Winterfell; she is killed by a wight giant, although not before delivering a fatal strike on her overpowered opponent.
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