When it comes to \"Game of Thrones,\" fans don’t just watch—they analyze, debate, and passionately defend their favorite characters. On Reddit, one of the most active communities for television discourse, threads about who the “best” character is spark thousands of comments, with arguments ranging from moral complexity to narrative impact. While there’s no single answer, certain names consistently rise to the top: Tyrion Lannister, Arya Stark, Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen, and Sandor Clegane. But beyond personal preference, understanding why these characters resonate so deeply—and what hidden moments, themes, and arcs define them—can transform your rewatch experience.
This article explores the most celebrated characters according to Reddit sentiment, backed by fan insights and narrative analysis. It also provides 15 essential watch-worthy moments and considerations that deepen your appreciation of the series, whether you're watching for the first time or revisiting Westeros with fresh eyes.
The Contenders: Who Tops Reddit’s List?
On subreddits like r/asoiaf and r/gameofthrones, discussions about the best character often come down to influence, growth, and emotional resonance. While popularity shifts over time—especially after pivotal events like the destruction of King’s Landing—the consensus tends to favor characters who evolve meaningfully across seasons.
- Tyrion Lannister: Frequently cited as the intellectual heart of the series, Tyrion’s wit, political insight, and moral ambiguity make him a fan favorite. His arc—from outcast to Hand of the Queen to accused regicide—mirrors the show’s central tension between power and justice.
- Arya Stark: Praised for her transformation from noble daughter to Faceless assassin, Arya represents resilience and agency. Her kill list and final confrontation with the Night King are among the most iconic moments in the series.
- Jon Snow: Though criticized in later seasons for indecisiveness, Jon remains a symbol of honor and duty. His lineage reveal and ultimate choice to protect the realm—even at personal cost—resonate with viewers invested in legacy and identity.
- Sandor “The Hound” Clegane: A dark horse with massive Reddit support, the Hound’s journey from brutal enforcer to reluctant protector strikes a deep emotional chord. His relationship with Arya and his final stand against Gregor Clegane are frequently highlighted as peak storytelling.
- Brienne of Tarth: Often called the show’s truest knight, Brienne’s unwavering loyalty and quest for honor earn her consistent praise, especially after fulfilling her oath to Catelyn Stark by serving House Stark to the end.
15 Watch Finds to Consider for a Deeper Experience
Whether you're team Tyrion or swear allegiance to Arya, enriching your viewing experience means paying attention to more than just plot twists. These 15 elements—ranging from symbolic details to overlooked scenes—are frequently discussed on Reddit and can elevate your understanding of the show’s depth.
- The evolution of “Power”: Track how each major character defines power—from Ned Stark’s honor-based rule to Littlefinger’s manipulation and Dany’s belief in liberation through fire.
- Costume symbolism: Notice how clothing reflects identity. Dany’s white and silver gowns signify purity and otherness; Sansa’s shift from bright colors to dark blue mirrors her political awakening.
- Recurring dialogue motifs: Phrases like “Chaos is a ladder” and “A lion does not concern himself with the opinions of sheep” gain new weight when traced across seasons.
- The role of prophecy: From Melisandre’s visions to the Prince That Was Promised, examine how prophecy drives—or misleads—characters’ decisions.
- Character foils: Compare Jaime and Bronn, The Hound and Beric Dondarrion, or Sansa and Margaery Tyrell to understand thematic contrasts.
- Unspoken trauma: Pay attention to how characters process grief—Jon isolates, Arya numbs herself, Tyrion uses humor—all reflecting real psychological responses. <7> Music cues: Ramin Djawadi’s score often signals turning points. Listen for variations in character themes (e.g., “Light of the Seven” before the Great Sept explosion). <8> Camera work in key scenes: The long take during the Battle of the Bastards or the slow zoom on Dany as she burns King’s Landing convey emotion beyond dialogue. <9> Deleted scenes and commentary: HBO’s official releases include alternate takes that clarify motivations, such as Tyrion’s reaction to Shae’s betrayal. <10> Political realism vs. fantasy: Consider how the show blends medieval politics with supernatural elements—how much of Westeros feels historically grounded? <11> Female agency across classes: Contrast Cersei’s manipulation, Yara Greyjoy’s leadership, and Gilly’s quiet resilience to see diverse expressions of power. <12> Moral ambiguity in “heroes”: Reassess Jon’s execution of Olly or Arya’s assassination of Lady Crane—not all morally complex choices are framed as heroic. <13> The use of silence: Some of the most powerful moments have no dialogue—the silent reunion of Arya and Nymeria, the Hound’s final words to Arya (“You want to be someone else. So do I.”). <14> Legacy of House words: How do characters live up (or fail) to their house mottos? “Winter is Coming,” “Hear Me Roar,” “Family, Duty, Honor”—each is tested. <15> Fans’ underrated moments: Scenes like Tyrion meeting Podrick for the first time or Sam standing up to his father rarely make highlight reels but are cherished in Reddit threads for their humanity.
Expert Insight: What Makes a Character Truly Great?
Narrative depth isn’t just about screen time—it’s about transformation. As Dr. Lena Peterson, a media studies professor at the University of Edinburgh, explains:
“Characters endure not because they win, but because they change. Arya shedding her identity, Tyrion confronting his family, Jon choosing exile—these aren’t victories in the traditional sense, but they’re profoundly human. That’s what fans connect with.”
This perspective aligns with Reddit’s recurring praise for flawed, evolving figures over static heroes. The most discussed characters are those whose journeys reflect internal conflict as much as external battles.
Case Study: Why the Hound Won Over Reddit in Season 8
Before the final season, Sandor Clegane was respected but often overshadowed. Yet, in the aftermath of “The Bells,” Reddit saw a surge in posts titled “The Hound is the real hero of GoT.” Why?
In the episode, while others flee or revel in destruction, the Hound confronts his brother to stop further carnage—even knowing it will cost him his life. He abandons his quest for vengeance not out of weakness, but moral clarity. One user wrote: “He finally chose mercy over rage. That’s more heroic than killing the Night King.”
This moment exemplifies how late-stage character development can redefine legacies. Fans didn’t just appreciate the action—they celebrated the emotional payoff of an arc eight seasons in the making.
Checklist: Maximize Your Rewatch Value
To get the most out of your next \"Game of Thrones\" viewing, follow this checklist based on community-voted priorities:
- ✅ Watch with subtitles to catch nuanced dialogue and foreshadowing.
- ✅ Focus on one character per rewatch (e.g., “Jaime’s Redemption Arc Only”).
- ✅ Pause after major deaths to reflect on their narrative purpose.
- ✅ Note instances where prophecies are fulfilled—or subverted.
- ✅ Compare book-only details if you’re familiar with \"A Song of Ice and Fire.\"
- ✅ Engage with Reddit discussions post-episode to see diverse interpretations.
- ✅ Pay attention to background details: banners, maps, and minor characters who return later.
Do’s and Don’ts: Common Fan Pitfalls
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Analyze character motives beyond surface actions | Dismiss unpopular characters (e.g., Joffrey, Littlefinger) without considering their narrative role |
| Appreciate thematic consistency even in flawed seasons | Assume later-season writing invalidates earlier character development |
| Consider cultural context (e.g., medieval parallels, mythological references) | Ignore the impact of off-screen events (e.g., Dorne’s storyline) |
| Use fan theories to enhance, not replace, your own interpretation | Let spoilers from forums ruin surprise moments |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the most popular character on Reddit?
Tyrion Lannister consistently ranks highest in polls and discussion volume. His intelligence, survival instincts, and moral complexity make him a focal point for analysis. However, Arya and the Hound have seen significant growth in popularity, especially after Season 8.
Is Jon Snow overrated?
This is a hotly debated topic. Many fans argue that Jon’s rigid honor makes him predictable and ineffective in complex political situations. Others defend him as a necessary contrast to the cynicism around him. Reddit threads often split along philosophical lines: idealism vs. pragmatism.
Are book readers’ opinions different from show-only fans?
Yes. Book readers often favor characters with richer backstories (e.g., Aegon VI, Howland Reed) or criticize changes (e.g., Dany’s descent into madness). Show-only audiences tend to respond more emotionally to visual storytelling and performances.
Conclusion: Beyond the Crown, Into the Characters
The question of who the best character in \"Game of Thrones\" is may never have a definitive answer—and that’s part of what makes the series so enduring. On Reddit, the debate isn’t about settling scores; it’s about connection, interpretation, and the joy of revisiting a world layered with meaning. Whether you believe the throne belonged to Tyrion, Arya, or someone who never sat on it at all, the true victory lies in how deeply these characters stay with us.








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