20 Best ‘Game of Thrones’ Female Characters, Ranked

However audiences might feel about the last season of Game of Thrones, one thing is for sure: the show had great female characters during its run. Although some didn’t get the arc they deserved, and some were killed off before the show was halfway done, fans still remember them fondly. The Game of Thrones women vary in strength and personality; thus, it’s difficult to rate them just on likability, as many of the most despicable characters are the best-written. For the characters of Game of Thrones, it’s not just about how likable someone is, but how deep they are too.

With HBO having announced another Game of Thrones spin-off coming to the small screen, there’s no doubt that the show is among the new millennium’s most important TB efforts. A large reason for the show’s success was its large cast of memorable and three-dimensional female characters, each a proactive player in the story that made it far more complex and engaging. And while all were noteworthy, some were far more nuanced and compelling.

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20 Myranda

Played by Charlotte Hope

Game of Thrones has several incredible minor villains, but few are as memorable or despicable as Myranda. The kennel master’s daughter and Ramsay’s lover, Myranda is his closest ally, aiding him in his tortures and exhibiting as much love for carnage as him.

Charlotte Hope played Myranda from Season 3 until her death in Season 6. The character was devious and loathsome, and Hope relished every minute of wickedness she received. Myranda was never a major character, but she was a scene-stealing villain and one of the most striking and effective female characters in Game of Thrones.

19 Elaria Sand

Played by Indira Varma

The familiar but underrated Indira Varma played Ellaria Sand in Game of Thrones. Ellaria is Oberyn’s lover and the mother of four of his eight bastard daughters. She is fiercely loyal to him, relentlessly pursuing vengeance after he dies in Season 4. Ellaria kills Myrcella with a poisoned kiss before joining Daenerys in Season 6. She becomes Cersei’s prisoner in Season 7 and presumably dies during the destruction of King’s Landing in Season 8.

Ellaria is a divisive character. Killing Myrcella made her one of the show’s most hated characters, even if her quest for vengeance was justified. However, Ellaria remains an admirable figure, a passionate and devoted mother willing to cross every line to protect and avenge those she loves.

18 Shae

Played by Sibel Kekili

Shae is one of Game of Thrones‘ most divisive characters. She spends most of the early seasons as Tyrion’s lover, becoming increasingly distrustful of him, especially after he is forced to marry Sansa. Shae eventually betrays Tyrion and dies by his hand, which leaves him jaded and slightly traumatized.

Played by Sibel Kekili, Shae is among the more complicated women of Game of Thrones who proves herself incapable of playing the game. She followed her heart but didn’t know who to trust and put her faith in the wrong people. In the end, Shae was another victim of those in power using the smallfolk as pawns in their larger game.

17 Gilly

Played by Hannah Murray

Hannah Murray played Gilly starting in Season 2. Kind but inexperienced, Gilly is one of Craster’s daughters/wives, pregnant with his child and subjected to his mistreatment. She runs away with Sam, facing the North’s hardships on their way back to Castle Black. Gilly remains by his side throughout his journey to the Citadel and back to Winterfell, ending the show pregnant with his son.

Gilly is one of the most underrated Game of Thrones female characters. She is an example of resilience and strength, inspiring Sam to become a better man and defending him numerous times. Gilly might seem passive and naive, but she has street smarts, proving herself capable enough to survive and thrive in the ruthless and unforgiving Westeros.

16 Meera Reed

Played by Ellie Kendrick

Meera and her brother, Jojen, make their long-awaited and much-needed debut in Season 3. The siblings are instrumental in Bran’s journey, successfully taking him beyond the Wall and into the Three-Eyed Raven’s cave. Meera stays in the cave to defend Bran during his training, protecting him from the horde of wights and safely returning him to Winterfell.

Ellie Kendrick‘s performance is severely overlooked. Meera is a staunchly loyal and fierce character. She is the main reason Bran survived his journey beyond the Wall. She protected, fed, and sheltered him; near the end, she quite literally carried him back to Winterfell from the Three-Eyed Raven’s cave. Meera doesn’t get nearly enough credit from the characters or the fans, and it’s a shame because she’s one of the best women in Game of Thrones.

15 Lyanna Mormont

Played by Bella Ramsey

Lyanna Mormont debuts in Season 6, instantly making an impression by subjugating Jon and Sansa. She then stands up to the Northern lords and is crucial in naming Jon King in the North, calling him out after he renounces his crown by bending the knee to Dany. Lyanna dies during the Long Night, but not before taking down a giant wight.

Bella Ramsey has starred in multiple fantasy shows, but playing Lyanna was her ticket to fame. Although she receives little development, Lyanna makes a striking impression with her strong-willed attitude and nerves of steel. The young Lady of Bear Island is among the best Game of Thrones female characters, proving that age has nothing to do with strength or determination.

14 Ygritte

Played by Rose Leslie

Jon Snow’s first love is a strong warrior as well as a true friend and comrade. Ygritte’s carefree personality makes for a fun character, but she is also fiercely loyal when the time comes. A Wildling, Ygritte is not bound to societal expectations of women and is much more open-minded about everything, a trait that would influence Jon Snow’s growth and character development.

Alas, Ygritte’s loyalty to the Wildlings’ cause would be her undoing. Still, her spirited personality makes her an indelible part of the Thrones canon, especially in a world where few women were allowed to fight and die for their beliefs.

13 Yara Greyjoy

Played by Gemma Whelan

Gemma Whelan played the fierce Yara Greyjoy from Season 2 onwards. Yara is Balon Greyjoy’s oldest daughter and Theon’s older sister, who tries her best to rescue her brother from the many dangers his stupid mistakes get him into.

Yara is an interesting character, differing considerably from her GoT book counterpart; however, her storyline never takes off. She spends most of her time serving as a driving force in Theon’s journey, although Whelan’s committed and fiery performance goes a long way in elevating and adding layers to the character, turning it into a fan favorite.

12 Ros

Played by Esmé Bianco

Whatever Game of Thrones has to say about wealth, power, and prestige, one thing is for certain; most of the main characters come from royal families, giving them a huge advantage over the rest of Westeros. However, Ros isn’t one of those characters.

Played by the underrated Esmé Bianco, Ros starts as a Northern prostitute and ends as a player. Her intelligence and ability to read people allowed her to move up Littlefinger’s ranks until he gave her to Joffrey as punishment for her betrayal. Fans are still disappointed about Ros’ ending, as she could have been a great character if she had lived a couple more seasons.

11 Osha

Played by Natalia Tena

The Wildling woman turned epic babysitter had a smaller role in the novels, but fans are happy she blossomed in the show. The ever-underrated Natalia Tena plays Osha, turning what could’ve been a forgettable character into one of the show’s most compelling and unsung figures.

Osha is Bran and Rickon’s protector throughout the show’s first three seasons, playing a key role in their escape from Winterfell and eventual survival. Tena imbues Osha with strength and purpose, making her relatable and admirable despite her many hardships. The expansion of her character is a marked improvement over the GoT books.

10 Missandei

Played by Nathalie Emmanuel

Daenerys’ formerly enslaved handmaiden is a favorite among GoT fans. Missandei of Naath is loyal and dependable, fiercely committed to Daenerys’ cause, and always willing to sacrifice her life for her queen. However, what really sets her apart is her gentle nature and overall kindness towards others, rare traits in the unforgiving world of Game of Thrones.

Missandei is among the biggest victims of Game of Thrones‘ quality decline, losing all her agency and becoming another pawn in the writers’ game. However, the show’s early seasons reveal a capable and wise character who was key in Daenerys’ rise to power.

9 Catelyn Stark

Played by Michelle Fairley

Despite her flaws, the Stark matriarch is one of the best characters in the series. A mother of five, Catelyn is driven largely by her love for her family, but her horrible treatment of Jon Snow shows that she cannot conjure up a sense of love for a child that isn’t her own.

Catelyn is also overly emotional, especially regarding her children. She makes several key mistakes that show a remarkable short-sightedness that rivals Cersei’s. Cat’s complexities and contradictions make her a more appealing character, especially because her love for her children drives all her actions.

8 Melisandre

Played by Carice van Houten

Melisandre stands out from nearly everyone else in the series because she is driven largely by her faith, a rare trait in Westeros. Although everyone claims to be pious, very few are true to their word. Melisandre is a messenger and a servant, living only to serve the Lord of Light.

Not exactly a bigot but very obviously a fanatic, Melisandre is among the show’s most eerie and mysterious characters. She crosses many lines and remains a crucial player throughout the story, serving as both a considerable secondary villain and an ally and becoming one of Game of Thrones‘ most interesting characters.

7 Brienne of Tarth

Played by Gwendolyn Christie

Among the most beloved female Game of Thrones characters, Brienne found out from a young age that men would only marry her for her titles and land, so she opted to be a knight instead. Although angered by Renly’s death, Brienne is not driven by revenge like many other characters in the show but rather by honor and duty.

Gwendolyn Christie delivers a star-making performance as Brienne, turning the valorous knight into a compelling and inspiring hero that audiences could easily root for. Her story with Jaime Lannister ranks as one of the best in the show, and while she is another victim of Season 8’s questionable choices, she emerges largely unscathed, thanks to Christie’s unforgettable performance.

6 Arya Stark

Played by Maisie Williams

From the very beginning, Arya was one of the most important characters in the show and among the most interesting Game of Thrones female characters. Maisie Williams portrays the character beautifully from the first season to the last, transforming Arya from a fierce little girl to a hardened warrior and assassin.

Arya ends up the show’s ultimate hero, killing the Night King and ending the Long Night. Her character arguably suffers the most drastic transformation, but her journey always feels natural, inevitable even. Williams wanted more from her GoT ending, but fans still applauded her character’s conclusion, sailing beyond Westeros and staying true to her lone-wolf persona.

5 Olenna Tyrell

Played by Diana Rigg

Olenna Tyrell, played by the mighty Dame Diana Rigg, is sassy and extremely intelligent – the Game of Thrones female cast wouldn’t be complete without her. She is plotting to get Margaery on the throne from the moment the Tyrells enter the picture, but she also loves her grandchildren deeply and wants them to be protected.

As one of the game’s key players, Olenna remained a fascinating and formidable character in the show, orchestrating several crucial events, including Joffrey Baratheon’s death. Cunning and clever, Olenna was among Westeros’ most important figures; ultimately, she died on her own terms, adding yet another layer to her already badass personality.

4 Margaery Tyrell

Played by Natalie Dormer

Natalie Dormer delivered a brilliant performance as Margaery Tyrell, perhaps the most underrated player in the game. Beautiful but cunning, charming, and brilliant, Margaery uses her beauty, wit, and intelligence to achieve her goals. She has the remarkable and unique ability to flip the tables in any bad situation, allying with the Lannisters after Renly’s death and even earning the Sparrows’ favor after Cersei puts them in power.

Margaery is almost infallible and could’ve become a worthy queen who helped the less fortunate while ensuring the noble families stayed in power. She is everything a great player should be: clever, adaptable, strategic, and careful. She was never a step ahead of her competition but always knew how to react to their schemes, which is equally impressive.

3 Sansa Stark

Played by Sophie Turner

Sophie Turner‘s Sansa starts the show as an extremely naive little girl and pays dearly for it. Forced to watch her father’s execution, she gets taken hostage and abused by a sadistic young boy for three seasons, then taken to her unbalanced and jealous aunt, then taken back to Winterfell and held captive once again by the most sadistic character in the series.

Sansa stands out from the rest of the characters because she has no drive for the first half of the series, living in complete turmoil from her father’s execution until meeting with Jon Snow. However, Sansa matures and learns, eventually becoming one of the most badass women in fantasy. She falls and makes numerous mistakes but becomes wiser because of them, ascending to her rightful place as Queen of the North.

2 Cersei Lannister

Played by Lena Headey

Perhaps the most despicable character on the show, Cersei is a layered and terrific character, brought to life via a bravura performance by Lena Headey. Victim and perpetrator alike, Cersei spends her life trapped in a gilded cage and longing for enough power to make her own rules.

Cersei ranks among the best television villains of the past decade. Driven, selfish, extremely short-sighted, mercurial, and dangerous, the lioness of the Rock is a fierce enemy who nearly brings Westeros down to its knees. In many ways, she is a tragic character, desperate to prove herself but hindered by her ambition and selfishness. Therein lies her appeal; Cersei is a walking contradiction, too wilful to bend, too stubborn to lead, and far too iconic to forget.

1 Daenerys Targaryen

Played by Emilia Clarke

From the get-go, Daenerys is portrayed as the ultimate savior in Game of Thrones. The last Targaryen in any position to reclaim the Iron Throne, Dany is a hero to some and a danger to others. Dany is not a queen but a conqueror, willing to set entire cities aflame if it means achieving her goals.

Emilia Clarke’s stellar performance elevated the early seasons’ already strong writing, turning Daenerys into a compelling and inspiring heroine that stood among television’s most fascinating characters. And while the inexcusable Game of Thrones finale tarnished her legacy, Daenerys remains Thrones‘ most impressive figure and an icon of modern television.

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