One of the most impactful shows on TV, Game of Thrones is still remembered today, whether for its epic story that has already spawned a world of spinoffs or for its final season, which many considered disastrous. But in a world with a complex plot and warring kingdoms, the truth is that a lot of its characters stood out because of how they were built and developed over eight seasons. Each arc showed a deep journey, full of changes, struggles, and tough choices that really captured human nature in its rawest form. We’re talking about stories that challenged what people expected, broke the usual rules, and were sometimes bold – or not so bold.
Adapted from George R. R. Martin’s work, all the characters, from the main players to the side ones, had arcs worth digging into. None of them escaped that very complexity. But which ones really gave the best development? Here are the 10 best character arcs in Game of Thrones.
1) Theon Greyjoy
Theon Greyjoy’s arc is arguably one of the most brutally honest takes on trauma and redemption throughout the whole series – which is why he might just be the best-written character. He starts off arrogant, desperately wanting his father’s approval and trying to earn the respect of a family he barely knows, even if it means betraying the Starks – the only people who ever truly cared for him (which adds real depth to his story). But it’s the horrific abuse he suffers at Ramsay’s hands that completely shatters everything he knew – and more importantly, his sense of self. His transformation isn’t about flipping from one extreme to another; it feels real and organic, even if it’s deeply traumatic.
Theon’s path isn’t a straightforward march to glory but a twisted, painful journey where he wrestles with guilt, fear, and shame, ultimately sacrificing himself in one of the most emotional moments of the series. It’s exactly the kind of outcome you wouldn’t expect from him early on in Game of Thrones. What makes his story so unforgettable is that it’s not glamorous or fast-paced – it’s raw, messy, and full of contradictions, just like a true human experience should be.
2) Tyrion Lannister
Undoubtedly one of the most intelligent characters on the show, Tyrion Lannister is Westeros’ master of insight, surviving contempt and prejudice with sharp wit and clever jokes. No wonder he’s a fan favorite. He operates behind the scenes of power, usually fully aware of his moves, and shines in key moments like his trial in King’s Landing, where he makes a passionate plea for justice in a system that despises him. Even as Daenerys’ Hand, his push for balance and compassion shows how much he relies on intelligence as his shield.
But Tyrion’s greatest strength isn’t just his genius – it’s that he’s not always right. He trusts Daenerys and ends up betrayed, his advice ignored, and ultimately finds himself isolated in the very council he helped build. It’s the crushing of idealism by harsh reality: brains and morals don’t guarantee control over the power you help create. His arc, brilliant and deeply human, is a reminder that intelligence isn’t always a path to victory – sometimes, it just means knowing how and when you fail.
3) Sandor Clegane (The Hound)
Violence incarnate, Sandor Clegane is a man hardened by betrayal and the literal fire of his own brother. Yet, bit by bit, he reveals his own code: a melancholic kind of honor, a twisted sense of justice, and an unexpected mercy. In his moments with Arya, he shows a surprising humanity – not out of nobility, but because the scars of trauma still shape him. Game of Thrones isn’t about perfect heroes; it’s about flawed people, and Sandor’s complexity perfectly captures that messy, often dark truth.
His final showdown with his brother, The Mountain, is loaded with symbolism: a brutal fight between past demons and the chance for freedom. He nearly dies but seems to be reborn through the flames. The Hound comes to believe we’re all monsters, yet maybe monsters can still choose their own path. It’s a chaotic, raw, and redemptive journey – tragic but powerful. Less obvious than some arcs, it hits hard in its impact.
4) Jon Snow
Jon Snow can be a favorite for many, but his somewhat predictable personality means he’s not always the most compelling character. Still, despite some flaws, his arc is genuinely interesting. Jon fits the classic fantasy hero mold perfectly: the rejected bastard, the reluctant leader, and the unlikely savior. His journey is closely connected to sacrifice, honor, and even a literal rebirth after his death and return. The problem is that until Season 7, his storyline feels rushed, which undercuts much of the complexity and growth he achieved.
His idealism and strong sense of duty ultimately clash with harsh political realities, and his final decision to kill Daenerys feels like a narrative attempt to deliver a “fair” conclusion – but it overlooks many of the subtle layers that defined his character. Even so, Jon embodies the timeless struggle between the demands of the world and personal desires. His arc may be stronger in concept and development than in its final payoff, but it still stands as one of the emotional cores of Game of Thrones.
5) Daenerys Targaryen
Daenerys Targaryen on this list? Absolutely. Her arc starts as a classic rise-to-power story – from oppressed girl to revolutionary icon. Her mission to free slaves and topple old oppressive systems carries huge symbolic weight in Game of Thrones, and for a long time, she was one of the few female characters wielding real power in Westeros. Unsurprisingly, this made her a fan favorite for much of the series. But what was meant to be an epic journey of a just leader ends up turning into a rushed (and for many, unjustified) slide into tyranny.
The shift from “Daenerys the liberator” to “Daenerys the destroyer” happens abruptly and lacks solid grounding, which is a major flaw in the show’s respect for pacing and complexity. Sure, this is a problem with arc construction, but considering other characters, her story is crucial for exploring what absolute power means and the cost of ambition. Like Jon Snow, it’s a well-planned arc that just didn’t get the execution it deserved.
6) Sansa Stark
Female representation in Game of Thrones is diverse, but Sansa Stark’s arc stands out as especially well-crafted and often underrated. At first, she’s a naive girl who believes in princes and fairy tales, but a series of humiliations and betrayals forge her into a cunning and ruthless player in the brutal political game. Her transformation feels completely natural, shaped by harsh lessons and the urgent need to survive in a world ruled by men who can be merciless when they choose.
What really sets Sansa apart is that, unlike Arya (who goes for direct revenge), she learns to wield patience, manipulation, and emotional intelligence as her weapons. Her calculated revenge against Ramsay is a major highlight. In the end, her coronation as Queen of the North isn’t just a personal win; it’s a powerful statement about female strength built on resilience and self-control – something the show takes time to fully recognize, but which stands as one of its greatest narrative achievements.
7) Jaime Lannister
With a controversial arc, Jaime Lannister divides opinions but stands as the ultimate example of complex, detail-rich character development. He begins as the classic villain – arrogant and morally ambiguous – but as the story progresses, losing his hand becomes more than a physical obstacle; it’s a catalyst that forces him to rethink who he is and what he stands for. Jaime never becomes a flawless hero (far from it) but he gains layers of humanity, especially through his relationship with Brienne, who challenges him to confront his sense of honor and his true emotions.
The biggest problem, and one of the series’ greatest missteps, is his ending: returning to Cersei, a choice that seems to undo all his growth. It almost feels like the audience has been played. Yet, as frustrating as this feels, it’s also a brutally realistic move. It’s a painful conclusion, but true to his core – a man who learned to be better but never abandoned the woman he loved. Or maybe, a man who went through so much and still understood nothing. It’s left to each viewer to decide. Either way, it’s a messy and deeply human arc – one that reflects reality as much as fiction.
8) Samwell Tarly
Samwell Tarly is the unlikely hero who flips every Westerosi stereotype on its head: weak, scared, and cast out, he carves out his place through brains, moral courage, and kindness. In a world soaked with violence and cynicism, Sam is proof that strength isn’t just about wielding swords. He represents hope for those who build the future through knowledge and empathy. His rise to Grand Maester perfectly captures this, making his arc one of the most inspiring in Game of Thrones.
But what makes his journey truly special is his path of self-discovery. Initially rejected by a father who dismissed him as a coward, Sam joins the Night’s Watch and gradually grows into a voice of conscience and reason. He heals Jorah, protects Gilly, investigates the horrors at the Citadel, and ultimately kills a White Walker. This isn’t just luck – it’s the moment Sam realizes his courage springs from love, not fear.
9) Arya Stark
Since the very first season, Arya Stark has stood out as one of the show’s most iconic characters. Her journey revolves around revenge, the brutal loss of innocence, and an intense quest for identity. Her training with the Faceless Men serves as a powerful metaphor for losing oneself in order to survive a ruthless world, and her ultimate act – killing the Night King – is the peak of that arc: a young woman choosing her own destiny against all odds.
Throughout this, Arya constantly walks a tightrope between her thirst for vengeance and holding on to her humanity. Some moments, like her romantic encounter with Gendry, feel inconsistent, and occasionally she comes across more as a plot device than a fully rounded character. Still, when you step back and look at her entire tough path, Arya embodies transformation and survival in a way that’s really compelling. Also, it’s a world apart from what her brother Bran goes through.
10) Hodor
If Hodor’s story moved so many people, it’s because it carries a deep meaning, even if it seems small compared to the series’ complex and layered plots. At first glance, he appears as a simple character – a gentle giant who speaks only one word, his name repeated over and over. But his arc reveals one of the most tragic and poetic moments of the show: the heartbreaking origin of his name and mental state. Why does this resonate so much?
His sacrifice to protect Bran is a silent yet profoundly heroic act. Though it seals his fate, it’s a testament to a deep loyalty that commands respect. Hodor’s journey is unconventional – he doesn’t grow through words or ambition, but through pure humanity and steadfast devotion. His death gives purpose to his life, and that simple truth is powerful enough on its own, while also tying directly into the main story of Game of Thrones.
Game of Thrones is available to stream on Max.
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