Memorable Characters Created by George R.R. Martin

Who hasn’t been hooked by the complex and unforgettable characters of George R.R. Martin’s books?  From the cunning Tyrion Lannister to the tough Arya Stark, Martin’s characters are the heartbeat of his richly woven world.

Discover the characters whose stories and personalities leave such a mark that you can’t help but discuss their fates, choices, and the rich tapestry of their lives.

Memorable Characters Created by George R.R. Martin

Best Male Characters

The male characters in George R.R. Martin’s world are as diverse as they are numerous. From noble knights to cunning rogues. Here are the best two of them-

• Jon Snow (A Game of Thrones and subsequent novels in the series)

Jon Snow is believed to be the illegitimate son of Eddard Stark, a respected lord in Game of Thrones. He starts his journey as a member of the Night’s Watch. It’s a group that guards the edge of the world.

Jon’s character arc is a compelling blend of growth, sacrifice, and resilience. His journey from a mere “bastard” to a leader of the Night’s Watch and beyond is marked by personal trials and ethical dilemmas. His strong commitment to honor and duty, along with his fight for his identity, make him a true hero.

• Jaime Lannister (A Game of Thrones and subsequent novels in the series)

Jaime Lannister, often called the “Kingslayer,” is a skilled knight with a controversial past. At first, he appears arrogant and ruthless. However, as the series progresses, his character undergoes significant development.

Jaime starts off as a villain, but he grows into a more complex and sympathetic character. His struggles, personal growth, and changing relationships show a deeper side. He goes from being a feared warrior to a man looking for redemption. This journey makes him one of the most interesting and memorable characters in the series.

Best Female characters

Martin’s female characters are often strong, independent, and play pivotal roles in the story. Here are some of the best:

• Daenerys Targaryen (A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast for Crows, A Dance with Dragons)

Daenerys Targaryen, often called Dany or Daenerys Stormborn, i s a standout character in the series. She starts as a displaced princess with few resources but grows into a powerful leader with dragons and armies.

Her journey shows her growth from a scared girl to a confident queen. Along the way, she faces many challenges that highlight her bravery, determination, and smart planning. Her quest to reclaim her family’s throne makes her unforgettable.

• Cersei Lannister (A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast for Crows, A Dance with Dragons)

Cersei Lannister is defined by her ambition and strong desire for power; she is both cunning and ruthless. Her manipulative nature makes her a central figure in the political drama of Westeros.

Her main goal is to control the political landscape of Westeros. She uses her intelligence and manipulation to achieve this. Her intense love for her children and her constant effort to control everything around her make her both a compelling villain and a tragic figure. Her actions and influence ensure she remains a central and unforgettable character in the series.

Best Negative Characters

The world of Westeros is filled with characters who are not purely evil but have done some truly horrific things. These “negative” characters are both feared and fascinating.

• Joffrey Baratheon (A Game of Thrones)

Joffrey Baratheon stands out as one of the most infamous negative characters in the series. As the eldest son of Cersei Lannister and supposedly King Robert Baratheon, Joffrey becomes king at a young age. His cruelty and erratic behavior make him a character everyone loves to hate.

His actions are both shocking and heartbreaking. He shows no mercy, whether it’s executing people for fun or causing chaos just to entertain himself. His ruthlessness and lack of empathy create intense conflict and drive the plot in unexpected directions. Joffrey’s reign is marked by brutality, and his character leaves a deep impact on both the characters in the story and the readers.

• Petyr “Littlefinger” Baelish (A Song of Ice and Fire)

Petyr Baelish, commonly known as Littlefinger is a master manipulator. His ambitions know no bounds. His personal motto, “A man’s worth is measured by his actions,” reflects his belief that only through shrewdness and manipulation could he achieve his goals.

His journey from a humble upbringing to becoming one of the most powerful and feared figures in Westeros is a testament to his cunning. His rise reflects his ambition and ruthless nature.

• Ramsay Bolton (A Storm of Swords)

Ramsay Bolton is known for his extreme cruelty. As Warden of the North, he takes pleasure in torturing others. This makes him one of the most feared characters in the series.

His cruelty goes beyond mere violence; he actually enjoys causing pain and suffering. His manipulative and violent behavior shapes the lives of those around him and adds many dark plotlines. Ramsay’s actions create major tension in the series. His cruelty brings a sense of horror and makes him a truly memorable antagonist.

Which Characters Does George RR Martin Like the Most?

While Martin has often spoken about his love for many of his characters, a few stand out as his personal favorites. Two of his all-time favorites are-

Tyrion Lannister

In various interviews, including one with Rolling Stone, Martin has mentioned his affinity for Tyrion. He said, “Tyrion is probably my favorite character in the books. I love writing about him, I love his wit, his dark humor, and his deep complexity.

Tyrion appears in several books in the series, playing a significant role throughout the storyline. He is one of the main point-of-view characters, which means parts of the story are told from his perspective.

Books where Tyrion Lannister appears prominently:

• A Game of Thrones (Book 1)
• A Clash of Kings (Book 2)
• A Storm of Swords (Book 3)
• A Feast for Crows (Book 4)
• A Dance with Dragons (Book 5)

He is a dwarf, which causes him to be ridiculed and underestimated by many. Despite this, he is incredibly intelligent and uses his sharp mind, keen sense of humor, and sharp tongue to navigate the dangerous politics of Westeros. He is often seen as an underdog who struggles to gain respect and find his place in a world that views him as less worthy.

He is a complex character who struggles with his family’s expectations, his own morals, and his desire for acceptance and respect. He appreciates Tyrion for his ability to be both heroic and flawed. It makes him one of the most layered characters in the series.

Arya Stark

In a discussion at the 2016 Guadalajara International Book Fair, Martin mentioned that Arya is a character he has a lot of affection for, particularly because of her fierce independence and refusal to conform.

She is another key character in George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series. Books where Arya Stark appears prominently:

• A Game of Thrones (Book 1)
• A Clash of Kings (Book 2)
• A Storm of Swords (Book 3)
• A Feast for Crows (Book 4)
• A Dance with Dragons (Book 5)

In the series, She is the youngest daughter of Eddard Stark, the ruler of the Winterfell, who rules the North. Unlike her sister Sansa, Arya does not want to be a traditional noble lady. She is adventurous, fiercely independent, and skilled with a sword.

After the fall of her family, Arya is forced to go on the run. She disguises herself and learns to survive in a hostile world. She travels through various parts of Westeros and even across the sea to Braavos. In Braavos, she trains to become a faceless assassin with the Faceless Men.

Arya’s journey is one of transformation, as she learns to adapt to a life filled with danger and loss, seeking revenge against those who have harmed her and her family.

What Makes George R. R. Martin Characters Memorable?

George R. R. Martin’s characters stand out because they are incredibly complex and well-developed. They have rich backstories and changing personalities, making them feel authentic.

Unlike many traditional characters, Martin’s characters often have both good and bad traits, which makes them complex and interesting.

Martin is famous for surprising readers by killing off key characters. It makes the story thrilling and keeps readers emotionally invested. Each character has unique features and goals that set them apart, like Tyrion Lannister’s cleverness or Arya Stark’s bravery.

Furthermore, the characters’ lives are closely connected, with their stories influencing and reflecting on each other. All these factors make Martin’s characters stand out and central to his storytelling.

The Bottom Line

George R.R. Martin’s books are a treasure trove of memorable characters. They’re more than just names on a page—they’re intricate characters who have defined a generation of fantasy literature. Pick up a copy of Martin’s series today and immerse yourself in their world!