Power in Game of Thrones is not simply about brute strength or magic. It blends political influence, military command, cunning, lineage, and sometimes raw firepower. This list ranks the most powerful characters across the series, from cunning manipulators to dragonlords, based on their influence, capability, and impact on Westeros.
15. The High Sparrow
A political wildcard who nearly brought the crown to its knees. Without armies or wealth, the High Sparrow weaponised faith and public opinion, seizing control of King’s Landing through the Faith Militant. His power stemmed from ideological purity and the ability to sway masses, not swords.
14. Petyr Baelish (Littlefinger)
Littlefinger was the architect of chaos. His manipulation of key players—from Jon Arryn’s death to the War of the Five Kings—makes him one of the most quietly dangerous figures in the series. While he lacked martial prowess, his mastery of deceit shaped the realm for years.
13. Varys
The Spider dealt in secrets, not armies. As the master of whisperers, Varys influenced rulers from Aerys to Daenerys. His network of informants and long-term vision for stability gave him a subtle but significant grip on Westerosi politics.
12. Joffrey Baratheon
Joffrey wielded the Iron Throne and the full backing of the Lannister armies. While personally weak and impulsive, his authority as king allowed him to shape key events—often through cruelty and fear. His unchecked power made him dangerous to both allies and enemies.
11. Sandor Clegane (The Hound)
A brutal fighter and feared presence on the battlefield, Sandor was unmatched in close combat. His strength and resilience made him a deadly force, whether fighting for the Lannisters or on his own. His moral ambiguity gave him depth but did little to blunt his physical dominance.
10. Jaime Lannister
At his peak, Jaime was one of the most formidable knights in Westeros. His reputation as the Kingslayer gave him both prestige and infamy. Although he lost his sword hand, his influence as a commander and member of one of the realm’s most powerful families kept him near the centre of power.
9. Arya Stark
From a young noble girl to a faceless assassin, Arya’s transformation was among the most radical. She learned to kill without hesitation, slaying key figures like the Night King and Walder Frey. Her blend of stealth, skill, and ruthlessness made her a singular threat.
8. Jon Snow
The former Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch and eventual King in the North, Jon was a seasoned warrior and a symbol of honour. His resurrection, Targaryen lineage, and role in uniting the North against the White Walkers placed him at the centre of Westeros’ fate.
7. Cersei Lannister
Cersei’s ascent from queen consort to Queen of the Seven Kingdoms was built on political ruthlessness and a willingness to sacrifice anything—including her own family. She eliminated her rivals in a single, explosive moment and held the capital through sheer force of will and strategic cruelty.
6. Brienne of Tarth
Though not politically ambitious, Brienne’s power came from absolute loyalty and unmatched martial skill. She bested some of the realm’s best fighters and earned knighthood through merit. Her presence altered the fates of characters like Jaime, Sansa, and even Arya.
5. Bran Stark (The Three-Eyed Raven
After his transformation into the Three-Eyed Raven, Bran gained access to all of history and moments of foresight. While not a conventional ruler or warrior, his omniscience altered how events unfolded and led to his eventual crowning as king.
4. Stannis Baratheon
A rigid and determined commander, Stannis had a claim to the throne and the backing of Melisandre’s magic. He defeated formidable enemies, held the loyalty of seasoned knights, and came close to changing the balance of power in Westeros before his final miscalculation.
3. Melisandre
The Red Woman’s power was supernatural. She resurrected Jon Snow, birthed shadow assassins, and influenced major political decisions through visions and fire magic. Though often controversial, her actions shifted the course of wars and legitimised otherwise impossible victories.
2. Daenerys Targaryen
She rose from a pawn to a conqueror with three dragons, an army of Unsullied, and control of Essos’ largest cities. Her charisma and vision inspired followers across continents. At her height, she was one of the most commanding presences in the known world. Her fall came not from weakness but from the very intensity of her strength.
1. The Night King
Silent, relentless, and nearly unstoppable, the Night King commanded death itself. His ability to raise the fallen and breach magical defences made him the single greatest existential threat to Westeros. His defeat came through stealth, not strength, and reminded the living of how close they came to oblivion.
These rankings consider not just battlefield feats or political office, but how each character influenced the arc of Westeros. Power is slippery in Game of Thrones, and even the most formidable figures often met brutal ends. But at their peak, these characters shaped the story and the fate of the realm in ways few others could.
