15 most disliked characters in the Game of Thrones universe
As a long-time watcher of the Seven Kingdoms’ tumultuous tales, I must say, the characters that grace this realm are as varied as the winds of Dorne. Yet, there are some who stand out, not for their heroism or wisdom, but for their villainy and foolishness. And among these, there are three whose stories left me cringing, fuming, and shaking my head in disbelief more times than I can count.
In the world of “Game of Thrones,” several beloved characters have become the targets of fan disapproval. Through their actions such as committing horrific acts of war or being slightly irritating, they’ve certainly managed to find themselves on the wrong side of viewers’ good opinions.
“Every great tale necessitates an antagonist.” In George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series, there are numerous such characters, yet they don’t always fit the traditional definition. The individuals below might have been driven by intricate reasons, while others seem to act maliciously for amusement.
In this list, you’ll find the 15 characters from “Game of Thrones” and “House of the Dragon” that fans have expressed the least fondness for, irrespective of the gravity of their actions within the storylines.
15. Olly
Olly can barely be considered a bad guy given his age and backstory, especially when compared to some of the other characters on his list. Yet, he became one of the most hated characters for messing with the fans’ favorite love story.
Originating from the North, Olly becomes a member of the Night’s Watch following a wildling attack that claims his family, with his father meeting his end at the hands of Ygritte, who was romantically linked to Jon Snow. Initially, he is a gentle and homesick lad, but people doubt him when he boasts about his archery prowess. However, he demonstrates his abilities during the Battle of Castle Black by accurately shooting an arrow that pierces Ygritte’s heart.
The image of Ygritte dying in Jon’s arms, reminiscing about the time they spent in the cave, lives rent-free in the minds of fans who are simply unable to forgive Olly. As if that was not enough, Olly later lands the final blow on Jon during the NIght’s Watch mutiny and orchestrated murder. Almost no one felt bad when Jon came back to life (thanks to Melisandre) and hanged Olly with three others as punishment for their treason, except maybe Jon himself, who didn’t sign up to for the job of executing children.
14. High Sparrow
Under Cersei Lannister’s authority, the High Sparrow is a significant warning sign from the start. Disguising himself as an ally for the commoners of King’s Landing, this suspicious cult leader embodies every self-righteous fanatic you’ve ever encountered. However, despite making Cersei Lannister, one of the most detested characters, walk the Shame Walk, the High Sparrow fails to win any sympathies from the fans due to his arrogant demeanor and harsh practices.
Behind a facade of punishing corrupt nobles, the High Sparrow and his Faith Militant group perpetrate unimaginable cruelty on their prisoners. One of these victims was Ser Loras Tyrell, heir to Highgarden and brother to Margaery. When Margaery confronts the High Sparrow at the Sept of Baelor about what they did to Loras, he replies with one of his signature passive-aggressive responses. His story ultimately concludes when Cersei explodes the Sept of Baelor using wildfire hidden beneath it.
The High Sparrow does deserve credit for dishing out some long overdue punishment to Cersei. Ultimately, he remains a character soaked in self-righteous cruelty and therefore incredibly easy to hate.
13. Melisandre
Melisandre remained a complex character throughout her narrative, with her role deeply tied to the deity she served, the Lord of Light. She possesses magical abilities that seem to be employed according to the needs of the storyline. Initially, she was associated with Stannis Baratheon’s entourage, providing guidance in the teachings of R’hllor. This guidance appeared to lead Stannis into acts of infidelity and bloodshed.
Renly Baratheon wasn’t particularly beloved, but Melisandre killing him with her shadow creature to clear a path for Stannis sparked criticism among fans. However, it was Melisandre’s act of burning Shireen Baratheon, who was innocent and full of curiosity, at the stake, supposedly in the name of the greater good, that made her appear villainous to many. This action did not improve Stannis’ standing with the public in any way.
Through the act of bringing Jon Snow back to life and later aiding Jon and Daenerys’ forces in overcoming the Night King at Winterfell, Melisandre successfully regained the admiration of the fans.
12. Lysa Arryn
From a gamer’s perspective, stepping into the shoes of Lysa Arryn is a challenging role indeed. Her high-pitched voice and the peculiar act of breastfeeding an adult son, coupled with her abusive use of power as Lady Regent of The Vale, make her quite detestable from the start. However, things take a turn for the worse when Petyr Baelish introduces Sansa Stark, my niece, into the Eyrie. It’s a test to keep my dislike in check!
Readers quickly discover the cause of Lysa’s persistent bitterness. Her love was reciprocated by Petyr Baelish, but he had always been infatuated with her sister, Catelyn. Despite this, Baelish exploited Lysa’s affection to set in motion a series of events that ultimately sparked the narrative of Game of Thrones, including the murder of her own husband, Jon Arryn.
Before the audience could experience mixed emotions towards her, Lysa witnesses Baelish kissing Sansa and threatens to toss her niece off the Moon Door. Baelish intervenes, persuading her to spare Sansa. Despite Lysa’s accusation that he was the one she had lied and killed for, it fell on deaf ears. Feigning affection, Baelish reveals his undying love has always been for one woman — Catelyn — and pushes Lysa to her demise.
11. The Waif
Much like how the authentic identity of the Waif remains a mystery, so does her alleged animosity towards Arya Stark – a facet that might be integral to the demanding initiation process of the Faceless Men. From our very first encounter, it seems she torments young Arya for reasons hidden beneath the surface (or perhaps derived from a secret satisfaction). Over the ensuing months, she mercilessly assaults and injures Arya, never ceasing her relentless attacks – not even when Arya loses her sight.
The Waif continues to harbor intense anger following Arya’s unsuccessful attempt to eliminate Lady Crane. Desiring Jaquen H’ghar’s approval, she chases Arya relentlessly through the streets of Braavos and attacks her instantaneously without a moment’s pause. The Waif appears to defy logic by disregarding her own principles, acting contrary to them with no discernible objective in mind.
1. Arya’s image appears on the wall in the Temple of the Many-Faced God, implying she outwits her adversary eventually. Looking back, it might have been the flawed character development and unnecessary harshness of the Waif that stirred up fan disapproval. The Waif seems more like a tool to advance Arya’s storyline as a skilled Faceless assassin.
10. Craster
In simpler terms, Craster rarely appears on screen, yet his actions make him deserving of inclusion in this list. Since he lives beyond the Wall, he’s exempt from Westeros’ laws. He often displays questionable behavior towards the Night’s Watch, denying them essential supplies like warm food and blankets.
He is almost single-handedly responsible for supplying the Night King with babies whom he then turns into his White Walker generals. He also “marries” and repeatedly rapes his young, definitely underage daughters, and forces them to carry newborn sons.
1. His devious strategy to secure safety from the Night King, while also keeping in line with the sinister nature of ‘Game of Thrones’, is cunning indeed. However, his fate was swift and fittingly conclusive when Karl Tanner took him down during the uprising at Craster’s Keep.
9. Viserys Targaryen
Instead of Paddy Considine’s character, who is adored and respected by all in “House of the Dragon”, we are discussing Harry Lloyd’s portrayal of Viserys Targaryen from “Game of Thrones”. Unlike his admirable depiction in the former series, Viserys in the latter earned a fair share of detractors due to his actions such as physically abusing his sister and selling her to Khal Drogo for a Dothraki army. This is where we first see a hint of madness that seems to run through the Targaryens.
Self-centered, aggressive, and cruel, Viserys’ destiny is sealed when he oversteps a boundary one day by threatening to kill Daenerys’ unborn child. In a fit of drunken rage, he brandishes a knife against his pregnant sister, demanding the horde he was promised from Drogo in front of a gathering of Dothrakis. This fatal mistake, however, would not be forgotten, as Viserys would soon regret it profoundly.
Drogo, both intimidatingly fearsome and serene, swears to gift Viserys a golden crown that would strike terror in the hearts of all who see it. He then pours molten gold from a pot onto Viserys’ silver-hued head. For a brief moment, Viserys contorts in pain before collapsing with a heavy thud. This marked the first significant death in the series and continues to be one of the most gratifying ones to this day.
8. Euron Greyjoy
As a gamer, I can’t help but admit that I find Euron Greyjoy intriguing rather than detestable. It’s not his actions per se that stir up negative feelings, but more so the absence of certain ones. He’s a flamboyant warrior who leaves an indelible mark on the series, killing his brother and seizing the Iron Islands for himself.
Since then, he seldom engages in meaningful activities beyond making insincere promises to Cersei with an air of superiority. Despite being the one responsible for Rhaegal’s demise and attempting to harm his niece and nephew, Yara and Theon, it is primarily his irritating arrogance and unquenchable greed that make him unpleasant. These traits, however, are not supported by substantial achievements.
7. Walder Frey
Walder Frey, who is not an engineer, carries out one of the most notorious scenes on “Game of Thrones” and perhaps television in its entirety. This elderly character, portrayed superbly by David Bradley, is already a lewd and arrogant despot when we first encounter him. The pivotal event known as the Red Wedding unfolds on a fateful night, where Frey sips wine while his men execute Talisa, who is pregnant, murder Robb, slit Catelyn’s throat, and massacre House Stark in cold blood.
In essence, throughout the series, Walder Frey doesn’t participate in many significant events. Yet, it’s a single action that solidifies his place among the most detested characters. Although the Lannisters played a part in planning the murders and Roose Bolton extended their greetings to Robb, it was Walder Frey who orchestrated the infamous Red Wedding.
In a justifiable turn of events, Arya Stark, known as “Faceless,” brings about an end that matches his crimes. Witnessing him being outwitted and killed within the very fortress where he brought misery upon the Starks family offers a deeply gratifying spectacle.
6. Petyr Baelish aka. Littlefinger
Regarding cunning demises, it seems Petyr Baelish might outsmart Walder Frey. On the hit series Game of Thrones, this character, often referred to as Littlefinger, is known for his deceitful and manipulative ways. He employs every resource available — intellect, spies, violence — to attain his ambitions. Uniquely among the show’s characters, he acts primarily out of self-interest, even causing harm and betrayal towards the two individuals he professes to have deeply cared for: Catelyn and Sansa.
As a cunning game player in the realm of Westeros, I, Petyr Baelish, have been the catalyst for the tumultuous events unfolding in the epic saga known as “Game of Thrones.” On the political battlefield, I’ve skillfully sown discord between houses, notably the Starks and Lannisters. By manipulating Lysa into poisoning Jon Arryn, I set in motion a chain reaction that would ultimately unleash chaos – a means to an end for me, as I’m well-acquainted with its destructive potential: it serves as my ladder towards ascension.
As a dedicated gamer immersed in the Game of Thrones universe, I’ve got to admit, Petyr Baelish was a character who earned some grudging respect from us fans. He had this knack for keeping us guessing with his scheming, tangled web of deceit, and ever-growing tally of betrayals. It’s the kind of guy you love to hate, and boy, did we get our fill of satisfaction when he begged for mercy from Sansa – the same woman he claimed to adore, only to betray in the end. The expression on his face (kudos to Aiden Gillen for nailing it) when he finally realized his tricks had come back to bite him was pure gold. And let’s not forget about Arya using the very dagger that was once aimed at Bran in an attempt on his life, to instead end Baelish’s own life – a poetic justice indeed.
5. Alicent Hightower
It’s worth noting that there are other characters in “House of the Dragon” who might be more deserving of negative fan reaction than Alicent Hightower. While it appears Alicent didn’t intentionally usurp power from Rhaenyra, her actions were likely driven by misunderstandings and a desire to secure her son’s position on the throne, even though this was not explicitly stated in the show.
Perhaps Alicent’s actions are met with strong disapproval due to her complicated history with Rhaenyra. In the books, their relationship isn’t particularly close, but in the show, they were like sisters during their childhood, despite their contrasting natures. However, as Alicent marries Viserys, their bond starts to fray and eventually, she turns against Rhaenyra.
In House of the Dragon’s second season, Alicent isn’t exactly loathed for her deeds, yet it’s more the misplaced righteousness she attaches to her wrongdoings that irks people. The spectators catch on to her every move, much like Rhaenyra does, and they call her out on it when the two clash after Aemond loses his eye. As the season concludes, Alicent appears to make amends with Rhaenyra, suggesting she acknowledges her errors, but only following the Small Council’s decision to reject her claim to rule in Aegon’s place.
Throughout her life as a perpetual pawn under the Red Keep’s patriarchal regime, Alicent, skillfully portrayed by Olivia Cooke, finds herself precariously balancing between the roles of victim and antagonist. Fans often criticize her for her indecisiveness, unable to choose which side they want her to align with.
4. Ramsay Bolton
Ramsay Bolton was an unmitigated villain with a heart as black as coal. Compared to his father Roose, who had his moments of ruthlessness like assassinating kings, Ramsay exceeded him by leagues when it came to inhuman brutality. The illegitimate son of House Bolton was a twisted, deranged individual who found pleasure in torturing and mutilating anyone he deemed unnecessary or useless.
He torments Theon Greyjoy to the point of insanity, turning Theon from a disliked character in his own right into a fan favorite. He also kills his father followed by his stepmother and baby half-brother, after the latter’s birth threatens his position as Roose’s successor. But then his ambitions stretch too far and come back to bite him eventually, as often happens. He cuts a deal with Littlefinger and marries Sansa Stark, only to rape, abuse, and torture her in her own home, Winterfell. But by then, she wasn’t the naive little girl who wanted to marry a prince.
If not for Sansa’s intervention, Ramsay likely would have triumphed over Jon’s forces and spread terror in the north. However, she skillfully orchestrated Littlefinger’s arrival with the Knights of the Vale at a critical moment, which significantly turned the tide of the battle. In an appropriate end for such a despicable character, Sansa arranged Ramsay’s demise by having him fed to his own dogs – a fitting punishment for someone with no redeeming qualities. We can certainly appreciate Ramsay for contributing to one of the most memorable episodes in television history, “Battle of the Bastards.”
3. Cersei Lannister
In my view, Lena Headey’s portrayal of Cersei Lannister on TV is truly outstanding, perhaps among the finest performances we’ve seen so far. Her depiction of the golden-haired, bitter-hearted Lannister queen is so spot-on that some fans, let’s just say they’re not the sharpest tools in the shed, have been known to use an unflattering term when they spot Headey in public.
From hating an infant Tyrion to taking full advantage of Sansa’s naivety, Cersei is a villain from the beginning. Many of her early actions are seemingly fueled by her love for her three children. But it is also her actions that eventually get them killed. Their deaths turn her even more bitter and vengeful, but now with the powers of a Queen.
Confidently holding a goblet of wine, Cersei ruthlessly perpetrates one heinous act following another, showing no regret. Her scandalous union with her brother Jaime, along with the numerous problems it spawns, merely scratch the surface of the complex issues she faces.
Be it losing all three of her kids in quick succession or having to suffer the Walk of Atonement, her short-sightedness often brings her great grief. You almost feel sorry for her at some points. Almost. After all that and finally refusing to help fight the White Walkers in the end, Cersei deserved a more devastating death than she was given.
2. Criston Cole
In recent developments, there’s been quite an intriguing shift in fan reactions towards character Ser Criston Cole on “House of the Dragon.” Initially, he appears as a charming suitor for young Rhaenyra and comes across as a gentle, eloquent man with the sole blemish being his breach of the Kingsguard’s vow of celibacy. However, a simple rejection from Rhaenyra sets off a transformation in his character.
Cole viciously kills Joffrey Lonmouth, Laenor Velaryon’s lover, and later Lord Beesbury in unprovoked fits of rage. Over time, he grows deeply devoted to Alicent while harboring a lasting bitterness towards Rhaenyra. He refers to the woman he once intended to marry with derogatory terms like ‘Queen Bitch’ and ‘Whore of Dragonstone.’
In the second season of House of the Dragon, the character becomes increasingly irritating to watch. The dislike towards him became so intense that Fabien Frankel, who portrays Cole, felt compelled to disable Instagram comments due to the offensive remarks. Beyond the insults directed at Rhaenyra, Cole is also a cunning manipulator, frequently pulling strings from behind the scenes. Interestingly, this behavior is not unique to him in this universe. It may be that his intense dislike stems from his ability to mask his selfishness with a “nice guy” facade of righteousness, similar to Alicent’s portrayal of her character.
1. Joffrey Baratheon
Joffrey Baratheon was aptly characterized when Tywin Lannister stated, “Any man who feels the need to declare ‘I am the King’ is not a true king.” The golden-haired eldest son of Cersei, in his arrogance and cruelty, proved more detrimental than beneficial. He wielded authority over all Seven Kingdoms without possessing the intellect or physical prowess required to handle it. Though some may attribute his malevolence to his upbringing, Joffrey seemed to harbor a dark nature of his own. Unlike his siblings, none were as warped as he was.
As a gamer, I found Joffrey grating and spoiled from the get-go. By the time Tyrion slaps him in episode two, it was a moment of pure satisfaction. But oh, does he escalate! He orders the execution of Ned Stark, a man beloved by all, and torments Sansa Stark at every turn.
Joffrey truly believes all of Westeros is his to torment, as he tells the Small Council moments before Tywin puts him in his place. His lack of tact is almost as strong as his taste for violence, which makes Joffrey a ticking time bomb. Almost everything that came out of his mouth was infuriating. It is only because of the people around him that he avoids being killed in the series for as long as he did. Thankfully, Olenna Tyrell had the experience to outwit the undeserved protection Joffrey had and poisoned him at his own wedding. When it comes to satisfying paybacks in Game of Thrones, it does not get better than a purple Joffrey Baratheon choking for air.
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2024-08-17 16:43