Game of Thrones’ 10 Most Hated Characters, Ranked

Even though the show faced criticism after its final season, many characters in George R.R. Martin’s world remain popular and admirable. While Westeros is a harsh setting, some characters stand out for their integrity and compassion. Of course, not everyone will become a beloved favorite.

However, most of the characters in the show are unlikeable. This might be on purpose – figures like Ramsay Bolton and Joffrey Baratheon are designed to be hated. But beyond the obvious villains, many characters aren’t truly evil, they just fall short. Whether it’s because of their flaws, bad decisions, or weak writing, there are several characters that viewers struggle to connect with or even dislike.

Theon Greyjoy Fell Into His Own Trap

Theon Greyjoy experienced immense suffering throughout Game of Thrones, but much of it was a result of his own selfish and arrogant actions early in the series. Born as the youngest son of Balon Greyjoy from the Iron Islands, he initially arrived at Winterfell as a hostage. However, the Starks, known for their compassion, treated him as one of their own and raised him as a ward. Despite Ned Stark’s kindness and paternal care, Theon ultimately betrayed the Stark family by seizing Winterfell and tragically killing two young boys mistakenly believed to be Bran and Rickon.

Theon Greyjoy’s actions represent a particularly painful betrayal in Game of Thrones, leading to devastating consequences and a harsh punishment. After House Bolton seizes Winterfell, Theon is subjected to brutal torture and humiliation, leaving him deeply broken. While it’s hard not to pity him given all he endures, it’s important to remember the awful things he did. Though he ultimately finds redemption through a selfless act of sacrifice, his earlier betrayals caused immense pain for both himself and the Stark family, and that suffering isn’t easily forgotten.

The Waif Goes Out of Her Way to Make Arya as Uncomfortable as Possible

As a huge fan of the show, I always found the dynamic between Arya and The Waif so compelling. The Waif, who works for Jaqen H’Ghar at the House of Black and White, just didn’t seem to like Arya very much. She saw Arya as spoiled, coming from a privileged background in Westeros, and honestly, she didn’t treat Arya with much respect. She actively tried to make Arya’s time in Braavos as difficult as she could, which made for some really tense scenes!

The Waif isn’t a very compelling villain for Arya. She’s poorly developed and lacks the strength to be a true nemesis. Many fans dislike her because she often acts against the very principles she’s supposed to uphold. She comes across as frustrating and her harsh treatment of Arya, a beloved character, quickly made her unpopular with viewers of Game of Thrones.

The High Sparrow Ignited Game of Thrones’ Most Tiresome Storyline

Game of Thrones reached its creative high point in Season 4, but things started to decline with the introduction of the High Sparrow in Season 5. This character and the religious group he leads, the Faith Militant, became a frustrating storyline. Cersei initially brought the High Sparrow to power, helping him become the High Septon and gather a following. While fans were already concerned by Cersei’s growing influence, the storyline didn’t improve even when it turned against her.

While the storyline’s weaknesses aren’t the fault of any one character, the High Sparrow perfectly embodies what makes this part of the story so frustrating. He’s annoying with his subtle hostility and calmly pursues his harmful plans, not seeming to recognize any wrongdoing – he simply acts as if they’re justified. Although he cleverly outmaneuvered Cersei, his holier-than-thou attitude makes him a character many viewers will dislike.

Stannis Baratheon Lost All Respect With a Single Decision

Robert Baratheon had two brothers, and all three men were very different in character. After Robert’s death and the discovery that his supposed heirs weren’t actually his children, Stannis, the eldest surviving brother, became consumed by a desire for the Iron Throne, which led him to make increasingly ruthless choices.

At first, many viewers of Game of Thrones liked Stannis, not because he was pleasant – he was often stern and unyielding – but because he opposed the Lannisters. He seemed like a more forceful Ned Stark, valuing honor and duty. However, he lost the audience’s support in Season 5’s “The Dance of Dragons” when he burned his daughter alive, influenced by Melisandre.

Stannis makes this list because, although he started as a decent person, Melisandre led him down a dark path. His decision to kill his own daughter overshadowed any good he may have done, ultimately defining his story with a horrific act.

Viserys Targaryen Represented Everything Wrong With His Family

At first, Viserys Targaryen seemed destined to become a major villain in Game of Thrones. However, his weakness proved stronger than his ambition. He was desperate to reclaim Westeros and even offered his sister to Khal Drogo in exchange for an army. Ultimately, Viserys couldn’t live up to his own inflated sense of importance as a Targaryen.

Viserys Targaryen embodies the most negative traits of his family, displaying instability, excessive pride, and fits of anger he can’t control. He’s often unnecessarily harsh, frequently mistreating his sister and even threatening her unborn child – all while she was crucial to restoring the Targaryen dynasty. Consequently, many viewers were relieved, even pleased, when he met a gruesome end in the first season, being killed by molten gold.

Petyr Baelish Tried to Manipulate Everyone and Failed Miserably

Petyr Baelish, from Game of Thrones, is one of the show’s most manipulative characters. He presents himself as charming and intelligent, but he’s completely focused on achieving his own ambitions, no matter the cost. While he’s often successful in controlling events surrounding the Iron Throne, his scheming causes serious trouble for many characters we care about.

As the show progresses, Littlefinger’s intricate schemes begin to fall apart, and the consequences of his actions finally come back to haunt him. He was responsible for starting the War of the Five Kings, betraying Sansa to the Boltons, and even manipulating Lysa Arryn into murder – and that’s just the beginning. Ultimately, Littlefinger is left pleading for his life to Sansa Stark, who has grown tired of his constant deceit. Most viewers feel little sympathy for him when his story ends, seeing it as a long-overdue reckoning.

Despite Her Nuanced Origins, Cersei Lannister Soon Became the Queen of Hate

Cersei Lannister from Game of Thrones is a ruthless character who will stop at nothing to maintain control. Though widely disliked from the start, she steadily evolves into the show’s central villain, committing numerous cruel acts. However, she’s also a complex character shaped by a difficult past, and her unpredictable nature makes her a formidable enemy.

At first, I really believed Cersei was motivated by her love for her kids – Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tommen. She seemed to do everything for them. But after they all died, something changed. She became consumed by anger and a need for revenge. It wasn’t about ruling well anymore; she just wanted House Lannister to win, no matter what, and to see everyone else fall. It was honestly terrifying to watch.

Cersei was known for her fierce anger and didn’t hesitate to punish anyone who crossed her, whether they were a powerful enemy like a direwolf or someone as vulnerable as Joffrey’s wives. She never showed remorse, making her a deeply disliked character in Game of Thrones. Even her tragic death alongside Jaime wasn’t enough to make fans feel sympathy for her.

Ramsay Bolton Took Cruelty to Newer and Newer Heights

Ramsay Bolton is arguably the most ruthless character in the series, a complete villain who committed horrific acts without any remorse. He showed no compassion and actually enjoyed inflicting pain. Born out of a violent assault and considered illegitimate, Ramsay desperately tried to overcome his past by using cruelty and torture.

Ramsay Bolton is known for his terrible crimes, including murdering his father and infant half-brother, sexually assaulting Sansa Stark on their wedding night, and brutally torturing Theon Greyjoy for months until he was completely broken. Many viewers found it incredibly satisfying when he finally met his end, being torn apart by his own dogs in one of the most memorable death scenes in Game of Thrones.

Joffrey Baratheon Was a Petty Tyrant With a Penchant For Unmitigated Brutality

Right from the start of the show, viewers discovered that Joffrey wasn’t a true Baratheon, but this didn’t make fans dislike him any less. His attempts at charm and his awkward pursuit of Sansa couldn’t hide how cruel he was, and his wickedness became clear very quickly. Whether it was ordering the execution of Ned Stark or mistreating his fiancée, Sansa, Joffrey was a truly monstrous character, and completely unforgivable.

Similar to Ramsay, he enjoyed tormenting people both physically and emotionally, delighting in their suffering. Many viewers felt immense satisfaction when this widely disliked character died at the Purple Wedding, even though Tyrion was punished for Olenna’s actions. It’s hard to imagine how evil Joffrey would have become if he’d lived longer, solidifying his place as one of the most hated characters created by G.R.R. Martin.

Craster Sexually Assaulted His Daughters and Sacrificed His Sons

Craster lives north of the Wall, making it difficult for anyone to take action against him. Commander Mormont explains that the Night’s Watch depends on Craster’s help, so they can’t afford to offend him, even though his behavior is shocking. Visiting Craster’s home is deeply disturbing, as he openly displays his unacceptable lifestyle and the Night’s Watch is forced to silently endure it.

Craster is a deeply disliked character due to his cruel treatment of others. He deliberately torments the starving soldiers at Castle Black, denying them even simple comforts like food and warmth. What truly outrages fans, however, is his horrific abuse of women – he forces himself on his daughters and then offers any resulting sons as sacrifices to the Night King. His eventual, gruesome death was seen as a satisfying end, freeing his daughters from his control.

2026-03-31 04:09