Buzz
One might imagine Obi-Wan Kenobi’s description of Mos Eisley Spaceport as a wretched hive of scum and villainy could just as well apply to the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. As any devoted Game of Thrones fan knows, some of the series' most compelling characters are despicable individuals, captivating precisely because of their blatant disregard for morality. However, even a show as exceptional as Game of Thrones has introduced its fair share of lackluster characters. Whether they’ve overstayed their welcome or simply failed to engage, these 23 figures stand out as the most poorly-developed characters Westeros has ever produced.
23. Qyburn
Qyburn initially showed promise as a fascinating character. Introduced in Season 3, he survived the massacre at Harrenhal by Ser Gregor Clegane and later allied with Roose Bolton before the Red Wedding. He played a crucial role in saving Jaime Lannister’s life after the loss of his hand, disclosing that the Citadel had revoked his maester title for conducting experiments deemed “too radical.” In essence, he was a skilled, albeit morally questionable, medical expert. This setup had the potential to lead to something truly intriguing.
However, Qyburn ultimately devolved into the role of “Cersei’s sinister lackey.” He resurrected the dying Mountain as Zombie Clegane through an ambiguous process, despite the Mountain’s earlier attempt on his life. He orchestrated the catastrophic destruction of the Sept of Baelor and developed the scorpion crossbows that ultimately brought down one of Daenerys’s dragons. While these actions significantly impacted the overarching narrative of Game of Thrones, Qyburn himself remains a largely forgettable character, despite his pivotal contributions.
Ultimately, Qyburn meets his end when The Mountain crushes his skull—a twist of irony—during the prelude to Clegane Bowl. The moment was so abrupt that many viewers missed it entirely, and even those who noticed likely felt little emotional impact.
Screenshot via HBO
22. Melisandre
Similar to Qyburn, Melisandre played a pivotal role in several major events throughout the series. She was, after all, the one who brought Jon Snow back to life—a monumental moment! Additionally, her influence over Stannis Baratheon led to his downfall. Despite her involvement in these significant plot points, Melisandre remained a character shrouded in mystery and intrigue, yet her arc ultimately left viewers unsatisfied.
Melisandre was a devout follower of R’Hllor, the Lord of Light, and frequently spoke of the prophesied return of Azor Ahai, the Prince That Was Promised. Her mysterious magic necklace, which maintained her youthful appearance, revealed her true, aged form in Season 6. This setup held great potential, but as the show rushed through Seasons 7 and 8, these intriguing elements were largely abandoned and forgotten.
The prophecy of Azor Ahai never came to fruition, and no explanation was provided for how Melisandre lived for centuries. Instead, she conveniently reappears at Winterfell on the night of the battle against the Night King, despite having previously traveled to Volantis in Essos. She ignites some fires, delivers a motivational speech to Arya, and then crumbles into dust at sunrise. It all felt underwhelming.
Screenshot via HBO
21. Gilly
Surprisingly, Gilly has been part of the series since Season 2, though it’s hard to believe given how little she contributes to the story. Her primary role seems to be placing Sam in perilous situations repeatedly. While some might argue that Gilly serves as Sam’s motivation throughout the series, this justification feels weak at best.
Sam’s loyalty lies first with the Night’s Watch, then with Jon Snow, and finally with his ambition to become a maester and restore his family’s honor. These motivations are strong enough on their own, making Gilly’s presence somewhat redundant. As a wildling woman who bore a child from an incestuous relationship, Gilly’s character largely feels like an afterthought, simply existing without much impact.
Screenshot via HBO
20. Euron Greyjoy
Fans of the books often praised Euron Greyjoy as a fascinating character. He was depicted as a ruthless pirate, terrorizing the seas and leading a rebellion against Balon Greyjoy. His elaborate backstory included a crew of mutes (whose tongues he removed for silence), his noble lineage, and his role as a captivating antagonist in the later parts of the Game of Thrones narrative.
However, the TV adaptation fell short of expectations. The HBO version of Euron came across as a rough imitation of Jack Sparrow. His motivations were unclear, his personality lacked depth, and his allegiance to Queen Cersei felt unconvincing. He was easily deceived into believing she was pregnant with his child. His fleet was obliterated by Daenerys’s dragon—a predictable outcome—and his final moments were spent in a pointless duel with Jaime Lannister. He met his end spouting cheesy lines, leaving viewers unimpressed.
Screenshot via HBO
19. Robin Arryn
Lord Robin Arryn had the potential to be a significant figure. As the son of Jon Arryn, the former Hand of the King under Robert Baratheon, and the heir to the Eyrie and Defender of the Vale, he should have been a formidable character. Instead, he was portrayed as an odd child, still breastfed by his unstable mother Lysa well into his pre-teen years, and exhibiting numerous social and physical deficiencies.
A few seasons later, Robin is under the influence of Littlefinger—never a positive development. However, he does make the decision to send the Vale’s army north, rescuing Jon Snow during the Battle of the Bastards. After Littlefinger is executed by the Starks for treason, Robin’s future becomes uncertain. He reappears in the series finale, noticeably older and more composed, and plays a role in selecting Bran Stark as the new King of Westeros. Sadly, he never got the chance to push anyone through the Moon Door—a missed opportunity.
Screenshots via HBO
18. Doran Martell
Do you recall Doran Martell? He was the stern older brother of Oberyn Martell, who took over as the Prince of Dorne but chose to avoid any military or political retaliation against the Lannisters, despite the immense suffering they inflicted on his family. The Mountain, under Tywin Lannister’s orders, brutally killed his sister Elia and her children. Later, the Mountain also ended Oberyn’s life in a trial by combat. Yet, Doran remained passive, basking in the Dornish sun and refusing to engage in conflict.
Eventually, Ellaria Sand, Oberyn’s lover, grew tired of Doran’s inaction and orchestrated a coup. Alongside Oberyn’s illegitimate daughters, the Sand Snakes, Ellaria coldly murdered Doran. She also killed his son Trystane, ensuring her path to power was unchallenged.
Sadly, Ellaria was soon captured and tortured by Queen Cersei, and it’s unlikely she survived the final assault on King’s Landing. Dorne, once a region of great promise thanks to Oberyn’s charisma, faded into irrelevance. A new Prince of Dorne appeared briefly at the council meeting where Bran Stark was chosen as king, but his identity remains entirely unknown.
Screenshot via HBO
17. Missandei
For a brief period, Missandei appeared to be a groundbreaking character. Not only was she one of Daenerys’s most trusted confidants, but her prominence also brought joy to fans who appreciated seeing a minority female character rise to such a significant position within the show’s hierarchy. Game of Thrones has faced criticism for its lack of diversity and gender representation, and Missandei’s role served as a compelling rebuttal to these claims.
However, her importance diminished in the later seasons. Characters like Tyrion, Jorah, and Jon Snow took center stage in Daenerys’s pursuit of the Iron Throne, while Missandei was reduced to a simplistic romantic subplot with Greyworm—despite the fact that he is a eunuch.
Screenshot via HBO
16. Stannis Baratheon
Stannis Baratheon often appeared when the narrative needed to slow down, as the self-proclaimed King of the Seven Kingdoms was a dull presence from the start. While actor Stephen Dillane delivered a strong performance, Stannis’s character was far less compelling in Game of Thrones compared to George R.R. Martin’s books, where he was portrayed as a stoic yet magnetic figure. In the books, it was clear why loyal followers like Ser Davos Seaworth stood by him despite overwhelming odds. In the show, however, Stannis came across as uninspiring and entirely under the control of Melisandre.
Stannis’s sole redeeming quality was his tender relationship with his daughter Shireen. However, the show tarnished this by having him burn Shireen alive at the urging of the Red Woman—a decision that sparked significant controversy and is believed to deviate from George R.R. Martin’s intended narrative (though this remains speculative, as the books have not yet reached this point). Ultimately, Stannis met an unremarkable end, fitting his lackluster character: he was executed off-screen by Brienne of Tarth.
Screenshot via HBO
15. Renly Baratheon
Renly Baratheon, the other Baratheon brother who never ascended the Iron Throne, is a character often praised by others but who did little during his brief time on the show to justify such admiration. While his presence introduced more compelling figures like Brienne of Tarth and Margaery Tyrell, the series never clarified why so many would support Renly as king.
The Tyrells clearly supported Renly to advance their own standing, but Brienne’s unwavering loyalty to him remains puzzling, given his apparent indifference toward her. Even Renly’s lover, Loras Tyrell, moved on quickly after his death, suggesting that while Renly was a preferable ruler compared to Stannis or Joffrey, his appeal lay more in his mediocrity than any exceptional qualities.
Screenshot via HBO
14. Kevan Lannister
Kevan Lannister’s role in Game of Thrones was so unmemorable that we had to revisit the details of his death (he died in the explosion of the Sept of Baelor alongside Queen Margaery and the High Sparrow). The primary issue with Kevan (affectionately nicknamed Kev Lion) was that the show reduced his significance to prioritize Charles Dance’s exceptional portrayal of his older brother, Tywin.
In the books, Kevan is depicted as Tywin’s most trusted ally and a capable leader in his own right, often putting Cersei in her place. However, the show portrayed him as a weaker version of his brother, with Cersei gaining the upper hand and ordering him to leave King’s Landing. While this bolstered Lena Headey’s portrayal of Cersei as a formidable figure, it rendered Kevan an inconsequential and underwhelming character in the grand scheme of the series.
Screenshot via HBO
13. Meera Reed
Meera Reed, Bran Stark’s loyal companion, is a likable character, but she often feels underutilized. While her late brother Jojen had meaningful interactions with Bran due to his greenseer abilities, Meera was frequently reduced to performing menial tasks, such as dragging Bran on a sled throughout much of Season 6.
While Meera plays a crucial role in keeping Bran alive, the writers missed opportunities to develop her character further. A compelling dynamic could have been explored between her and Bran, focusing on her efforts to preserve his humanity as he became increasingly consumed by his visions. Instead, she remained a peripheral figure, and the series concluded without revisiting her story. Additionally, her father, Howland Reed—a significant character in the books and the last surviving witness to the Tower of Joy events (aside from Jon Snow)—was never introduced, representing a missed opportunity for deeper storytelling.
Screenshot via HBO
12. Rickon Stark
Rickon, the youngest Stark child, plays a minor role in George R.R. Martin’s novels, so it’s unsurprising that the HBO series didn’t expand his part. However, given the Stark family’s central importance to Game of Thrones, Rickon might have been better written out of the show entirely. In the books, Rickon and Robb are the only Stark children without point-of-view chapters, but the series significantly expanded Robb’s role, making Rickon’s lack of development even more noticeable.
Rickon’s role was further diminished in the show, which is notable considering his already limited presence in the books. He was nearly forgotten until his reappearance in Season 6 as Ramsay’s captive. While Ramsay holding a Stark hostage should have been a gripping subplot, Rickon’s underdevelopment made his death during the Battle of the Bastards feel more like a relief than a tragedy.
Screenshot via HBO
11. Petyr Baelish
Littlefinger was once one of Game of Thrones‘ most intriguing characters, but after leaving the political intrigue of King’s Landing, the show struggled to define his purpose. His calculated murder of Lysa Arryn and takeover of the Eyrie was a masterstroke, but afterward, Littlefinger seemed directionless, unsure of his next move.
Littlefinger’s assistance in helping Jon Snow defeat Ramsay Bolton and secure the North primarily benefited the Starks, though his true motive seemed to be winning Sansa’s favor, which she consistently rejected. The cunning, always-ahead Littlefinger of earlier seasons was sorely missed. Ultimately, his scheming led to his downfall when his involvement in Ned Stark’s death was revealed, resulting in his swift execution by Arya Stark at Winterfell.
Screenshot via HBO
10. Lancel Lannister
With dominant figures like Tywin and Cersei dominating the Lannister narrative, it’s easy to overlook minor characters like Lancel, a self-righteous and inept individual who remains unlikable regardless of his moral alignment.
Lancel, Tywin Lannister’s nephew, began as King Robert Baratheon’s timid squire but was soon revealed to be having an affair with Cersei, his cousin and Robert’s wife. He played a role in Robert’s death by ensuring the king was drunk during a hunt. After being gravely injured in the Battle of the Blackwater, he disappeared temporarily, only to reemerge as a devout follower of the Sparrows.
Lancel became even more insufferable after his return, sporting a vacant stare while condemning his family and the court of King’s Landing. His moral inconsistency alienated both his family and viewers, making it difficult to feel sympathy when he met his end in Cersei’s wildfire explosion at the Sept of Baelor.
Screenshot via HBO
9. Ros
Ros, a character created exclusively for the show, served dual purposes: increasing the show’s nudity quota and providing a vehicle to expand the roles of certain characters, particularly Littlefinger, who owns the brothel where she works in King’s Landing. While her inclusion made sense for HBO’s style, it was clear she was designed more for titillation than depth.
Despite attempts to elevate Ros’s role, such as her brief stint as a spy for Varys, she remained largely defined by her origins as a prostitute. Her character was never fully developed, and her abrupt off-screen death at the hands of Joffrey, who used her for crossbow practice, underscored her underutilization. Ultimately, Ros was more a visual element than a fully realized character.
Screenshot via HBO
8. Talisa Stark
Looking back, it feels harsh to label Robb Stark’s love interest as one of the show’s weakest characters, especially given her gruesome and tragic demise. While Talisa’s death was one of Game of Thrones‘ most heart-wrenching moments, it doesn’t overshadow her lack of depth and intrigue throughout her time on the show.
Talisa’s marriage to Robb set the stage for the infamous Red Wedding, but the third season was bogged down by their overly sentimental scenes, which felt out of sync with the show’s darker, more politically charged tone. Game of Thrones thrives on themes of betrayal, violence, and power struggles, not the kind of romantic melodrama that Talisa’s storyline embodied. While she remains a tragic figure, she is also one of the show’s least compelling characters.
Screenshot via HBO
7. Olly
Olly, Jon Snow’s young steward, is one of the most despised characters among Game of Thrones fans, to the point where Season 6 could have been titled “Everyone Hates Olly.” While his anger at Jon for allowing Wildlings past The Wall is understandable—given his parents were killed by them—Jon provided reasonable explanations that Olly ignored. His betrayal of Jon, a fan-favorite, feels less like a nuanced character choice and more like poor writing.
Olly’s constant death glares throughout the season made his betrayal predictable. To make matters worse, he killed Ygritte, Jon’s love interest, and later stabbed Jon, his Lord Commander and father figure. His actions lacked depth, and his eventual hanging by Jon felt like a fitting end for such a poorly developed character.
Screenshot via HBO
6. The Sand Snakes
How did the show manage to ruin a group of characters with such a cool name? Prince Oberyn Martell was a standout addition in Season 4, so expectations were high for his illegitimate daughters—the fierce warrior women known as the Sand Snakes. When Obara, Tyene, and Nymeria Sand were introduced, they were portrayed as skilled fighters determined to avenge their father’s death.
Sadly, their potential was wasted due to poor characterization and the show’s failure to showcase their combat abilities effectively (their fight scenes are among the weakest in the series). Of the three, Tyene is the only one who leaves an impression, largely because of her tragic fate—chained in Cersei’s dungeon while her mother, Ellaria, is forced to watch her die. While their exits were grim, their departure ultimately benefited the series.
Screenshot via HBO
5. The Mountain
Ser Gregor Clegane, known as “The Mountain,” is undoubtedly the most fearsome brute in Westeros—and that’s part of the issue. While it’s believable that he’s a mindless, ruthless killer, his brother Sandor “The Hound” Clegane’s complex character makes Gregor’s lack of depth even more glaring. The Hound’s childhood trauma at Gregor’s hands is a significant part of his story, but it lacks impact since the two brothers never share a scene together.
As a result, The Mountain is reduced to a one-dimensional villain, serving as a target for fan outrage after killing Oberyn, one of Game of Thrones‘ most compelling characters. Even in his “zombified” form as Ser Robert Strong, there’s little difference from his previous self, which isn’t surprising given his lack of personality. At least fans got the long-awaited #CleganeBowl in the end.
Screenshot via HBO
4. The Waif
The Waif is arguably one of the most frustrating characters in Game of Thrones. While she is presented as Arya Stark’s mentor during her training with the Faceless Men, she comes across as a jealous bully, resentful of the attention Jaqen H’ghar gives Arya. While the show has shown that annoying characters can still be well-written—like Joffrey, whose villainy was compelling—the Waif is so underdeveloped that she feels like a shallow obstacle in Arya’s otherwise engaging storyline.
At one point, the Waif fabricates a tragic backstory about being the daughter of a widowed lord, only to reveal it as a lie meant to manipulate Arya. Her motivations remain unclear, and her selfish vendetta against Arya feels out of place for someone who claims to be “no one.” Had the show provided more context for her actions, she might have been a more sympathetic character. Instead, her demise leaves her as just another forgotten face in the Hall of Faces.
Screenshot via HBO
3. Hizdahr zo Loraq
It’s never a good sign when a character is so forgettable that you can only refer to them as “that guy.” Such is the case with Hizdahr zo Loraq, the pompous nobleman from Meereen who incessantly (and irritatingly) urges Daenerys Targaryen to reopen the fighting pits to pacify the city’s populace. His constant presence in the throne room, making demands, likely wore down even the strongest resolve, which seemed to be his sole purpose throughout much of Season 5.
The show attempted to suggest that Hizdahr was colluding with the Sons of the Harpy to assassinate Daenerys, but given how unmemorable he was, it was hard to care about this potential subplot. Fortunately, Hizdahr was killed by the Sons of the Harpy near the end of Season 5, which cleared his name but also confirmed his dullness. Hizdahr zo Loraq—your absence will not be mourned.
Screenshot via HBO
2. Shae
Shae, the prostitute who captured and later betrayed Tyrion Lannister’s heart, is one of the most irritating characters in the series. Jealous and self-centered, she frequently criticized Tyrion for not dedicating all his time to her after bringing her to King’s Landing. Despite Tyrion’s reasonable explanations for why he couldn’t abandon his duties as Hand of the King to be with her, Shae remained oblivious and became a constant source of frustration.
Her behavior worsened when Tyrion was forced to marry Sansa Stark, as her jealousy reached absurd heights. Her ultimate betrayal—testifying against Tyrion during Joffrey’s murder trial and sleeping with his father, Tywin—was the final straw. Her death, at Tyrion’s hands, was one of the show’s most satisfying moments, as he strangled her with the chains that bound him. A fitting end to a grating character.
Screenshot via HBO
1. Ramsay Bolton
Ramsay Bolton, the Bastard of Bolton, is not only the most despicable character in Westeros but also the worst character in Game of Thrones overall. Serving as the show’s main antagonist for four seasons, Ramsay’s clear-cut villainy clashed with the series’ signature moral ambiguity. While the show thrives on its morally complex characters (and dragons), Ramsay felt like a cartoonish villain who spent years tormenting others while remaining untouchable, much to the frustration of viewers.
While a sadistic character with a penchant for torture can add tension, Ramsay’s excessive brutality often overshadowed the narrative. His frequent luck, such as commanding massive armies to solve his problems, made him even more insufferable. Even his father’s pleas to stop his cruelty fell on deaf ears, cementing his status as a psychopath. Unlike Joffrey, whose cruelty was darkly entertaining, Ramsay offered no redeeming qualities—except for his satisfying death—making him the worst character in Game of Thrones.
Screenshot via HBO
