Game of Thrones is famous for juggling multiple storylines, which include a sprawling cast of characters. Arguably there is no lead character in the show. Instead, there's a collection of supporting players, spread around the vastness of Westeros and Essos. Each have their own narrative and purpose, at times seemingly detached from the so-called main storyline.
While most main characters get introduced in season 1, some of the most influential figures arrive until season 2 or later. Heroes and villains, friends and foes, they all complement and enhance the narrative, adding a sense of wonder and complexity to this already boundless and astonishing fantasy world.
Ramsay Bolton
Ramsay, along with Joffrey Baratheon, is probably GoT's most loathed character. He is the bastard son of the treacherous Roose Bolton, a sadistic and despotic young man with a twisted sense of humor. Once Joffrey dies in Season 4, Ramsay becomes the series' de-facto villain until his eventual death in Season 6.
Among the many despicable acts that Ramsay commits are his torture of Theon Greyjoy, the killing of his stepmother and her baby, his abuse of Sansa Stark during their marriage, and the murders of Osha and Rickon Stark. Like Joffrey, Ramsay is a character that fans loved to hate and one of the best villains in modern television.
High Sparrow
And, speaking of characters fans loved to hate, the High Sparrow also fits the bill. He is a pious, intolerant, and menacing man who hid behind a mask of righteousness. Under his leadership, the cult known as the Faith Militant amasses considerable power in King's Landing, easily manipulating young King Tommen.
The High Sparrow is responsible for Cersei's walk of shame, the event that arguably pushes her over the edge and into a path of utter madness. Ironically, Cersei herself is responsible for the Sparrow's initial ascent into power, proving that many people create their own monsters.
Tormund Giantsbane
Tormund makes his debut in the Season 3 premiere, "Valar Dohaeris." He is one of the Free Folk's leaders, and a close friend of Mance Rayder. Tormund initially distrusts Jon Snow, but their shared hostility slowly turns into an honest and heartfelt friendship.
Tormund, especially in later seasons, is often used as comic relief. Thanks to Kristofer Hivju's spontaneous and emotive expressions, the character soon became popular among fans. His crush on Brienne of Tarth in the show's last three seasons is one of the series' rare wholesome plotlines.
Missandei Of Naath
Initially a polyglottic slave who served the Good Masters of Astapor, Missandei becomes Danerys's trusted advisor and handmaiden. Missandei is gentle, polite, and fiercely loyal to the Mother of Dragons. She is also one of Throne's most accomplished characters, being able to speak nineteen languages.
Missandei shares a passionate and loving romance with Grey Worm, arguably the show's least problematic and most heartfelt relationship. In season 8, she dies under Cersei's orders, to the outrage of fans around the world who believed she deserved better.
Melisandre
The Red Woman is one of Thrones's most divisive characters. She's a Red Priestess in the religion of R'hllor, who first appears on-screen burning the Old God's statues and introducing the Lord of Light to Stannis and his army. Melisandre's fanatic views lead her to commit despicable acts, including burning Princess Shireen Baratheon alive.
Once Stannis dies, and after a brief crisis of faith, she revives Jon Snow and serves him until her banishment. Melisandre returns one last time, during the now infamous Long Night, as a deus-ex-machina to help the heroes beat the Night King.
Stannis Baratheon
Stannis the Mannis, as fans call him, is Robert's younger brother and Lord of Dragonstone. After Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tommen's true parentage comes to light, Stannis declares himself the rightful King and begins a crusade to win the Iron Throne.
Stannis spends four entire seasons attempting to win the throne, failing every time. Near the end, his desperation makes him commit a series of mistakes that leads to his eventual demise at the hands of Brienne of Tarth. His ending is a tad anticlimactic, but his mark on the show is indelible.
Brienne Of Tarth
Brienne first appears in season 2 as a part of Renly Baratheon's Kingsguard. She remains devoted to him until his death, after which she escapes the camp and swears an oath to Catelyn Stark. Brienne is stoic, pragmatic, and blunt. She is perhaps the most honorable character in the show and one of the best warriors in the Seven Kingdoms.
After Catelyn's death, Brienne becomes Sansa's protector. She becomes the first woman to be knighted, which Jaime Lannister does shortly before the Battle of Winterfell. Brienne is one of the few characters to remain consistent throughout her journey in the show, despite her brief and frankly unnecessary affair with Jaime in Season 8.
Oberyn Martell
Oberyn appears in seven episodes, yet his shadow looms so large, it's easy to think he's one of the show's stars. Played by the incomparable Pedro Pascal, Oberyn arrives at King's Landing in season 4 as Dorne's representative in Joffrey's wedding. Charming, arrogant, confident, and prideful, Oberyn quickly makes a name for himself. He openly despises the Lannisters, treats most people at Court with barely-hidden contempt, and isn't afraid to speak his mind.
Oberyn is at the center of one of GoT's most infamous moments. During his duel with the Mountain, Oberyn's eyes get gouged out and his skull gets crushed, in one of the most shocking and explicit deaths the show ever did.
Margaery Tyrell
Margaery is one of the shrewdest and most cunning players in the game. She is sharp, witty, and charming, a gifted manipulator who understands a smile can be just as deadly as any blade. Margaery first appears in season 2 as Renly Baratheon's wife and intended Queen. After his death, she travels to King's Landing and becomes engaged to Joffrey.
During her time in the show, Margaery successfully manages to get her way every time. It would've been amazing to watch her handle herself in the Long Night, but the writers killed her off at the end of Season 6.
Olenna Tyrell
The Queen of Thorns earned her moniker. Wise, astute, and accomplished, Olenna is a true master of court and political intrigue. She is a prominent figure in Westeros and one of the few characters capable of going head to head with Tywin Lannister.
Olenna outlives her entire family, eventually becoming one of Daenerys's crucial allies in Westeros. And even when she's about to die, she does it her way, choosing a grand exit that ranks as one of the show's best. Classy and unyielding until the end, Olenna is one of Thrones's best characters, remaining vital to the story and gloriously entertaining to watch.