House of the Dragon welcomed fans back into the dangerous and violent world of Westerosi politics. Fans first experienced it in Game of Thrones, a show that redefined what a television event should be, surprising fans with violent deaths courtesy of its ample cast of morally grey and dubious characters.
Still, not everyone was bad in Thrones. Indeed, a few characters stood out because of how kind and wholesome they were, despite or perhaps because of the violent circumstances surrounding them. These figures provided some much-needed balance to the show, stopping it from being all gloom and despair.
Hot Pie
Arya has many traveling companions throughout her journeys across Westeros and Essos, but none are as noble as Hot Pie. The young pie-maker is innocent about the world's brutalities; however, he is a survivor, always finding a way to make it through, mainly thanks to his baking abilities.
Hot Pie is an unintentional key figure in Arya's storyline. He helps Brienne locate her and then reveals to her that the Starks are again in control of Winterfell upon their reunion in season 7. Hot Pie is a true friend to Arya, and his wolf-shaped bread remains one of the few genuinely kind gestures in a show that famously doesn't have many.
Myrcella Baratheon
One of Cersei Lannister's few good character traits is her undying and unwavering love for her children. While Joffrey is a monster, Tommen and Myrcella are worthy of their mother's love; however, Myrcella is the only one that remains good and kind, mainly because she gets sent to Dorne, away from the depravity of King's Landing.
Myrcella is gentle and believes in love. She accepts Jaime as her father because she understands he loves her mother. Myrcella is kind and caring to everyone, including her uncle, Tyrion, unlike the rest of her family. Her greatest flaw is her enduring naiveté, and she pays the ultimate price for it.
Maester Aemon
The Targaryens can be the greatest heroes or the vilest villains. According to a popular saying, every time a Targaryen is born, the gods flip a coin, and the world holds its breath. The coin clearly fell on the right side with Aemon Targaryen. He was kind and selfless, even taking the Black to stop himself from being a threat to his younger brother Aegon's reign.
While at Castle Black, Aemon is fair and just to everyone. He is one of Jon and Samwell's biggest supporters, offering advice and guiding them during their early days at the Wall. Aemon is selfless and has a strong sense of duty, qualities that make him a rarity among the power-hungry Targaryens.
Maester Luwin
The Stark children have a quiet and happy childhood at Winterfell. They have a close relationship with the castle's occupants, including their Maester, an old and gentle man named Luwin. Maester Luwin loves the children as if they were his, offering sage advice and ensuring they are prepared to take on the world.
During Theon's occupation of Winterfell, Maester Luwin treats him with kindness because he also cares about him and understands his confusion. Maester Luwin dies at the end of season 2, but his memory lives on in the hearts of the children who survived because of his care and teachings.
Davos Seaworth
The Knight of the Onions is one of the most loyal characters in the story. Davos might not be the most capable fighter, but he is a valuable ally for his wise advice and strong moral code. Davos is caring, acting as a father figure for the show's many strays, including Jon Snow.
Despite his kindness, Davos is not naive; he knows evil when he sees it and isn't afraid to speak out against it, often putting himself at risk. Davos' advice is invaluable to Stannis and Jon, and he gives it without expecting anything in return. He is alive at the end of Game of Thrones, and fans would love to see him in the recently-announced Jon Snow spin-off.
Gilly
The wildling Gilly makes her debut in season 2. She is one of Craster's many daughters/wives, pregnant with his son. Gilly is innocent and inexperienced but kind and trusting. She strikes an instant connection with Samwell, who saves her from the Night's Watch mutiny, taking her beyond the Wall and eventually becoming her protector and lover.
Despite her traumatic past, Gilly is optimistic about the future. She is not precisely cheery but has a positive outlook on life, mainly out of a desire to protect her baby, Sam. Through thick and thin, Gilly remains supportive of Sam, defending him when his fellow Night's Watch brothers beat him and when his father belittles him.
Hodor
Hodor has one of the most tragic backstories in the show. He also has the dubious honor of having the saddest death out of any side character in Game of Thrones. Hodor has been a stableboy at Winterfell since infancy, remaining staunchly loyal to the Starks and behaving like a gentle giant.
The mystery surrounding him gets answered in season 6 when fans learn why "Hodor" is the only word he can say. The gentle giant meets his end at the Three-Eyed Raven's cave, dying to allow Meera and Bran to escape the Night King and his army of weights. Despite his simple mind, Hodor is brave and good-natured, protecting Bran and remaining loyal despite the dangers that await beyond the Wall.
Missandei
Daenerys' most loyal and trusted advisor, Missandei is a former slave who Dany frees in season 3. Missandei remains beside the Queen's side from that day on, lending a gentler and more level-headed approach to politics as opposed to the clever but conceited Tyrion.
Missandei's love story with Grey Worm is arguably the purest and most genuine in the show. She is someone who genuinely believes in Daenerys and dies believing the Targaryen Queen will make the world a better place. Missandei deserved better than what she got.
Podrick Payne
Podrick Payne serves as Tyrion Lannister and Brienne of Tarth's squire throughout the show. Loyal to a fault and willing to risk his life in service of his duties, Pod is a rarity in Westeros, a young man who wants honor more than wealth or acknowledgment.
Through thick and thin, Pod stays beside his Lord and Lady, offering everything from comfort to advice. Despite lacking the formal training other knights have, he is among the bravest characters in the show. Luckily, he survives until the end and even becomes a member of the Kingsguard. There has never lived a more loyal squire, indeed.
Shireen Baratheon
Few, if any, characters in Game of Thrones were as pure as Princess Shireen Baratheon. Stannis' daughter is innocent, safe from the corruption that rage in Westeros. She is curious, gentle, and kind, not allowing her scarred face to dictate how her life should be.
Princess Shireen is among the show's most tragic characters. She loves her father and wants to support him in any way, not knowing that would ultimately be her death sentence. Shireen's death was senseless and excessively cruel, standing out as one of the most ruthless and reprehensible moments in Thrones' history.