Tyrion Lannister is arguably the most fascinating villains on Game of Thrones. He is an exceptionally well-written character, full of complexity and intrigue. At times he is villainous and stubbornly loyal to his Lannister roots. Other times he is heroic, often defying his own limitations (both mental and physical). He also has a brilliant way with words, but that doesn't really have anything to do with his moral compass - just an observation about his character!

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Perhaps more than any other character, Tyrion toes the line between hero and villain. These are five times Tyrion Lannister was a hero (and five times he was the villain).

Hero: The Battle Of The Blackwater

The ships explode with wildfire in the Battle of Blackwater in Game of Thrones

Tyrion's storyline throughout season two sees him defending King's Landing from the impending invasion of Stannis Baratheon. This involves readying the wildfire traps and physically fighting in the battle, despite his small stature and lack of skill. And when the need arises, Tyrion takes command of the army himself. This could be seen as either a heroic or a villainous trait (depending on who you ask - the Lannisters or Stannis), but there's no denying that Tyrion excelled in warfare when many of us thought he wouldn't.

Villain: Keeping Bran's Attempted Murder A Secret

Winter is Coming end of pilot episode Game of Thrones

Did Tyrion know that it was Jaime who threw Bran from the window? Opinion remains divided, but a lot of people say yes. He gives an accusatory look at Jaime and Cersei after telling them that Bran will live, he says it would be "interesting" to hear what Bran has to say, and Jaime directly asks him what side he's on, less than discreetly indicating that he knows that Tyrion knows. It's a defining moment for Tyrion - and he picks the Lannisters in responding with, "You know how much I love my family." Why? Family loyalty, perhaps. Or maybe he spares Jaime for his kindness, as Jaime is the only one who shows Tyrion a semblance of respect.

Hero: Defending Sansa

Joffrey pouring wine on Tyrion's head in Game of Thrones

Lady Sansa Stark just couldn't catch a break for the longest time. When she came to King's Landing, she expected to be treated like a Princess from the fairy tales. Unfortunately, Joffrey was not that kind of King, and King's Landing was not that kind of place. Instead, she was viciously bullied, harassed, and manipulated by nearly everyone around her, except for Tyrion. Tyrion is the only one who treated Sansa with respect, and he was the only one looking out for her protection and well-being.

Villain: Killing Shae

Tyrion Strangles Shae after finding her sleeping with Tywin in Game of Thrones

One of Tyrion's most evil actions has to be his killing of Shae. This scene was actually watered down from the source novel, as Tyrion outright murders her in the book.

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In the show, Tyrion kills her out of desperation and in self-defense - desperation because she would be witness to Tywin's murder (and Tyrion's escape), and self-defense because Shae grabbed a knife. Regardless, it's one of the most viscerally violent actions that Tyrion has ever committed, self-defense or not.

Hero: Freeing Jaime To Save King's Landing

Jaime and Tyrion Lannister at the trial in Game of Thrones

Freeing Jaime may have gone against Daenerys' orders, but he did it with the right intentions. His primary motivation behind the rescue was the defense of King's Landing. Like Jaime before him, Tyrion attempted to save the people of King's Landing by having Jaime convince Cersei to surrender, allowing for a peaceful takeover. But Tyrion also does it to repay Jaime - both for Jaime's prior rescue of Tyrion and for his respectful brotherly treatment.

Villain: Killing Tywin

If Shae's killing was out of desperation and self-defense, then Tywin was just straight-up murder. Did Tywin deserve it? Now that's a different discussion altogether. But there's no denying that Tyrion's actions constitute first-degree murder. He snuck into his father's tower, got a crossbow off the wall, trapped Tywin in the privy, and proceeded to shoot him twice in the chest after he spoke offensively of Shae. Tyrion effectively committed patricide, and it is arguably his most villainous action of the entire series.

Hero: Saving Catelyn From The Hill Tribe

While on the way to the Eyrie, Catelyn, Tyrion, and the retinue are besieged by the Hill Tribe. During the battle, Catelyn is targeted by one of the Hill men and nearly killed - that is, until Tyrion sneaks up on him and knocks away his leg with a shield.

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Despite being her captive and going to his trial (which could result in his death), Tyrion saves Catelyn out of his undying sense of honor.

Villain: Serving As Joffrey's Hand (& Destroying Stannis)

Tyrion Lannister reading a book with Varys

While we love Tyrion throughout season two (his heroic actions at the Battle of the Blackwater, his noble defending of Sansa), he was still the Hand to a tyrannical King. Perhaps his worst action as King was the mere act of defending King's Landing from Stannis Baratheon. Tyrion knows full well that Joffrey is not the rightful heir to the Throne, and he knows that Stannis should be King. But despite that, and owing to his allegiance to the Lannisters, Tyrion plots the destruction of Stannis' army and any hope that he had of obtaining what was rightfully and lawfully his.

Hero: Giving Bran Blueprints For A Saddle

While he doesn't betray his brother Jaime over his role in Bran's crippling, he does repent in his own anti-heroic way by giving Bran blueprints for a special-made saddle. It seems to come from equal parts repentance and sympathy. As Tyrion says, "I have a tender spot in my heart for cripples, bastards, and broken things." Tyrion sees himself in Bran's disability, and he does what he can to help.

Villain: Betraying Varys

Tyrion looking worried

The relationship between Tyrion and Varys was one of the shows' most popular, yet it ended in unfortunate tragedy. As we've established, Tyrion is an extremely loyal person - almost to a fault. And in this case, his loyalty to Daenerys proved Varys' downfall. Tyrion overhears Varys discussing treason with Jon (not one of Varys' finer moments), and he snitches on him to Daenerys. This in turn leads to Varys' execution at the hands of Drogon.

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