From very early on in Game of Thrones, Arya Stark established herself as a fan-favorite character. However, that does not necessarily mean she got along with others. Arya was a bold, determined and fierce young woman, and that sometimes rubbed people the wrong way. Despite that, she still managed to form many meaningful friendships.
Arya traveled more than any other character in the series, going across Westeros over to Essos and back again. Along the way, she met many people, some of whom became important parts of her journey, taught her lessons, or just provided friendship when needed.
Beric Dondarrion
Though a smaller character on the show, Beric Dondarrion is one of Game of Thrones' most underrated heroes. He also has an interesting relationship with Arya as they first meet when she is captured by the Brotherhood without Banners.
Beric actually ends up on Arya's list after handing Gendry over to Melisandre, but it is clear that he is a good man trying to operate in a complicated world. It is Beric's final act of sacrificing himself to save Arya that shows his true purpose and allows Arya to see him as a hero.
Lady Crane
While Arya's training with the Faceless Men was one of the most disappointing storylines on Game of Thrones, it did at least give fans Arya's relationship with Lady Crane. Arya was hired to kill the actor, but as she watched Lady Crane from afar, she grew to like her and spared her life.
When Arya is injured by the Waif, Lady Crane nurses her back to health. It is the closest thing Arya has to a mother figure following Catelyn Stark's death and it's obvious how grateful she is. Lady Crane even gives Arya the idea of heading west of Westeros which is the journey she begins in the finale.
Yoren
Not all members of the Night's Watch are honorable, but Yoren proves himself to be among the best of them. Not only does he protect Arya when Ned Stark is executed, but he risks his life to smuggle her out of King's Landing in the aftermath.
As Arya copes with her father's death, she connects with Yoren as the only one who knows who she really is. He also takes a liking to her and sets her on her ultimate path of revenge, giving her the idea to repeat the names of her enemies every night before she sleeps.
Jaqen H'ghar
Throughout the series, Arya meets various characters who become integral in her journey of becoming a warrior. Jaqen H'ghar is a very important figure in that journey as he teaches her the ways of the Faceless Men and helps her become a deadly assassin.
Initially, their bond is only due to a debt Jaqen owes Arya for saving his life. But as mysterious as he is, it does seem that Jaqen holds a great deal of respect for this young girl and sees the potential of what Arya could become in the future.
Mycah
Though his time on the show was very brief, Mycah is one of the most tragic characters on Game of Thrones. He was Arya's friend from Winterfell who was part of the group heading to King's Landing. He also was the character who served as an example of how evil Joffrey really was.
Following Arya's confrontation with Joffrey, Mycah is ridden down and killed by The Hound simply because he ran. Arya is filled with guilt over Mycah's death and she carries it with her for a long time, vowing revenge on The Hound.
Hot Pie
When first introduced, Hot Pie is an obnoxious and vile young man who tries to bully Arya around. However, in time, he lets his softer side show and reveals himself to be a very gentle boy who just likes baking.
Hot Pie also comes to care about Arya a lot even as she continues down her darker path. He is not the smartest or bravest of her allies, but he is the kind of nice presence she needs at times. And the scene in which Hot Pie bakes a direwolf loaf of bread for Arya is a rare heartwarming moment in Game of Thrones.
Syrio Forel
Though Arya did not know Syrio Forel long, he may teach her more than any other character in the show. As her "dancing teacher," Syrio is the first person to really encourage Arya's path of becoming a warrior.
He teaches her how to use a sword and fight with skill. Arya uses much of those lessons later to kill her many enemies. But Syrio also teaches Arya about the God of Death and how to tell him "Not today." This becomes a mantra that inspires Arya's fearlessness in the rest of her dangerous journey.
Sandor Clegane
Arya's relationship with Sandor Clegane aka The Hound is one of the most complicated in the show. After he kills Mycah, she is determined to kill him and tries several times. Ironically, it isn't until Clegane kidnaps her that their bond really starts to form.
He originally takes her to ransom, but as they continue to travel together, he becomes something of a protector to Arya. Neither of them can admit how much they care for each other until the end when The Hound, in a rare moment of kindness, encourages Arya not to follow his violent path and save herself.
Nymeria
Many fans complain that the direwolves are underutilized in the show, but there are still some standout moments with the impressive beasts. Like the other Stark children, Arya forms a quick bond with Nymeria, but it is another relationship on the show destined for tragedy.
After Nymeria attacks Joffrey, Arya sends her away so she won't be killed. It is a moment that breaks her heart, but she does it to save her friend. Just as heartbreaking is their final scene together when they reunite only for Arya to let Nymeria go, understanding that she belongs in the wild now.
Gendry
Gendry is another character Arya meets in her journey to the Wall after escaping King's Landing. Their relationship is immediately entertaining as they enjoy constantly teasing each other and getting into silly arguments.
Gendry serves as a character who keeps Arya grounded even as she faces increasingly daunting obstacles. When they reunite, Gendry reminds Arya of simpler times and they embrace their romantic feelings for the first time, even though Arya knows it is only fleeting. In the end, they are on different journeys but needed each other to get there.