Though she starts off as being very frustrating, Sansa Stark gradually becomes one of the most popular characters on Game of Thrones. As she learns more along the way and takes power for herself, she becomes inspiring to both the audience and the other characters in the show, earning her many allies.
Though Sansa's most important relationships are those in her family, like Arya and Jon, her friendships have helped her in her journey. These relationships range from those who protect Sansa in King's Landing to those who help her become Queen in the North.
Yohn Royce
Yohn Royce is introduced as one of the lords loyal to House Arryn who confronts Littlefinger after the death of Lysa Arryn. While Royce doesn't like Littlefinger at all, he becomes a loyal ally of Sansa when he discovers she is hiding out in the Vale.
While Royce initially sees her as someone who needs protecting, he sees Sansa's transformation into a leader and becomes a devoted follower of her. He supports her as a potential ruler of the North and respects her for her intelligence.
Loras Tyrell
Sansa meets Loras Tyrell in season 1 when he gives her a rose before he competes in the jousting tournament. Though she immediately develops a crush on Loras, he is secretly in love with Renly. And when they are briefly betrothed to each other, Loras only pretends to be excited by the idea.
But even though Loras might not be in love with Sansa, he is still a very kind person to her when she is in need of friends. As he deals with the death of Renly and she copes with her father's death, they share a brief bond, hating their lives in King's Landing.
Lady
As with all of the Stark children, Sansa is given one of the direwolf puppies that are found in the forest in the first episode. She names her pet Lady and they are as inseparable as the rest of the Starks are with their direwolves.
Sadly, this friendship is short-lived when Cersei insists Lady be killed after Arya's direwolf attacks Joffrey. While Sansa is timid and doesn't want to cause trouble, this causes her to lash out at the queen and insist Lady is a good animal. Unfortunately, this doesn't save Lady's life and Sansa loses her good friend.
The Hound
The Hound is responsible for a number of unexpected friendships on Game of Thrones. But his bond with Sansa is the first indication that he has a soft side. Though he is initially cruel and seems to enjoy frightening Sansa, he also serves as her protector at times.
Along with fighting his way through an angry mob to save her, The Hound also offers to rescue Sansa from King's Landing when he leaves the city. It is at that moment that Sansa realizes The Hound will not hurt her and is really looking out for her.
Shae
Though she is not kept in a cage, Sansa is very much a prisoner in King's Landing. She is surrounded by hostile people who she sees as her enemies. However, Shae becomes a close confidante and one of the few people who care about her well-being.
When Shae is assigned to be Sansa's handmaiden, they don't get along at first. However, Shae begins to care a great deal for Sansa, looking out for her in the dangerous environment. Sansa also sees Shae as the only one she can trust.
Septa Mordane
Septa Mordane is one of the loyal allies of House Stark and is particularly close with the Stark daughters. She accompanies Ned, Sansa, and Ayra to King's Landing when Ned begins to serve as Hand of the King and continues action as their teacher and mentor.
She serves almost like a grandmother figure for Sansa, lecturing her when she is out of line. Sansa can also be quite rude and inconsiderate to Mordane, but it is clear they share a bond that is as close as family members.
Margaery Tyrell
When Margaery stepped in to take Sansa's place as Joffrey's bride-to-be, it was unclear how these two would get along. But it doesn't take long for Margaery to warmly embrace Sansa and help her feel a little more welcome in King's Landing.
Margaery is a very effective political player and it is very possible that she was using Sansa to some degree. But she is also a kind person who takes pity on Sansa and wants to see her protected. She admires Sansa's innocence while Sansa seems to learn a lot from Margaery.
Tyrion Lannister
Sansa is understandably not very fond of the Lannister family, so the news that she will have to marry Tyrion is troubling for her. However, she soon realizes that Tyrion is not like the other Lannisters. He is kind to Sansa and respects that this marriage was not something she wanted.
Even after Sansa flees King's Landing and leaves Tyrion to be blamed for Joffrey's murder, they still share a connection. He has seen how much she has evolved over the years while she still respects him as a wise and good-hearted man.
Theon Greyjoy
There was a time when Theon Greyjoy was one of the most hated characters on the show. He betrayed the Stark family and killed innocent people all to make a name for himself. However, Theon finds redemption with Sansa.
After helping her escape Ramsay Bolton's captivity, Theon proves he is willing to die in order to protect Sansa. He returns to Winterfell to serve her in the battle against the Night King in which he sacrifices his life. Seeing Sansa cry over his body and place a Stark sigil on his chest shows how much he meant to her in the end.
Brienne Of Tarth
Though Brienne had never met Sansa, she made an oath to Catelyn Stark that she would protect her daughters at all costs. Given Brienne's honorable nature, she seeks to fulfill that oath even after Catelyn's death.
When Sansa refuses her help, Brienne continues to show her devotion, tracking her to Winterfell and waiting outside the city to save her. She fights, kills, and travels great distances to keep Sansa safe. She also remains a loyal advisor who sometimes tells Sansa what she needs to hear and always remains by her side.