Do You Know Which GOT Characters Made It Through Season 7?
- by Nicholas Conley
- – on
- in Movies and TV
Though the epic fantasy saga that is Game of Thrones has been through many, many changes since it first premiered on HBO in 2011, there is one quote that the character of Cersei Lannister said all the way back in season one, that still defines the show to this day: "When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die. There is no middle ground."
Back in those early days, when this now-famous adaptation of the A Song of Ice and Fire novels by George R. R. Martin hadn't yet become the biggest series on TV, we had no idea just how right Cersei was. If there is one quality that has defined the narrative of Game of Thrones, it has been the show's willingness to have fatalities. Every character is always at risk. It doesn't matter how much you love them, or how important they might seem to the narrative. Anyone could die, at any moment. Every person who vies for the Iron Throne is only one step away from a knife in the back.
As Game of Thrones ramps up for its upcoming eight season, countless beloved characters have already died along the way. Before the show comes back, now is your chance to refresh your memory, and see if you remember exactly which characters are still alive... and which ones have felt the sharp end of the blade. Are These Game of Thrones Characters Alive or Dead?
Cersei Lannister: The Evil Queen
Cersei Lannister is one of the most fascinating characters in television history. Despite the fact that she's a self-serving, egomaniacal, incestuous, twisted, violent ruler with a penchant for sick vengeance upon anyone who has ever wronged her, she's also a deep character who has suffered greatly within the patriarchal, sexist society of Westeros. Cersei has survived many horrible actions that have been perpetrated upon her, as well as being involved in numerous bloody conspiracies. Has she been smart enough to survive, so far?
Ned Stark: The Good Man
From the beginning of the series, Ned Stark has been identified for his virtuousness. Despite his solemn and depressed demeanor, the patriarch of House Stark is defined by his honesty, his goodness, his kindness, and his unwillingness to engage in duplicitous political squabbles. Needless to say, Ned's straightforward and honest manner got him into a lot of trouble when he first arrived in the violent city of King's Landing. But has his goodness and honesty allowed him to persevere through the darkness?
Khal Drogo: the Dothraki Beast
There are few people in Game of Thrones whom you would less want to get in a fight with than Khal Drogo, the warlord leader of a horde of Dothraki played by Jason Momoa, who has never lost a fight in his life. Drogo and his horse-riding Dothraki tribe are an unstoppable force capable of easily crushing an troop of armored Westerosi stupid enough to get in their path. However, though Drogo is a proud and fierce man, he's also a loyal one, who possesses a surprising soft side. Has he made it to season 8, still alive?
Melisandre: The Red Witch
There are few characters as mysterious as Melisandre of Asshai, the red-clothed priestess of the Lord of Light. Melisandre is far older than she appears to be, and possesses dark powers beyond the scope of most men's imagination, handed down to her by the Lord of Light: she can resurrect dead men, spawn demons from her womb, and to some degree, predict future events. Considering Melisandre's power and ability to move between the shadows, surely she must still be alive, right?
Daenerys Targaryen: The Dragon Queen
Daenerys Stormborn of the House Targaryen, First of Her Name, the Unburnt, Queen of the Andals and the First Men, Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, Breaker of Chains, and Mother of Dragons. There are few characters as iconic within the world of Game of Thrones as this powerful woman, who has gone from exiled slave girl to a battle-hardened ruler with three dragons at her side. Daenerys has gone through much in her efforts to take back the Iron Throne, but considering that she's up against a brilliant manipulator like Cersei, could she possibly still be alive?
Tywin Lannister: The True Ruler of Westeros
Lord Tywin Lannister is a portrait of true power. While he permits other people, such as his twisted grandson Joffrey, to sit prominently on the Iron Throne, Tywin knows that true power is not found by putting his face up on the mantelpiece: his mastery of manipulation, warfare, and authority means he is the one who truly guides what happens, regardless of whoever calls themselves the king. A man like Tywin doesn't get outsmarted easily, and he's always three steps ahead of his enemies. Is he still alive?
Viserion: The One Named After Her Brother
Since the first season of the show, Daenerys Stormborn has been known as the Dragon Queen, due to the fact that she is aided by her three loyal "children," whom are increasingly huge dragons. One of these loyal children is Viserion, a dragon named after her obnoxious and childish dead brother. Viserion and Rhaegal aren't as big as their brother Drogon. Viserion spent some time locked up in the dungeon, much to his dislike. It's hard to imagine a dragon dying, but is he still kicking it?
Jon Snow: The Bastard
One of the fan-favorite characters of the entire series, Jon Snow has had a hard life. As the bastard son of Ned Stark, he's been ridiculed throughout his life, and never felt as if he truly belonged anywhere. However, within the Night's Watch, Jon was able to gain prominence, and become a celebrated leader. However, we all remember that jaw dropping season five finale, wherein Jon's own men betrayed him, seemingly stabbing him to death. Jon Snow seemed to be dead... but is he still dead now?
Robert Baratheon: The Fat King
If one were to look up the definition of "gluttony," then Robert Baratheon would surely fit under it. Though a jolly character who does value his friends, he's a person who has seen fit to use his great wealth to extreme excess, exhausting the funds of his entire kingdom. Robert has a tendency to father countless illegitimate children, eat immense portions of the most decadent food, and throw events that the kingdom can't afford. Though his personality makes him beloved by many, Robert is also easy to manipulate.
Littlefinger: The Twisted Manipulator
Though Westeros is a place full of scheming, manipulative, deceptive characters, there might be no one in the entire continent who is both more dangerous and more manipulative in this regard than Lord Petyr Baelish, better known by his not-so-kind nickname, "Littlefinger." Though knowledge of his deceptions ranges far and wide, Littlefinger is absolutely brilliant at getting people to give him anything that he wants, and then slitting their throat in his next move. But has he continued to survive into the next season?
Ser Sandor Clegane: The Hound
Ser Sandor Clegane, usually referred to as the Hound, is a rough, brutal knight who swears profusely, commits violent acts without breaking a sweat, and hates almost everyone he encounters. As a child, his face was badly burned by his brother Ser Gregor Clegane, the Mountain, whom he despises. Despite his horrible actions, the Hound seems to possess a conscience somewhere deep within his angry heart, which guides his actions, though he wouldn't like to admit to it. Is he still alive?
Olenna Tyrell: The Queen of Thorns
Played to perfection by actress Diana Rigg, Olenna of House Tyrell is known as the Queen of Thorns, a sardonic, sarcastic, and clever figure who tells it like it is, even when it's uncouth to do so. Olenna has a razor sharp wit that could get her into trouble, but she's clever enough to stay one step ahead of those who would see her dead. She's also responsible for one of the most important murders of the series, by poison. Has she made it through alive?
Oberyn Martell: The Adventurer
The fan-favorite character of Oberyn Martell of Dorn, also known as the Red Viper, is a sharp-tongued, adventurous man who is fast with a sword, quick with his tongue, and always open for sexual adventures, both with men and women. He has come to Westeros in order to seek vengeance upon those who murdered his little sister, Elia. This places him in a dangerous position in a dangerous place, with many who would like to see him dead. Has he made it through alive?
Lord Varys: The Spider
Known as the master of whisperers, there are few men as feared as Lord Varys, a eunuch so talented at the arts of deception, manipulation, and communication that he knows just about everything that it happening to everyone, at all times. Varys is a duplicitous character who doesn't pledge loyalty to any one ruler, not really. But unlike the evil power machinations of Littlefinger, Varys at least SEEMS to have a good cause at heart, in his efforts to secure a better future for Westeros. Is he still alive?
Robb Stark: The Prize Son
The heir to House Stark is Ned Stark's oldest son, Robb, a lad who is every bit his father's son. Due to the terrible situations that befall the family in the events of the first season, Robb is quickly forced to go from boy to man, commanding entire armies and facing off against the Lannisters. Robb is a good man, who tries as hard as he can to be the sort of man his father would be proud of. But in a world of Lannisters and Boltons, could a man like Robb still be alive?
Ramsay Bolton: The Sociopath
Game of Thrones may be filled with many vile and horrible characters, but there is probably no one as flat out disgusting as Ramsay Bolton, son of Roose Bolton. While others commit violence for power, Ramsay is distinguished by the fact that he enjoys bloodshed, mutilation, and rape sheerly for his own pleasure, viciously tormenting anyone unlucky enough to cross paths with him, turning men into his personal slaves and feeding enemies to his bloodthirsty dogs. We'd hope that such a horrible figure isn't still alive, but is he?
Ghost: The White Direwolf
Back in the very first episode of the series, there was that significant moment where the Stark siblings found five direwolf puppies, notable because the direwolf is actually the family's sigil. Jon Snow noted, with sadness, that there were five direwolf puppies for the five true Stark children... only to then discover a sixth puppy, an albino one, whom he adopted as his comrade. Jon named this direwolf Ghost, and it has protected him ever since... but is Ghost still alive?
Bran Stark: The Three-Eyed Raven
Back when he was a little kid, Bran Stark used to love climbing the walls of Winterfell and peering down at everybody below. But then he was pushed out of a window by Jaime Lannister, and the fall rendered him crippled. After that, Bran embarked on a fool's quest deep into the wilderness above the wall, which he somehow survived due to the help of some dear friends. After this, Bran was transformed into a figure known as the Three-Eyed Raven, capable of seeing events throughout history. But have the White Walkers got him yet?
Mance Rayder: Leader of the Free Folk
Once upon a time, Mance Rayder was a celebrated member of the Night's Watch. But then one day, he fled over the wall and joined with their sworn enemies, the people they called the "Wildlings" -- but who called themselves the Free Folk. Mance Rayder united the Free Folk, becoming known as the King Beyond the Wall. In order to protect his people from the oncoming invasion of the White Walkers, he has led them to attack the wall itself. Has he survived?
Tyrion Lannister: The Imp
Though he's been mocked and ridiculed his entire life, the dwarf named Tyrion Lannister is probably the cleverest man in Westeros. With a fiery wit, brilliant social instincts and a key insight into other people's minds, Tyrion always has a plan, but can also think on the fly like few others. However, unlike the other manipulators in King's Landing, Tyrian is a good, decent man with a good heart, who really wants what is best for the kingdom, and best for the people he loves. That makes him vulnerable... is he still alive?
Stannis Baratheon: The King's Brother
The brother of King Robert Baratheon, and thus arguably the rightful heir to the Iron Throne, Stannis Baratheon is quite different from his sibling. Unlike the jolly King Robert, Stannis a cold, reserved, uncaring man driven by power, and not too interested in explaining himself to others. He believes that he is the one who he rightfully destined to rule Westeros ever since he fell under the allure of Melisandre. Have his efforts gotten him killed, or is he alive?
Hodor: The Right Hand Man
Ever since Bran first had his accident, he has survived largely thanks to the care of this gentle giant, a kind man who is called "Hodor" due to the fact that ever since he was a little boy, that's the only word he ever says. His real name is Walder, but no one remembers that anymore. Regardless, Hodor is a simple-minded person who is driven only be his instinct to protect Bran at all costs, even when it means entering situations that he's terrified of.
Jaime Lannister
Though he has served for years as the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, Ser Jaime Lannister will probably forever be most remember by his countrymen as the so-called "King Slayer," the man who betrayed his own king and murdered him. Though smooth, cocky, and unlikable at first -- not to mention involved in an uncomfortable, incestuous relationship with his twin sister -- Jaime has been humanized a lot over the years, and gone through many traumatic events. But is he still alive?
Gray Worm: The Unsullied Leader
Portrayed by actor Jacob Anderson, Grey Worm is the fierce, loyal, and proud leader of Daenerys Targaryen's troops, the Unsullied. From childhood, Grey Worm was raised to be a slave, tortured, brainwashed, and stripped of his identity, until the Dragon Queen freed him from his chains. Honored by what she had done, Grey Worm swore loyalty to her cause, and has been devoted to it ever since. He is in love with Missandei, another loyal followed of Daenerys. Has he made it to this point alive?
Osha: The Wildling Protector
In order to escape from the threat of the White Walkers, this member of the Free Folk known by the name Osha fled south of the wall, where she came across the Stark family. Despite initially hostile interactions, Osha eventually become employed as a maid, and grew fond of Bran Stark and his little brother Rickon; when Winterfell was betrayed and attacked by Theon Greyjoy, Osha took Rickon under her care and fled again, in order to protect him. Is Osha still alive?
Sansa Stark: Lady of Winterfell
Since the beginning of the series, back when Sansa was merely a little girl with vapid desires to be a princess worshiped by everyone around her, she's been through a lot more than she ever could have expected. Despite it all, Sansa has not only survived, but also learned and grown. She's figured out how to not fall prey to the same traps as her father and brothers, always keeping an eye out for betrayal and subterfuge. Has she made it here alive?
Gendry: The Bastard Son
Though he was a married man, King Robert Baratheon got around quite a bit, fathering many illegitimate children, many of whom never even realized their parentage. One of these children was Gendry, a blacksmith with no huge aspirations in life, who was unlucky enough to get targeted by some dangerous people. Though Gendry disappeared for a long time, he resurfaced recently, now wielding a pretty deadly war hammer. However, as someone with his dangerous birthright, could he possibly still be alive?
Margaery Tyrell: The Clever Queen
Known for her cleverness, her compassion, and her knowing smile, Margaery Tyrell, played by Natalie Dormer, is a woman who badly desires to be the Queen of Westeros... not because of love, and not out of a desire for power, but instead, because she believes that she can help the downtrodden people in the land. However, Margaery is no Ned Stark, and she possesses a lot of keen political insight and manipulative talents that have gotten her far within the twisted city.
Jaqen: The Faceless Man
Is this mysterious man's named ACTUALLY Jaqen H'ghar? Honestly, probably not. We know nothing about him, when it comes down to it, and that is intentional... because he is "No One." Jaqen is a member of the Faceless Men, an ancient order of seemingly shape-shifting assassins who serve a deity they call the Many-Faced God. As one of the Faceless Men, Jaqen has sacrificed any form of identity he may have once had to the cause, and can take on any identity he chooses. Is he alive? Is it even possible for him to die?
Ygritte: Jon's First Love
The member of the Free Folk known as Ygritte had an enormous impact on Jon Snow's life that he could have never foreseen. After their violent first encounter, Ygritte and him fell in love, and she was the woman whom Jon ended up losing his virginity to. Ygritte is skilled at wielding a bow and arrow, and most famous for the famous quote, "You know nothing, Jon Snow." In the Free Folk society, she is known as a "spearwife," meaning a woman who also is a warrior. Has she made it this far?
Arya Stark: The Headstrong Warrior
While her big sister Sansa was busy learning how to be a lady, Arya had no time for any of that: she wanted to be a knight, getting in glorious battles and defeating powerful enemies. Though she's faced many struggles since then, Arya has never lost that side to her, even though she has become a trained warrior, "a Faceless Man," and a skilled assassin. From the beginning until now, her prime motivation has been vengeance. But is she still alive?
Joffrey: The Tyrant
In all honesty, after King Robert, you probably could not ask for a worse possible king than Joffrey Baratheon, a spoiled, privileged little sociopath who loves blood, guts, and tormenting others. Joffrey has never not gotten his way, so he expects it all times, and is fine with killing people who prevent him from doing so. Though he believes himself to be Robert's son, he is actually the product of the incestuous union between siblings Cersei and Jaime. Is Joffrey still around?
Lysa Arryn: Lady Regent of the Vale
The sister of Catelyn Stark (formerly Tully), Lysa Arryn sees her husband murdered at the beginning of the series, and she is a deeply disturbed woman. Despite the fact that her son is six years old at the beginning of the series, she is still breastfeeding him, and anyone who displeases her -- or her son -- is made to "fly," meaning they are cast down from from the vast heights of the Eyrie, falling down to their deaths. Is she still alive?
Bronn: The Tough Guy
Some characters are in it for the glory. Some are in it for power. As far Bronn, the clever low-born sell-sword? He's just in it for the gold, and he makes no illusions about that point, always stating that he'll serve whoever happens to be paying him the most. At first, this put him in alliance with Tyrion Lannister, but these days he is usually serving his brother Jaime. The question is, can a man like Bronn survive in a place like King's Landing?
Drogon: The One Named After the Khal
Back when Drogon and his siblings first hatched, everyone though the dragons were merely things of legend, but now, they are a clear fact of life. Drogon was named after his mother's late husband, Khal Drogo. He is notable for being the dragon that Daenerys rides into battle, arguably making him the "child" that is probably the closest to her, in many ways. Now, it's pretty hard to kill a dragon, but has Drogon survived the attacks of such figures as Cersei?
Brienne: Loyal Knight to the Starks
Since she was a little girl, all that Brienne of Tarth ever wanted to do was to be a valiant knight. That is exactly what she has become: loyal, brave, true to her word, and skilled with a sword. In the War of the Five Kings, Brienne swore her allegiance to Renly Baratheon as true heir to the throne, until Renly's death due to the machinations of his brother Stannis. Since then, her allegiance has been to House Stark. Is she still alive?
Catelyn: Lady Stark
Originally from House Tully, Catelyn Stark is a strong and proud woman, as well as an excellent mother to her children, though she is resentful and scornful of her husband's illegitimate son, Jon Snow. Catelyn is against Ned Stark's decision to embark to King's Landing when he is called upon by Robert, rightly realizing the dangers of doing so. Catelyn is an extremely intelligent woman, with a good eye for politics and warfare. But have her wits kept her alive?
Daario: The Ladies Man
A lot of men out there have fallen in love with the Dragon Queen, and Daario Naharis is one who can count himself among that number. Daario is a proud warrior, and the leader of an army of sellswords named the Stormcrows. As a boy, he was sold to be a pit fighter, but won his way to freedom. Notably, Daario was played in the series by two different actors, first Ed Skrein and then later by Michiel Huisman. So far as we know, is he still alive?
Shae: The Prostitute
So far, the great love of Tyrion Lannister has been the prostitute known as Shae, a woman who stole Tyrion's heart like no one else. When Tyrion came to King's Landing as the Hand of the King, his father Tywin ordered that he leave Shae behind, and Tyrion expressly ignored this request and brought her along anyway. However, the relationship between Tyrion and Shae started to sour due to all of the secrecy they were forced to live in. Did she survive King's Landing?
Benjen Stark: The Uncle
The younger brother of Ned Stark and uncle to all of the Stark children is Benjen, a good but mysterious man who is a member of the Night's Watch. It is Benjen who inspires Jon to join up with the Night's Watch, despite Benjen urging him not to, and the two ride up to the wall together. Soon afterward, Benjen goes out on a mission and disappears... but somehow, despite running into the White Walkers, it is revealed that he has survived. Has his stroke of luck continued?
Jorah: The Disciple
One of the Dragon Queen's most loyal followers, partially due to his belief in her ideals and partially due to his obsessive love for her, is Jorah Mormont, a noble character who is nonetheless known for destroying his legacy, forcing him into exile. He is sent by Robert to spy on Daenerys, but ends up deciding to follow her instead... until she finds out his original intentions. Since then, he was unlucky enough to come down with the horrible infection known as greyscale. Is he still alive now?
Pycelle: The Grand Maester
Grand Maester Pycelle of King's Landing may present himself as a hobbling, absent minded old man, but he's actually just as much of a scheming, cowardly manipulator as the rest of them -- he is also far more physically able than he makes himself appear, in a careful ruse designed to avert suspicion from himself. Grand Maester Pycelle is a clever man, for certain, but King's Landing is a dangerous place: at this point, has he survived into the present day?
Loras Tyrell: the Knight of Flowers
Loras of House Tyrell, commonly referred to as the Knight of Flowers, is the dreamboat of Westeros, the man that all of the girls fantasize about. What none of them realize is that he is actually gay, and in a relationship with Renly Baratheon. After his homosexuality is leaked to some of the more vengeful figures in King's Landing, and then put into the hands of religious extremists, Loras's well being is put at stake in a serious way. Is he alive?
Sam: Jon's Best Friend
Samwell "Sam" Tarly is the best friend of Jon Snow, a poor boy who was forced to join the Night's Watch against his will, despite his self-professed cowardice. Loyal to a fault, and deeply dedicated to his friend Jon, Sam has since managed to escape from those frozen northern wastelands and migrated down south to become a maester, hoping he can solve the mysteries of the White Walkers. However, even down there, he encounters a lot of frustrations he didn't anticipate...
Rickon Stark: The Other Sibling
Let's face it, when it comes to identifying all of the many Stark siblings that are mostly the main characters of this show, you could be forgiven if you had managed to totally forget about the existence of Rickon, Bran's younger brother. Rickon is the youngest child of them all, and the least focused on. Last time he was an active part of the series, he had run off into hiding with Osha. Since then, his fate has been revealed: is he alive or dead?
Tommen: The Nice Brother
Unlike his horrible older brother Joffrey, this son of Cersei Lannister is actually a really nice guy, nothing at all like the tyrant that was raised alongside him. However, he's also easily manipulated, way too young for the responsibilities hoisted upon his shoulders, and easily pushed around by powers beyond his control or understanding. In a dark world like the one he lives in, Tommen doesn't have too much hope of longterm survival. But has he made it so far?
Podrick: The Sidekick
Podrick Payne is a really nice guy, and though he's fairly shy and insecure about his place in the world, he'd really like to be a knight. He's actually had some surprisingly valiant moments, saving people he cares about. At first he spent most of his time hanging around Tyrion Lannister and Bronn, but these days, he is the loyal squire and ally to Brienne of Tarth, who treats him very well. Has Podrick made it to this point in the series alive?
Maester Luwin: The Wise One
The loyal servant to House Stark and Winterfell is the great Maester Luwin, who valiantly served Ned Stark for many years. An intelligent, wise figure possessing much knowledge of the world, science, and history, Luwin also has been something of a father figure to the Stark children, who have grown up with his guidance. He's also the one who delivered all five of the Stark babies, a significant role. But has this Stark ally survived to the present day, or faced the sword?
Theon Greyjoy: The Traitor
One of the most difficult characters on the series is Theon Greyjoy, a guy who managed to betray everyone who loved him, but has undergone tortures that would haunt any man's nightmares. Theon was raised by House Stark, but could never decide whether he truly belonged there, or to the house he was born in, the Greyjoys. In the end, he betrayed the Starks, leading to his capture and torture by Ramsay Bolton. Theon's been through a lot since then, but is his heart still beating?
Syrio Forel: the Tutor
One of the most important people in Arya Stark's life has probably been her first tutor, Syrio Forel, a man whom her father hired to train her how to use a sword. Originally from Bravos, Syrio is a daring and charismatic man whose teaching techniques are rather unconventional, but nonetheless quite effective, and Arya takes to him immediately. They form a fast friendship. However, though he may be skilled with a sword, has Syrio been skilled enough to survive the treacheries surrounding him?