5 Game of Thrones Characters I Never Thought Would Make It (1 Of Them Really Shouldn’t Have)

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The TV adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s books was a massive cultural event, and it’s been hard for any other show to reach that same level of popularity. What made Game of Thrones so impactful wasn’t just its story and characters, but how the plot developed over its eight seasons. We’re used to stories where good wins over evil, but this show demonstrated that people are rarely purely good or evil—and that anyone could die at any moment. The series became famous for its shocking and unexpected deaths, making each episode feel like a threat to your favorite characters. Despite all the violence, a few characters surprisingly managed to survive.

It’s been six years, and I’m still amazed that certain characters survived everything Game of Thrones threw at them – wars, betrayals, even dragons! And it’s not just the skilled leaders or typical heroes, but the ones who seemed destined to fail from the start. Here are 5 survivors who continue to baffle me with how they managed to live.

5) Tormund Giantsbane

Tormund Giantsbane is definitely one of the best characters in Game of Thrones – it’s hard to argue with that! But I always expected him to die. From the beginning, he seemed like a fun, lively character who wouldn’t last long once things got really dangerous. Being a wild man from beyond the Wall, with no important family, he seemed destined to die in battle. Surprisingly, he not only survived, but became a key part of some of the show’s most memorable scenes, like the battle at Hardhome and the fight against the White Walkers.

It’s important to remember this is Game of Thrones – anyone can die at any time. What’s really remarkable is that Tormund survives all the upheaval and stays a key character without becoming predictable. He’s not interested in power or status; he simply keeps going because he’s loyal, courageous, and genuinely entertaining. I kept expecting him to meet his end, but somehow, he persevered until the very last moment.

4) Podrick Payne

Podrick Payne is a perfect example of how loyalty and bravery can help someone succeed, even when they seem unlikely to. Initially presented as Brienne’s timid and unskilled squire, he appeared destined to be another casualty of war. However, Game of Thrones consistently demonstrates that strength and political maneuvering aren’t the only paths to survival. Seeing Podrick develop into a dependable companion for Tyrion, participate in important conflicts, and subtly mature was a truly rewarding aspect of the show.

What I find most compelling about Podrick is his realism. He’s flawed and often afraid, yet consistently chooses to do what’s right. He’s not a typical hero, and that’s what makes his journey so rewarding to watch – it shows that you don’t need to be extraordinary to have an impact, and those relatable characters are often the most memorable. While his survival was surprising, it felt earned and ultimately deepened my appreciation for him.

3) Bronn

I still can’t believe Bronn survived the entire series! Considering he was a mercenary motivated only by money and loyalty to himself, I expected him to die early on. In a world where noble characters are quickly killed, someone like him should have been finished. But somehow, he consistently avoided danger, rose in social status, and ended up as a knight with land by the end. It’s amazing that a self-serving character managed to succeed in such a brutal world. Everyone discusses Bran Stark’s long-term planning, but Bronn also played a long game – he just did it with much less effort and a lot more luck.

What’s truly impressive is that Bronn manages to survive the dangerous world of Westeros without compromising his personality. He maintains his signature sarcasm, practicality, and perfect timing until the very end, demonstrating that cleverness can be as powerful as any weapon. It’s a little annoying, honestly, because it feels like he’s outsmarting everyone. But ultimately, Bronn represents the idea that in a place like Game of Thrones, sometimes the most intelligent move is to avoid taking sides and simply focus on surviving and getting rewarded.

2) Tyrion Lannister

Tyrion Lannister is my favorite character, and even as I watched Game of Thrones, I wasn’t sure he’d survive. Throughout the series, people consistently underestimated him, and he faced death more often than anyone else. He made some huge mistakes – like killing his father, supporting Daenerys, and giving her bad advice – so it always seemed like his luck would eventually run out. But Tyrion doesn’t just survive; he remains important throughout the entire story. He shows that even in a world ruled by strength and family connections, intelligence can still be powerful. In Westeros, his wit is almost like a superpower, allowing him to thrive when others fail.

What truly makes Tyrion Lannister compelling is his intelligence combined with his imperfections. He makes mistakes, faces defeat, and struggles, yet he continues to navigate the dangerous world around him. His bold defense during the trial for Joffrey’s murder, culminating in his demand for a trial by combat, remains one of his most memorable moments. It perfectly highlights that his greatest strength is his intellect. Even in a world where no one is safe, his continued survival feels earned. He hasn’t just been lucky; he’s overcome so much and learned so well that it would take a self-inflicted mistake to finally defeat him.

1) Grey Worm

I enjoy Grey Worm’s character, but realistically, his story should have ended much earlier. Compared to others, his continued survival doesn’t quite fit, and it feels like the show’s writers simply didn’t resolve his arc amidst the hurried conclusion of the final season. He begins as a dedicated soldier and commander of the Unsullied, defined solely by his military role. Game of Thrones consistently showed that characters like him rarely survive – they either fall in battle or become victims of political maneuvering. Despite this, Grey Worm manages to live until the very end, even after the death of Missandei, who was his primary emotional connection.

His survival really weakens the impact of his story, especially since he wasn’t a main character. Killing Grey Worm would have emphasized the show’s harshness and made Daenerys’s descent into madness feel more powerful, as her army would have lost its core just as she lost control. Instead, he gets a surprisingly neat and happy ending – he’s alive and sailing to Naath with the Unsullied, seemingly rewarded for his dedication and courage. That just doesn’t fit with the spirit of Game of Thrones. Characters like Missandei, Barristan, and Jorah all died, but Grey Worm, who fought in every battle, somehow survives unscathed? It’s one of the few times I think his death would have been more meaningful than letting him live.

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2025-11-14 19:16