10 Shrewdest characters from Game of Thrones

HBO’s fantasy series Game of Thrones was a massive hit. Based on George R.R. Martin’s book series, the series followed the politics and survival of characters in the fictional land of Westeros.

The show introduced us to several types of characters, such as Daenerys Targaryen, the mother of dragons, who brought an army across the ocean to fight for her right to the Iron Throne.

From fighting for their survival amongst each other to fighting the night king, many characters showed their shrewdness and quick-wittedness and adapted themselves according to the circumstances around them.

In this article, we have listed 10 such characters from Game of Thrones who have shown their intelligence and shrewdness which led them to achieve their goals, however immoral they were.

Disclaimer: This article is based on the writer's opinion. Reader's discretion is advised.

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10) Melisandre

Melisandre, who is also known as the Red Woman is a priestess who follows the religion of the Lord of the Light.

Melisandre is responsible for creating several important storylines to push the story forward. From reviving Jon Snow to uniting Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen, she also played a part in the defeat of the Night King.

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9) Jon Snow

Although one of the most honorable and righteous characters of Game of Thrones, Jon Snow also learned by experiencing many hardships in his life.

His ability to think of a solution quickly during battles and his leadership qualities helped him become Commander of the Night’s Watch. With time he also learns to take extreme measures for the greater good of the people.

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8) Arya Stark

All the Stark children in Game of Thrones learned to survive through experiencing many hardships in their lives.

Just like Bran and Sansa, Arya saw many horrors and experienced many challenges in learning and becoming one of the most shrewd characters who adapted quickly and learned from her surroundings. Her ability to do this ensured and helped her kill the Night King.

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7) Davos Seaworth

One of the many important and astute characters in the Game of Thrones is Davos Seaworth.

He was one of the reasons for Stannis Baratheon’s long-standing in Westeros. He showed his political prowess by convincing the pirates to join Stannis Baratheon, increasing his fleet. He was also one of the only people who understood and doubted Melisandre.

From recognizing the trap at the Battle of Blackwater to saving Jon Snow’s life when the night watch betrayed him, he depicted his quick thinking under dire situations.

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6) Cersei Lannister

Another important and shrewd character in Game of Thrones is Cersei Lannister.

With her cunning schemes and plots, she had achieved many great things but also lost a lot, including her three children. She was one of the biggest manipulators in the HBO series. From seducing her cousin Lancel Lannister to kill Robert Baratheon to scheming to kill her own brother assuming that he might be behind her son’s death, Cersei had committed every immoral activity.

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5) Tywin Lannister

The head of House Lannister and Lord of Casterly Rock, Tywin Lannister was one of the shrewdest characters in Game of Thrones.

From serving as the Hand of the King for three different Kings, Tywin was an astute political schemer. He planned and placed all of his children in important places in the courts of powerful Houses from Baratheons to Starks. His cunning schemes also resulted in one of the most heartbreaking scenes, The Red Wedding, where Robb Stark, his mother, and his pregnant wife were brutally killed.

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4) Olenna Tyrell

One of the most underrated but shrewd characters was Lady Olenna Tyrell from Game of Thrones.

She dared to scheme and poison a king and Cersei’s beloved son, Joffrey Baratheon as she didn’t want her granddaughter to marry him and suffer all her life. The plot was such a success that Jamie and Cersei didn’t find out until she confessed it herself.

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3) Petyr Baelish

Lord Petyr Baelish or Littlefinger was one of the most cunning characters of the Game of Thrones as he used various levels of scheming and plotting for personal gains and became a lord.

Due to his schemes, Sansa experienced so much horror at the hands of Ramsey Bolton. Although he was later outsmarted and killed by the two Stark sisters, he survived for so long due to his intelligence and cunningness.

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2) Varys

Varys or the Master of Whisperers is one of the most intelligent characters in the Game of Thrones as he was a quick thinker who survived many difficulties.

The spider helped Tyrion flee King’s Landing while also saving his own life. His manipulation skills are one of the reasons for his survival on the political scene and also has a vast network of informants that brings news even from across the sea from King’s Landing.

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1) Tyrion Lannister

One of the most beloved and shrewdest characters of Game of Thrones, Tyrion Lannister depicted his cleverness, wisdom, and political understanding on numerous occasions.

He helped Daenerys understand Westerosi politics and also later formed the small council for Bran. With his intelligence and wit, Tyrion survived many difficulties, including his own family’s rejection and prejudices against him.

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