17 Shrewdest characters from Game Of Thrones, ranked

The realm of Game Of Thrones is filled with betrayal, decent, and political manipulation. However, some of the characters stand out for their exceptional shrewdness. To survive in Westeros or any other land that threatens one's survival, these characters can make their own way with their skills of blending cunning with intellect. In this list, we delve into the minds of the 17 such characters, ranking them based on their ability to outwit and outlast their enemies. Please note this entire article is based on the writer's opinion. Reader's discretion is advised.

17) Ros

Ros, played by Esme Bianco, is a unique and fascinating character in Game of Thrones, known for her ability to navigate the complexities of life in Westeros. While she may not be a highborn or a powerful ruler, her shrewdness lies in her adaptability and street smarts. For example, Ros starts as a simple prostitute in Winterfell but quickly rises through the ranks to become a key player in King's Landing by gaining the favor of influential people like Petyr Baelish. Her ability to gather and relay crucial information makes her a valuable asset to those in power.

16) Qyburn

Anton Lesser's character Qyburn is compelling in Game of Thrones, known for his dark genius and innovative mind. For instance, Qyburn's rise to power begins with his expulsion from the Citadel for conducting unethical experiments. Rather than giving up, he uses his knowledge of medicine to gain favor with influential figures like Cersei Lannister. His skills in creating deadly weapons, such as the scorpions used against dragons and the creation of the undead Ser Gregor Clegane, demonstrate his strategic thinking and resourcefulness.

15) Bronn

Bronn is one of the most shrewd characters in Game of Thrones, known for his sharp wit, pragmatism, and survival instincts. Starting as a lowly sellsword, he quickly aligns himself with powerful figures like Tyrion Lannister, winning a trial by combat to secure his position. Bronn's loyalty depends always on the highest bidder, and thus he climbs the social ladder.

14) High Sparrow

The High Sparrow, played by Jonathan Pryce, is the leader of the religious sect in King's Landing. He is one of the most cunning characters in Game of Thrones due to his strategic use of religion to gain power and influence. Starting as a humble and devout leader of the Faith of the Seven, he quickly rises to become a powerful figure in King's Landing. He cleverly manipulates public opinion and leverages the support of the common people to challenge and control the ruling nobility including Cersei Lannister.

13) Daario Naharis

Daario Naharis is a cunning character in Game of Thrones due to his strategic thinking and charm. He begins as a lieutenant in the Second Sons, a group of mercenaries. Daario's most notable move is aligning himself with Daenerys Targaryen. He recognizes her potential and switches his allegiance to support her cause. His loyalty and skills make him a valuable advisor and fighter. Daario uses his charisma and intelligence to win Daenerys' trust and affection, securing his place in her inner circle.

12) Ramsay Bolton

One of the most sadistic and crafty characters in Game of Thrones is Ramsay Bolton, played by Iwan Rheon. He was often successful in defeating his enemies with a combination of psychological warfare and direct aggression. He gains the trust of Theon Greyjoy by pretending to be a friend, only to brutally torture and break him, turning him into a loyal servant. Ramsay also secured his place as heir to House Bolton by eliminating threats like his stepmother and his half-brother. His cunning and ruthless machinations were the glue that kept his grip on the North.

11) Margaery Tyrell

Margaery Tyrell, played by Natalie Dormer, is one of the sharpest characters in Game of Thrones because of her cleverness and charm. She knows how to use her beauty and intelligence to gain power and influence. For instance, Margaery marries three different kings to secure her position and strengthen her family's power. She skillfully navigates the dangerous politics of King's Landing, winning the love of the people and gaining the trust of key figures like Sansa Stark and Tommen Baratheon.

10) Sansa Stark

Sansa Stark, played by Sophie Turner in Game Of Thrones is one of those characters who learned to become shrewd and cunning due to the circumstances they were thrown in. Initially naive, Sansa grows into a wise and strategic thinker. For instance, after experiencing the brutal realities of life in and around King's Landing, Sansa learns the art of manipulation for her survival. When she returns to Winterfell, she plays a key role in rallying the Northern houses and securing alliances to reclaim her home.

9) Bran Stark

Bran Stark, played by Isaac Wright, is a clever character in Game of Thrones due to his peculiar powers combined with wisdom. As he gets older, Bran acquires the ability to see the past, the present, and future sights as the Three-Eyed Raven, which gives him worthy knowledge regarding the workings of the other world. For instance, Bran uses his abilities to find out something really important, like Jon Snow's true parentage, which has political ramifications of its own. It's because of his knowledge of these major events and secrets that makes him a key player in the power struggle.

8) Arya Stark

Just like the other Stark siblings, Maisie Williams' Arya Stark becomes one of the shrewdest characters in the Game Of Thrones due to the circumstances and for survival. After witnessing the destruction of her family, Arya goes on to train with the Faceless Men, learning the arts of disguise and killing. Arya makes use of her training to avenge her family by killing prominent enemies such as Walder Frey. She cleverly puts on disguises to enter the enemy territories, thinking ahead and staying several steps ahead of her opponents.

7) Melisandre

Her powerful magic and strategic thinking make Melisandre, played by Carice van Houten, one of the sharpest characters in Game of Thrones. She is a priestess of the Lord of Light and uses her mystical abilities to influence events and people. For instance, Melisandre uses her magic to perform powerful rituals, such as bringing Jon Snow back to life and using shadow magic to eliminate Stannis Baratheon's rivals. Her visions and prophecies guide her decisions, helping her to advise powerful leaders and shape the course of events in Westeros.

6) Lord Varys

Lord Varys, played by Conlith Hill, is perhaps one of the cleverest characters in the Game of Thrones universe due to his extensive web of spies and his keen ability to collect and utilize any form of information. Nicknamed the Spider, he serves as the Master of Whisperers, providing valuable intelligence to those in power. Varys uses his network of informants, known as little birds, to uncover secrets and gain insights into the plans and motivations of powerful figures. He strategically shares this information to influence decisions and protect the realm.

5) Tywin Lannister

Charles Dance's character Tywin Lannister is one of the shrewdest characters in Game of Thrones because of his strategic mind and ruthless approach to power. As the head of House Lannister, Tywin is a master of politics and warfare, always thinking several steps ahead to secure his family's position. Tywin orchestrates the infamous Red Wedding, a strategic move that eliminates his family's rivals, the Starks, and solidifies the Lannisters' control over the North. He also ensures that his children, such as Cersei and Tyrion, are placed in key positions of power to further his influence.

4) Lord Petyr Baelish

Aiden Gillen's character Lord Petyr Baelish, also known as Littlefinger, is perhaps the most cunning in Game of Thrones due to his skillful manipulations and lust for power. Starting as a lowborn, he rises to power through clever schemes and strategic alliances. Littlefinger orchestrated key events like the downfall of Ned Stark by betraying him in King's Landing. He also arranged the marriage between Sansa Stark and Ramsay Bolton, aiming to strengthen his control in the North.

3) Olenna Tyrell

Veteran actor Diana Rigg's Olenna Tyrell, also known as the Queen of Thorns, is one of the sharpest characters in Game of Thrones because of her sharp wit and strategic mind. She is the matriarch of House Tyrell and uses her intelligence to protect her family's interests and gain power. Olenna plays a key role in orchestrating the marriage between her granddaughter, Margaery, and King Joffrey. She recognizes Joffrey's cruelty and ensures his death by secretly poisoning him at the wedding, thus protecting Margaery and positioning her closer to the throne.

2) Tyrion Lannister

One of the fan-favorite characters in Game Of Thrones, Peter Dinklage's Tyrion Lannister survived for so long due to his cleverness. Despite being underestimated because of his size, Tyrion uses his sharp mind to navigate the dangerous world of politics. In the final season, Dinklage's Tyrion plays a crucial role in brokering a temporary truce between Daenerys Targaryen and Cersei Lannister to unite against the common threat of the Night King and the White Walkers.

1) Cersei Lannister

Lena Headey's Cersei Lannister is one of the shrewdest characters in Game of Thrones. She is determined to protect her family and secure power, no matter the cost. In season 7, Cersei, with her cunning nature, secures Euron Grejoy's loyalty and fleet by promising him marriage, knowing that his naval power is crucial for her control over the Seven Kingdoms. This alliance helps her strengthen her military position and intimidate her enemies.