The 25 Best Power Players on Game of Thrones, Ranked

16. Renly Baratheon

Renly’s claim to the Iron Throne was kind of ridiculous. After all, he wasn’t even the oldest living Baratheon when King Robert died. He knew very little about military strategy or actual leadership.

That being said, the man knew how to gain a following. His alliance with the Tyrells was probably the best move he could have made early on in his reign, as it helped him nab some faithful bannerman and put the highly competent Margaery Tyrell by his side. Renly’s natural charisma was very helpful here. He may have been arrogant, and he certainly over-reached, but he was a kind person at heart. Faithful followers like Brienne of Tarth remembered him for his genuine goodness; she grew to love him when he saved her from social humiliation at a ball years earlier. Renly knew how to inspire loyalty, even if he didn’t always know what best to do with it.

Perhaps, for a time, his charisma and reputation could have kept his rule together. But ultimately, he probably would have made errors as a king. He was shortsighted and viewed power as something he deserved, rather than something he had to earn. If he was never murdered, his claim may have lasted for a while longer, but it’s hard to see him taking things all the way to the Iron Throne.