8. Davos Seaworth
As this list has shown, it’s hard for an ethical person to come out on top in Game of Thrones. Ned Stark is the prime example of a good heart clouding judgement. Fortunately, we get at least one honorable character who still holds his own as a strategist: Davos Seaworth. Davos understands the values of loyalty, temperance and the ability to adapt.
While not there aren’t many people who’d place their bets on Stannis Baratheon, Davos devoted himself to his king. He provided excellent counsel, advising that Stannis seek an alliance with Renly or Robb (his king promptly ignored these great ideas), recognized early the danger posed by Melisandre’s dark magic, managed to recruit pirates to join Stannis’ forces and eventually led his ships in the attack on King’s Landing. At nearly every turn, Davos’ king was shortsighted, selfish or impetuous, but Davos stuck with him through it all.
Once Stannis died, Davos could have packed it in. Instead, he played a key role in bringing Jon Snow back from the dead, promptly took up the bastard’s cause, and eventually helped him forge an alliance with Daenerys Targaryen. And he did all of this without having to compromise his values. Quite the feat.
Davos will never sit the Iron Throne. He doesn’t want it, nor would he be right for it. He is, however, an excellent behind-the-scenes player who knows the value of a strong assist.