The 25 Best Power Players on Game of Thrones, Ranked

22. Barristan Selmy

Barristan Selmy proves that it’s never too late to wise up and make the right call. After a long career as a celebrated knight, he became Kingsguard to the usurper Robert Barathaon, and then to his gremlin “son” Joffrey. But when Joffrey fired Barristan on account of his age, he fled and sought out his true ruler: Daenerys Targaryen, and stuck with her ’til the end.

As a long-term member of the Kingsguard, Barristan has mad skills. In his youth, he was known as “Barristan the Bold,” and gained a reputation for honor and chivalry. After being named Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, he proved he knew how to organize and motivate forces.

These skills came in handy while he was serving Daenerys Targaryen. He gave his queen advice regarding the Sons of the Harpy, the same group that ultimately killed him. His reputation bolstered Daenerys’ own, and Dany’s despondent response to his death is evidence of how important he was to her team, and to her personally.

Like many other characters on this list, Barristan isn’t overly personable, ambitious, or intelligent. In his case, a firm understanding of courtly strategy, tempered by decades of experience, serves him well. He was a great character, and his loss is still felt in Camp Targaryen to this day.