11 Game of Thrones characters who should’ve survived to the end

8) The Hound

The journey of Sandor Clegane, aka the Hound, from an aggressive brute to an almost sympathetic figure was nothing short of extraordinary. Introduced as the cold-blooded hatchet man for the detestable Joffrey Baratheon, Sandor’s gruff exterior hid an abyss of hurt and sensitivity that endeared him to viewers. As the show unfolded, it was his unlikely friendship with the fierce Arya Stark that truly unmasked his depth, turning the brutish killer into a begrudging yet devoted guardian.

But alas, the lure of bloodlust and the persistent demons of his past seemed to have a firm grip on Sandor. Even though his final face-off with his brother, the Mountain, was the stuff of legends, one can’t help but wonder how things would have gone for Sandor if he had renounced his violent ways. To see the Hound find tranquility and embrace a more peaceful path would have indeed been a turn of events to remember.

7) Benjen Stark

Ah, Benjen Stark, the lesser-seen scion of the Stark family who spent most of his time beyond the Wall as a stalwart member of the Night’s Watch. His minimal appearances in season 1 and brief reappearance in season 6 were but mere teases of what this character might have been. We yearned to see more of his journey. Much like his brother Eddard, he had a strong sense of honor that left an impact, even if he wasn’t around for long.

Regrettably, his swan song felt rather anticlimactic. Serving as the deus ex machina, Benjen swept in gallantly — not once but twice — to rescue the young Starks — Bran and Jon Snow — from imminent doom. It was as though he was summoned by the writers’ pens when they hit a narrative wall.

While Benjen’s efforts showcased his heroism, he was more than a plot device. There was a richness and depth to him that remained unexplored, leaving the audience to ponder the “what ifs.”