All 8 Starks in Game of Thrones, ranked from worst to best

1. Arya Stark

The number one entry on this list should come as no surprise because Arya Stark is one of the best characters in TV history. Though she changes a lot throughout Game of Thrones, she doesn’t start off spoiled or bratty. Instead, she yearns for adventure, rejects typical gender roles, and is always unapologetically herself. Even as a child, she’s an inspiration. And once she grows up through her journey of self-discovery and vengeance, she’s a force to be reckoned with.

It’s always fun watching Arya persist through any setback she faces, and her character arc really pays off when she transforms into a skilled and deadly assassin. We get to see so much of Westeros and beyond through Arya’s adventures, which take many unpredictable turns. She’s totally fearless, a trait I admire, while also remaining kind and fair. She has some of the most satisfying moments, including when she kills the Night King. The episode could’ve been better, but I’m glad she was the one to do it if it couldn’t be Jon.

Arya is one of the best-developed characters in the series and one I always have to root for.

Honorable Mention: Jon Snow

You didn’t think I could write a whole post about Game of Thrones characters without at least mentioning Jon Snow, did you? As an honorary Stark, I’ve got to give him a shoutout. Though it’s revealed toward the end of the series that Jon is actually Aegon Targaryen, the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark who was taken in by Ned Stark as his own, he’s still a Stark for most of the show. And he never stops fighting for his family and the good of the realm.

Even though Jon feels like an outcast growing up in Winterfell, not being accepted by Catelyn or included at feasts and other events, he still has unwavering loyalty to the Starks and to the North. Though he doesn’t realize how difficult it is at first, he selflessly joins the Night’s Watch and vows to protect people from the dangers beyond the Wall. His dedication and honor are incredible, and he only becomes a deeper and complex character as he overcomes adversity.

Jon is arguably the most important character in Game of Thrones and is an integral part of the Stark family despite not bearing the name.

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