The 4 best (and 3 worst) character arcs in Game of Thrones

Worst Game of Thrones character arcs: Daenerys Targaryen

You knew this one was coming. Daenerys Targaryen is one of my favorite characters from Game of Thrones, which is why the change in her character in the final season hurts so much.

When we first meet Dany, she’s living in the shadow of her older brother Viserys and really doesn’t know who she is yet. But when her brother dies and she’s now the last remaining Targaryen (that she knows of), she transforms into a determined, cunning, and fair leader. She knows what it’s like to be abused and doesn’t want innocent people to be mistreated. We see her genuine kindness throughout the show, whether she’s freeing slaves or reminding those around her that she doesn’t want to win the Iron Throne through excess bloodshed.

Daenerys has one of the most compelling character arcs throughout Game of Thrones…until her decision to burn down King’s Landing in season 8. I would’ve had no problem with her doing this if the show actually set it up in a way that convinced me she was on this path. Sure, she could’ve just snapped after everything she went through. But to kill thousands of innocent people when her storyline had focused so much on her trying to do the right thing felt abrupt and wrong.

I would’ve been cool with Daenerys turning into a villain if the arc was developed better.

Best Game of Thrones character arcs: Sansa Stark

Sansa Stark as a character might go through the most changes out of any character on Game of Thrones. At the start, she’s a spoiled young girl who dreams of living in luxury. But when her wish comes true and she’s betrothed to the future king Joffrey Baratheon, she realizes this life is not all sunshine and rainbows. In fact, it’s the opposite.

Throughout the show, Sansa learns lessons the hard way, whether it’s being forced to marry into the Lannister family or being manipulated by Littlefinger. She endures abuse from several men and loses her innocence. But she also gets smarter as she grows up and realizes what’s most important to her. She learns how to take back her power, and that pays off when she reunites with Jon Snow and becomes the Lady of Winterfell.

By the conclusion of Game of Thrones, Sansa has become courageous, a trait she certainly doesn’t have in the beginning. She’s intelligent, level-headed, and fully deserving of her title of Queen in the North. Her character arc is an inspiration, though I wish she didn’t have to go through so much abuse.