Known for their money, power, and cruelty, House Lannister is a force to be reckoned with in Game of Thrones. While we might not always agree with their actions, their storylines are just so entertaining to watch. Many of the family members are seen as villains, but it’s not all black and white. The series is known for its depiction of morally ambiguous characters, and boy, do we have them in this family.
“A Lannister always pays his debts” is the unofficial Lannister motto, and they prove it time and time again. The lengths House Lannister goes to in order to gain power are shocking, making for twists and turns viewers never saw coming. They’re not known to be honorable, but even when they’re committing terrible acts, it’s not always easy to hate them. At least, not all of them.
So which Lannisters are the most empathetic and which are just straight-up terrible? Let’s rank them from worst to best. (Note: We’re only including the Lannisters featured in the most important storylines of the Game of Thrones show, so minor characters like Alton Lannister or House of the Dragon’s Jason and Tyland Lannister won’t appear).
9. Joffrey Baratheon Lannister
You don’t have to be a good guy to be a good character, but Joffrey is a villain who’s one-dimensional and lacks any redeeming qualities. At least I can somewhat understand Cersei’s motivations throughout the show, but with Joffrey, I can’t. He’s a spoiled brat who only thinks of himself.
The eldest of Cersei and Jaime’s bastards, Joffrey is the supposed heir to the Iron Throne after Robert Baratheon dies, and he wastes no time letting that power go to his head. Not only is he totally arrogant, but he’s void of any empathy. He’s sadistic, finding joy in hurting others. From his betrothed Sansa Stark to his uncle Tyrion Lannister, Joffrey treats those around him terribly. And he sees no issue with it.
Due to his age and inexperience, among other things, he’s not fit to be the king, but his mother and grandfather enable him. He manipulates Cersei into letting him do whatever he wants, and his actions have major consequences. Though he certainly fulfills a purpose, Joffrey is an annoying part of the show and a character I certainly do not miss after his well-deserved death.