8 Game of Thrones characters who were secret villains

Varys

Is Varys a secret villain? That was the big question I asked myself when creating this list, and I think it’s clear that, yes, Varys is a secret villain. Varys checks the “secret” box with all of his little birds keeping the Master of Whisperers up on all the latest gossip in the Seven Kingdoms and beyond. We all know Varys’ role, but what makes him a villain are his intentions. He claims to serve the realm, but it’s clear that Varys serves the realm in a way that’s best for Varys. That, to me, makes all of the difference.

From the beginning, it’s clear that Varys is interested in restoring the Targaryens to power in the Seven Kingdoms, but his methods are questionable. For example, he wants the Targaryens in power, but doesn’t seem to care which Targaryen, carrying out an order from King Robert to kill Daenerys early in the series, probably since he assumes that Viserys will be okay. It’s a fine balance Varys walks, and clearly he crosses that line every once in a while.

Everyone has to use power and manipulation to stay alive when playing the game of thrones, and Varys is no different.  That’s where his true villainy lies. Varys, to me, is not on some noble quest to save innocent lives. Yes, that’s part of this plan, but his ultimate goal is to make people, specifically those in power, pay, and he does that over and over again.

You know the saying, “the road to hell is paved with good intentions.” No character in Game of Thrones embodies that more than Varys. Even if you think Varys did what he did for the greater good, he’s still a villain, especially after what went down with Daenerys at the end of the show.