Which ‘Game of Thrones’ Characters Made Santa’s Naughty List?

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As a scholar from the Citadel, I’ve delved deep into the annals of Westeros and Essos, studying the lives of countless rulers, knights, and common folk alike. The characters I’ve discussed today, each with their unique stories, have left indelible marks on the world of Game of Thrones.

Among the numerous captivating aspects of “Game of Thrones“, its characters stood out as particularly special due to their ability to seem both authentic and otherworldly at the same time. Yet, a well-crafted character doesn’t necessarily equate to a virtuous individual. As Christmas draws near, we found ourselves pondering which characters would find themselves on Santa’s “Nice” list—and which ones might be more likely to wind up on his “Naughty” one.

Characters who are disliked aren’t necessarily the ones who misbehave the most, nor are those who are admired always the kindest. Furthermore, some characters, such as Theon Greyjoy and Daenerys Targaryen, started off differently at the beginning of the series but underwent significant transformations by its end. Consequently, this list features characters whose “niceness” or “naughtiness” played a role in their larger storyline development.

10
Nice – Brienne of Tarth

Brienne of Tarth, played by Gwendoline Christie, was a strong, honorable knight who was unflinchingly loyal to those she served. This included Renly Baratheon, whom she tried to protect to the end and later vowed to avenge, as well as Catelyn Stark. In the latter case, Brienne embarked upon a dangerous mission for Catelyn in which she had to escort Jaime Lannister back to King’s Landing, and later, she kept her vow to Catelyn by searching for and protecting her daughter, Sansa.

Oathkeeper

Brienne frequently performed kind acts, but these actions often brought her hardship. For example, during her journey with Jaime towards King’s Landing, she stumbled upon three deceased women and endeavored to give them a proper burial, an act that resulted in her being assaulted. Moreover, despite Jamie’s warning, she chose to free a man, who later turned out to be a potential threat, revealing their location to others. Regrettably, this led to their capture.

Indeed, Brienne wasn’t without flaws; she could be brusque towards Podrick, her squire, and wasn’t always successful in safeguarding those under her protection. Nevertheless, she consistently gave her utmost effort, even when the situation seemed impossible. This is what makes “Oathkeeper,” her sword’s name, so perfectly suited, and it’s also why she deserves a place on our esteemed list.

9
Naughty – Cersei Lannister

Initially, Lena Headey’s character Cersei Lannister was bound in an unhappy matrimony with Robert Baratheon. Yet, she also shared a forbidden relationship with her sibling, Jamie. Throughout the series, she was haunted by a prophesy that a more radiant and youthful queen would usurp her throne, and her children would meet untimely ends. In an attempt to dodge this destiny, Cersei made numerous brutal and self-centered choices, but ironically, these actions ended up fulfilling the very fate she sought to avoid.

Power is Power

Cersei’s crimes are numerous and squarely land her on the naughty list. After all, she played a role in her husband Robert’s death, potentially killed a childhood friend, and blew up a sept filled with hundreds of people. Plus, she casually committed incest with her brother and cousin, tormented Sansa and Tyrion, and forced Ellaria Sand to watch her own daughter slowly die. These are just some of the big things, and for a woman who famously said “I choose violence,” it’s easy to understand why Cersei is getting nothing but coal this year.

8
Nice – Ser Davos Seaworth

In the early stages of the War of Five Kings, Ser Davos Seaworth – portrayed by Liam Cunningham – hailed from poverty and sought escape through smuggling. His illicit activities initially benefited Stannis Baratheon, earning him knighthood despite his past transgressions, which included the amputation of several fingers for smuggling. Throughout the series, Davos performed numerous noble acts such as freeing Gendry, Robert’s bastard, before he was to be sacrificed and aiding in Jon Snow’s revival. Simultaneously, he served as a trusted advisor, acknowledging his own mistakes and not shying away from calling out the flaws of others.

An Onion Knight with Layers

Smuggling isn’t really a “nice” trait, but we’re letting it slide due to the surrounding circumstances and his later repentance. He also showed a desire to kill Melisandre, but since she almost made our own list for her naughty acts, we think this one is also forgivable. Outside of these two “shortcomings,” Davos was notable for his honesty, level-headedness, and integrity, and he often served as the symbolic angel on Stannis’ shoulder and a father-figure to Shireen.

We praise Brienne for her unwavering loyalty to those she serves, but we highly respect Ser Davos for staying true to his moral compass, despite the risks it poses to him.

7
Naughty – Petyr Baelish (aka Littlefinger)

From humble beginnings, Littlefinger (played by Aidan Gillen) rose his way through the ranks and began the series as Master of Coin under both Robert and Joffrey Baratheon. He also owned many brothels throughout King’s Landing and would use them to spy on his rivals or bribe noblemen. He famously warned Ned Stark not to trust him before betraying him, and later on in the series, he would lead many others astray as well. Littlefinger was willing to do anything to get what he wanted, even if it meant hurting those he presumably loved.

Chaos is a Ladder

Throughout the series, Petyr Baelish, often unpredictable and cunning, played a significant role in numerous plots. He manipulated Lysa Tully into murdering Jon Arryn, an event that sparked the chain of events leading to the first season. Although he may not be the most morally corrupt character on our list, his unforeseeable actions and potential for danger make him one of the most intriguing characters in the storyline.

6
Nice – Ned Stark

Among all characters in the series, Ned Stark, portrayed by Sean Bean, was particularly renowned for his integrity. As head of the Stark household, he found himself entangled in a political conflict following the revelation of Cersei’s infidelity and her children’s illegitimacy. Tragically, his journey ended in season 1 when Joffrey ordered his execution for supposed treason. Nevertheless, Ned’s character remained pivotal to the narrative and served as an inspiration for his offspring throughout the ensuing story.

The North Remembers Ned

To be honest, Ned did kill a deserter in the opening episode, an act that was considered justified within Westerosi societal norms due to his obligation to his people. However, it’s worth noting that he also killed Sansa’s wolf, Lady. Despite possibly being able to find a way out of the situation, Ned’s actions land him on our ‘Nice’ list, but not our ‘Clever’ one. At least he provided her with a swift end to her life.

Apart from these two instances, it’s challenging to recall anything imprudent that Ned did. Interestingly, one of his most benevolent actions – advising Cersei to depart before revealing the truth to Robert – ended up costing him his life. On a brighter note, this selfless act solidified him as a figure of kindness in our eyes.

5
Naughty – Craster

In a less than savory fashion, Robert Pugh’s character, Craster, was a wildling who found himself an ally with the Night’s Watch. However, his ways were questionable as he customarily married his own daughters, producing more daughters with them. His sons, on the other hand, were cruelly abandoned to the White Walkers for transformation. Despite providing shelter to the Night’s Watch traveling beyond the Wall, Craster was unrelenting in his insults towards them, offering minimal sustenance, and even suggesting that wounded members should be abandoned to perish. Eventually, fed up with his mistreatment, several of the men took matters into their own hands and ended Craster’s life.

Awful All Around

Despite Craster appearing infrequently in the series, the episodes where he did appear provided a clear depiction of his character. The other characters’ responses to him are telling – they find his marital practices abhorrent, his treatment of his sons appalling, and resent their own treatment by him. In the show, Craster received the consequences of his actions, and if Santa were to judge, he would undoubtedly give him nothing.

4
Nice – Hodor

Initially known as Wylis, Hodor (Kristian Nairn) was a kind-hearted, towering figure (potentially half-giant) who assisted Bran in escaping Winterfell following its seizure by the Greyjoys. As Bran uncovered his warging skills, he started employing them on his direwolf and later on Hodor too, much to Hodor’s unease. Over time, Bran would utilize these abilities during attempts to ward off White Walkers, which inadvertently led him to warg into an earlier version of Hodor – Wylis. In the past, Wylis was subjected to a White Walker attack and Meera’s command of “Hold the Door!”, which resulted in his mind shattering, causing him to be only able to repeat a combined form of those words: “Hodor.

Held the Door

Throughout the series, Hodor was known for his gentle nature, friendliness, and aversion to violence. In his final moments, Hodor held the door, thus ensuring the others could escape. If this sacrifice doesn’t earn him a spot on Santa’s Nice list, we think Santa needs to check that list again.

3
Naughty – Joffrey Baratheon

Joffrey Baratheon, born of an illicit affair between Cersei and Jamie, was recognized as Robert’s legitimate heir. Throughout the narrative, his behavior was characterized by immaturity, cruelty, and incompetent ruling. His wrongdoings against the Starks were particularly noteworthy due to the pleasure he derived from causing pain. It’s worth mentioning that he suffered a fitting end at his wedding when Olenna Tyrell orchestrated his poisoning, which was done to protect her granddaughter, Margaery, from being forced into marriage with him.

No True King

In a remarkable acting performance, Jack Gleeson portrayed Joffrey so convincingly as a villain that he received hate mail from viewers. Although it’s not fair to the actor, it shows how authentic and abhorrent Joffrey’s actions appeared. From murdering Ros to executing Ned and forcing Sansa to witness her father’s beheaded corpse (and then threatening her with Robb), it seems that even Santa might struggle to find a word stronger than “naughty” to describe the evil deeds on this list.

2
Nice – Shireen Baratheon

As a fervent admirer, I cannot help but express my deep affection for the captivating character portrayed by Kerry Ingram – Shireen Baratheon. Even at a tender age, she embodied one of the most endearing personalities in the series. Her kindness was evident through countless acts of benevolence, such as tutoring Davos and Gilly to read and bravely advocating against Melisandre’s unjust practices.

Dance of Dragons

In addition to her benevolent actions, Shireen’s compassion and insight are clearly demonstrated during a conversation about the Dance of Dragons. This conflict, which was essentially a civil war among various Targaryen factions, prompts a question about her allegiance. However, she wisely replies, “I wouldn’t have picked either side. It was the choosing sides that turned everything so disastrous.

It’s regrettable that Shireen didn’t live long enough to pass on her insights, but at least her actions helped bring an end to the war, and her compassion will continue to influence Davos as the story unfolds.

1
Naughty – Ramsay Bolton

Iwan Rheon’s character, Ramsay Bolton, was the illegitimate son of Roose Bolton, longing intensely for recognition as a legitimate child. He reveled in the agony of his adversaries by skinning them alive and found particular delight in tormenting Theon Greyjoy, driving him to become “Reek.” When Roose’s wife, Walda, gave birth to a son, he worried about being disowned, leading him to assassinate Roose, Walda, and his half-brother. His fate later involved being brutally killed by his own dogs, who mirrored his own cruel nature.

A Sadistic Kinslayer

From mutilating Theon to assaulting Sansa and killing Rickon after pretending to give him a chance to escape, Ramsay Bolton lands at the top of our naughty list. What makes Ramsay even crueler than characters like Joffrey is that he even killed family members to get what he wanted. Based on Westerosi customs, being a kinslayer is among one of the worst things to be—especially one who’s so remorseless.

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2024-12-25 05:32