9 Best Game of Thrones Characters Created for the Show

Although A Song of Ice and Fire features a vast array of compelling characters, the Game of Thrones television series also introduced new individuals not found in George R.R. Martin’s novels. It’s easy to think these additions are mostly insignificant, and that’s true for some of them. However, a select few original Game of Thrones characters significantly enrich the world of Westeros and even become popular with fans. In some instances, these characters offer unique viewpoints that aren’t present in the books themselves.

We all love characters like Tyrion, Ned, and Arya, but let’s shine a spotlight on some of the original characters who truly made Game of Thrones special. Even if they weren’t in many episodes or didn’t appear until later in the series, they were essential to the show’s success. Let’s take a look at some of the best characters created specifically for the Game of Thrones television series and not found in A Song of Ice and Fire.

9. Karsi

Her Brief Appearance Is One Of The Most Striking Moments In The Fifth Season

First appearance in the series: Hardome (Episode 8, Season 5)
Actress: Birgitte Hjort Sørensen

Karsi was a character created specifically for the HBO show and represents the threat of the approaching Long Night. She speaks for her people when Jon Snow and Tormund offer help to the Free Folk against the White Walkers, but she tragically dies later in the fifth season in a memorable scene.

Karsi’s story makes the Free Folk feel more human, and it emphasizes the danger of the approaching Long Night. The fact that she becomes a White Walker even after death is particularly striking. However, her inability to harm children shows she still has a kind heart and cares deeply for the young and old, which makes the audience feel even more sympathy for her.

8. Olly

One Of The Catalysts For The Growth Of A Series Protagonist

First appearance in the series: Breaker of Chains (Episode 3, Season 4)
Actor: Brenock O’Connor

Olly is considered one of the most compelling original characters in Game Of Thrones because of his complex journey. After losing his home to a raid, he joins the Night’s Watch and becomes a close ally to Jon Snow. However, he eventually embodies the resentment many felt towards Jon’s decision to ally with the Free Folk, leading to a rebellion and ultimately, Jon’s death.

One of the most shocking scenes in Game of Thrones happens when Olly stabs Jon Snow right before Melisandre brings him back to life. Though the show doesn’t explain the reasons behind every guard’s involvement in the rebellion, Olly represents their feelings of anger and being let down. When Jon later orders Olly’s execution, it’s both a punishment for what he did and a turning point for Jon, making him a more determined and ruthless leader.

7. Lady Crane

An Actress, She Is One Of The Most Talented Characters Not In The Game Of Thrones Books

First appearance in the series: The Door (Episode 5, Season 6)
Actress: Essie Davis

In a memorable scene from season six of Game of Thrones, Lady Crane becomes important in Arya Stark’s development. She’s a traveling actress playing Cersei Lannister with a theater group, and although Arya initially intends to kill her, they connect through their shared love of acting, leading Arya to spare her life.

After Arya is hurt, Lady Crane takes her in and cares for her, but is later killed by the Waif. Though their time together was short, it reignites Arya’s desire for revenge. Crane’s skillful performance as Cersei also helps the audience understand the queen’s complicated and villainous nature, making a lasting impact on Arya’s story even after Crane’s death.

6. Brother Ray

In Game Of Thrones, This Series-Original Character Serves As A Catalyst For Redemption

First appearance in the series: The Broken Man (Episode 6, Season 7)
Actor: Ian McShane

Though he doesn’t appear in the books, Brother Ray is a memorable character from the original HBO series, Game of Thrones. After fighting in the War of the Ninepenny Kings, he chooses a life of peace and faith. By offering Sandor Clegane the opportunity to work and live honestly, Brother Ray represents a powerful symbol of hope and redemption within the violent world of Westeros.

Haunted by the violence he committed as a soldier, he believes people can be forgiven and choose a kinder path – a hopeful idea in the harsh world of Westeros. Though his death initially sends the Hound back to his violent ways, the warrior eventually shows he learned from him, acknowledging the healer as a friend.

5. Myranda

Capable Of Cruel Acts, She Is One Of The Most Notable Original Characters Of Game Of Thrones

First appearance in the series: The Bear and the Maiden Fair (Episode 7, Season 3)
Actress: Charlotte Hope

Myranda is a character from the Game of Thrones series and a close ally of Ramsay Bolton. She isn’t simply a victim in her cruel relationship with him; she actively participates in his evil actions. Her erratic behavior becomes even more apparent when Sansa Stark returns to Winterfell.

Living in the North under the Boltons was terrifying, and honestly, Myranda was just as cruel as Ramsay! The way she treated Theon after he became Reek was awful. But when she died, it really hit me – Ramsay didn’t care about her at all, just saw her as someone to use. Looking back, it’s clear she was really just a tool in the story, meant to push Ramsay, Sansa, and even Theon’s storylines forward. It’s a sad realization, but she never really mattered to him as a person.

4. Karl Tanner

He Is One Of The Most Sadistic Characters Who is Not In The Game Of Thrones Books

First appearance in the series: (Episode Walk Of Punishment 3, Season 3)
Actor: Burn Gorman

Karl Tanner is remembered as one of the most brutal characters in Game of Thrones because he broke his vows to the Night’s Watch. He led a revolt at Craster’s Keep, where he murdered both Craster and Commander Mormont. His actions and cruelty were a major turning point for Jon Snow, ultimately inspiring him to rise in leadership and become Lord Commander. Tanner’s villainy made him a particularly hated figure among viewers.

Before joining the Night’s Watch, Karl was a brutal criminal in the slums. Even as a member of the Watch, he didn’t fully embrace their principles, and this tendency worsened when he abandoned his post, revealing his true, violent character. While Karl is involved in several disturbing events, it’s the consequences of his actions that really drive the story forward.

3. Locke

Through His Violent Deeds, He Ranks Among The Greatest Villains In Game Of Thrones

First appearance in the series: Dark Wings, Dark Words (Episode 2, Season 3)
Actor: Noah Taylor

Locke is a powerful ally of the Boltons and a character who doesn’t appear in the Game of Thrones books. He’s different from most people in Westeros, who are motivated by wealth or fame – Locke actually enjoys making others suffer. A prime example of his cruelty is forcing Brienne of Tarth to fight a bear while completely defenseless.

Locke’s most impactful act is cutting off Jaime Lannister’s sword hand, destroying his reputation as the best fighter in the land. This event is crucial to the story because it connects Jaime and Brienne, and severely weakens Jaime. Ultimately, this leads to Jaime’s death at the hands of Hodor, who is being controlled by Bran Stark.

2. Ros

One Of The Most Important Game Of Thrones Characters Because She Touches Many Storylines

First appearance in the series: The Winter Is Coming (Episode 1, Season 1)
Actress: Esmé Bianco

Ros was an important character in the first few seasons of Game of Thrones, but she doesn’t appear in the original books. She embodies the struggles of the lower class in Westeros, beginning the series with little power while working for Petyr Baelish. However, she cleverly gains influence by using her intelligence and connections to people in high positions.

Sansa learns about Littlefinger’s plans to gain control of Westeros through their conversations, which also serve to inform the viewers. She also has interactions with characters like Tyrion and Theon. Ultimately, she’s tragically killed by Joffrey Baratheon, one of the show’s main antagonists, after being used and manipulated.

1. Talisa Maegyr

The Most Relevant Game Of Thrones Character Who Is Not In The Novels

First appearance in the series: Garden Of Bones (Episode 4, Season 2)
Actress: Oona Chaplin

Talisa Maegyr was brought into the story as a love interest for Robb Stark, but her character ultimately meets a heartbreaking fate. She replaced a different character, Jeyne Westerling, and was created to simplify the storyline and make viewers feel more emotionally invested through a powerful romance. Despite appearing for a relatively short time, her death has significant and lasting consequences throughout the series.

Talisa, a skilled battlefield healer, catches Robb’s eye not only with her medical abilities but also with her honesty, even when she disagrees with him. As they fall in love, both characters reveal a more sensitive side. Their marriage, though born of love, breaks a promise made to the Frey family, ultimately leading to a devastating event for House Stark – a particularly shocking moment in Game of Thrones.

2025-12-16 01:07