The Most Selfish Characters in Game of Thrones: Ambition and Downfall

Summary

Characters in Game of Thrones show how ambition fueled by selfishness can lead to downfall.
Ned Stark was too traditional to adapt to politicking, leading to his demise and near-extinction of his clan.
Various characters exhibit extreme selfishness in pursuit of power, such as Cersei blowing up the Sept of Baelor.

In the words similar to Cersei Lannister: When you engage in the struggle for the Game of Crowns, either you emerge victorious or meet your demise. This is why the show Game of Crowns became one of the most remarkable productions in contemporary television, as it presented a captivating portrayal of medieval power struggles and magical realism, demonstrating that unchecked power indeed fosters unmitigated corruption. Although the final seasons of Game of Crowns disappointed die-hard fans, at its zenith, the show displayed both the heights and depths of human nature when faced with such power.

Instead of focusing on who ultimately won the “Game of Thrones,” let’s delve into how the series portrayed its notable characters, especially those driven by power. With ruling the Seven Kingdoms equating to unlimited power, some characters in “Game of Thrones” were ready to go to any lengths to claim it – or at least act in their own best interests.

10. Ned Stark

A Man Whose Old Ways Did Not Adapt To Circumstances

In one of her confrontations with Ned Stark, Cersei Lannister succinctly expresses that in the world of Game of Thrones, it’s a fight for survival – either you kill or be killed. Ned’s reluctance to engage in politics within King’s Landing ultimately led to his demise. Some might argue this stubbornness stems from the isolation and strong adherence to traditional values found in the North, where ancient deities are still worshipped and honor and one’s word hold significant value. However, Ned’s refusal to adapt even while imprisoned had a devastating impact on his family, bringing the Starks close to extinction. In essence, Ned’s unwavering adherence to tradition might not just be stubbornness but also selfishness, as the Stark patriarch clung to values that were highly valued only within his region of Westeros.

Given the truth about the Lannister’s incest, it became clear that Ned needed some flexibility to escape King’s Landing, considering his eldest daughters were now under Lannister control: Sansa married to King Joffrey, and Arya alone with only her sword instructor. Ned anticipated that the disclosure of the Lannister incest would prompt Stannis Baratheon to march towards the Iron Throne, suggesting that Ned was aware his eldest (though inexperienced) son Robb might put his life at risk to avenge his father upon death. Even Ned’s wife Catelyn had foreseen the danger of going to King’s Landing, as she warned him from the beginning that it would make him a target for the Lannisters – and this proved to be true.

9. Tywin Lannister

Everything For Family, Because He’s Already Done Things For Himself

Lord Tywin Lannister, famously known as a stern patriarch of House Lannister, played a crucial role in restoring their influence within Westeros during the recent decades. His strategic maneuvering and politicking have been instrumental in maintaining the Iron Throne’s financial stability, using the wealth of the Lannisters to cover its expenses. Moreover, his eldest child, Cersei, wedded King Robert Baratheon, positioning the Lannisters as the dominant force in Westerosi politics, effectively becoming the most powerful lion in the political arena.

Beneath Lord Tywin’s stern facade lies hypocrisy and self-centeredness, which his children experienced frequently on his account. For instance, he criticizes Cersei and Jamie’s illicit romance despite the fact that Tywin himself is married to his cousin. Moreover, Tywin often scolds Tyrion for indulging in lewd activities, yet it appears that Tywin’s private quarters may have a secret passageway leading straight to brothels.

8. Robb Stark

The King In The North Who Drove The Starks To Near-Annihilation

In response to King Robert Baratheon’s demise igniting a full-blown civil war, Robb Stark seized the moment to proclaim everything north of the Riverlands as the Kingdom in the North – in tribute to his father Ned who perished under Lannister rule. With a delicate balance, Robb was tasked with persuading their longstanding allies to join him, and more importantly, safeguarding his siblings Arya and Sansa Stark, both held captive by the Lannisters. When he proposed a matrimonial alliance with the Freys to gain leverage over the Trident, they retaliated against the Lannister forces in the area.

As a die-hard film enthusiast, I’d rephrase that as follows: Back in the day, being young like Robb didn’t make promises carry much weight against the allure of a blossoming romance. However, when he breached his wedding vow by marrying Talisa Maegyr, there would be no chance for him to learn about honor and keeping one’s word. The infamous Red Wedding, hosted by the deceived Freys under false pretenses, turned out to be a bloodbath that claimed many lives, including Robb and his mother, Catelyn Stark. Most of the original Northern allies also fell victim. If not for the surviving Stark siblings who found themselves scattered across Westeros like displaced wolves, Robb’s impulsive decision could have wiped out one of Westeros’s ancient powers.

7. Stannis Baratheon

A Child Is A Worthwhile Price For Power, Or So It Seemed

Among the Baratheon siblings, it is Stannis Baratheon, the one in the middle, who stands out for his calmness as well as strategic prowess. In the presence of formidable opponents like Tywin and Tyrion Lannister, Ned Stark recognized that Stannis could prove crucial during the upcoming conflict – more so because Stannis was considered the “rightful heir” following revelations about the incestuous births within the Lannister family. Beyond his tactical brilliance and stern disposition, Stannis had an additional advantage: the Lord of Light, who stood by him.

Due to being convinced by the Red Priestess that he is the reborn Azor Ahai meant to save the world, Stannis might resort to dark sorcery in battle for an edge. Tragically, he would take the life of his brother Renly solely out of ambition, and his most self-serving action would be his choice to burn his daughter Shireen as a means to pave the way to Winterfell. Although this act strengthens the powers of his Red Priestess and her deity, it undeniably estranged Stannis from his own followers.

6. Petyr Belish

The Man Whose Ambition Started It All

In the world of Game of Thrones, few characters embody the idea that ambition breeds selfishness more than Petyr Baelish, or Littlefinger. As a self-made nobleman in a realm where blood equals power, his innate selfishness – better known as his survival instinct – is deeply ingrained within him. Beneath his deceitfully clever façade lies an intricate web of strategies, for he too has eyes that spot chances when they are least apparent. “Chaos is a ladder,” he once said, and who else could express this sentiment more fittingly than the one who initiated the series’ very premise?

Petyr Baelish’s understanding of the major families in Westeros was vast, allowing him to manipulate them into conflicts. All he needed was the catalyst of Jon Arryn’s death, and everything would fall into place as he desired. If it meant setting one family against another, so be it, as long as he could gain more power. Being without a strong family himself, Petyr could be seen as the epitome of self-centeredness – he had no one to consider but himself.

5. Viserys Targaryen

A Pathetic Brother To Daenerys

One early example of self-centeredness in “Game of Thrones” was exhibited by the character, Viserys Targaryen. Unlike other characters who displayed emotional complexity, Viserys’s weak portrayal of selfishness made him seem like a typical villain. Being the eldest and sole surviving Targaryen (together with Daenerys), Viserys believed he was entitled to the Iron Throne, which he had to relinquish as a child for his own protection.

Throughout the series, his behavior displayed a sense of self-entitlement and haughtiness. He bartered Daenerys, who was still too young to be married to a warlord, for an army without any regard for her wellbeing or feelings. Viserys never acknowledged or took responsibility for his mistakes, instead blaming others and portraying himself as a victim. His self-centeredness often led him to throw fits when things didn’t go his way, eventually leading to his own demise.

4. Cersei Lannister

Ambitions Came At The Cost Of Her Family

Born with an insatiable ambition that was rarely seen in a society where women from noble houses were primarily used as pawns to strengthen their family’s power, Cersei Lannister found herself in a unique position when her young sons ascended the Iron Throne, granting her the role of Queen Regent. However, her vision of a content and stable family life would be constantly challenged by threats on all sides – whether from those envious of the Lannisters’ power or those privy to her secret incestuous relationship.

Similar to a lioness fiercely guarding her cubs amidst the Savannah’s harsh conditions, Cersei’s strategies shifted from being clever to mercilessly ruthless. Interestingly, Cersei’s pursuit of power and safeguarding her family ironically led to the loss of her children due to her own ambitions. One could argue that Cersei’s most self-serving act was the explosion of the Great Sept of Baelor – a move that eliminated her political adversaries (including her son’s lover) out of revenge, yet also pushing her son towards suicide. Furthermore, Cersei’s choice to provoke instead of exercising restraint will ultimately cost her King’s Landing when she faces the unrestrained fury of an enraged Daenerys Targaryen.

3. Daenerys Targaryen

Hypocrisy Is As Selfish As Tyranny

In the realm of “Game of Thrones,” Daenerys Targaryen, famously known as one of its key characters, could have established a prosperous political career by unifying Essos, had not her ancestral duties compel her to return to Westeros and vie for the Iron Throne. Regrettably, despite her noble aspirations as the “Breaker of Chains,” Dany’s rule in the East fails to present her as a genuine “savior.” Criticism toward her often centers around her messianic image being exploited for personal advantage. For example, she traveled to Astapor with the primary aim of buying a slave army, not to liberate slaves – she only reconsiders this choice when confronted with the possibility that Westerosi might reject a ruler who employs actual slaves in their military.

In more prosperous cities like Yunkai and Meereen, it appears that liberating slaves is strategically beneficial for Daenerys, as it justifies her invasion and establishes her rule. However, upon reaching Westeros, she anticipates submission from local rulers not due to her actions but because of her lineage – often out of fear of her dragons. While Daenerys claims to despise slavery, she maintains a group of handmaidens who serve and punish dissent through capital punishment.

2. Ramsay Bolton

A More Calculated Version Of Joffrey

As a movie enthusiast, when the series effectively eliminated Joffrey Baratheon during the Purple Wedding, it paved the way for an even more insidious menace: Ramsay Bolton – a twisted, power-hungry reincarnation of Joffrey, albeit with a strategic edge. Unlike the juvenile and impulsive nature of King Joffrey, Ramsay finds delight in the cruelty that fuels his pursuit for control. Deceiving other Northerners under the guise of helping to reclaim Winterfell, he ruthlessly torches the Starks’ ancestral home and proclaimed the Boltons as the new rulers of the North.

It turns out Roose Bolton’s approach to raising Ramsay had an oversight – it didn’t account for Ramsay’s intense drive to prove himself. Consequently, when Ramsay perceived his father, stepmother, and newborn brother as potential threats, he cruelly eliminated them. Blinded by his arrogance and cruelty, Ramsay saw those he supposedly cared for as mere extensions of himself instead of separate individuals. His sadistic nature is a tool he uses to maintain control, as demonstrated by the way he torments Theon, Sansa, Walda, and her child.

1. Joffrey Baratheon

The Epitome Of Wanton Selfishness

Among the characters in Game of Thrones, it’s widely agreed that Joffrey Baratheon stands out as particularly despicable, not just to viewers but also to other characters within the storyline. Initially portrayed as a spoiled prince, Joffrey is revealed to be more than just cruel and malicious; he appears to lack genuine affection altogether. Even in his princely role, Joffrey is often seen tormenting others, and this behavior escalates significantly when he becomes king, where he takes pleasure in humiliating others without considering the repercussions.

One might argue that Joffrey’s behavior was not merely self-centered, but utterly cruel and inhumane. His actions became so reckless that even Lady Olenna Tyrell felt compelled to plot his assassination using Sansa Stark unknowingly as the means, for she recognized that an unrestrained Joffrey could lead to the ruin of the Seven Kingdoms.

2025-03-12 09:35