Main Cast by Number of Episodes

[Travy1991]

***SHOW SPOILERS - BOOK SPOILERS MAY APPEAR AFTER THIS FIRST POST***

There's much talk on this forum about character screentime and I thought I would create this list to measure the series regulars of Game of Thrones (Seasons 1 - 5) by how many episodes they've appeared in throughout the show. I think it would be interesting to see who the showrunners are giving the most overall screentime to by episode count. Yes, I know actual screen time is a more accurate representation but I think this list should make for an interesting analysis of which characters showrunners are interested in featuring (or "jumping in on") in the various episodes of the show.

Update - Guest Cast: Some people asked if I would provide information for the number of episodes non-series regulars appear in. This list will now include all guest stars who appear in three or more episodes of the series. Although they are not cast, I have also included episode counts for any animals that have appeared in three or more episodes.

Guest cast are broken down by what region of the world their character is from (using the books if there homeplace is not referenced on the show). If we don't know where they are from, they are categorised by the region in which they first made their appearance.

This is a ranking of starring and guest cast members by number of episodes they have appeared in, as of Season 5, Episode 10: "Mother's Mercy". At this time, 50 episodes have aired.

Season 1; Season 2; Season 3; Season 4; Season 5

* Indicates that they were guest cast in this season before being promoted to series regular.

Characters with a strikethrough indicates that the character has been killed onscreen and is unlikely to return. Characters that are italicised indicates that there are indications, dialogue or implications that the character is potentially dead but we haven't seen it happen onscreen.

Characters played by more than one actor will have coloured text that matches the season(s) they portrayed that character.

Main Cast:

• Peter Dinklage as Tyrion 'The Imp' Lannister
  Season 1 - 5 regular | 46 episodes | 9, 10, 9, 8, 10
• Lena Headey as Cersei Lannister (Also played briefly by Nell Williams <S5>)
  Season 1 - 5 regular | 44 episodes | 10, 9, 8, 9, 8
• Emilia Clarke as Daenerys 'Dany' Targaryen, 'Stormborn'
  Season 1 - 5 regular | 41 episodes | 9, 8, 8, 8, 8
• Kit Harrington as Jon Snow
  Season 1 - 5 regular | 41 episodes | 8, 8, 8, 8, 9
• Sophie Turner as Sansa Stark
  Season 1 - 5 regular | 40 episodes | 9, 7, 8, 7, 9
• Iain Glen as Jorah Mormont
  Season 1 - 5 regular | 39 episodes | 9, 7, 8, 7, 8
• Maisie Williams as Arya Stark
  Season 1 - 5 regular | 39 episodes | 9, 9, 9, 6, 6
• John Bradley as Samwell 'Sam' Tarly
  Season 1 guest; Season 2 - 5 regular | 35 episodes | 5*, 6, 8, 7, 9
• Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as Jaime 'The Kingslayer' Lannister
  Season 1 - 5 regular | 35 episodes | 8, 4, 7, 9, 7
• Alfie Allen as Theon 'Reek' Greyjoy
  Season 1 - 5 regular | 32 episodes | 9, 8, 6, 3, 6
• Aidan Gillen as Petyr 'Littlefinger' Baelish
  Season 1 - 5 regular | 30 episodes | 8, 7, 4, 5, 6
• Conleth Hill as Varys, 'The Spider'
  Season 1 guest; Season 2 - 5 regular | 28 episodes | 7*, 6, 5, 6, 4
• Gwendoline Christie as Brienne of Tarth
  Season 2 - 3 guest; Season 4 - 5 regular | 27 episodes | 7*, 7*, 7 , 6
• Charles Dance as Tywin Lannister
  Season 1 guest; Season 2 - 5 regular | 27 episodes | 4*, 7, 8, 7, 1
• Rory McCann as Sandor 'The Hound' Clegane
  Season 1 - 4 regular | 27 episodes | 8, 5, 8, 6
• Jerome Flynn as Bronn of the Blackwater
  Season 1 guest; Season 2 - 5 regular | 26 episodes | 5*, 7, 4, 4, 6
• Jack Gleeson as Joffrey Baratheon
  Season 1 - 4 regular | 26 episodes | 10, 6, 7, 3​
• Michelle Fairley as Catelyn 'Cat' Tully
  Season 1 - 3 regular | 25 episodes | 9, 8, 8
• Isaac Hempstead-Wright as Brandon 'Bran' Stark
  Season 1 - 4 regular | 25 episodes | 8, 7, 6, 4
• Stephen Dillane as Stannis Baratheon
  Season 2 - 5 regular | 24 episodes | 7, 5, 4, 8
• Nathalie Emmanuel as Missandei
  Seasons 3, 4 guest; Season 5 regular | 22 episodes | 8*, 7*, 7
• Richard Madden as Robb Stark
  Season 1 - 3 regular | 22 episodes | 8, 6, 8
• Liam Cunningham as Davos 'The Onion Knight' Seaworth
  Season 2 - 5 regular | 21 episodes | 6, 4, 4, 7
• Natalie Dormer as Margaery Tyrell
  Season 2 - 5 regular | 21 episodes | 4, 6, 6, 5
• Sibel Kekilli as Shae
  Season 1 guest; Season 2 - 4 regular | 20 episodes | 2*, 8, 6, 4
• Carice Van Houten as Melisandre, 'The Red Woman'
  Season 2 - 5 regular | 19 episodes | 4, 6, 3, 6
• Callum Wharry/Dean-Charles Chapman as Tommen Baratheon
  Seasons 1, 2, 4 guest; Season 5 regular | 18 episodes | 4*, 4*, 5*, 5
• Hannah Murray as Gilly
  Seasons 2, 3 guest; Season 4 - 5 regular | 18 episodes | 3*, 6*, 3, 6
• Joe Dempsie as Gendry
  Season 1 - 2 guest; Season 3 regular | 17 episodes | 2*, 7*, 8
• Kristofer Hivju as Tormund Giantsbane
  Season 3 guest; Season 4 - 5 regular | 17 episodes | 7*, 5, 5
• Rose Leslie as Ygritte
  Season 2 guest; Season 3 - 4 regular | 17 episodes | 4*, 8, 5
• Michael McElhatton as Roose Bolton
  Seasons 2, 3, 4 guest; Season 5 regular | 17 episodes | 4*, 7*, 2*, 4
• Ed Skrein/Michiel Huisman as Daario Naharis
  Seasons 3, 4 guest; Season 5 regular | 15 episodes | 3*, 5*, 7
• Iwan Rheon as Ramsay Bolton
  Season 3 guest; Season 4 - 5 regular | 15 episodes | 6*, 3, 6
• James Cosmo as Jeor Mormont
  Season 1 guest; Season 2 - 3 regular | 12 episodes | 5*, 3, 4
• Tom Wlaschiha as Jaqen H'ghar / No-One (Also played briefly by Patrick O'Kane <S2> , Cedric Henderson <S5> and Faye Marsay <S5> - see Guest Cast: Braavos for more on Faye Marsay)
  Season 2 guest; Season 5 regular | 12 episodes | 6*, 6
• Oona Chaplin as Talisa Maegyr
  Season 2 guest; Season 3 regular | 11 episodes | 5*, 6
• Sean Bean as Eddard 'Ned' Stark (Likeness appears only as a prosthetic in 1x10: "Fire and Blood")
  Season 1 regular | 10 episodes | 10
• Jason Momoa as Drogo
  Season 1 - 2 regular | 10 episodes | 9, 1
• Indira Varma as Ellaria Sand
  Season 4 guest; Season 5 regular | 9 episodes | 4*, 5
• Mark Addy as Robert Baratheon
  Season 1 regular | 7 episodes | 7
• Harry Lloyd as Viserys Targaryen
  Season 1 regular | 5 episodes | 5

Guest Cast (and recurring animals):

North of The Wall:

• Natalia Tena as Osha
  Seasons 1, 2, 3 | 14 episodes | 4, 6, 4
• (Uncredited extras) as 'Little' Sam
  Seasons 3, 4, 5 | 12 episodes | 6, 3, 3
• Mackenzie Crook as Orell Skinchanger
  Season 3 | 6 episodes | 6
• Ciaran Hinds as Mance Rayder
  Seasons 3, 4, 5 | 5 episodes | 3, 1, 1
• Robert Pugh as Craster
  Seasons 2, 3 | 5 episodes | 3, 2
• Simon Armstrong as Qhorin Halfhand
  Season 2 | 4 episodes | 4
• Yuri Kolokolnikov as Styr
  Season 4 | 4 episodes | 4
• Edward Dogliani/Ross O'Hennessy as 'Lord of Bones'
  Seasons 2, 3, 5 | 4 episodes | 2, 1, 1
• Richard Brake as 'The Night's King'
  Seasons 4, 5 | 3 episodes | 2, 1
• Joseph Gatt as Thenn Warg
  Season 4 | 3 episodes | 3

The North:

• Mark Stanley as Grenn
  Seasons 1, 2, 3, 4 | 22 episodes | 6, 5, 4, 7
• Kristian Nairn as Walder 'Hodor'
  Seasons 1, 2, 3, 4 | 21 episodes | 5, 7, 5, 4
• Ghost
  Seasons 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 | 16 episodes | 5, 3, 2, 4, 2
• Esmé Bianco as Ros
  Seasons 1, 2, 3 | 14 episodes | 5, 5, 4
• Brenock O'Connor as Olly
  Seasons 4, 5 | 14 episodes | 5, 9
• Donald Sumpter as Luwin
  Seasons 1, 2 | 14 episodes | 7, 7
• Summer
  Seasons 1, 2, 3, 4 | 14 episodes | 3, 5, 3, 3
• Ron Donachie as Rodrik Cassel
  Seasons 1, 2 | 12 episodes | 9, 3
• Art Parkinson as Rickon Stark
  Seasons 1, 2, 3 | 12 episodes | 3, 5, 4
• Thomas Brodie-Sangster as Jojen Reed
  Seasons 3, 4 | 10 episodes | 6, 4
• Ellie Kendrick as Meera Reed
  Seasons 3, 4 | 9 episodes | 5, 4
• Grey Wind (Likeness appears only as a prosthetic in 3x10: "Mhysa")
  Seasons 1, 2, 3 | 9 episodes | 3, 2, 4
• Noah Taylor as Locke
  Seasons 3, 4 | 8 episodes | 5, 3
• Susan Brown as Mordane (Likeness appears only as a prosthetic in 1x10: "Fire and Blood")
  Season 1 | 7 episodes | 7
• Michael Condron as Bowen Marsh
  Season 5 | 7 episodes | 7
• Charlotte Hope as Myranda
  Seasons 3, 4, 5 | 7 episodes | 1, 2, 4
• Francis Magee as Yoren
  Seasons 1, 2 | 7 episodes | 5, 2
• Shaggydog
  Seasons 1, 2, 3 | 7 episodes | 2, 3, 2
• Jamie Sives as Jory Cassel
  Season 1 | 5 episodes | 5
• John Stahl as Rickard Karstark
  Seasons 2, 3 | 5 episodes | 2, 3
• Clive Mantle as Jon 'Greatjon' Umber
  Season 1 | 3 episodes | 3
• Joseph Mawle as Benjen 'Ben' Stark
  Season 1 | 3 episodes | 3
• Stella McCusker as 'Old Woman' (Likeness appears only as a prosthetic in 5x07: "The Gift")
  Season 5 | 3 episodes | 3

The Iron Islands:

• Gemma Whelan as Yara Greyjoy
  Seasons 2, 3, 4 | 6 episodes | 4, 1, 1
• Ralph Ineson as Dagmer
  Season 2 | 5 episodes | 5
• Forbes KB as 'Black' Lorren
  Season 2 | 4 episodes | 4
• Patrick Malahide as Balon Greyjoy
  Seasons 2, 3 | 3 episodes | 2, 1

The Vale:

• Ben Crompton as Eddison 'Dolorous Edd' Tollett
  Seasons 2, 3, 4, 5 | 24 episodes | 5, 4, 7, 8
• Luke McEwan as Rast
  Seasons 1, 3, 4 | 12 episodes | 6, 4, 2
• Tobias Winter as Timett
  Seasons 1, 2 | 4 episodes | 2, 2

The Westerlands:

• Daniel Portman as Podrick 'Pod' Payne
  Seasons 2, 3, 4, 5 | 22 episodes | 4, 5, 7, 6
• Brian Fortune as Othell Yarwyck
  Seasons 1, 4, 5 | 11 episodes | 2, 3, 6
• Eugene Simon as Lancel
  Seasons 1, 2, 5 | 11 episodes | 4, 3, 4
• Conan Stevens/Ian Whyte/Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson as Gregor 'The Mountain' Clegane / Robert Strong
  Seasons 1, 2, 4, 5 | 9 episodes | 2, 3, 3, 1
• Ian Gelder as Kevan Lannister
  Seasons 1, 2, 5 | 7 episodes | 3, 1, 3
• Wilko Johnson as Ilyn Payne
  Seasons 1, 2 | 4 episodes | 3, 1
• Fintan McKeown as Amory Lorch
  Season 2 | 4 episodes | 4
• Karl Davies as Alton Lannister
  Season 2 | 3 episodes | 3

The Riverlands:

• Dominic Carter as Janos Slynt
  Seasons 1, 2, 4, 5 | 15 episodes | 4, 2, 6, 3
• Josef Altin as Pypar 'Pyp'
  Seasons 1, 3, 4 | 13 episodes | 6, 1, 6​
• Anton Lesser as Qyburn
  Seasons 3, 4, 5 | 11 episodes | 4, 2, 5
• Kate Dickie as Lysa Tully
  Seasons 1, 4 | 5 episodes | 3, 2
• Tobias Menzies as Edmure Tully
  Season 3 | 5 episodes | 5
• Clive Russell as Brynden 'Blackfish' Tully
  Season 3 | 5 episodes | 5
• Emun Elliott as Marillion
  Season 1 | 4 episodes | 4
• Elizabeth Webster as 'Fat' Walda Frey
  Seasons 4, 5 | 4 episodes | 1, 3
• David Bradley as Walder Frey
  Seasons 1, 3 | 3 episodes | 1, 2
• Andy Kellegher as Polliver
  Seasons 2, 4 | 3 episodes | 2, 1

The Crownlands:

• Julian Glover as Pycelle
  Seasons 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 | 27 episodes | 8, 5, 3, 6, 5
• Owen Teale as Alliser Thorne
  Seasons 1, 4, 5 | 16 episodes | 4, 5, 7
• Aimee Richardson/Nell Tiger Free as Myrcella Baratheon
  Seasons 1, 2, 5 | 13 episodes | 4, 4, 5
• Ben Hawkey as Hot Pie
  Seasons 1, 2, 3, 4 | 11 episodes | 1, 7, 2, 1
• Peter Vaughan as Aemon
  Seasons 1, 3, 4, 5 | 11 episodes | 3, 1, 4, 3
• Kerry Ingram as Shireen Baratheon
  Seasons 3, 4, 5 | 10 episodes | 2, 3, 5
• Lino Facioli as Robin Arryn
  Seasons 1, 4, 5 | 7 episodes | 3, 3, 1
• Will Tudor as Olyvar
  Seasons 3, 4, 5 | 7 episodes | 1, 2, 4
• Paul Bentley as 'High Septon' (After the King's Landing riot)
  Seasons 3, 4, 5 | 6 episodes | 1, 3, 2
• Josephine Gillan as Marei
  Seasons 2, 3, 4, 5 | 6 episodes | 2, 1, 2, 1
• Tony Way as Dontos Hollard
  Seasons 2, 4 | 6 episodes | 3, 3
• Jonathan Pryce as 'High Sparrow'
  Season 5 | 5 episodes | 5
• Andy Beckwith as Rorge
  Seasons 2, 4 | 4 episodes | 3, 1
• Burn Gorman as Karl Tanner
  Seasons 3, 4 | 4 episodes | 2, 2
• Gerard Jordan as Biter
  Seasons 2, 4 | 4 episodes | 3, 1
• Sahara Knite as Armeca
  Seasons 1, 2 | 4 episodes | 1, 3
• Robert Sterne as 'Royal Steward'
  Season 1 | 4 episodes | 4
• Eros Vlahos as Lommy Greenhands
  Seasons 1, 2 | 4 episodes | 1, 3
• Hannah Waddingham as Unella
  Season 5 | 3 episodes | 3

The Reach:

• Finn Jones as Loras Tyrell
  Seasons 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 | 18 episodes | 1, 5, 5, 3, 4
• Diana Rigg as Olenna Redwyne, 'The Queen of Thorns'
  Seasons 3, 4, 5 | 11 episodes | 5, 4, 2
• Tara Fitzgerald as Selyse Florent
  Seasons 3, 4, 5 | 10 episodes | 1, 3, 4
• Roger Ashton-Griffiths as Mace Tyrell
  Seasons 4, 5 | 9 episodes | 4, 5

The Stormlands:

• Ian McElhinney as Barristan 'The Bold' Selmy
  Seasons 1, 3, 4, 5 | 25 episodes | 6, 8, 7, 4
• Ian Beattie as Meryn Trant
  Seasons 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 | 18 episodes | 2, 3, 3, 4, 6
• Gethin Anthony as Renly Baratheon
  Seasons 1, 2 | 8 episodes | 5, 3
• Philip McGinley as Anguy
  Season 3 | 6 episodes | 6
• David Scott/Richard Dormer as Beric Dondarrion
  Seasons 1, 3 | 5 episodes | 1, 4
• Kerr Logan as Matthos Seaworth
  Season 2 | 4 episodes | 4
• Maisie Dee as Daisy
  Season 2 | 3 episodes | 3

Dorne:

• Pedro Pascal as Oberyn 'The Red Viper' Martell
  Season 4 | 7 episodes | 7
• Keisha Castle-Hughes as Obara Sand
  Season 5 | 5 episodes | 5
• Jessica Henwick as Nymeria 'Nym' Sand
  Season 5 | 5 episodes | 5
• Rosabell Laurenti Sellers as Tyene Sand
  Season 5 | 5 episodes | 5
• Toby Sebastian as Trystane Martell
  Season 5 | 4 episodes | 4
• Alexander Siddig as Doran Martell
  Season 5 | 4 episodes | 4

Braavos:

• Faye Marsay as 'The Waif' (Character becomes a man with the face and persona of Tom Wlaschiha's 'Jaqen H'ghar / No-One from 5x10: "Mother's Mercy - see Tom Wlaschiha in Main Cast section)
  Season 5 | 4 episodes | 4
• Sarine Sofair as Lhara
  Seasons 4, 5 | 3 episodes | 1, 2
• Miltos Yerolemou as Syrio Forel
  Season 1 | 3 episodes | 3

Lys:

• Roxanne McKee as Doreah
  Seasons 1, 2 | 11 episodes | 6, 5

Myr:

• Paul Kaye as Thoros
  Season 3 | 6 episodes | 6

Norvos:

• DeObia Oparei as Areo Hotah
  Season 5 | 5 episodes | 5

The Dothraki Sea:

• Amrita Acharia as Irri
  Seasons 1, 2 | 13 episodes | 8, 5
• Steven Cole as Kovarro
  Season 2 | 7 episodes | 7
• Elyes Gabel as Rakharo
  Seasons 1, 2 | 7 episodes | 6, 1
• Dar Salim as Qotho
  Season 1 | 6 episodes | 6

Meereen:

• Joel Fry as Hizdahr zo Loraq
  Seasons 4, 5 | 8 episodes | 2, 6
• Reece Noi as Mossador
  Seasons 4, 5 | 3 episodes | 1, 2

Astapor:

• Dan Hildebrand as Kraznys mo Nakloz
  Season 3 | 3 episodes | 3

Lhazar:

• Drogon
  Seasons 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 | 15 episodes | 1, 4, 4, 2, 4
• Viserion
  Seasons 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 | 13 episodes | 1, 4, 4, 2, 2
• Rhaegal
  Seasons 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 | 10 episodes | 1, 1, 4, 2, 2
• Mia Soteriou as Mirri Maz Duur
  Season 1 | 3 episodes | 3

Qarth:

• Ian Hanmore as Pyat Pree
  Season 2 | 4 episodes | 4
• Nicholas Blane as Spice King
  Season 2 | 3 episodes | 3

The Summer Isles:

• Jacob Anderson as Grey Worm
  Seasons 3, 4, 5 | 17 episodes | 5, 7, 5
• Nonso Anozie as Xaro Xhoan Daxos
  Season 2 | 5 episodes | 5
• Lucian Msamati as Salladhor Saan
  Seasons 2, 3, 4 | 3 episodes | 1, 1, 1

Note: Actors are only credited for new appearances. Archive footage or archive recordings are not counted as new appearances, such as the case with archive footage and recordings of Ned used in Bran's green dreams.

Some sources may also count appearances from extras as having played certain characters. While external information or commentary may state or imply that an extra is playing a character (such as Selyse, Jaqen, Rickard Karstark etc.), these appearances are not counted unless the actor is stated onscreen to be that character.

While external information has stated that extras have played Selyse, Jaqen, Biter, Rorge and Rickard Karstark onscreen, these actors were never named onscreen as those characters and so their appearances will not be counted in this list. The characters appearances are only counted when the actor is established onscreen as being that character, as is the case with Tara Fitzgerald, Tom Wlaschiha, Gerard Jordan, Andy Beckwith and John Stahl in those respective roles. While David Scott only had a bit appearance as Beric Dondarrion before being recast with Richard Dormer in Season 3, Scott's appearance is counted because he is explicitly referred to as Beric onscreen in Season 1. This also applies to Ian Whyte explicitly being referred to as Gregor in Season 2, who seemed to be only standing in after Conan Stevens finished in the role in Season 1 and Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson took over in Season 4.

Actors with the same number of episodes will be listed alphabetically by surname.

[igrewupinKL]

Its surprising how little on screen time littlfinger and varys have in seasons 1-3 considering their importance. LF's screentime will increase this season, but Varys's has gone down heaps which is a shame because i enjoy Conleth as Varys

Its not surprising Lena and Peter get favoured screen time. I do enjoy them but i could do with a bit less cersei just because her character annoys me. Lena is fantastic though

[Frey Pies]

Wow, extremely interesting list- I was always interested in seeing something like this.

It's amazing how there are so many characters that the show handles, but they have managed to make each one memorable in barely 35 episodes.

By the way, and I'm extremely sorry if this is too much, but do you have any information on Jojen, Meera, Yara, Roose and Hodor (do they count as guest actors or as part of the main cast)?

[Blutrabe]

As a coincidence, I've compiled a full list (copied from Word, thus the misaligned numbers). Bold means main cast, crossed out means dead on the show.

Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister 32

Lena Headey as Cersei Lannister 32

Maisie Williams as Arya Stark 30

Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen 29

Sophie Turner as Sansa Stark 29

Kit Harington as Jon Snow 28

Iain Glen as Jorah Mormont 28

Jack Gleeson as Joffrey Baratheon 26

Michelle Fairley as Catelyn Stark 25

Alfie Allen as Theon Greyjoy 24

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as Jaime Lannister 24

Isaac Hempstead-Wright as Bran Stark 24

Rory McCann as Sandor Clegane 24

Charles Dance as Tywin Lannister 23

John Bradley as Samwell Tarly 22

Richard Madden as Robb Stark 21

Aidan Gillen as Petyr Baelish 21

Jerome Flynn as Bronn 21

Conleth Hill as Varys 21

Kristian Nairn as Hodor 20

Gwendoline Christie as Brienne of Tarth 19

Julian Glover as Grand Maester Pycelle 19

Sibel Kekilli as Shae 18

Ian McElhinney as Barristan Selmy 18

Mark Stanley as Grenn 18

Joe Dempsie as Gendry 17

Natalie Dormer as Margaery Tyrell 15

Donald Sumpter as Maester Luwin 14

Esme Bianco as Ros 14

Natalia Tena as Osha 14

Stephen Dillane as Stannis Baratheon 14

Rose Leslie as Ygritte 14

Daniel Portman as Podrick Payne 14

Finn Jones as Loras Tyrell 14

Ron Donachie as Rodrik Cassel 13

Amrita Acharia as Irri 13

James Cosmo as Jeor Mormont 12

Art Parkinson as Rickon Stark 12

Michael McElhatton as Roose Bolton 12

Liam Cunningham as Davos Seaworth 12

Nathalie Emmanuel as Missandei 12

Callum Wharry/Dean-Charles Chapman as Tommen Baratheon 12

Ben Crompton as Eddison Tollett 12

Luke Barnes as Rast 12

Roxanne McKee as Doreah 11

Oona Chaplin as Talisa Stark 11

Carice van Houten as Melisandre 11

Ben Hawkey as Hot Pie 10

Hannah Murray as Gilly 10

Ian Beattie as Meryn Trant 10

Sean Bean as Eddard Stark 9

Jason Momoa as Khal Drogo 9

Kristofer Hivju as Tormund Giantsbane 9

Diana Rigg as Olenna Tyrell 9

Dominic Carter as Janos Slynt 9

Josef Altin as Pypar 9

Thomas Brodie-Sangster as Jojen Reed 9

Jacob Anderson as Grey Worm 9

Gethin Anthony as Renly Baratheon 8

Aimee Richardson as Myrcella Baratheon 8

Eugene Simon as Lancel Lannister 8

Steven Cole as Kovarro 8

Noah Taylor as Locke 8

Ellie Kendrick as Meera Reed 8

Mark Addy as Robert Baratheon 7

Elyes Gabel as Rakharo 7

Francis Magee as Yoren 7

Iwan Rheon as Ramsay Snow 7

Owen Teale as Alliser Thorne 7

Ed Skrein/Michiel Huisman as Daario Naharis 7

Susan Brown as Septa Mordane 6

Dar Salim as Qotho 6

Tom Wlaschiha as Jaqen H’ghar 6

Steven Blount / John Stahl as Rickard Karstark 6

Paul Kaye as Thoros of Myr 6

Philip McGinley as Anguy 6

Mackenzie Crook as Orell 6

Peter Vaughan as Maester Aemon 6

Tony Way as Dontos Hollard 6

Jamie Sives as Jory Cassel 5

Harry Lloyd as Viserys Targaryen 5

Conan Stevens / Ian Whyte as Gregor Clegane 5

Nonso Anozie as Xaro Xhoan Daxos 5

Ralph Ineson as Dagmer Cleftjaw 5

Robert Pugh as Craster 5

David Michael Scott / Richard Dormer as Beric Dondarrion 5

Clive Russell as Brynden Tully 5

Tobias Menzies as Edmure Tully 5

Gemma Whelan as Yara Greyjoy 5

Anton Lesser as Qyburn 5

Emun Elliott as Marillion 4

Eros Vlahos as Lommy Greenhands 4

Tobias Winter as Timett 4

Fintan McKeown as Amory Lorch 4

Ian Gelder as Kevan Lannister 4

Kerr Logan as Matthos Seaworth 4

Wilko Johnson as Ilyn Payne 4

Ian Hanmore as Pyat Pree 4

Simon Armstrong as Qhorin Halfhand 4

Kerry Ingram as Shireen Baretheon 4

Brian Fortune as Othell Yarwick 4

Pedro Pascal as Oberyn Martell 4

Burn Gorman as Karl Tanner 4

Kate Dickie as Lysa Arryn 4

Lino Facioli as Robin Arryn 4

Paul Bentley as the High Septon 4

Joseph Mawle as Benjen Stark 3

Miltos Yerolemou as Syrio Forel 3

Clive Mantle as Greatjon Umber 3

Mia Soteriou as Mirri Maz Duur 3

Nicholas Blane as the Spice King 3

Karl Davies as Alton Lannister 3

Andy Beckwith as Rorge 3

Gerard Jordan as Biter 3

Edward Dogliani as Rattleshirt 3

Ciarán Hinds as Mance Rayder 3

Dan Hildebrand as Kraznys mo Nakloz 3

David Bradley as Walder Frey 3

Patrick Malahide as Balon Greyjoy 3

Andy Kellegher as Polliver 3

Indira Varma as Ellaria Sand 3

Will Tudor as Olyver 3

Margaret John as Old Nan 2

Roger Allam as Illyrio Mopatis 2

Jefferson Hall as Hugh of the Vale 2

Brendan McCormack as Vardis Egen 2

Mark Lewis Jones as Shagga 2

Anthony Morris as the Tickler 2

Laura Pradelska as Quaithe 2

Roy Dotrice as Hallyne 2

Lucian Msamati as Salladhor Saan 2

Tom Brooke as Lothar Frey 2

Tim Plester as Black Walder Frey 2

Tara Fitzgerald as Selyse Baratheon 2

Yuri Kolokolnikov as Styr 2

Roger Ashton-Griffiths as Mace Tyrell 2

Bronson Webb as Will 1

Rob Ostlere as Waymar Royce 1

Dermot Keany as Gared 1

Oliver Ford Davies as Maester Cressen 1

George Georgiou as Razdal mo Eraz 1

Mark Killeen as Mero 1

Ramon Tikaram as Prendahl na Ghezn 1

Elizabeth Webster as Walda Bolton 1

Joel Fry as Hizdahr zo Loraq 1

[RenlyTheOneTrueKing]

From the wiki:

Conleth Hill (Varys) and Gwendoline Christie (Brienne of Tarth) very briefly appear among the wedding crowd in the background of the first scene.

You should add one more to them

[RenlyTheOneTrueKing]

For breaker of chains

[Travy1991]

As a coincidence, I've compiled a full list (copied from Word, thus the misaligned numbers). Bold means main cast, crossed out means dead on the show.

Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister 32

Lena Headey as Cersei Lannister 32

Maisie Williams as Arya Stark 30

Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen 29

Sophie Turner as Sansa Stark 29

Kit Harington as Jon Snow 28

Iain Glen as Jorah Mormont 28

Jack Gleeson as Joffrey Baratheon 26

Michelle Fairley as Catelyn Stark 25

Alfie Allen as Theon Greyjoy 24

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as Jaime Lannister 24

etc.

Wow similar minds, (wo?)man! You put my list to shame. However, there are just a few inaccuracies, I think. Robb appears in 22 episodes while Jason Momoa definitely appears in 10. But otherwise great work!

I did want to focus on just the series regulars though and how much screentime they have so we could open up some discussion about how the show is apparently "favouring" some characters over others and who the show feels is important enough to promote to regular status (I know actor contracts affect that decision too). I have to say I'm very surprised that Stannis, Davos and Melisandre have all appeared in less than 15 episodes during their time on the show. I would hope to see that increase significantly over the course of the show as they become more vital and aren't just hiding out in Dragonstone.

I also find it interesting that characters like Gilly, Tormund, Talisa and Gendry get upgraded to series regular status when you would think that characters like Barristan (a POV character in the books), Meera, Hodor and Jojen, and even Grand Maester Pycelle would get the one-up on them. Particularly interesting is James Cosmo who was a regular for Season 2 and 3 but only appeared in 7 episodes total whereas Gwendoline Christie (a much more vital character) appeared in double those episodes over the course of Seasons 2 and 3 and was only made a series regular now. Anyone else have thoughts on this?

Wow, extremely interesting list- I was always interested in seeing something like this.

It's amazing how there are so many characters that the show handles, but they have managed to make each one memorable in barely 35 episodes.

By the way, and I'm extremely sorry if this is too much, but do you have any information on Jojen, Meera, Yara, Roose and Hodor (do they count as guest actors or as part of the main cast)?

Jojen, Meera, Hodor and Roose are not starring characters but they appear in 9, 8, 20 and 12 episodes respectively as shown in Blutrabe's list.

From the wiki:

Conleth Hill (Varys) and Gwendoline Christie (Brienne of Tarth) very briefly appear among the wedding crowd in the background of the first scene.

You should add one more to them

RenlyTheOneTrueKing, I rewatched that episode twice to try and find Brienne and Varys. I think I saw the back of Brienne's head in a crowd scene and I couldn't find Varys at all. I decided to not include them, simply because I feel they are only credited because it was a pick-up from Episode 2 which they both featured in. I'd normally stick to the opening credits but considering they made a mistake in "First of His Name" (4x05) by crediting Jerome Flynn instead of Conleth Hill, I just don't think the opening credits are an entirely accurate source for measuring appearances. Basically for a character to make my list, the camera must pan over their face to receive a credit. I also don't include series regulars who might appear via previously season footage or old audio recordings, i.e. Sean Bean as Ned.

[RenlyTheOneTrueKing]

Fair play

[Blutrabe]

Wow similar minds, (wo?)man! You put my list to shame. However, there are just a few inaccuracies, I think. Robb appears in 22 episodes while Jason Momoa definitely appears in 10. But otherwise great work!

Thank you! I got the numbers from the Game of Thrones Wiki. Maybe they're not absolutely accurate or I missed them. I'll look into it... later. ^^

[Travy1991]

Made a few changes, tidied up the post and added new info (breaking down episodes by season).

[Annara Snow]

The number of episodes doesn't really give an accurate picture of the screentime. There's a big difference between appearing in one scene or having two lines, and having a bunch of pivotal scenes. For instance, think of how many of Sandors appearances in the first two seasons were just him standing in the background, while Littlefinger may have less episodes, but gets lots of dialogue and monologue every time (including other characters' lines *cough*).

[Your Lady]

The number of episodes doesn't really give an accurate picture of the screentime. There's a big difference between appearing in one scene or having two lines, and having a bunch of pivotal scenes. For instance, think of how many of Sandors appearances in the first two seasons were just him standing in the background, while Littlefinger may have less episodes, but gets lots of dialogue and monologue every time (including other characters' lines *cough*).

Previous seasons there was someone actually counting the screentime for the characters. I did not notice anything like that for this season yet, though. It would be nice to know, as I quite agree that the no of episodes one appears in is not really accurate picture of actual screentime.

[Matoro]

As a coincidence, I've compiled a full list (copied from Word, thus the misaligned numbers). Bold means main cast, crossed out means dead on the show.

~~~~

Joel Fry as Hizdahr zo Loraq 1

Hizdahr has appeared? When?

It's a bit ironic that Hodor has far more episodes than Stannis or Eddard or Margaery.

[RenlyTheOneTrueKing]

The numbers you've put for Davos=11 not 12

[clawson24]

Would be fascinating to see a list of lines spoken or minutes of screentime per actor/character to really put into perspective how much time is being spent on each story/character.

[graaf_x]

Hizdahr has appeared? When?

It's a bit ironic that Hodor has far more episodes than Stannis or Eddard or Margaery.

In "Breaker of Chains"

http://img3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20140421053754/gameofthrones/images/1/15/Hizdahr-zo-Loraq-S4-EP-03.jpg

[Lord Lyman]

Epsisode count isn't a good indicator though. Despite only appearing in 9 episodes, Eddard Stark was still in the top 10 for screentime by minutes after three seasons. He had 94 minutes. By contrast Catelyn Stark had 91 minutes in 25 episodes. Sandor Clegane however appeared in 21 episodes totaling only 39 minutes. That was 24th best after three seasons.

[Travy1991]

The numbers you've put for Davos=11 not 12

Thanks, have that fixed.

The number of episodes doesn't really give an accurate picture of the screentime. There's a big difference between appearing in one scene or having two lines, and having a bunch of pivotal scenes. For instance, think of how many of Sandors appearances in the first two seasons were just him standing in the background, while Littlefinger may have less episodes, but gets lots of dialogue and monologue every time (including other characters' lines *cough*).

Epsisode count isn't a good indicator though. Despite only appearing in 9 episodes, Eddard Stark was still in the top 10 for screentime by minutes after three seasons. He had 94 minutes. By contrast Catelyn Stark had 91 minutes in 25 episodes. Sandor Clegane however appeared in 21 episodes totaling only 39 minutes. That was 24th best after three seasons.

That's very true. Screentime in minutes is more important than how many episodes the characters appears in. I do find it surprising that Sean Bean had more screentime by minutes than Michelle Fairley though. Goes to show how the disparate plotlines from Season 2 onwards really limits screentime for many of the actors. Unfortunately, I don't have the time (and most likely patience) to take on such a comprehensive task. It would be great if we could get someone to do that for Season 4, I agree.

However, I still think my list has some degree of validity. It's just interesting that we at least pop in with some characters more than others even if we don't get anything majorly substantial from them. I thought of doing this list when Peter Dinklage didn't show up in this week's episode, very surprising considering he's been in nearly every episode barring one episode in Season 1 when more energy was focused on Sean Bean and one episode in Season 3 when the focus was on the Red Wedding.

[Travy1991]

The Laws of Gods and Men Update:

• Peter Dinklage (Tyrion) and Lena Headey (Cersei) remain on top with the most number of episodes throughout the series.
  
• Emilia Clarke (Daenerys) joins Maisie Williams in joint second place. I have to say I'm surprised by how much the show is focusing on the Meereen storyline this season when there's plenty of time to do that in Season 5. Arya and The Hound are a popular pairing with a limited amount of time left together so it's surprising that the show isn't playing that element up more. Season 4 is also the season with the least Maisie Williams (Arya) appearances. She's appeared in every episode barring one each for the previous three seasons.
  
• Iain Glen (Jorah) joins Sophie Turner (Sansa) in joint third place for number of episodes.
  
• As of this episode, Alfie Allen (Theon) and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Jaime) now appear in the same number of episodes as Michelle Fairley has... so far *sniff*.
  
• Charles Dance (Tywin) also now appears in the same number of episodes as Isaac Hempstead-Wright (Bran) and Rory McCann (Sandor).
  
• Liam Cunningham (Davos) moves up the ranks and appears in one episode more than James Cosmo (Jeor). That's hard to believe right?
  
• Iwan Rheon (Ramsay) appears in one episode more than Mark Addy (Robert) as of this episode. This leaves the regulars that left us too soon (Robert and Viserys) in the bottom two places.
  
• This is also the first episode to not feature any member of House Stark (or aligned bastards). There must always be a Stark in...screw that, this episode was Lannister-centric with a little bit of Baratheon, Targaryen, Bolton and Greyjoy thrown in.
  
• People I want to see more of: Ygritte. It's primarily based off my crush on Rose Leslie but I would love to see more of the wildlings (without the Thenns. HEY DID YOU GUYS KNOW THEY'RE CANNIBALS? Just checking, some of the complex plot threads of Game of Thrones may go over your head. I'm not sure if the show has made that clear enough). But yes, more Ygritte please seeing as with the Battle in Castle Black coming, we might not have much time left with her.
  

[lakin1013]

It is interesting to consider how much 'impact' certain characters have, esp when they have fewer eps. Brienne and Davos come to mind quickly as memorable characters, yet they are not even in the top 20 (at least not yet). It must be a combination of good casting, good acting, and a good, well-written role.

Personally, I could do with less Cersei as a little of her goes a long, long way.