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People's Choice - Top 100 Characters (#6-100 revealed)


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Original Thread (complete with poll method): http://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php/topic/130472-favorite-asoiaf-characters-poll-w-new-format-voting-closed/?p=7067357

193 votes, 173 characters, but only 100 made the cut. Who are they? Let's find out...

​98(t). Lysa Arryn (32 pts) - Batshit crazy, but tragic nonetheless
98(t). Howland Reed (32 pts) - Bound to shoot up the rankings after making an appearance
98(t). Arys Oakheart (32 pts) - Kinder than most KG at the time, but balls for brains
97. Cortnay Penrose (33 pts) - "Bring on your storm - and recall, if you do, the name of this castle."
96. Randyll Tarly (34 pts) - Proven battle commander and worthy adversary
95. Donal Noye (35 pts) - Killed a giant with one arm
94. Ellaria Sand (36 pts) - Resisted vengeance and the cycle of violence
93. Hugo Wull (37 pts) - Epic speech about bathing in Bolton blood
92. Myrcella Baratheon (39 pts) - "All of her mother's beauty, but none of her nature."
90(t). Moqorro (40 pts) - Powerful servant of R'hllor with mysterious background
90(t). Rodrik Harlaw (40 pts) - Rare intellect among the Ironborn
87(t). Osha (42 pts) - Rickon Stark's unlikely guardian
87(t). Wun Wun (42 pts) - Our closest look at a giant
87(t.) Yoren (42 pts) - Tough love and badassery
86. Qyburn (45 pts) - Darker Dr. Frankenstein
85. High Sparrow (46 pts) - First High Septon we've seen with a backbone
84. Areo Hotah (47 pts) - Dutiful and knows how to weild a long axe
83. Sarella Sand (51 pts) - Scheming in Old Town under the alias "Alleras the Sphinx"
82. Septon Meribald (53 pts) - Touching speech about the realities of war
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79(t). Coldhands (54 pts) - Seemingly dead, mysterious identity, and rides a giant elk *1 first place vote*
79(t). Archmaester Marwyn (54 pts) - When maester meets magic; not one of the "grey sheep"
79(t). Aeron Greyjoy (54 pts) - Born again Drowned God fanatic *1 first place vote*
78. Viserys Targaryen (61 pts) - Desperate plea for his "birthright" ends at the hands of his brother in-law
77. Rickon Stark (66 pts) - The forgotten Stark with a promising future
75(t). Ygritte (69 pts) - Fiery red hair to match her persona; played major role in Jon's character development
75(t). Luwin (69 pts) - Model maester and loving caretaker for the Starks
74. Greatjon Umber (74 pts) - Loses two fingers to Greywind and laughs it off
72(t). Wylla Manderly (75 pts) - Bravely disobeyed her father by sticking up for the Starks
72(t). Hodor (75 pts) - "Hodor"
71. Gerold Dayne (78 pts) - He is of the night
68(t). Meera Reed (84 pts) - Admirable loyalty to her brother and to her Prince
68(t). Jojen Reed (84 pts) - Wisdom and selflessness beyond his years (also, what are the odds?) *1 first place vote*
68(t). Daario Naharis (84 pts) - Confidence verging on arrogance, but refreshingly honest
67. Gendry (89 pts) - Adopts the big brother role for Arya, and perhaps something more?
66. Shireen Baratheon (91 pts) - Sweet girl plagued by tragedy
65. Syrio Forel (93 pts) - The Inigo Montoya of ASOIAF *1 first place vote*
64. Joffrey Baratheon (94 pts) - Really fun to hate
63. Qhorin Halfhand (95 pts) - Legendary NW ranger who goes out in style
62. Tommen Baratheon (98 pts) - Kind-hearted and weak-willed; a puppet King to many puppeteers
61. Grey Worm (107 pts) - Face of the Unsullied who serves his Queen loyally
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60. Garlan Tyrell (116 pts) - Overall good guy with more talent and less glory-seeking than Loras
59. Khal Drogo (117 pts) - Barbaric warlord humanized by his relationship with Dany
58. Podrick Payne (122 pts) - Loyal and well-intentioned squire to Tyrion and Brienne
57. Thoros of Myr (125 pts) - Brings elements of humanity/uncertainty to religious servitude
56. Ramsay Bolton (128 pts) - Unrelenting sociopath with more ambition than sense
55. Jaqen H'ghar (133 pts) - A man without a face, but seemingly not without motives
54. Loras Tyrell (134 pts) - Ex-relations with Renly add depth to this 'knight in shining armor' *1 first place vote*
53. Missandei (135 pts) - Uncanny intellect for her age, especially in the art of language
52. Walder Frey (136 pts) - Prickly old man with disdain for those who slight him *1 first place vote*
51. Jeor Mormont (141 pts) - Pre-mutiny father figure to the brothers of the NW
50. Kevan Lannister (143 pts) - Overshadowed by Tywin, but competent in his own right
49. Quentyn Martell (153 pts) - Refused to return to Dorne empty-handed
48. Val (154 pts) - Wildling princess with brains to match her beauty
47. Renly Baratheon (161 pts) - Well liked and charismatic, but first to go down in the War of Five Kings
46. Aegon Targaryen/Blackfyre (184 pts) - Bred from birth to sit the IT; parentage TBD
45. Margaery Tyrell (193 pts) - Her grandmother's protege and a Queen to three Kings *1 first place vote*
44. Jon Connington (206 pts) - Won't let Greyscale stand in the way of Targaryen Restoration
43. Edmure Tully (207 pts) - Lacks political prowess but cares deeply for his people
42. Beric Dondarrion (212 pts) - Led BWB and suffered multiple deaths in quest to protect smallfolk
41. Strong Belwas (234 pts) - Everybody's favorite pit fighter; literally wipes his ass with Meereenese champion *1 first place vote*
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40. Olenna Tyrell (248 pts) - The Queen of Thorns is as prickly as her nickname would suggest. The matriarch of House Tyrell took to the politics of King's Landing with ease and played a vital role in the assassination of King Joffrey. That alone makes her worthy of admiration.
39. Brynden Rivers (271 pts) - "How many eyes does Lord Bloodraven have? A thousand eyes and one." This infamous spymaster perfected the art of information long before the Spider began to spin his web. We've only seen a glimpse of his power and we know next-to-nothing about his endgame, but one thing is certain: there is much more to come. *1 first place vote*
38. Wyman Manderly (285 pts) - The North remembers indeed. Aside from delivering an awesome speech and plot twist at the same time, the Lord of White Harbor masks his true talents with a facade that goes hand-in-hand with his unkept appearance. And then there's the Frey pies... Some call it barbaric, some call it justice.
37. Melisandre (385 pts) - ​Considering her religious fanaticism and proclivity for burning people alive, the Red Woman lands particularly high in our standings. Why? Maybe because she carries out her servitude without corrupt ulterior motives. Maybe because her POV paints the picture of a (potentially misguided) human genuinely trying to do the right thing. And maybe because GRRM stated she is the most underrated character in the series. *1 first place vote*
36. Robert Baratheon (400 pts) - Say what you will about Robert's failures as a King, as a husband, and as a father, because they are probably well-founded. But HBO got it right: "the Seven Kingdoms couldn't fill the hole that (Lyanna) left behind." Post-rebellion Robert was a broken man grasping for lost love, and nothing more than a shell of his former self. Perhaps his addictive tendencies and general sense of detachment should warrant sympathizers to go along with the critics. *3 first place votes*
35. Roose Bolton (403 pts) - The Lord of the Dreadfort (and now, Warden of the North) lacks the slightest hint of moral disposition. Let's not forget who shamelessly murdered his King at a wedding feast. However, contrary to his bastard, Roose favors pragmatism over needless cruelty. With the help of his leeching ritual, he maintains an unemotional and calculating demeanor that makes him so very dangerous. *2 first place votes*
34. Euron Greyjoy (405 pts) - The Crow's Eye injects some much needed flare into the Iron Islands storyline. He captains a notorious pirate ship, the Silence, whose crew consists entirely of mutes. He traveled the world and crossed paths with warlocks and faceless men alike. Euron's quest for world domination started to unfold after Balon's "accident" and a successful Kingsmoot, but we would be fools to take this master manipulator at face value.
33. Arianne Martell (408 pts) - Like Cersei, Arianne is ambitious and unafraid to use sexuality as an advantage. Hell, she convinces a respected member of the KG to break his vows. But deep down we see the Dornish Princess does not wish harm upon Arys, among others, and is lashing out from a strained relationship with her father. Doran's revelation about his true plan is a touching moment for Arianne, and it will be interesting to see how her potential arrangement with (f)Aegon turns out.
32. Victarion Greyjoy (416 pts) - Ok... Vic might not be the brightest bulb in the bunch (to put it lightly), but there's no denying his overall badassery and effectiveness as naval commander. Along with his cruel axe and Kraken helm, he wears full plate armor on sea voyages because he doesn't fear drowning. It's likely that Euron and Moqorro are exploiting Vic's stupidity for their own purposes, and frankly, it's hard not to sympathize with his impending doom. After all, everybody loves an underdog. *1 first place vote*
31. Brynden Tully (421 pts) - Well-intentioned and well-respected, Brynden "Blackfish" is the cool uncle of the family. Hoster referred to his younger brother as the "black goat" of their House for refusing to get married, to which he responded that "black fish" would be more appropriate, embracing the nickname as his own. Some readers question his distrust for Jon, but in his defense, he never met Jon to decide for himself; he only knows Cat's side of the story. And as far as the Tully house words go, "family" comes first.
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30. Edd Tollett (444 pts) - Here's to GRRM's best source of comic relief! :cheers: 'Dolorous' Edd is basically the Westerosi version of Eeyore. It's hard to explain his value as a character without quoting him directly, so to name a few:
- "Gods and dogs alike delight to piss on me."
- "I just want to say to whoever is voting for me that I would certainly make an awful Lord Commander. But so would all these others."
- "The dead are likely dull fellows, full of tedious complaints- the grounds too cold, my gravestone should be larger, why does he get more worms than I do."
If only his conversation with Grenn about Watt's death took up less space... *1 first place vote*
29. Mance Rayder (459 pts) - From brother of the Night's Watch to King Beyond the Wall, it would not be wrong to label Mance "traitor." Whether his motivations for betrayal were justified, or even admirable, continues to raise discussion. While ranging, he suffered serious injury to a shadowcat and was nurtured back to health by a wildling woman. This unexpected act of kindness shed new light on his perceived duty and, similar to Jon, Mance began to empathize with the enemy. Like an ex-Catholic turned atheist, losing faith in his cause resulted in direct opposition to it. Through cunning and strong leadership, he united an army of wildlings while his "more civilized" counterparts failed to unite the Seven Kingdoms.
28. Tywin Lannister (501 pts) - Amidst a multitude of self-proclaimed Kings, the most powerful man in Westeros was not one of them. The great Tywin Lannister cared less about wearing a crown than wielding its power. He took a page from Machiavelli and approached politics with an 'ends justify the means' mentality. His ruthlessness gave birth to countless monsters, including the likes of Gregor Clegane, who would implement fear and carry out his bidding. Unfortunately for the Lannister children, Tywin approached family with similar calculation. Love and emotional support were not priorities, so long as they actively improved their legacy. Ironically, it was this lackluster approach to fatherhood that resulted in his own death and the undoing of the Lannister name. *1 first place vote*
27. Doran Martell (507 pts) - Doran was the yin to Oberyn's yang, "the grass that hides the viper from his enemies and shelters him until he strikes." The Dornish Prince was dealt two shit hands with the respective fates of his siblings and, frankly, his impressive streak of damage control gets woefully overlooked. Through careful planning and level-headedness, Doran saved his people from a war they could not win. Did the "fire and blood" Targaryen alliance pan out? Not quite- not yet anyway- but he didn't ruffle any feathers for having tried. Quentyn's death was completely avoidable, after all. They say revenge is best served as a cold dish and it's hard to believe Doran's patience won't (eventually) pay off. *1 first place vote*
26. Bronn (510 pts) - From sellsword to knight to lord, Bronn climbed the social ladder more efficiently than any character in the series. Not only that but he did so without kissing highborn ass. This action-packed streak of success came down to risk-taking and being in the right place at the right time. Bronn's entire demeanor is refreshing because he doesn't waste energy trying to justify his actions or hide his intentions. His shameless amoral philosophy prevents him from worrying about what other people think, least of all himself. If anything, he's a (slightly) better person than he would care to admit- capable of honest friendship at the very least. There's no denying his relationship with Tyrion surpassed that of a mere business arrangement. *1 first place vote*
25. Tormund Giantsbane (541 pts) - Har! Queue the "Tormund's member" jokes or something about fucking a bear. Now that we got that out of our system, let's delve a little deeper into this awesome character. It would be impossible to command respect, let alone obedience, from an army of wildlings with jokes and boasts alone. Tormund rose from the ranks as a fearless and battle-tested warrior who provided unwavering loyalty to their cause. Post-defeat at the Wall, when the time came to put bad blood and egos aside, he accepted Jon's peace proposal to ensure the safety of his people. He was the first among them to sacrifice his wealth and possessions, even after being exempt from that part of the arrangement. Hell, he even maintains a not-so-begrudging friendship with Jon despite all the angst his deception had caused. It's hard not to love this amiable brute. *1 first place vote*
24. Asha Greyjoy (553 pts) - This feisty she-kraken defies gender roles in a land where these roles are especially prevalent. Unlike Dorne, the Iron Islands do not take kindly to the authority of women. The fact that taking "salt wives" is a real thing should tell you all you need to know about their gender dynamics. Asha refuses to internalize this widespread misogyny and carries herself with the sort of confidence that commands respect. During the Kingsmoot, she makes a case for the unconventional stance that Ironborn should drop the rape and pillage act for a while to pursue peace and stability. It's a shame her people lack the sense and humility to jump on board with her suggestion. Balon Greyjoy's disastrous reign may have been redeemed if only his daughter succeeded him in the Seastone Chair. *2 first place votes*
23. Maester Aemon Targaryen (569 pts) - Many say that wisdom is derived from experience, and Maester Aemon accumulated over a century's worth. He lived through summers and winters, peace and war, love and loss, entitlement and servitude. He advised Kings and brothers of the Night's Watch alike, all of whom fell silent to heed his counsel. He didn't slant or sugar coat or mince words because truth was not to be watered down or manipulated. In a kingdom plagued by an insatiable thirst for power, Aemon Targaryen did the unthinkable and passed up his rightful place on the Iron Throne. He also provided one of the most heartfelt lines in the series: "Egg, I dreamed I was old." May he rest in well-deserved peace.
22. Jorah Mormont (622 pts) - Formerly the Lord of House Mormont and a respected Westerosi knight, Jorah's perceived inadequacies regarding his wife's happiness led to a steep fall from grace. He resorted to the slave trade as a means to enable a more lavish lifestyle, and was exiled from the Seven Kingdoms for that very crime (by Ned Stark of all people.) Amidst a desperate plea to return home, Jorah sought out the remaining Targaryens in order to serve King Robert loyally as a spy. That is, before he fell in love with Daenerys- the very girl he meant to betray. He established himself as Dany's most trusted advisor until his original intentions were revealed. Jorah became an exile once more and, in a cruel turn of fate, became a victim in the slave trade that brought him into this mess. Basically, it's hard not to feel for this guy. The things we do for love...
21. Robb Stark (711 pts) - The King in the North! The Young Wolf responded to his father's execution with a vengeance, assembling the Northern Lords and declaring war from the get-go. Despite his youth, Robb quickly proved his worth as a battle commander with an undefeated campaign. He even outsmarted the great Tywin Lannister in the early goings, which led to Jaime Lannister's captivity. Unfortunately, there is more to war than battles. Theon taking over Winterfell, Cat releasing Jaime, the execution of Rickard Karstark and a broken marriage pact with Walder Frey created the perfect storm that the Northerns would not overcome. Robb catches a lot of flak but his heart was always in the right place and his stupidity is often exaggerated. However, in typical Stark form, his naiveties and contrived notion of honor left him exposed to the ruthlessness of the game of thrones. The Red Wedding still stands as the most heart-wrenching scene in a notably heart-wrenching series. *2 first place votes*
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20. Petyr Baelish (715 pts) - Despite growing up with privileges that most would envy, Littlefinger's ambition surpassed that of a mere lordship in a minor house (especially after being deemed unworthy for Cat.) He distinguished himself from House Baelish by creating his own sigil- a mockingbird- and never looked back. After slithering his way to the Small Council Chamber, he wielded his influence to inherit both the Vale and the Riverlands and establish himself as one of the most powerful players in Westeros. Let's not forget how this master manipulator enabled his own success: by actively nurturing and exploiting chaos in the Seven Kingdoms. Jon Arryn, Ned Stark, Joffrey Baratheon, and Lysa Arryn (among countless others) all fell victim to Littlefinger's master plan. It's hard not to label this guy a monster, but that won't stop readers from anxiously awaiting his next move. *7 first place votes*
19. Samwell Tarly (724 pts) - Sam led a life of disappointment in the eyes of his father,until he was deemed unworthy of inheritance and forced to join the Night's Watch against his will. His new "home" was met with further abuse and isolation, as you might expect for a cowardly, overweight highborn with zero skills in combat. Jon sympathizes with Sam's plight and extends a much-needed hand in friendship, at which point we begin to see a different side to this self-proclaimed craven. What he lacks in self-confidence and physique, he makes up for with intelligence and a big heart. Glimpses of heroism that happen to involve killing a White Walker suggest even his cowardice might be overstated. And yet, it's hard to deny that Sam's true talents are better suited for the Citadel than the Wall. We'll put that theory to the test in TWoW when his chapters provide the eyes and ears to Martin's best kept secret. *3 first place votes*
18. Cersei Lannister (806 pts) - Cersei Lannister is, by all accounts, a terrible person. Her transgressions are beyond justification (and perhaps even redemption), but deep-seeded gender insecurities provide meaningful context at the very least. Tywin used his daughter as a political bargaining chip and Robert used his wife to satisfy sexual urges, however, neither of the two made an effort to treat Cersei with actual affection the way Jaime did. She grew up believing womanhood defined her self-worth even though it simultaneously restricted the freedom to make her own choices. Perhaps that's why Cersei loves her children so intensely- because they granted her the opportunity to exert control over something for the first time in her life. Whatever the reasons may be for her clearly damaged psyche, it was a blast to witness the Mad Queen self-destruct over the course of AFFC. *2 first place votes*
17. Oberyn Martell (845 pts) - Passionate, impulsive, and without a filter- the Red Viper of Dorne knew how to pack venom into words and actions alike. Oberyn oozed confidence along with an unrelenting "IDGAF" mentality that set him apart from the usual brown-nosers in King's Landing. Though his presence in the series was short-lived, he sure left one hell of an impression. His desperate plea to avenge Elia met Tyrion's desperate plea to stay alive, resulting in a trial by combat of epic proportion. Not only did he willingly take on Gregor Clegane, he unexpectedly out-classed this monster of a man with relative ease... up until he got greedy and demanded a confession. Did he get what he asked for? Yes, but only moments before events took a gruesome turn for the worst. I hope the Dornish Master plan is a real thing because that would make Oberyn's fate all the more badass. *2 first place votes*
16. Catelyn Stark (852 pts) - Lady Stark is one of those characters with an extremely polarized reception on this forum. Aside from her grudging contempt for Jon, we knew Cat to be a loving wife/mother generally held in high esteem. There's no denying that she took the Tully house words seriously by prioritizing family over all else. This mindset proved to be a double-sided sword, however. At first, her familial instincts demonstrated an impressive streak of strength, courage and political competence worthy of admiration. After a series of Stark tragedies, however, emotions began to interfere with her decision-making. It's easy to sympathize with a grieving mother, but releasing Jaime from captivity was a naive attempt at getting her daughters back (not to mention detrimental to the Northern cause.) Unfortunately for Cat, her seemingly endless nightmare reaches its conclusion at the Red Wedding where she witnesses her son's brutal murder shortly before her own. That is, until she rises again as a blood-lusting undead version of herself. *5 first place votes*
15. Brienne of Tarth (856 pts) - ​Between her knightly aspirations and decidedly grotesque appearance, Brienne was never cut out to be a proper lady by Westerosi standards. "The Beauty," as she is referred to mockingly, endures relentless harassment for her glaring masculinity- and with impressive restraint when you consider her elite skill set/physicality. Defeating Loras Tyrell in Renly's melee established her fighting prowess from the get-go. A lesser (wo)man might silence the japes with a trail of corpses, but Brienne has a soft heart buried beneath calloused skin. Did I mention how seriously she takes her oaths? Even after the Red Wedding, she refused to abandon Cat's trust and willingly put herself into harm's way. Readers should rejoice at her stubborn devotion, which enabled the Jaime-Brienne dynamic to blossom into something profound and unexpectedly beautiful. For now, we'll chalk up the POV lull to an uneventful storyline; t's hard to imagine all her meandering won't pay off in due time. *1 first place vote*
14. Varys (893 pts) - Along with Littlefinger, Varys actively facilitates the game of thrones and directed its course from the very beginning. Unlike Littlefinger, however, his motives for doing so extend beyond personal gain. In fact, if the Spider is to be trusted, his primary objective serves "the good of the realm." Now that's a big "if" for someone well-versed in the art of bullshit, but what reason would he have to deceive a dying Kevan Lannister? Outside of extreme cautionary measures, it would seem that Varys genuinely wants (f)Aegon to sit the Iron Throne. Even so, plenty of unanswered questions remain about the eunuch's master plan. The aura of mystery circulating Varys- his origin, his loyalties, his "little birds," his castration- sets the stage for Martin's most intriguing and unpredictable character. Furthermore, his dialogues rarely (if ever) disappoint. Though he dilutes his words with excessive courtesy, the underlying wisdom is plain to see. His advice for Tyrion in ACoK sums up the series in a nut shell: "Power resides where men believe it resides. No more and no less." As it stands, the people of Westeros don't have much to believe in; that's where (f)Aegon comes in. Check and mate. *2 first place votes*
13. Barristan Selmy (1,018 pts) - Barristan the Bold/Badass is a living legend. With respect to generally accepted notions on single combat, only Arthur Dayne would best prime-Barry during his lifetime. Even in old age, he slayed Hizdahr Zo Loraq's guardian- a formidable pit fighter- with relative ease. He was born to wear a white cloak, and not only because of his masterful swordsmanship. Those who truly knew Barristan describe him as being honorable, valiant, and loyal to those he swore to protect. The man was a model knight. Of course, that would not stop Joffrey (Cersei) from relieving him of his duties in humiliating fashion. Stripping away his livelihood was a grievous insult to an illustrious career, but a blessing in disguise as well. Having served a madman, a drunk, and a pampered little shit, Barristan was finally free to support a claim he took pride in. After a period of careful observation under the alias 'Arstan Whitebeard', he decided that Daenerys was just the gal he was looking for. It didn't take long before gaining her trust and rising to the position of Queensguard, not to mention a significant advisory role. Barristan's days might be numbered given Dany's absence and Meereen's chaotic state, but his rejuvenated sense of purpose solidifies this feel good story. *2 first place votes*
12. Brandon Stark (1,020 pts) - Surely, GRRM's choice of POV to kick off the series was no coincidence. Many readers (myself included) predict the story will come full circle and conclude the way it began: through the eyes of Bran. The 7-year old Stark boy was presented to us as an aspiring knight with a proclivity for climbing; that is, until a crippling near-death experience would permanently thwart his hopes and dreams. While lingering in comatose, Bran's desire to live had all but faded before encountering a three-eyed raven in his subconscious state. The mysterious entity injected the boy with a sense of importance, as well as the notion that his legs could be replaced by something even greater. However vague and unfounded, Bran held onto this inspiration while the reality of his power slowly set in. Prophetic dreams and super-warging provided a small sample of what was to come. After a meandering journey to the Wall and beyond, Bran discovers the source of his visions: the infamous and seemingly ageless Targaryen bastard Brynden Rivers (aka Bloodraven aka the Three-Eyed Raven.) Bloodraven will seemingly mentor Bran in his ability to transcend time and space, but the exact nature of his condition/its relevance to the story has yet to be fleshed out. Whatever the future holds for this demi-god in the making, the sheer magnitude of Bran's influence is bound to surpass that of any King or Queen. *8 first place votes*
11. Theon Greyjoy (1,137 pts) - Whatever opinions you might have about Theon, indifference probably isn't one of them. Maybe you sympathized with him from the very beginning. After all, he spent most of his life in captivity and no amount of Stark generosity would make him an equal in their house. On the contrary, maybe you despised him from the very beginning. He certainly was arrogant, shallow and quick to belittle others (namely Jon) for being different or "less." Maybe you lost all respect for him when he betrayed Robb, seized Winterfell and murdered two innocent children. Maybe you consider his "betrayal" a display of loyalty to his real family and forgive the desperate plea to gain his father's approval. Maybe you feel his transformation into Reek at the hands of Ramsay far exceeded any notion of justice, and rejoiced at his heroic escape. Maybe you cherished his suffering and believe it was no less than what he deserved. No matter what you think or how you feel about the black sheep of Westeros, it's hard not to appreciate this amazingly nuanced character. Theon's chapters have been nothing short of a roller coaster ride and, from a literary standpoint, exhibit some of Martin's best work. His rejuvenated sense of identity comes as a relief to fans/sympathizers and may very well pave the road to redemption- for a man must always remember his name. *3 first place votes*
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10. Sandor Clegane (1,260 pts) - Given his initial role as a major antagonist, the Hound has come a long way to win over the hearts of his sizable fandom. Humorless, violent, and bodyguard to one of the most despicable characters imaginable- Sandor didn't have much going for him early on. Killing Mycah without a morsel of regret helped to paint the picture of a ruthless monster. The history behind his facial disfigurement and strained relationship with Gregor certainly shed perspective on the man he became, but still left much to be desired in terms of likability. Little by little, however, it became apparent that his antics resulted from a lifetime of pain and neglect rather than malice- or even apathy. The Hound lived up to his nickname/sigil by harboring the treatment of his abusive "masters." After enduring a very clearly fucked up childhood, he wound up serving a pompous and sadistic teenager who literally referred to him as "dog." And yet, we see a very different person during his interactions with the Stark girls. When presented with suffering and vulnerability that he could identify with, he chose to protect rather than exploit. He saved Sansa from Joffrey's wrath on multiple occasions and took responsibility for Arya's safety, even after she became more of a burden than an asset. In a world that harshly judged the monster it created, the Elder Brother's heartfelt testament to Sandor felt like some small consolation. If the rumors are true, Sandor set forth to right the wrongs of his past as a gravedigger on the Quiet Isle. *5 first place votes*
9. Sansa Stark (1,291 pts) - Even in her youth, Sansa offered the complete package of a "proper" Westerosi lady: stunning grace and beauty, tireless training under Septa Mordane, the right family name, and political instincts stemming from a keen sense of discretion. Simply put, she was an ideal candidate for Queen-to-be if Joffrey had been even remotely reasonable. Alas, we know this not to be the case. Reality set in and dreams of her fairytale prince transformed into a devastating/inescapable nightmare. Joff's encounter with Arya and Mycah marked what would be the beginning of the end for this royal romance. Worse yet, Sansa stood idly by rather than defend her sister from false accusations- a decision that cost Lady her life in a cruel turn of fate. Critics are quick to call it karma but let's not forget that this was a traumatized eleven-year-old torn between loyalty to her sister (with whom she already had a tumultuous relationship) and loyalty to her betrothed/future King. Telling the truth would have been admirable, yes, but detrimental to everything she hoped to achieve. This very mindset- Sansa's unwillingness to speak out of turn or step on anybody's toes- also enabled her longevity at the hands of the Lannisters. She survived her tenure in King's Landing with gut-wrenching resilience and emotional restraint, all the while learning how to play the game of thrones. Adopting Littlefinger as a mentor helped to accelerate her learning curve and, as a bonus, provided her the means to escape. A fresh start in the Vale already seems like the perfect opportunity for "Alayne" to show off some new tricks, and for this little pawn to blossom into a formidable player. The tables are turning and it's not too late for that fairytale ending (even if she is a Stark.) *4 first place votes*
8. Daenerys Targaryen (1,452 pts) - Daenerys Stormborn; Breaker of Chains; Mother of Dragons; Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea; Queen of Meeereen; Queen of the Andals, the Rhoynar and First Men... Am I forgetting something? Either way, one does not acquire such a lengthy introduction on plot gifts alone. Dany has done quite well for herself ever since being sold to Khal Drogo against her will. After the exchange took place, she no longer 'belonged' to Viserys and began to see her brother for what he really was: desperate, cruel, and virtually powerless. Dany's shift in perspective established a sense of control for the first time in her life- not only over herself, but over the people in her khalasar. She earned their respect as well as their affection, proving that authority and compassion are not mutually exclusive. And yet, she also established that compassion has its limits after standing by her husband during Viserys' agonizing death. Even after Drogo's death, when the legitimacy of her rule had all but faded, she put her (dragon) eggs in one basket and reminded the world why it bowed down to her ancestors. With fire, blood, and Targaryen entitlement, Dany acquired ten thousand Unsullied, the Second Sons, and the city of Meereen during her quest to end slavery in Slaver's Bay. She quickly learned that ruling was more difficult than conquering, however, and put Westeros on hold until she succeeds in providing stability/protection for her people. This was terribly frustrating from a reader's standpoint, but it's hard not to respect her rationale (especially in light of Robert's reign.) Clearly she's at least trying to do the right thing, and acknowledging her own limitations takes a special kind of wisdom. Oh yeah, she can officially add dragon-rider to an already impressive résumé. *27 first place votes*

7. Eddard Stark (1,650 pts) - Beloved patriarch of the most beloved house, Ned was initially presented to us as the primary protagonist of the story. We learned what kind of a man he was in the very first chapter, when he offered Bran notable pearls of wisdom such as "the man who passes the sentence should swing the sword" and "that is the only time a man can be brave" (when he is afraid.) Surely, honor was not lost on this noble Lord. Ned also had a soldier-like ruggedness to him, having spent most of his life in the frozen waste of the North. He wasn't one to sweeten his words with flowery or verbose language, for hard truths were meant to be acknowledged without being diluted. After all, "winter is coming," and the Starks know that better than anyone. The Northerners loved Ned as much as they respected him; he fathered his people as if they were his own children- with genuine affection and discipline only when necessary. Needless to say, Winterfell was better suited for Lord Eddard than King's Landing and all of its politics could ever be. Most men would welcome the opportunity to become Hand of the King, but Ned did so begrudgingly and only because of his perceived duty to Robert/the Seven Kingdoms. This is where everything started to go down hill. If cleaning after the King's mess wasn't challenging enough, Ned spent the rest of his waking hours playing damage control in light of his family's feud with the Lannisters. Eventually, on Cat's behalf, he went toe-to-toe with Jaime and suffered a serious blow to the leg in the process. Even when he discovered the dark secret behind Robert's presumed children, Ned allowed his honor get the best of him and let Cersei off the hook. After Robert's untimely (yet unsurprising) death, he lost all leverage and spent his remaining days withering away in a black cell. In the end, Ned's final plea to survive for his family was just enough to get our hopes up; however, it wasn't enough to save him from Joffrey's belligerence. May he rest in peace. :frown5: *9 first place votes*

6. Stannis Baratheon (1,715 pts) - All hail the one true King of Westeros! What a treat it would be to enter the thoughts of the leading non-POV character on this list. How did such a decidedly friendless person became so popular on the forum? How is it that kinslaying and human sacrifice can be so easily forgiven? In truth, a lot factors into the mass appeal of Stannis the Mannis. (1) Everybody loves an underdog. This is a textbook case of middle child syndrome and it's hard not to feel for the forgotten Baratheon brother. Stannis held onto Storm's End during Robert's Rebellion against all odds, but only long enough for Renly to inherit the prize. And if that wasn't a slap in the face, Renly's blatant disregard for the laws of succession likely cost Stannis his rightful place on the Iron Throne. Shadow baby or not, I'm pretty sure all bets are off when you declare war against your own brother. (2) Stannis is like an onion (or cake); he has layers. A deceivingly complex enigma underlies all the teeth-grinding, grimacing and rigidity that rises to the surface. This is a man so enthralled by the notions of duty, justice and what "ought" to be in the world that he refuses to express himself outside of those parameters. It's important to note that suppressed emotions =/= emotionlessness; keeping a distance from people can exacerbate a cold and lonely existence. Building off of that, his questionable alliance with Mel probably has more to do with self-validation than religious servitude. (3) Stannis offers comedic genius of the driest sort. He shamelessly delivers unfiltered matter-of-fact assessments of the world around him, with little regard for the subtleties of politics. Watching him weed through the bullshit of King's Landing would have been priceless. (4) Unlike the other contenders, the "king who still cared" understands that protecting the realm is more important than sitting on a throne. Saving Westeros from the Wildling Invasion was a selfless display of heroism, but no more than duty calling in the eyes of Stannis Baratheon. He may never receive the appreciation he deserves, but his sizable Standom will always have his back. *21 first place votes*

Blue = POV

*More results coming tomorrow (Wednesday Aug 12)*

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Here's an honorable mention to make up for #81:

Lancel Lannister - 30 pts

Shagga son of Dolf- 29 pts

Quaithe - 29 pts

Vargo Hoat - 27pts

Bronze Yohn Royce - 27 pts

No problem!

aww! poor Lancel didn't even make the top 100! (I was thinking he'd be super low but still in it) I guess I'm the only person who has him in my top 5.

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Howland Reed is unworthy!

Without him, Ned would have been dead before the series started.

Howland Reed shouldn't get any votes until he actually SHOWS UP!

Vargo Hoath deserved a higher ranking, the guy ate himself..

See above.

So did Donella Hornwood, to a point, but I don't see her on the list at all.

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Original Thread (complete with poll method): http://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php/topic/130472-favorite-asoiaf-characters-poll-w-new-format-voting-closed/?p=7067357

*snip*

*There is no #81 due to a tie. #61-80 will be revealed roughly 24 hours from now.*

Ok, I know you said "roughly", but my theory is your doin' a GRRM. We won't see #20-1 until sometime January 2018, right? :lol:

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Ok, I know you said "roughly", but my theory is your doin' a GRRM. We won't see #20-1 until sometime January 2018, right? :lol:

Lol, I apologize, this weekend was a shit storm for me. More results on the way today.

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