Game of Thrones is not so much about dragons, war, or bloodline royalty—it’s about the players who understood how to play the actual game: politics. In Westeros, brains triumphed over brawn, and those who lasted longest were not necessarily the strongest—they were the wisest. These folks didn’t merely respond to chaos; they created it, manipulating others, changing the dynamics, and playing the long game. Here’s our top 10 list of the biggest political players in Game of Thrones—those who knew how to play and win.
10. Sansa Stark
Sansa’s growth from naively noble girl to shrewd political player is one of the series’ most fascinating arcs. Having been manipulated and brutalized by Joffrey, Cersei, and Ramsay, she learned from the best—and used those skills to seize control of her fate. Sansa grasped timing, trust, and image, eventually outmaneuvering Littlefinger and becoming Queen in the North. Her mastery of finessing power moves and her serene composure in times of crisis placed her in Westeros’ top political minds.
9. Stannis Baratheon
Stannis lacked the king’s charisma but compensated with determined persistence and an unyielding moral code. His plans were careful, and he would not hesitate to make horrible sacrifices—such as setting his daughter on fire—to what he perceived as the greater good. He saw the danger of the White Walkers before anybody else and made tough decisions without hesitation. Unflinching, cold, calculating, and firm in his commitment, Stannis became a top player in the game.
8. Margaery Tyrell
Margaery’s political power was derived from her capacity to win hearts almost as effortlessly as she formed alliances. She married three consecutive kings, always keeping House Tyrell at the epicenter of power. Her public persona was pure and unscathed, and she had a weird knack for playing virtue while secretly plotting. Whether disarming the common people or outmaneuvering Cersei at court, Margaery was always two steps ahead—no matter what corner she was in. She had a knack for making herself invaluable.
7. Olenna Tyrell
The Queen of Thorns was brutally honest, genius, and merciless. Olenna wasn’t merely Margaery’s grandmother—she was the real power behind the Tyrells. She arranged Joffrey’s murder, leaving no one alone with her biting words or bite-perfect plan. Even death couldn’t break her, as she only confessed her biggest secret just to unsettle her foe. Olenna didn’t require brute strength—her formidability was the unyielding will and clever mind.
6. Tyrion Lannister
Few characters managed the political landmines of Westeros more skillfully than Tyrion. Without physical strength or position through birth, he employed his intelligence, cleverness, and emotional smarts to endure and flourish. From governing King’s Landing through war to counseling Daenerys and Jon Snow, Tyrion’s political acumen was excellent—though occasionally fallible. His people-reading skills and influence capabilities kept him a steady presence around the center of power.
5. Petyr Baelish (Littlefinger)
Littlefinger was not born of money or stature, yet he knew something the others did not: knowledge and anarchy equal power. He set the conflict between the Starks and Lannisters in motion, orchestrated the major treasons, and ascended the social ranks by partnering with whoever would move him to the next rung up. He was a master manipulator who never played all his cards—except when Sansa outmaneuvered him at his own game. Nevertheless, his overall impact on the war of the throne was gigantic.
4. Tywin Lannister
Since he was the head of House Lannister, Tywin was the master puppeteer of much of the early series’ politics. Cold, calculating, and always planning three moves, Tywin gathered power through marriage agreements, astute war-making, and pure intimidation. He governed his family with an iron fist and his foes with terror. Tywin didn’t require showmanship—he allowed his reputation and tactical brilliance to do the talking.
3. Daenerys Targaryen
Daenerys began from scratch and constructed an empire. Though her dragons provided her with military power, her political development was equally impressive. She freed cities, reshaped societies, and gained the devotion of a huge following. Dany learned to navigate intricate political games, form alliances between cultures, and peddle a vision of freedom and justice. Her idealism and willingness to break with convention made her a compelling and volatile player—before her baser urges consumed her.
2. Varys
Varys worked behind the scenes, yet his power was undeniable. The “Master of Whisperers,” he collected secrets throughout the realm, believing that knowledge is power. Varys was different from many others, as he professed to act in the best interests of the realm, supporting leaders whom he thought would bring peace and stability to the realm. He never desired a crown—only the ability to guide events from behind the curtain. His unassuming devotion to the people, not the throne, rendered him an unusual and calculating agent of (relative) good.
1. Cersei Lannister
If politics is a game, Cersei was a master player. Her skill at manipulating, intimidating, and destroying competitors was unequaled. From her brutal seizure of power following Tommen’s demise to her sacking of the Sept of Baelor, Cersei demonstrated that she would do whatever was necessary to retain power. She didn’t rule with loyalty or love—she ruled by fear, and it was successful. Although her reign was brought low by tragedy, her power and political acuity made her the most powerful force in Westeros.
In the pitiless universe of Game of Thrones, political acumen was sometimes more valuable than birthright or battlefield success. These ten characters were not merely survivors—they were master builders of their fates, remodeling the destiny of Westeros with each hushed whisper, clever betrayal, and daring decision. Whether moved by duty, ambition, or retribution, they all played the game—and played it masterfully.