This is my last post on Game of Thrones - at least for a
while. Over at Pop Trends I wrote a piece about the most odious characters inthe series and another one on the most overrated ones. Here, I wrote about themost underrated. To complete my posts, I want to create a last list - the most
likable characters in the series.
Now, I should note that in this list I'm not talking about
the BEST characters, as most other writers focus on. The highly subjective idea
of "best" is ambiguous and leaves much to be desired. Often, for
example, Tyrion and Arya are referred to as the "best" characters in
the series. What are they best at? Tyrion isn't the best looking or the best fighter. He's clever, but
he's not the best strategies. His machinations are solid, but other characters
surpass him. But he's funny and he slaps Joffrey twice. Does that make him "the
best"? What about Arya? She's adventurous and brave and courageous. But
she's nowhere near as good at swordplay as.. almost anyone else. She's not
clever in tactics or strategy, and while she does prove that she is resourceful
when it comes to staying alive, she has had a hard time actually accomplishing
anything. Does that make her "the best"?
I should think that when people create "bests"
list, what they really mean is "who I like the most". In that spirit,
let me create a similar one. Rather than who *I* like, I will create a list of
characters who have the most likable traits. It's not about "my
favorites" as much as "which characters have the most appeal and
why".
There is a problem, however, and that is that there aren't
very many truly likable characters. So let's make do with what we have.
AryaStark
Arya is courageous and adventurous. She is resourceful and
clever, and knows how to stay alive. Although she may be too awesome for
someone her age, thus being almost fake. But she really is someone I could have
seen myself hanging out with back in my school days. Most of my friends were
actually like her - a bunch of ruff and tumble kids who played pretend soldier
/ wrestling / whatever. She reminds me of my old friends from school. Thus why
she's in the list.
Samwell Tarly
You know that nerdy kid from college who always knew all the
answers but was not a snob? The one who you always hung out with and even tho
he was a bit socially awkward he was still fun at parties? The one who, when
you needed someone there, always had your back? That's Sam. He may not be the
best fighter, in fact he may be a coward, but he's the smartest and most
well-read Night Watch man and a stalwart friend. He is, to me at least,
actually more likable than Generic Action Hero John Snow.
Tyrion and Bronn
Alone, they can be a bit obnoxious. Their sense of humor
might not be appealing to everyone, Tyrion's machinations might get people on
edge, and Bronn's attitude might come across as disdain. But when they're
together, there aren't any other two fictional characters that I would rather
go have a drink with. Their interesting conversations and witty banter always
manage to make people laugh. They're not by any means the "best"
characters, nor are they my personal favorites (that title goes to Ned Stark
who shares it with Mormont the Friendzoned), but they really are the most
likable duo.
Hot Pie
He reminds me of me back when I was a kid. Kind to everyone and always trying to be nice to everyone.
 |
| Animal shaped pie |
And that's it. There are a few other interesting and likable
characters - Robb, Ned, Brienne, and some others are characters that we find
ourselves rooting for. Renly is the "good" king, Ygritte the
"good" wildling, and Hodor is Hodor (as Osha says, he's a lovable
giant). But those are mostly likable in an unremarkable sort of way. They are
the cookie-cutter good guys, and honestly to me that's not enough. They need a
bit more depth to be truly likable. That depth is what the above characters
have.
And because, you know, Hot Pie.
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