Exploring the Limited Screen Time of 31 Game of Thrones Characters

Throughout its eight-season run on HBO, Game of Thrones introduced viewers to some of the most cherished characters in television. While some characters made it to the show’s conclusion, others, including fan favorites who met untimely ends, had a shorter stay. In reality, several prominent heroes and villains on the show had fewer appearances than commonly perceived. Here, we delve into 32 Game of Thrones characters who might not have been in as many episodes as you’d think.

Table of Contents

Lyanna Mormont (9 Episodes)

One of the standout characters in the final seasons of Game of Thrones, Lyanna Mormont (Bella Ramsey) swiftly became a fan favorite. The young Lady of Bear Island left an indelible mark, delivering memorable moments in the epic fantasy series. Surprisingly, she graced the screen for only nine episodes.

Oberyn Martell (7 Episodes)

Prince Oberyn Martell (Pedro Pascal) made a lasting impression upon his arrival in the show’s fourth season. Despite his popularity, the “Red Viper” participated in only seven episodes before meeting his shocking demise.

Hodor (23 Episodes)

Hodor (Kristian Nairn), the Winterfell servant turned Bran Stark’s protector, was a beloved supporting character. Despite the emotional connection fans had with him, Hodor was present in only 23 episodes, including his heart-wrenching death.

Robert Baratheon (7 Episodes)

King Robert Baratheon (Mark Addy) played a pivotal role in the early episodes but had a brief stint before his demise due to a “hunting accident.” Despite his short-lived appearance in seven episodes, Robert’s death had a lasting impact on the series.

The Night King (10 Episodes)

The Night King, portrayed by Richard Burke and later by Vladimir Furdik, was a central antagonist in Game of Thrones. Despite his menacing presence, the Night King appeared in only 10 episodes throughout the series, highlighting a “less is more” approach.

Talisa Stark (11 Episodes)

Talisa Stark (Oona Chaplin) played a significant role in the second and third seasons, meeting a gruesome end during the infamous Red Wedding. Despite her importance, Talisa was part of the narrative for only 11 episodes.

Khal Drogo (10 Episodes)

Jason Momoa’s portrayal of Khal Drogo left a lasting impact, despite the character’s short-lived presence in Season 1. As the husband of Daenerys Targaryen, Khal Drogo graced the screen for only 10 episodes, with a special appearance in Season 2.

Walder Frey (6 Episodes)

Walder Frey (David Bradley) earned infamy for orchestrating the Red Wedding, marking one of the darkest moments in the series. Surprisingly, Frey’s involvement spanned just six episodes, culminating in the Season 7 opener, “Dragonstone.”

Ramsay Bolton (20 Episodes)

Ramsay Bolton (Iwan Rheon) crafted a reign of terror, leaving an enduring impact. Despite the intensity of his character, Ramsay appeared in only 20 episodes, including the iconic “Battle of the Bastards.”

Stannis Baratheon (24 Episodes)

Stannis Baratheon (Stephen Dillane) relentlessly pursued the Iron Throne, creating a memorable yet relatively short-lived presence. Stannis participated in 24 episodes over four seasons.

Three-Eyed Raven (12 Episodes)

The enigmatic Three-Eyed Raven, portrayed by Struan Rodger and later Max von Sydow, guided Bran Stark’s journey. Despite his significant role, the Three-Eyed Raven appeared in just 12 episodes before meeting his fate.

Tywin Lannister (27 Episodes)

Charles Dance’s portrayal of Tywin Lannister left an indelible mark, dominating the screen for 27 episodes. Despite the extensive screen time, Tywin’s presence was confined to four seasons, emphasizing the character’s impactful but concise storyline.

Lysa Arryn (5 Episodes)

Lysa Arryn (Kate Dickie), infamous for her role in the Game of Thrones narrative, had a surprisingly brief stint, appearing in only five episodes. Her last appearance was in “Mockingbird” in Season 4.

Yara Greyjoy (16 Episodes)

Gemma Whelan’s Yara Greyjoy emerged as a force to be reckoned with, captivating audiences in 16 episodes. Despite her prowess, Yara’s journey unfolded over a relatively modest episode count.

Viserys Targaryen (5 Episodes)

Viserys Targaryen (Harry Lloyd) may feel like a character with a more extended presence, but the scheming brother of Daenerys Targaryen participated in only five episodes.

Olenna Tyrell (18 Episodes)

Dame Diana Rigg’s portrayal of Olenna Tyrell provided fans with a memorable character who appeared in 18 episodes. Despite her relatively short stint, Olenna went out like a boss in the Season 7 episode “The Queen’s Justice.”

Euron Greyjoy (9 Episodes)

Pilou Asbaek’s Euron Greyjoy made a lasting impression despite his brief tenure, appearing in only nine episodes. The ruthless member of the Greyjoy family brought a quality-over-quantity dynamic to his character.

The High Sparrow (12 Episodes)

Jonathan Pryce’s role as the High Sparrow unfolded over 12 episodes, influencing Cersei’s narrative significantly. Despite the seemingly prolonged impact, the High Sparrow’s arc spanned parts of only two seasons.

Benjen Stark (8 Episodes)

Joseph Mawle’s Benjen Stark played a crucial behind-the-scenes role, with a notable impact later in the series. Despite his significance, Benjen appeared in only eight episodes, two of which featured Mawle’s portrayal.

Maester Aemon Targaryen (11 Episodes)

Maester Aemon Targaryen’s character, despite the perception of a more extended presence, participated in only 11 episodes. His impactful role as the maester of Castle Black resonated throughout the series.

Renly Baratheon (8 Episodes)

Gethin Anthony’s portrayal of Renly Baratheon unfolded over eight episodes, challenging the perception of his character’s prominence. The young brother of Robert and Stannis Baratheon made only a handful of appearances before meeting his demise.

Yoren (7 Episodes)

Francis Magee’s Yoren played a pivotal role in the early episodes, setting the stage for later developments. Despite his instrumental actions, Yoren’s character had a short-lived presence, featuring in only seven episodes before meeting a tragic end.

Ygritte (17 Episodes)

Rose Leslie’s portrayal of Ygritte left an enduring impact, even though the fierce wildling only appeared in 17 episodes. Ygritte’s role in Jon Snow’s story remains pivotal despite her relatively brief stay.

Unella (8 Episodes)

Hannah Waddingham’s portrayal of Unella in Game of Thrones lasted for only eight episodes. Before her Emmy-winning role in Ted Lasso, Waddingham made a brief yet memorable appearance as one of the Faith of the Seven’s devoted followers.

Jaqen H’ghar (18 Episodes)

Tom Wlaschiha’s Jaqen H’ghar played a significant role in Arya Stark’s storyline, making an impact in 18 episodes. The Faceless Man’s influence on Arya’s character was profound, despite the limited number of appearances.

Syrio Forel (3 Episodes)

Miltos Yerolemou’s portrayal of Syrio Forel, Arya Stark’s master swordsman, was brief, spanning only three episodes. Despite the limited screen time, Syrio’s impact on Arya’s journey reverberated throughout the series.

Brynden ‘Blackfish’ Tully (7 Episodes)

Clive Russell’s Brynden “Blackfish” Tully played a substantial role in the middle seasons of Game of Thrones. Despite the impression of a more extended presence, the uncle of Catelyn, Lysa, and Edmure Tully featured in only seven episodes.

Robin Arryn (9 Episodes)

Lino Facioli’s portrayal of Robin Arryn underwent significant changes over five seasons, bookending the series with appearances in the first and last seasons. Despite the transformation, Robin Arryn featured in only nine episodes.

Ros (14 Episodes)

Esme Bianco’s character, Ros, was a prominent figure during the first three seasons, interacting with key characters like Tyrion Lannister, Theon Greyjoy, and Jon Snow. Despite her significant role, Ros appeared in only 14 episodes, concluding her run in the Season 3 episode titled “The Climb.”

Yohn Royce (13 Episodes)

Rupert Vansittart’s Yohn Royce, Lord of Runestone, played a role in the final five seasons but only appeared in 13 episodes. Despite the perception of a consistent presence, Yohn Royce’s character had a more limited engagement in the series.

Shireen Baratheon (10 Episodes)

Kerry Ingram’s portrayal of Shireen Baratheon, marked by a tragic death in Season 5, comprised only 10 episodes. Despite the emotional weight of her character, Shireen’s presence on the show was relatively short-lived.

While these characters may not have been in Game of Thrones for an extensive number of episodes, their impact resonates both during their time on the show and in the lasting impressions they left on the narrative.