7 Game of Thrones characters ranked by who’d actually survive modern politics

Game of Thrones is more than just a fantasy epic. Viewers witnessed the show's characters tackle political concerns. They utilized various tactics—diplomacy, manipulation, and strategy—to navigate battles between rulers.

A modern political lens ranks seven key Game of Thrones characters based on their potential survival ability within contemporary political systems. These characters' characteristics and weaknesses reflect actual leadership abilities, demonstrating political instincts that persist even in a heavily mediated democratic system.

When applied to contemporary political leadership, each character in this analysis demonstrates various forms of power that indicate either potential for success or certain failure.

Disclaimer: This article is based on the writer's opinion. Reader discretion is advised.

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The list of 7 Game of Thrones characters ranked by who’d survive modern politics is given below:

7. Jon Snow

Game of Thrones has the most viral fictional character, Jon Snow. He is the son of Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen. At Winterfell, Jon lives with Eddard's legitimate children as they believe he is the illegitimate relative of Lord Eddard Stark and his sister, Lyanna, since birth. Jon keeps his ancestry a secret from everyone, including himself, to shield himself from those who want to annihilate House Targaryen.

Jon Snow made a crucial political move when he knelt before Daenerys in Dragonstone, yet he puts his alliance with her in front of his people's political support. He revealed his skills of diplomacy and concessive actions toward achieving unity.

Jon Snow voluntarily accepts his penalty of being exiled to the Night's Watch once more after killing his queen. Even though Jon is not a power-hungry person, he nevertheless outperforms most other characters in Game of Thrones. Westeros would have fallen to the Army of the Dead if Jon had not stepped in.

Today, Jon would serve as a prominent political leader who identifies peaceful connections between opposing political parties despite facing unpopularity. His actions stem from his principles and not his ambitions. Although it is uncommon in politics, this honesty has the potential to gain public trust.

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6. Daenerys Targaryen

King Aerys II Targaryen and Queen Rhaella produced only one child, who happened to be their daughter, Daenerys. She was the second-born child to her brother Viserys Targaryen and Rhaegar, her older brother. In the beginning, Daenerys is presented as a passive young woman who followed the lead of others. Upon marrying Drogo, she won the loyalty of his khalasar. She gained the allegiance of a sizable Unsullied army after her husband's death, which allowed her to liberate Slaver's Bay from Ghiscari rule and conquer portions of Essos.

The political significance in the story reaches its peak when Daenerys executes the masters in front of her people while releasing the city's entire slave population. The oppressed give her respect from these political moves while elites shift into fearing what she wants. In modern parliamentary settings, she resembles the type of revolutionary who advocates for rapid political change, such as wealth nationalization and the abolition of corrupt systems.

The intensity of her beliefs would enrage grassroots groups, but her inability to form relationships with people of all political beliefs would make moderate supporters nervous. Populist movements and activist organizations are best suited to her political abilities, but she would struggle to balance the demands of established governments, which require harmony through compromise and negotiation. Her failure would most likely be due to an unwillingness to form long-term alliances.

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5. Cersei Lannister

As the widow of King Robert Baratheon and the 12th ruler of the 7 Kingdoms, Cersei Lannister held the position. When all her children died, she legally became the first queen regent in the history of the 7 Kingdoms and received the throne. She and Jaime died at the Battle of King's Landing, which caused her short-lived rule to come to an end. She occupied the Iron Throne as the final ruler.

Cersei gained support from the Iron Bank of Braavos due to a critical political decision. She understands that the bank needs to support the most powerful faction and thus gains their support by guaranteeing repayment while also demonstrating her current strength. Her deal with the Braavosi Bank enhances her strength across Westeros.

GOT fans have seen Cersei quickly put an end to Petyr Baelish's bluster when he shows off his expertise in front of her by ordering her guards to beat him, demonstrating her belief that

"Power is power."

Although Cersei lacks Tywin's financial acumen, her moxie more than makes up for it. Cersei would be a powerful force in contemporary politics because of her harsh decision-making and savvy relationships. However, her lack of compassion and short-term orientation can cause public disapproval and ultimately bring about her downfall.

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4. Arya Stark

Lord Eddard Stark and Lady Catelyn Stark had five children together: three sons and two daughters. One of their daughters was named Arya. Through her training at the House of Black and White, Arya becomes a Faceless Man, enabling her to seek revenge against her family. Arya achieves a vital victory by killing the Night King at Winterfell, therefore speeding up the end of the Great War. Arya decides to ignore Winterfell despite any future plans while journeying south alongside Sandor Clegane to assassinate Cersei Lannister.

When Arya Stark kills the Night King, it clearly exhibits her direct action plan of operation. When conventional approaches didn't work, she acted decisively and independently. It is similar to activists who directly implement political change without going through the formalities. Arya would support grassroots movements in modern politics and take audacious steps to overthrow entrenched structures.

Arya would be a potent change agent due to her perseverance and adaptability. Her independence and dedication to justice would make her a powerful but disruptive force in modern politics, flourishing in positions that call for taking immediate action and upending the current quo.

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3. Sansa Stark

As the firstborn daughter of Lord Eddard and Catelyn Stark, Sansa Stark belongs to the Stark family. Through careful planning, Sansa Stark initiated the process that led to the downfall of Petyr Baelish (Littlefinger). When Sansa gathers evidence of his treachery, she forces Littlefinger to stand trial and has him executed. Sansa's actions demonstrate her advancement as a cunning political figure capable of defeating experienced manipulators.

One of her famous dialogues

"I did what I had to do to survive, my lady. But I am a Stark. I will always be a Stark."

proves her ability to survive in modern politics. The modern political counterpart of Sansa exhibits leadership qualities through astute exposure of corruption that helps her enhance her power base while serving her people. Her capacity to handle empathy with decisive action patterns leads her to be viewed as a valued, effective leader in present-day politics.

Sansa would excel in modern political environments by establishing trusting relationships and maintaining peace thanks to her learned political secrets, strategic partnerships, and moral leadership abilities.

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2. Tyrion Lannister

Tyrion Lannister is one of three siblings in the Lannister family. His brothers and sister are Jaime and Cersei. As the last child of Lord Tywin Lannister, he occupies the lowest position in their family. When Daenerys Targaryen picked him as her Hand of the Queen, Tyrion Lannister made his decisive political declaration. The mockery Daenerys and others showed toward Tyrion changed when he demonstrated his wise leadership through astute advice to her. The Hand of the Queen position advances him from an insignificant character to his position as a central political counselor.

The modern political evolution of Tyrion intricately reflects how ordinary people rise to positions of power by proving their capability along with their ability to endure prejudice. He demonstrates survival qualities required in today's political environments through his impressive ability to manage complex political systems and provide wise counsel to leaders.

Tyrion's political ability, combined with his sharp wit, versatility, and deep political insight, would set him apart as an influential advisor or policy expert in today's political world.

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1. Varys

Varys served as the Baratheon Small Council's eunuch Master of Whisperers until he and Tyrion Lannister were compelled to leave King's Landing. Varys excels in the moment where he secretly prepares letters outlining Jon Snow's real ancestry in an attempt to choose a more suitable monarch. In order to serve what he calls,

"The Realm."

he risks his life. This reveals how he works in the background, putting the people's welfare ahead of loyalty to a certain leader. Varys would be similar to a professional diplomat or intelligence officer who quietly shapes current political events. His safety would depend on staying out of the spotlight and advising powerful individuals.

Tyrion and Varys know the power of political games. They are political realists. Moreover, they have direct knowledge of rulers and monarchs. Varys is aware of how self-centered leaders may be. Varys would be a powerful behind-the-scenes player in modern politics due to his covert tactics and emphasis on the greater good, but in today's more transparent, media-driven society, his lack of openness would make him a target.

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We can come to a conclusion that each character needed survival in present-day politics based on their ability to change, make deals, and use either empathetic or controlling leadership tactics. The characters who refused to carry the weight of idealism suffered, but those who used strategic plans along with hidden tactics flourished.

Cersei and Arya encountered restrictions in their leadership because their methods involved extreme attitudes and insufficient strategies for trust development. Tyrion and Varys demonstrate the skills required for modern-day government survival by gaining experience and working discreetly behind the scenes.