The major players in Game of Thrones experience many ups and downs from the beginning of the series to Season 8. And both physical and mental changes mark those Game of Thrones character transformations. Certain people in the famed HBO show become more sympathetic (yes, we’re talking about Jaime Lannister). He goes from being the worst kind of kid-killing villain to a sort of hero. He even challenges Cersei Lannister in the GoT Season 7 finale.
Other pivotal figures have major Game of Thrones character transformations too. In fact, Sansa Stark morphs from a whiny, malleable teen into a stalwart leader. If anyone deserves to rule the North, she certainly does.
Bran Stark possibly changes the most, though. Once a precocious kid with chubby cheeks and a penchant for climbing, this Stark is now the Three-Eyed Raven. He’s the total opposite of the naive youth that almost didn’t make it. And depending on who you ask, he’s not too bad to look at either.
These GoT character transformations will surprise you and truly make you wonder who’s grown enough to claim the Iron Throne.
1. Daenerys Targaryen
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Age in Season 1: 17
Age in Season 8: 25
No one can deny the mother of dragons now.
We have to ask, though, is all that power possibly making her as mad as her late father?
2. Arya Stark
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Age in Season 1: 11
Age in Season 8: 19
She never had to become the kind of proper lady she detested.
Instead, she’s a master face-shifter with a slew of other tricks up her sleeve.
3. Jaime Lannister
Age in Season 1: 35
Age in Season 8: 43
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He went from king-slayer to almost kid-slayer to almost decent guy.
This Lannister probably isn’t done surprising us. We don’t know what debts he still has to pay, but we know he’ll pay them.
4. Cersei
Age in Season 1: 35
Age in Season 8: 43
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The Lannister matriarch never really seemed innocent and docile.
But now, she looks like the kind of ruler everyone has to take seriously.
5. Jon Snow
Age in Season 1: about 17
Age in Season 8: about 25
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He’s still the honorable guy everyone loved from Season 1.
Now though, Jon has the power to lead thousands. People might not be calling him a bastard for much longer, either.
6. Bran
Age in Season 1: 10
Age in Season 8: 18
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Gone are the dimples.
Bran now has all the power of the Three-Eyed Raven. And he seems to revel in a little drama to boot.
7. Sandor “The Hound” Clegane
Age in Season 1: late 20s
Age in Season 8: mid 30s
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The Hound doesn’t look all that different.
But he definitely had a change of heart. Who even knew he had a heart at the beginning of the series?
8. Sansa
Age in Season 1: 13
Age in Season 8: 21
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Her hardships forced her to become more steadfast.
Sansa’s growth is undeniable, but will she be able to submit to someone else so soon?
9. Tyrion
Age in Season 1: 31
Age in Season 8: 39
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Tyrion is just as mouthy as always.
But now his sharp tongue is tempered with wisdom. Even if Sansa doubts his cleverness now, he’s not the worst person to have on your side.
10. Ser Jorah Mormont
Age in Season 1: mid 40s
Age in Season 8: early 50s
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He’s still rather unhealthily obsessed with Daenerys Targaryen.
But now he’s redeemed himself, and he actually deserves a role as one of her advisors.
11. Samwell Tarly
Age in Season 1: 17
Age in Season 8: 25
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He wears his age much better now.
It seems the time on the Night’s Watch only helped Samwell. He stands up for himself and isn’t afraid to speak up when necessary. In fact, it seems unlikely that he’ll ever bend the knee to Daenerys Targaryen now.
12. Brienne of Tarth
Age in Season 1: 20
Age in Season 8: 28
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She’s still an exemplary fighter, and she’s still dedicated to Catelyn Stark.
Will she have to break her oath to defend Jaime Lannister, though?
13. Gendry
Age in Season 1: about 16
Age in Season 8: about 23
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No longer an unwitting kid, Gendry knows of his relationship to the Iron Throne.
He may never leave the forge, but if he does, he won’t be taken down easily.
14. Theon Greyjoy
Age in Season 1: about 17
Age in Season 8: about 25
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Theon went through his fair share of tribulations.
Once the Stark family’s unwilling ward, the youngest Greyjoy heir is a shadow of his former self. All hope isn’t lost for him, though. He may even fully atone for his initial betrayal.
15. Gregor “The Mountain” Clegane
Age in Season 1: mid 30s
Age in Season 8: early 40s
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We’re not sure the Mountain really counts.
However, whether he’s truly alive or not, this character doesn’t look a thing like their former self.
16. Ser Bronn
Age in Season 1: about 34
Age in Season 8: about 42
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He’s still irreverent and still willing to work for the highest-paying side.
Will Bronn’s conscience finally kick in, though?
17. Lord Varys
Age in Season 1: about 45
Age in Season 8: about 53
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He still seems to be multiple steps ahead of everyone.
Is there anything Varys hasn’t planned for?