This guide provides a complete overview of the main cast and notable characters of Game of Thrones, the HBO epic series adapted from George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire. Spanning eight seasons from 2011 to 2019, the show built a vast ensemble portraying the struggle for the Iron Throne across Westeros and Essos. Below, you can explore who played which role, how credits appear in the opening sequences, and which performances defined the show’s legacy. This reference is maintained for long-term usefulness as a durable resource for viewers, researchers, and creators.
Main Cast in Opening Credits
The primary cast listed in the main title sequence captures the core ensemble around the Iron Throne conflict, the houses of Stark, Lannister, Baratheon, Targaryen, and Greyjoy, as well as the Night’s Watch. These actors appear across multiple seasons and are generally credited as series regulars.
| Character | Actor(s) | Credit Seasons | House / Affiliation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eddard Stark | Sean Bean | 1 | House Stark |
| Cersei Lannister | Lena Headey | 1–8 | House Lannister |
| Jaime Lannister | Nikolaj Coster-Waldau | 1–8 | House Lannister |
| Jon Snow | Kit Harington | 1–8 | House Stark / Targaryen |
| Daenerys Targaryen | Emilia Clarke | 1–8 | House Targaryen |
| Tyrion Lannister | Peter Dinklage | 1–8 | House Lannister |
Core Supporting Cast (Series Regulars)
Beyond the opening credits, these actors are credited as series regulars and appear throughout the series’ run, though not always in the main title sequence.
| Character | Actor | First Appearance | Notable Houses / Roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arya Stark | Maisie Williams | 1 | House Stark |
| Sansa Stark | Sophie Turner | 1 | House Stark |
| Robb Stark | Richard Madden | 1 | House Stark |
| Stannis Baratheon | Stephen Dillane | 2 | Baratheon |
| Margaery Tyrell | 4 (recurring), 5 (regular) | House Tyrell | |
| Petyr Baelish | Aidan Gillen | 1 | Littlefinger, financier |
| Varys | Conleth Hill | 1 | Master of Whisperers |
| Sandor Clegane | Rory McCann | 1 | House Clegane |
| Brienne of Tarth | Gwendoline Christie | 2 | Kingsguard-affiliated |
| Jorah Mormont | Iain Glen | 1 | House Mormont |
| Samwell Tarly | John Bradley | 1 | House Tarly |
| Davos Seaworth | Liam Cunningham | 2 | Stannis’s allies |
| Melisandre | Carice van Houten | 2 | Red Priestess |
| Bronn | Jerome Flynn | 1 | Sellsword |
| Reek/Theon Greyjoy | Alfie Allen | 1 | House Greyjoy |
| Yara Greyjoy | Gemma Whelan | 2 | House Greyjoy |
| Jaqen H’ghar | Tom Wlaschiha | 2 | Faceless Man |
| Missandei | Nathalie Emmanuel | 3 | Advisor to Daenerys |
| Grey Worm | Jacob Anderson | 3 | Unsullied commander |
| Tormund Giantsbane | Kristofer Hivju | 3 | Wildlings |
| Jinnah | Hannah Waddingham | 6 | High Sparrow’s faith Militant |
| Euron Greyjoy | Pilou Asbæk | 6 | Iron Fleet |
| Daario Naharis | Michiel Huisman | 4–6 | Second Sons / Daenerys guard |
| Bronn | Jerome Flynn | 1, 6–8 | Sellsword, later Lord of High Heart |
| Bran Stark | Isaac Hempstead Wright | 1–8 | House Stark |
| Meera Reed | Ellie Kendrick | 2–6 | House Reed |
| Jojen Reed | Thomas Brodie-Sangster | 3–4 | House Reed |
| Walder Frey | David Bradley | 3, 5–6 | House Frey |
| Littlefinger / Petyr Baelish | Aidan Gillen | 1–6 | Master of Coin |
| Olenna Tyrell | Diana Rigg | 3–7 | House Tyrell |
| Mace Tyrell | Roger Ashton-Griffiths | 3–6 | House Tyrell |
| Khal Drogo | Jason Momoa | 1 | Dothraki |
| Viserys Targaryen | Harry Lloyd | 1–2 | Targaryen claimant |
| Roose Bolton | Michael McElhatton | 3–6 | House Bolton |
| Ramsay Bolton | Iwan Rheon | 5–6 | House Bolton |
| High Sparrow | Jonathan Pryce | 5–6 | Faith Militant |
| Qyburn | Anton Lesser | 4–8 | Maester |
| Gregor Clegane | Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson | 4, 6–8 | House Clegane |
| Zollo | David Zennie | 6 | Sparrow’s guard |
| Lyanna Mormont | Bella Ramsey | 6–8 | House Mormont |
| Bronn | Jerome Flynn | 1, 6–8 | Lord of High Heart |
| Tyrion Lannister | Peter Dinklage | 1–8 | Hand of the Queen |
| Varys | Conleth Hill | 1–8 | Master of Whisperers |
Notable Cast Expansions in Later Seasons
As the series progressed, several new actors joined the regular roster. Pilou Asbæk joined in Season 6 as Euron Greyjoy, and new additions in Season 7 included Tom Wlaschiha (Jaqen H'ghar) and Natalia Tena (Osha, recurring earlier). Casting evolved to reflect the shifting geography of the story—from Westeros to Essos—and to support the larger battles and political arcs of the final two seasons.
Diffuse and Cameo Appearances
Several well-known actors appear in limited episodes or key scenes without being series regulars. These performances often leave a lasting impression despite brief screen time.
- Charles Dance as Tywin Lannister (seasons 1–4)
- Michelle Fairley as Catelyn Stark (seasons 1–3)
- John Rhys-Davies as Lord Commander Jeor Mormont (seasons 1–2)
- James Cosmo as Ser Jeor Mormont (seasons 1–2)
- Finn Jones as Loras Tyrell (seasons 1–2)
- John Bradley as Samwell Tarly (became regular)
- Max von Sydow as the Three-Eyed Raven (season 6)
- Kerry Ingram as Shireen Baratheon (seasons 3–5)
Recurring and Background Roles
The world of Game of Thrones includes dozens of recurring performers who bring to life the soldiers, nobles, advisors, and smallfolk who populate the story. Examples include Hannah Waddingham (Septa Unella, seasons 6–8), Clive Russell as Brynden Tully (seasons 4–6), and Tim Plester as Black Walder Rivers (seasons 4–6). These roles are essential to the texture of the show but are not always listed among the top-billed cast members.
How to Interpret Cast Listings
When comparing cast lists, note that billing order does not always reflect screen time or narrative importance. Some actors appear consistently across all seasons, while others join later for specific story arcs. The table above reflects typical series-regular status based on opening credits and episode billing standards used by HBO.
Key Takeaways
- The core main cast in the credits includes Stark, Lannister, Targaryen, and Snow leads.
- Several actors appear as series regulars across the full run without always opening the show.
- Later seasons expanded the cast to include new houses, Essosi figures, and Faith Militant leadership.
- Cameo and recurring roles add depth but are frequently limited to specific arcs.
Methodology and Scope
This article reflects the standard episode billing and widely reported cast information available through HBO’s official materials and major entertainment references. It focuses on live-action casting for the television series; voice and motion-capture performances are outside the scope of this overview.
For ongoing verification, consult HBO press releases and the show’s official credits as new seasons or special editions are announced.