Game of Thrones: Who Is Your Favorite

Okay, let me start off by saying some of you won't like some of my choices. My youngest son and I argue about this all the time. The last two in particular.

"Games of Thrones" is a huge hit for HBO. And why not. It has a little bit of everything for everyone. As long as you like medieval times, lots of blood, a certain amount of foul language, and action that never seems to end (and did I mention blood?).

George R. R. Martin created a masterpiece - or should I say a large volume of masterpieces - a number of years back. The first book was published in 1996. That's some 15 years before the first episode was viewed by millions. There are five books (thus far) is this series:

1. A Game of Thrones
2. A Clash of Kings
3. A Storm of Swords
4. A Feast for Crows
5. A Dance with Dragons

And each book pretty is much laid out in the first five seasons of the TV series. Okay, stop it all you purists. Book five and season five have some differences. We will talk about those another day. Still, in these five books/seasons I have come to love three certain characters. So without further verbiage, here they are:

#1 - Tyrion Lannister

Yes, Tyrion Lannister is a dwarf - The Imp is his implied name on the show. The youngest of three children he is loved by his older brother and despised by his older sister (although most of us despise Cersei in return).

What I love about Tyrion is his compassion, his humanity. He is the one character who always seems to have the best interests of everyone at heart. And yet, he is often times hated for these traits.

Peter Dinklage has done a great job in the role of The Imp. Most of the time I believe him to be the best actor, and thus the star, in the series.

#2 - Petyr Baelish

This guy is a stud. I mean an all out certified stud. No one loves him and everyone should fear him - always! He wields so much power from behind the scenes that it makes my head spin at times.

From the time he was a boy he was in love with Catelyn Stark. Yet, he betrays her husband at a critical moment in season one, which makes me wonder about the man. Did he feel that Ned's death would finally bring him what he has always desired?

Littlefinger, his nickname, knows how the Game of Thrones is played. And he shows his moves in the most subtle ways throughout the five seasons. Aidan Gillen brings the character to life of the small screen in an admirable way. The only criticism I have is in the casting. The books make him out to be short and older. Though I believe he is an excellent choice to bring Petyr Baelish to life.

#3 - Ser Jorah Mormont

Ah the sellsword, Jorah Mormont. The disgraced, Jorah Mormont. The protector (and betrayer) of Daenerys Stormborn Targaryen - Ser Jorah Mormont. (That's Ser Jorah on the right above, next to Daenerys).

Holy crap do I ever love this character. Iain Glen truly brings the fallen heir of Bear Island to life in the series. His father, Lord Jeor Mormont, is the Lord Commander of the Night's watch, way up at Castle Black - you know, on The Wall. Thus, he had big shoes to fill. But a series of unfortunate incidents finds Ser Jorah is Essos, far away from him home, selling his sword to the highest bidder. Ain't that just the way life goes sometimes?

Jorah is a nasty swordsman. I mean really nasty...and good. When we finally see his prowess in season five, I know my jaw dropped. He's also a dang good friend to Daenerys. Though he was originally sent by Lord Varys to spy on the thirteen-year-old child. Hey, none of us are perfect.

My youngest child spits when I mention how much I admire Ser Jorah. "He's just a dirty, rotten sellsword. He's only near Daenerys because he was bought by the Small Council back in King's Landing. A traitor, I tell you. That's all he is."

Well, we can argue about that next week when he and his brother give you their top three characters. Until then I'm sticking with The Imp, Littlefinger, and Ser Jorah.

Do you have a favorite from the show? Do you disagree with any of mine? Please comment below. I'd love to hear from everyone on this subject.

Until next week, consider picking up A Game of Thrones for your next read. It's only 830-some pages; how long can that take to read? (Hint - it goes fast, real fast).

e a lake