Which Game of Thrones Character is Your Boyfriend?

The world of Westeros is filled with complex, compelling, and often dangerous men. From the honorable to the ruthless, the strategic to the impulsive, there’s a character for every kind of fan. But when it comes to matters of the heart, which of these iconic figures would make the ideal boyfriend? If you've ever found yourself wondering which Game of Thrones character embodies the qualities of a good boyfriend, you're in the right place. We're diving deep into the personalities, actions, and motivations of some of Westeros' most eligible (and sometimes not-so-eligible) bachelors to help you determine who might steal your heart.

Understanding the nuances of relationships, even fictional ones, requires looking beyond surface-level appeal. What makes a good boyfriend isn't just about charm or power; it's about loyalty, respect, emotional availability, and a shared vision for the future. In Westeros, these qualities are often tested by war, betrayal, and the ever-present threat of the Iron Throne. So, let's explore the contenders and see who truly stands out.

The Noble Knight: Jaime Lannister

Jaime Lannister, the Kingslayer, is a character who undergoes one of the most significant transformations in the series. Initially presented as arrogant and morally ambiguous, his journey is one of redemption and self-discovery. As a boyfriend, Jaime offers a complex package.

Strengths:

• Unwavering Loyalty: Once his affections are given, Jaime is fiercely loyal. His devotion to Cersei, though ultimately destructive, highlights a capacity for deep commitment. Imagine that loyalty directed towards you. He’d defend you to the ends of the earth, no questions asked.
• Protective Nature: He’s a skilled warrior and a seasoned fighter. You’d feel incredibly safe with Jaime by your side. He’s the type to stand between you and any danger, physical or otherwise.
• Growth and Change: Jaime’s arc demonstrates a willingness to confront his past mistakes and evolve. This capacity for change is a crucial trait in any healthy relationship. He learns from his experiences, showing a maturity that’s rare in Westeros.
• Romantic Gestures: Remember his actions for Brienne? He’s capable of grand, romantic gestures that speak volumes about his feelings. He might not always say the right thing, but his actions often do.

Weaknesses:

• Morally Grey Past: His early actions, particularly his incestuous relationship with Cersei and his role in the Mad King's death, cast a long shadow. Can you overlook a past filled with difficult choices?
• Emotional Baggage: Jaime carries immense guilt and trauma. While he grows, his internal struggles can be a significant burden. He might require a partner who is patient and understanding of his complex emotional landscape.
• Family Entanglements: The Lannister family dynamics are notoriously toxic. Navigating his relationships with Cersei and Tyrion would be a constant challenge.

Jaime Lannister, the man who lost his honor for love, presents a compelling case for a devoted, albeit complicated, partner. His journey from villain to a more nuanced hero makes him a fascinating prospect for those who appreciate depth and a challenging, rewarding relationship.

The Strategic Mind: Tyrion Lannister

Tyrion Lannister, the Imp, is arguably the most intelligent and witty character in Game of Thrones. His sharp mind and cynical humor make him a captivating figure, and his experiences as an outsider have given him a unique perspective on love and loyalty.

Strengths:

• Intelligence and Wit: Conversations with Tyrion would never be dull. He’s a master strategist, a skilled diplomat, and possesses a razor-sharp wit that can diffuse tension or deliver a devastating retort. He’d be your intellectual equal, always engaging and stimulating.
• Empathy and Compassion: Despite his harsh upbringing and the world’s treatment of him, Tyrion often shows remarkable empathy, particularly towards other outcasts and the vulnerable. He understands suffering and is capable of genuine kindness.
• Pragmatism: Tyrion is a realist. He understands the world for what it is and approaches problems with logic and a desire for practical solutions. This makes him a reliable partner in navigating life’s challenges.
• Appreciation for the Finer Things: He enjoys good wine, good company, and good conversation. A relationship with Tyrion would likely involve intellectual stimulation and a certain level of sophisticated enjoyment.

Weaknesses:

• Cynicism and Self-Destructive Tendencies: Years of abuse and disappointment have left Tyrion deeply cynical, sometimes leading to self-destructive behavior, particularly with alcohol. Can you help him find light in the darkness?
• Past Mistakes: His actions, while often driven by necessity or a desire for justice, have sometimes had unintended, tragic consequences. He’s not without his regrets.
• Social Stigma: As a dwarf, Tyrion faces constant prejudice. This would mean facing societal judgment alongside him, which could be draining.

Tyrion Lannister offers a relationship built on intellectual connection, shared humor, and a deep understanding of human nature. He’s a survivor who values genuine connection, making him a surprisingly strong contender for the title of a good boyfriend.

The Honorable Warrior: Jon Snow

Jon Snow, the brooding Bastard of Winterfell, embodies duty, honor, and a quiet strength. His life has been defined by hardship, sacrifice, and a constant struggle to do what is right, even when it’s the hardest path.

Strengths:

• Integrity and Morality: Jon’s moral compass is arguably the strongest in Westeros. He consistently strives to do the right thing, even at great personal cost. You can count on his honesty and unwavering principles.
• Loyalty and Devotion: He is fiercely loyal to his friends, his family (the Starks), and his vows. Once Jon commits to someone, that commitment is absolute. He’d be your rock.
• Courage and Selflessness: Jon is willing to put himself in harm's way for the greater good. He leads from the front and never asks others to do what he wouldn’t do himself. This bravery is incredibly attractive.
• Emotional Depth (Beneath the Surface): While often reserved, Jon feels deeply. His struggles with his identity and his losses have shaped him into a man capable of profound love and connection, even if he doesn't always express it easily.

Weaknesses:

• Naivety and Trust Issues: His inherent goodness can sometimes border on naivety, making him susceptible to manipulation. He also struggles with trusting others due to past betrayals.
• Burden of Responsibility: Jon often carries the weight of the world on his shoulders, which can make him seem distant or preoccupied. Finding balance between duty and personal life would be a challenge.
• Brooding and Reserved Nature: He’s not the most outwardly expressive. You might have to work to understand his emotions and encourage him to open up.

Jon Snow represents the ideal of a steadfast, honorable partner. His commitment to justice and his quiet strength make him a reliable and deeply loving boyfriend, provided you can appreciate his reserved nature and understand the burdens he carries.

The Charismatic Leader: Daenerys Targaryen

Daenerys Targaryen, the Mother of Dragons, is a figure of immense power, ambition, and a burning desire to reclaim her birthright. Her journey from a timid exile to a formidable queen is one of the most epic in fantasy.

Strengths:

• Strength and Determination: Daenerys is incredibly strong-willed and determined. Once she sets her mind on something, she pursues it relentlessly. She’s a force of nature.
• Visionary Leadership: She inspires loyalty and has a clear vision for a better world, free from tyranny. She’s a leader who fights for her people.
• Passionate and Protective: When she loves, she loves fiercely. She is incredibly protective of those she cares about, including her dragons and her allies.
• Resilience: She has overcome immense adversity, demonstrating incredible resilience and the ability to bounce back from devastating setbacks.

Weaknesses:

• Ruthlessness and "Fire and Blood": Her pursuit of the Iron Throne, while understandable, often leads to brutal and uncompromising actions. The "fire and blood" mentality can be terrifying.
• Messianic Complex: Daenerys sometimes struggles with the line between liberator and conqueror, believing her path is the only righteous one. This can lead to an unwillingness to compromise.
• Emotional Volatility: Under extreme pressure, Daenerys can become emotionally volatile, making rash decisions driven by anger or perceived betrayal.

Daenerys Targaryen offers a partner who is powerful, passionate, and driven. She’s a leader who will fight for you and inspire you, but her ambition and methods might require a partner who can both support her vision and temper her more destructive impulses.

The Calculating Prince: Varys

Varys, the Master of Whisperers, is a man of mystery and immense influence, operating from the shadows. His true motives and allegiances are often unclear, making him a fascinating, albeit unconventional, choice.

Strengths:

• Intelligence and Foresight: Varys is a master manipulator and strategist, always thinking several steps ahead. He understands the game of power better than anyone.
• Discretion and Loyalty (to his own cause): While his ultimate goals are enigmatic, Varys is incredibly discreet and loyal to the "realm." He works tirelessly behind the scenes for what he believes is the greater good.
• Resourcefulness: He has eyes and ears everywhere and can procure almost anything or anyone. He’s incredibly resourceful and knows how to get things done.
• Unconventional Wisdom: His perspective, shaped by a life of hardship and observation, offers unique insights into human nature and the workings of the world.

Weaknesses:

• Enigmatic and Secretive: Varys is the ultimate enigma. His true feelings and motivations are almost impossible to decipher, making a deep emotional connection difficult.
• Manipulative Nature: He uses people as pawns in his grand schemes. Trust would be a constant issue.
• Lack of Personal Connection: Varys seems to prioritize the "realm" above all else, including personal relationships. It's hard to imagine him putting a partner's needs above his overarching goals.

Varys is the boyfriend for the woman who appreciates a man with a brilliant mind, unwavering dedication to a cause, and a healthy dose of mystery. However, if you crave open communication and emotional intimacy, Varys might be too much of an enigma.

The Loyal Protector: Brienne of Tarth

While not a traditional boyfriend candidate in the sense of being a male character vying for affection, Brienne of Tarth embodies many qualities that make for an exceptional partner. Her unwavering sense of duty, honor, and fierce protectiveness are qualities many seek in a boyfriend.

Strengths:

• Unshakeable Honor and Integrity: Brienne lives by a strict code of honor. She is honest, trustworthy, and always keeps her word.
• Fierce Loyalty and Protectiveness: Her loyalty to those she serves, particularly Jaime Lannister and the Stark children, is absolute. She would defend you with her life.
• Strength and Resilience: Physically and emotionally, Brienne is incredibly strong. She has faced immense prejudice and hardship but always perseveres.
• Kindness and Compassion: Beneath her warrior exterior lies a deeply kind and compassionate heart. She shows genuine care for others, even those society overlooks.

Weaknesses:

• Difficulty Expressing Emotions: Brienne struggles with articulating her feelings, often expressing herself through actions rather than words.
• Self-Doubt: Despite her strength, she battles internal self-doubt, often feeling like she doesn't measure up to societal expectations.
• Focus on Duty: Her sense of duty can sometimes overshadow her personal desires and needs.

Brienne of Tarth, if we were to imagine her in a romantic partnership, would be the ultimate protector and confidant. Her strength, loyalty, and inherent goodness make her an ideal partner for someone who values steadfastness and unwavering support.

The Brooding Artist: The Hound (Sandor Clegane)

The Hound is a character defined by his brutality, his scarred face, and his deep-seated trauma. Yet, beneath the gruff exterior lies a complex man grappling with his past and capable of surprising moments of humanity.

Strengths:

• Protective Instincts: Despite his violent nature, The Hound often finds himself protecting the innocent, particularly Arya Stark. This protective streak, though gruff, is genuine.
• Honesty (Brutal): He doesn't sugarcoat things. You always know where you stand with The Hound, even if the truth is harsh.
• Resilience and Survival: He’s a survivor, capable of enduring immense pain and hardship. He understands struggle.
• Potential for Redemption: His interactions with Arya suggest a capacity for growth and a desire to escape his violent past.

Weaknesses:

• Violence and Anger: The Hound is prone to extreme violence and uncontrolled rage, stemming from his traumatic past.
• Emotional Inaccessibility: He is deeply scarred, both physically and emotionally, making it incredibly difficult for him to form genuine emotional connections.
• Cynicism: His experiences have made him deeply cynical about humanity and the world.

The Hound offers a relationship that is far from conventional. He’s the man who might save you from a burning building but also threaten to kill you for looking at him wrong. For someone who appreciates a rough-around-the-edges protector with a hidden heart of gold, he might be the one.

The Charming Rogue: Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish

Littlefinger is the epitome of ambition, manipulation, and charm. He plays the game of thrones with unparalleled skill, using his wit and cunning to climb the social ladder.

Strengths:

• Intelligence and Cunning: Littlefinger is a master strategist, always several steps ahead. He can turn any situation to his advantage.
• Charisma and Persuasion: He possesses a captivating charm that allows him to manipulate people and gain their trust.
• Ambition and Drive: His relentless ambition is undeniable. He knows what he wants and will stop at nothing to achieve it.
• Resourcefulness: He controls vast networks and resources, making him incredibly powerful and influential.

Weaknesses:

• Utter Lack of Morality: Littlefinger is entirely self-serving. He has no qualm about betraying, manipulating, or destroying anyone to get what he wants.
• Destructive Tendencies: His actions have directly or indirectly caused immense suffering and chaos throughout Westeros.
• Inability to Form Genuine Bonds: While he can feign affection, his relationships are purely transactional. He doesn't seem capable of true love or loyalty.

Littlefinger is the boyfriend for the woman who thrives on danger, intrigue, and a partner who is always in control. However, his complete lack of empathy and his willingness to sacrifice anyone for his gain make him a profoundly dangerous choice for a genuine relationship.

The Honorable King: Ned Stark

Ned Stark represents the pinnacle of honor and duty in Westeros. His unwavering principles and commitment to justice make him a beloved figure, even in death.

Strengths:

• Unwavering Honor and Integrity: Ned Stark is the embodiment of chivalry and moral uprightness. He lives by a strict code of ethics.
• Loyalty and Devotion: His loyalty to his family and his king is absolute. He is a man you can trust implicitly.
• Sense of Justice: Ned has a deep-seated belief in fairness and justice, always striving to do what is right.
• Strong Moral Compass: He is a man of principle, unwilling to compromise his values, even when it puts him in danger.

Weaknesses:

• Naivety in Politics: Ned’s rigid adherence to honor makes him ill-suited for the cutthroat politics of King’s Landing. He can be too trusting and too principled for the world he inhabits.
• Stubbornness: While his principles are admirable, his inflexibility can lead to his downfall.
• Emotional Reserve: Like Jon, Ned can be reserved, though his love for his family is evident in his actions.

Ned Stark is the ideal boyfriend for someone who values integrity, loyalty, and a partner with a strong moral compass. He’s the kind of man who would always do the right thing, even if it meant personal sacrifice. His commitment to family and justice makes him a truly admirable choice.

The Ambitious Prince: Joffrey Baratheon

Joffrey Baratheon is, by almost any measure, the worst. His reign was marked by cruelty, sadism, and a complete lack of empathy.

Strengths:

• Royal Status: He is the King, which comes with immense power and privilege.
• Confidence (Overconfidence): Joffrey possesses an unshakeable, albeit misplaced, sense of self-importance.

Weaknesses:

• Extreme Cruelty and Sadism: Joffrey delights in inflicting pain and suffering on others.
• Cowardice and Immaturity: Despite his claims of power, he is often a petulant child who relies on others to do his dirty work.
• Lack of Empathy: He is incapable of understanding or sharing the feelings of others.
• Abusive Tendencies: His behavior towards Sansa Stark is a prime example of his abusive nature.

Joffrey Baratheon is, unequivocally, not a good boyfriend. His character serves as a cautionary tale about the corrupting influence of power and the absence of empathy.

The Loyal Friend: Samwell Tarly

Samwell Tarly begins his journey as a fearful, bookish young man, but he grows into one of the most courageous and kind characters in the series.

Strengths:

• Kindness and Compassion: Sam is inherently good and deeply compassionate towards others. He cares about people and their well-being.
• Loyalty and Devotion: He is fiercely loyal to his friends, particularly Jon Snow, and his wife, Gilly.
• Intelligence and Knowledge: Sam is incredibly well-read and possesses a vast amount of knowledge, particularly concerning history and lore.
• Bravery in the Face of Fear: Despite his initial fear, Sam consistently finds the courage to do what is right, often putting himself at risk for others.

Weaknesses:

• Physical Frailty: Sam is not a natural warrior and struggles with physical combat.
• Self-Doubt: He often battles with his own insecurities and fears.
• Overly Trusting: His good nature can sometimes make him too trusting of others.

Samwell Tarly represents the boyfriend who is your biggest supporter, your intellectual equal, and your unwavering rock. He’s the one who will always have your back and offer a comforting word, even when the world feels overwhelming.

The Ambitious Schemer: Littlefinger's Legacy

While Littlefinger himself is a terrible boyfriend, his methods and ambition are traits that, when channeled differently, could be seen in a more positive light. A boyfriend with ambition and strategic thinking, who uses these traits for mutual benefit rather than personal gain, could be incredibly compelling. Imagine a partner who is as driven as Littlefinger, but whose goals align with yours, and whose schemes are for your shared success. This is a nuanced take on ambition in a relationship.

Who Reigns Supreme?

Ultimately, the "character of a good boyfriend" is subjective and depends on what qualities you value most. Do you seek unwavering honor like Ned Stark? Fierce loyalty like Jon Snow? Intellectual stimulation like Tyrion Lannister? Or perhaps the protective strength of Jaime Lannister?

Each character offers a unique blend of strengths and weaknesses. A good boyfriend in Westeros, as in real life, is someone who is loyal, kind, supportive, and willing to grow. While the stakes are higher in Westeros, the fundamental desires for a loving and dependable partner remain the same.

Consider what truly matters to you in a relationship. Is it grand gestures and passionate declarations, or quiet strength and steadfast support? The answer might just lead you to your own personal King of the North, or perhaps a more complex, yet equally rewarding, Lannister. The journey to finding the perfect partner, fictional or otherwise, is about understanding these qualities and recognizing them when they appear.