The world may be ending with either a mad queen or army of ice zombies on Game of Thrones‘, but that doesn’t mean that some in Westeros aren’t down to have a good time. For many characters, this was never going to be an easy task (Brienne and Jaime really should see whatever the Westeros equivalent of a shrink is), but a lucky few have swaggered across our screens with an excess of charisma. Whether they use their next level flirt skills for personal or political gain, these characters make it clear that to win the game of thrones, you’ve got to have game.
12. Podrick Payne
Early on, Podrick (Daniel Portman) was revealed to be a skilled pleasure giver (if brothel freebies are any indication), but in later seasons, his seemingly prodigious lovemaking talents have been left unexplored as he and Brienne (Gwendoline Christie) hit the road as platonic pals. With all that time spent together, though, is it possible that a crush has developed? Are those looks of awe or adoration?
It’s hard to see Podrick making progress (if that actually is what he’s after). Brienne’s lifetime of rejection has led to a stoic dedication to duty and honor. Besides, even if she was looking for love, Podrick doesn’t have Tormund’s (Kristofer Hivju) animal magnetism or Jaime Lannister’s (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) jawline and bad boy aura. He does, however, have Brienne’s trust and he’s just… there. Always. Perhaps he’s waiting for her to think of him as something more than a sparring partner. There are worse plays. Maybe good things really do come to those who wait.
11. Davos Seaworth
After years of serving a stoic crank and learning to read, the optimism of being on Team Stark seems to have given Davos (Liam Cunningham) a boost of confidence and a spring in his step. Between his flirting with the spoken for Missandei (Nathalie Emmanuel) and trying to bro out with Jon (Kit Harrington) over Dany’s (Emilia Clarke) “good heart,” season seven has seen Davos embrace his inner charm. He may not be the most powerful man in Westeros, but sometimes a good grammar joke and a kind hearted twinkle in your eye goes a long way.
10. Euron Greyjoy
Find yourself someone who looks at you like Euron Greyjoy (Pilou Asbæk) looks at a conquest. The murderous pirate, freshly-minted Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey) ally, and potential incest sex fest breaker-upper loves trying to sidle into the Queen’s bedroom chamber as much as he loves tweaking Jaime Lannister. The lustful fire in his eyes makes it easy to see the appeal. It’ll probably never work on Cersei, who knows Euron would kill her as soon as he got the chance were he to be crowned king, but it’s still fun to watch him showboat, flash that winning smile, and blow kisses as skillfully as he blows up enemy ships.
9. Daario Naharis
Because of the magic of recasting, this entry deserves a caveat: the first Daario (Ed Skrein) was definitely that Eurotrash f*ckboi all your girlfriends warned you about, with his fabulous Fabio hair and a demeanor that made it seem like Dany was little more than a notch in his bedpost. However, Daario 2.0 (Michiel Huisman) was a completely different animal.
Daario settled into the role of sexy subordinate pretty quickly, always content to let Dany take the lead as both queen and lover. Sure, he led armies and had a rocking’ bod, but that doesn’t mean he can’t respect a powerful lady. However, what may have started as just sex turned into feelings for the Tyroshi, which eventually came back to bite him in the ass. Daario should have known that he was never marriage material, but the shock of being left behind in Dragon’s Bay still stung. He should probably ask Ser Jorah (Iain Glen) for some advice about getting over the Queen of Dragons.
8. Ygritte
How could we leave off the woman that finally taught Jon Snow something? Getting a brother of the Night’s Watch to break his vows is basically like corrupting a monk, so we have to give Ygritte (Rose Leslie) props for persistence. The chemistry between the two was apparent from the beginning — What? You’re dates don’t start with a sword fight? — and that fiery wildling made the bastard of Winterfell into a man. She also had a gift for busting Jon’s chops, and getting put in one’s place has its appeal. Sadly, the tragedy of their story’s end (rot in hell, Olly!) diminishes the fun of their flirting. But for a while, Ygritte proved that loving a redhead can be the best (and worst) thing to happen to you.
7. Missandei
Missandei is the Westeros equivalent of the girl next door. Despite a horrific childhood, she remains one of the few truly good people left on the show, and that kindness mixed with moral fortitude is a pretty desirable mix. Look at Grey Worm. That guy is a goner. In a very dark world, Missandei is truly a light. Add in her amazing hair and ability to wear leather for any occasion and you’ve got yourself a keeper. She’ll whisper sweet nothings in your ear in a dozen different languages, and if there was ever a girl to bring home to meet your mom, it’s Missandei.
6. Tyrion Lannister
Jaime may look like a fairy tale prince, but the younger Lannister (Peter Dinklage) is the one with the moves. Sure, many of his conquests are paid, but that doesn’t mean Tyrion lacks charisma. Part of what makes him so appealing is that he seems to like the women that he sleeps with, which isn’t always the case with the misogynistic bent of Westerosi society. Tyrion has admittedly had some terrible luck with the ladies (R.I.P. Shae, you traitor), but he could still charm the pants off of just about anyone and show them a good time before, during, and after making love to them. Plus, who doesn’t love a good story about a donkey and a honeycomb in a whore house?
5. Tormund Giantsbane
Tormund is an amazing warrior, leader, and physical specimen. He doesn’t need any kind of artificial or polished approach, he has that eye-catching and awe-inducing fire beard and an eyebrow that can arch to the heavens.
And that strut…
And that hunger…
Tormund is, first and foremost, a wildling. There’s no such thing as thrilling repartee in the wild kingdom. It’s all about presentation and Tormund has that part of the game down.
4. Daenerys Targaryen
One of life’s undeniable truths is that people will always be attracted to power. And what is more powerful than having three dragon children? Dany’s adult life was jolted when she was sold to be a walking womb by her duplicitous brother but she quickly learned that sex could not only be enjoyable but also a pretty great weapon. By the time she took Daario as a lover, Dany knew what she wanted and she was definitely going to get it. There’s no hemming and hawing out of politeness; she’ll tell you exactly what she wants and you damn well better get on board. Bend the knee indeed.
3. Yara Greyjoy
She’s basically a pirate, so it’s no surprise that Yara Greyjoy (Gemma Whelan) has an undeniable swagger. She definitely had the Queen of Dragons questioning her previous dudes-only proclivities during their first meeting, because the woman has a fleet at her back, a double entendre at the ready, and the best stance in the business. While she should probably stop attempting to include Theon in her conquests, it’s safe to say that Yara has left many a broken (yet satisfied) heart behind at every port.
2. Margaery Tyrell
The craftiest Tyrell managed to snag herself three different kings, so she has undeniably some of the greatest game in the business. Margaery (Natalie Dormer) knew how to use charm as a weapon better than anyone else, with her desire to be The Queen not just a queen serving as her driving force. While her flirting may have been practical, that didn’t make it any less effective. A well-cut dress, winning smile, and a few compliments would leave anyone a total goner. It’s not a complex method of seduction, but it certainly was a profitable one.
1. Oberyn Martell
Despite only being around for a handful of episodes, Oberyn Martell (Pedro Pascal) managed to cram an insane amount of charisma into his ill-fated stay in Westeros. A lover of women, men, who made an impression on all who got caught up in his inescapable torrent, the Red Viper radiated sex and passion wherever he went. Everyone in Westeros is usually so grim, and Oberyn brought a sense of fun even though he was on a quest for revenge. He didn’t really belong to anyone other than his main hang, Ellaria, but he’d be your champion for the best night of your life.
