Game of Thrones is an epic fantasy television series that has captivated audiences around the world with its intricate plot, complex characters, and breathtaking scenery. One of the most remarkable aspects of the show is its diverse cast, which includes actors of all ages, from young children to seasoned veterans.
In this article, we will be taking a closer look at the oldest main characters of Game of Thrones. From wise old masters to cunning queens, these characters bring depth and richness to the series that is truly unforgettable. So, without further ado, let’s explore the eight oldest Game of Thrones main characters and discover what makes them so special.
8. Isaac Hempstead Wright (April 9, 1999 – present)
Age: 24 years old
Role: Bran Stark
Spouse: Not Applicable
Years Active: 2011 to present
photo source: Making Game of Thrones
Bran Stark is one of the main characters in the Game of Thrones series, portrayed by Isaac Hempstead Wright. Bran is the fourth child and second son of Lord Eddard Stark and Lady Catelyn Stark of Winterfell. He is introduced as a curious and adventurous young boy who enjoys climbing walls and towers despite the warnings of his mother.
However, Bran’s life is forever changed when he is pushed from a high tower window by Jaime Lannister, who hoped to conceal his incestuous affair with Bran’s twin sister, Cersei. The fall leaves Bran paralyzed from the waist down, and he is forced to rely on a wheelchair for mobility.
As the series progresses, Bran’s storyline takes on a more mystical and magical tone as he develops psychic abilities and becomes a powerful warg, capable of entering the minds of animals and even people. Throughout the series, Bran is a central figure in the fight against the White Walkers and ultimately plays a key role in the show’s climactic ending.
Did You Know?
Bran’s journey takes him beyond the Wall and into the land of the Children of the Forest, where he becomes the Three-Eyed Raven, a prophesied figure with the ability to see past, present, and future events.
7. Maisie Williams (April 15, 1997 – present)
Age: 26 years old
Role: Arya Stark
Spouse: Not Applicable
Years Active: 2011 to present
photo source: The Star
Arya Stark is a central character in the Game of Thrones series, portrayed by British actress Maisie Williams. She is the third child and second daughter of Lord Eddard Stark and Lady Catelyn Stark of Winterfell. Arya is introduced as a headstrong and tomboyish young girl who rejects the traditional role of a noblewoman and instead aspires to be a warrior like her older brother, Jon Snow.
As the series progresses, Arya’s character undergoes significant development as she is forced to navigate the dangerous and treacherous world of Westeros. She becomes skilled in sword-fighting and is trained in the art of assassination by the Faceless Men in Braavos. Her journey takes her across the Seven Kingdoms, where she witnesses firsthand the horrors of war and experiences personal tragedies, including the deaths of her father and mother.
Did You Know?
She becomes a key player in the battle against the White Walkers and ultimately plays a crucial role in the show’s finale.
6. Sophie Turner (February 21, 1996 – present)
Age: 27 years old
Role: Sansa Stark
Spouse: Joe Jonas
Years Active: 2008 to present
photo source: Wikidata
Sansa Stark is also a central character in the Game of Thrones series, portrayed by British actress Sophie Turner. She is the eldest daughter and second child of Lord Eddard Stark and Lady Catelyn Stark of Winterfell. Sansa is introduced as a naive and idealistic young girl who dreams of being a noblewoman and marrying a handsome prince.
However, as the series progresses, Sansa’s character undergoes significant development as she is forced to navigate the harsh and brutal realities of the world she lives in. She becomes a political pawn in the power struggles between the various houses of Westeros. She experiences personal tragedies, including the deaths of several family members and being forced into marriages with cruel and abusive husbands.
Did You Know?
Sansa ultimately becomes the Lady of Winterfell and a key player in the fight against the White Walkers. Sophie Turner’s portrayal of Sansa Stark earned her critical acclaim and made her one of the most compelling characters in the series.
5. Christopher Catesby Harington (December 26, 1986 – present)
Age: 36 years old
Role: Jon Snow
Spouse: Rose Leslie
Years Active: 2008 to present
photo source: Wallpapers
Christopher Catesby Harington, known professionally as Kit Harington, is an English actor who played the role of Jon Snow in the Game of Thrones series. Jon Snow is a central character in the show and is introduced as the illegitimate son of Lord Eddard Stark. He is sent to join the Night’s Watch, a military order tasked with defending the realm against the threat of the White Walkers.
As the series progresses, Jon Snow becomes a key player in the fight against the White Walkers and eventually rises to become the Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch. He also becomes romantically involved with several other characters in the show, including Ygritte and Daenerys Targaryen. His brooding and stoic demeanor, combined with his strong sense of duty and honor, made Jon Snow one of the most memorable characters in the Game of Thrones universe.
Did You Know?
Harington initially auditioned for the role of Viserys Targaryen before being cast as Jon Snow.
4. Emilia Clarke (October 23, 1986 – present)
Age: 36 years old
Role: Daenerys Targaryen
Spouse: Not Applicable
Years Active: 2009 to present
photo source: HBO
Daenerys Targaryen, played by Emilia Clarke, is a central character in the Game of Thrones series. She is the last surviving member of the Targaryen family, who were the rulers of the Seven Kingdoms before they were overthrown by Robert Baratheon in a rebellion many years prior to the start of the series. Daenerys is introduced as a timid and submissive young woman who is forced to marry the Dothraki warlord Khal Drogo as part of a political alliance.
However, as the series progresses, Daenerys’ character undergoes significant development as she gains confidence and strength, eventually becoming a powerful and ruthless leader. Daenerys’ journey takes her across the sea to the city of Meereen, where she frees the slaves and becomes the queen of the city. She also acquires a number of powerful allies, including the Unsullied Army and the Dothraki horde.
Did You Know?
Daenerys is determined to reclaim the Iron Throne and restore the Targaryen dynasty to power, and she will stop at nothing to achieve her goals.
3. Lena Kathren Headey (October 3, 1973 – present)
Age: 49 years old
Role: Cersei Lannister
Spouse: Marc Menchaca
Years Active: 1992 to present
photo source: TVovermind
Cersei Lannister, played by Lena Headey, is also one of the central characters in the Game of Thrones series. She is a member of the powerful Lannister family, which has long been one of the wealthiest and most influential families in the Seven Kingdoms. Cersei is initially portrayed as a complex and nuanced character with cunning intelligence and a deep sense of loyalty to her family.
However, as the series progresses, her darker side becomes more apparent, and she is shown to be manipulative, cruel, and ruthless in her pursuit of power. Cersei’s story arc is largely driven by her relationship with her family, particularly her twin brother Jaime, with whom she has a complicated and incestuous romantic relationship. She is also fiercely protective of her children, who she sees as her only true source of happiness and fulfillment.
Did You Know?
Over the course of the series, Cersei becomes increasingly embroiled in the political machinations of the Seven Kingdoms, ultimately becoming queen after the death of her husband, King Robert Baratheon.
2. Peter Dinklage (June 11, 1969 – present)
Age: 53 years old
Role: Tyrion Lannister
Spouse: Erica Schmidt
Years Active: 1993 to present
photo source: NPR
Tyrion Lannister, played by Peter Dinklage, is a member of the Lannister family, one of the wealthiest and most powerful families in the Seven Kingdoms. Despite being born into a family of privilege and wealth, Tyrion has always been an outcast and an outsider due to his physical disability – he is a dwarf. As a result, he has developed a sharp wit and a keen intelligence, which he uses to navigate the dangerous and treacherous world of Westeros.
Tyrion is initially portrayed as a hedonistic and cynical character with a fondness for alcohol, women, and other vices. However, as the series progresses, he becomes a more complex and nuanced character with a deep sense of compassion and a desire to do what is right. Tyrion’s story arc is largely driven by his relationships with other characters, particularly his family.
Did You Know?
He has a complicated and often contentious relationship with his sister Cersei, who sees him as a threat to her power, and with his father Tywin, who despises him for his physical disability.
1. Sean Bean (April 17, 1959 – present)
Age: 64 years old
Role: Eddard Stark
Spouse: Ashley Moore
Years Active: 1983 to present
photo source: EWN
Eddard Stark, played by Sean Bean, age 64, is a central character in the Game of Thrones series and is considered the oldest main character in the show’s early seasons. He is the Lord of Winterfell, the capital of the North, and is widely respected for his honor, integrity, and wisdom. Eddard, also known as Ned, is a stern but fair ruler who is deeply committed to his family and his people.
He is a skilled warrior and a respected leader who is loved by his people for his fairness and justice. Ned’s story arc is largely driven by his relationships with other characters, particularly his family. He is a devoted husband to his wife, Catelyn, and a loving father to his children, particularly his son Robb, who he trains to be a capable leader in his own right.
However, Ned’s life is upended when he is summoned to the capital of King’s Landing by his old friend, King Robert Baratheon. There, he becomes embroiled in a web of political intrigue and betrayal as he uncovers a plot to overthrow the king and seize power for themselves.
Did You Know?
Despite his honor and integrity, Ned ultimately falls victim to the dangerous political games of the Seven Kingdoms and is executed by the ruthless Queen Cersei Lannister.
