8 Greatest Modern-Day Machiavellian Characters

8. Lord Petyr Baelish - The 'Prince' Of Westeros

In George R. R. Martin's fantasy epic, Westeros has become increasingly characterised by dynastic power struggles between powerful families, providing a literary hotbed for careful politicking. Amongst the expansive cast, one character prevails as most calculative, strategic and sinister - Lord Petyr Baelish.

A machiavel in the classic mould, using political manoeuvring, a network of information and financial talents to accumulate power from a position of insignificance. Lord Baelish is unprincipled and unhinged in his potential; although, like most machiavels, he abides by his own sinister code of principles.

Lord Baelish reiterates that "knowledge is power". Throughout A Song Of Ice And Fire, this penchant for knowledge and secrets provides the leverage Lord Baelish requires to manoeuvre adversaries. He learned from a young age that he may never possess the physical might of the traditional Westerosi warrior, thus sought to accumulate power through different means. 

"Know your strengths, use them wisely, and one man can become ten thousand."  - Lord Baelish, 'Game Of Thrones' (TV)

Essential to Lord Baelish's ambition is his exploitation of opportunity, what can be referred to as the 'ladder of chaos', navigating the opportunities posed by war, alliances and death. Adopting the core principle of machiavellianism - to maintain power at all costs - Lord Baelish demonstrates a willingness to dispatch employees, co-conspirators and even Kings if it serves his ultimate purpose.