10 Game Of Thrones Characters You Really Wanted To Survive

Like Ned Stark, fans were robbed of Oberyn far too early. Oberyn only lasted a total of seven episodes in comparison to Ned's nine, before succumbing to the Lannisters' towering henchmen, the Mountain. Turning up in season four, Pedro Pascal played the part of the Dornish prince with a charm and charisma that soon got fans onside.

This was a character who had no real affinity for the show's primary antagonists or protagonists. He had affection for neither the Starks or Lannisters, he had his own agenda, which was to avenge the death of his sister. It set him up as a wildcard character who could flip the balance either way.

But it wasn't only his political aspirations that set him apart from everyone else. He had a wit to match Tyrion; he could hold his own against Tywin in a game of verbal chess; and seemed unrestrained by social norms; having no resentment towards bastards, and being sexually liberated without shame. Oberyn Martel was just cool.

For a split second we all thought this guy might dish up some tasty justice, skewed-Mountain style. But it was not to be, and the Dornish bid to stay integral to the plot was crushed along with Oberyn's skull.