10 Game Of Thrones Characters You Really Wanted To Survive

Although the show ultimately ended up disposing of this character in one of the most predictable and least satisfying ways, the writers did a great job when it came to the Hound's character arc.

This guy started out as an unlikeable henchmen for the Lannisters. He wasn't as cruel as Joffrey or as arrogant as Jaime, but his miserable and bleak outlook made him no more likeable. Indeed, the earliest encounters with the character gave the impression that he was little more than his namesake, a loyal dog, willing to do whatever his master told him, including killing peasant children.

As things developed, however, Sandor Clegane became more nuanced. His loyalty to the Lannisters was revealed to be circumstantial, rather than ideological. Indeed, Joffrey's cruel way of ruling seemed to trouble Sandor on a number of occasions, especially his abuse of Sansa. By the time the Hound was 'killed off' in season four, he'd told Joffrey to f*ck off, killed a number of hated Lannister henchmen, and developed a strained by endearing relationship with Arya Stark.

Luckily the character reemerged at the end of season six, dolling out some sweet Clegane justice, and giving the audience a few brief moments of enjoyment throughout the later, weaker seasons.