Game Of Thrones: 11 Characters Who've Changed Most Since Season 1

8. Samwell Tarly

Then

Samwell Tarly arrived at the Wall back in Season 1 in an effort to toughen him up, his father hoping it'd make a 'real man' out of him, or at least stop him bringing shame to the family (the alternative was death). Although he quickly struck up a friendship with Jon, he was consistently picked-on for his appearance and totally craven nature, and was more interested in books than any kind of ranging. He does, however, show some development when he goes after Jon towards the end of the season.

Now

Since then, he's gone from a recurring character to a main one, and is now far stronger and braver than anyone (especially himself) would've believed possible. The same Samwell Tarly who was ridiculed as 'Lord Piggy' in the first season went on to kill a White Walker in the second. His bond with Jon, and support of him as Lord Commander, is admirable, showing loyalty even in the face of danger, while he's developed sweet relationships with Gilly and the dearly departed Maester Aemon.

This culminated with a showdown with his father in Season 6, where he finally stood up to the man who scares him more than any other, and stole his Valyrian steel sword. It's a show of defiance the Season 1 Sam never would've performed. Now at the Citadel, he probably doesn't have time to become a Maester, but he should discover some knowledge that makes him incredibly important to the series' endgame, and can be counted among the bravest and most morally strong characters around, which is a hell of a long way for Lord Piggy to come.