Stannis is sort of a sad figure. The tragedy lies in that he has a valid claim for the Iron Throne but has no charisma as a leader. Because of this, he wields institutional power due to his regality, but he is unable to put that power to use and has become somewhat of a puppet king under the influence of Melisandre who has utilised religion to have Stannis attack King's Landing and now move north to help the Night's Watch. His power lies in his military force. Back in season two, his forces exceeded the number of men guarding King's Landing at the battle of Blackwater. This large force is the result of his valid claim to the throne and his history as warrior. He also has the benefit of working with Melisandre, whose magical powers have been in the assassination of Renly. Unfortunately, one reason Stannis occupies the lowest place on this list is that he lost at Blackwater, resulting in a formidable loss of men. As a result, Stannis slipped into a depression at his loss, reflecting his utter lack of charisma. This was first apparent when his younger brother made an attempt at the throne merely because he and apparently most of Westeros given Renly's superior military force considered himself a better leader than his brother. To add further insult to injury, the Game of Thrones universe failed to bestow a male heir to Stannis; in season three, the viewers see his stillborn sons in jars, an ultimate example of impotency. And so while Stannis still wields institutional power and commands a large army, he has no charisma. He knows how to lead and he has the credentials, but he doesn't have the personality of a leader. This has resulted in a lack of respect and his subjugation under Melisandre as a puppet king.
Joseph is a student at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA, double majoring in Ancient Greek and Religious Studies. He has a deep passion for TV and consumes as much of it as possible.
