5. Stannis The Mannis
HBOStannis is a big reader favourite. Known intermittently by fans as 'Stannis the Mannis' and 'The King That Cared', Stannis Baratheon has been responsible for some pretty badass moments in the series history. Unfortunately, the Stannis seen in Game of Thrones is a bit underwhelming compared to his book counterpart. Where book Stannis is strong, forceful and fair, show Stannis has led many people to believe that he's just a puppet under control of the red priest Melisandre. Several of Stannis' victories have been undersold. For example, the Blackwater Bay would have been an astonishing success if it weren't for deus ex machina arrival of Tywin Lannister's forces in the nick of time. The last episode brought a bit of life back to the teeth-grinding king, but he's got a long way to go before he can win over watchers as more than just a poorly characterised distraction.