Game Of Thrones was a huge hit as soon as it debuted on HBO. The best-selling books by author George R.R. Martin were adapted for the screen, and audiences gobbled up the action and drama. The show’s stellar cast contributed to bringing the intricate work Martin created’s memorable characters to life.

The actresses on the series were not particularly well-known prior to its phenomenal success, but that has obviously changed now. It takes some getting used to seeing these women out of character and not in their costumes as they have been given more roles. Here are some of those women’s exterior appearances from outside Westeros.

Melisandre

On Game of Thrones, Melisandre is frequently referred to as “The Red Woman” or “The Red Witch.” In her role as a priestess of the R’hilor faith, she advised King Stannis Baratheon during his attempt to ascend to the Iron Throne.

The Night’s Watch commander Jon Snow was revived thanks to Melisandre’s reanimation skills, and before she was exiled, she acted as his confidante and advisor. Her function as a priestess was crucial to the plot because the characters’ religion increased conflict between the kingdoms.

Carice Van Houten

Carice Van Houten portrays the enigmatic Melisandre on Game of Thrones, but in real life, she has a much more innocent demeanor. This Dutch actress and singer made her acting and singing debut in Suzy Q, for which she won a Golden Calf Award.

Shortly after her Black Book performance, she gained notoriety. For her work in the movie, she was nominated for a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress, but like many others on this list, it was her role in the HBO series that brought her recognition abroad.

Missandei

Missandei, a former slave from Naath, is Kraznys mo Nakloz of Astapor’s interpreter and is later set free by Daenerys Targaryen. She turns into a crucial advisor to the Mother of Dragons.

She was brought into a position of power despite being enslaved at a young age thanks to her expertise and work as an interpreter. She was a respected member of her houses thanks to her proficiency in translating over nineteen languages.

Nathalie Emmanuel

Actress Nathalie Emmanuel was born and raised in Essex, England. She attributes the love of the arts that sparked her acting career to her mother.

An illustrious career was launched by a breakthrough role at the young age of ten. She went on to star in the television series Hollyoaks after making her acting debut as Nala in The Lion King. Furious 7, Maze Runner, and The Dark Crystal are a few of her other filmography credits.

Brienne Of Tarth

The series’ Brienne of Tarth is unquestionably a fan favorite. She manages to overcome the obstacles presented by the brutal and sexist society in which she lives. She makes a commitment to develop into one of Westeros’ best warriors.

Brienne possesses an unmatched sense of loyalty and honor, which makes her a skilled warrior. She proudly bears the distinction of being the first female knight in the Seven Kingdoms.

Gwendoline Christie

transparent and ethereal English actress and model Gwendoline Christie is best known for playing Brienne. She has also appeared in popular movies like Star Wars: The Last Jedi and The Force Awakens.

Christie’s height, unusual appearance, and unconventional roles made her a natural model and helped her become well-known. She has gained the respect of both critics and her contemporaries thanks to her work on stage and in films.

Shae

Tyrion Lannister’s mistress Shae, who enjoys quite the posh lifestyle in King’s Landing, is his love interest. Tyrion is initially hesitant to love, but his self-assured nature and seductive charms make him fall head over heels for her.

She eventually finds herself caught up in a convoluted betrayal. In the episode, Tyrion delivers one of the program’s most memorable monologues, which undoubtedly contributed to actor Peter Dinklage winning an Emmy.

Sibel Kekilli

Before being spotted by a casting director in Cologne who asked her to try out for a movie, Kekilli was not a well-known actress. Her career trajectory was permanently altered by this calculated move.

Sibel Kekilli may not share the motivations of her Game of Thrones character, but she has shown a wide range of emotions by expressing love, jealousy, and scorn. This German actress was discovered thanks to her discovery, and she is still negotiating with HBO productions for future performances.

Ellaria Sand

Ellaria Sand is a master of deceit when it comes to tightly controlling Dorne. Daenerys Targaryen ultimately came to hold more power as a result of her cooperation with the Sand Snakes.

Ellaria, who was vehemently seeking retribution after the brutal death of the man she loved, Prince Oberyn Martell, would do anything to see justice served. She will ultimately suffer a fate that is far worse than any of us could have imagined when she is captured by Cersei.

Indira Varma

Actress Indira Varma prefers to occasionally wear clothing for comfort wear and comfortable roles when she isn’t busy tearing apart kingdoms. She sees herself as a method actress who enjoys challenging her acting chops by taking on various roles.

Prior to Game Of Thrones, she played roles in Basic Instinct 2, Bride And Prejudice, and Exodus: Gods and Kings. She has gained praise from critics for her adaptability and commitment to her craft in a number of television and small screen roles.

Ros

The male residents of Winterfell frequently visit Ros. Numerous young nobles in the northern land have become interested in her because of her beauty and talent. Theon Greyjoy, a devoted client of the fiery redhead, is one of them.

She moved between brothels before working as a spy for a number of her customers. She was exposed and met a very cruel end at the hands of King Joffrey, which was regrettably how her time spent undercover ended.

Want to read more fun stuff? Here are Characters You Won’t Believe Are Played by the Same Actor in Side-by-Side Scenes.

Esme Bianco

Esme Bianco had experience with more risque performances in the past, which made it easier for her to understand the character of Ros.

Before branching out to take on fantasy roles in television, such as The Magicians and Star Vs. The Forces Of Evil, one of her on-screen successes was Dead Man Running. She appreciates the variety that taking on various roles affords her, as well as the opportunity to experiment with a completely different look for each one.

Yara Greyjoy

Lady Yara Greyjoy is the last surviving child and daughter of Balon Greyjoy. She was raised in Pyke and has since acquired the skills of a fierce warrior, rising to become the captain and master of her own longship, the Black Wind.

After her father’s murder, Lady Yara assumes control and lays claim to the Iron Islands. She fights back after being betrayed by her uncle with the help of a devoted band of warriors, eventually taking back the throne she thought was always rightfully hers.

Gemma Whelan

When Gemma Whelan leaves Game of Thrones to play other roles in movies and television, Yara Greyjoy hardly recognizes her. Although Greyjoy is the most well-known character she has played, she has also had roles in comedies and dramas.

Whelan continues to be devoted to two of her favorite roles, including her portrayals of Kate in Upstart Crow and Patricia Campbell on the popular television series The Crown, even as she moves from small screen to big screen roles.

Olenna Tyrell

The older matriarch of House Tyrell is Lady Olenna Tyrell, who is not a weak or frail young lady. She is equally bitter and vengeful, and she will stop at nothing to give Daenerys Targaryen the allegiance of her house.

The tongue of this Queen of Thorns is forked as well. Even the most courageous people will avoid her because of how quickly her mastery of insults can cut other characters. She was spewing poison from her bitter lips even as she lay dying.

Diana Rigg

Rigg made waves in the 1960s on the well-liked British TV series The Avengers, though audiences now know her as someone who controlled many of the levers in Westeros. She later appeared in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service with George Lazenby as a James Bond love interest on the big screen.

Diana Rigg’s typically friendly demeanor is a bit startling in light of how calculatingly manipulative Olenna Tyrell is. Before her death in September 2020, this master of her trade was a Hollywood favorite for many years, illuminating both the big and small screens.

Margaery Tyrell

Natalie Dormer, an English actress, portrays Margaery Tyrell. She expertly plays the political game by leveraging her family’s clout and her attractiveness to increase the power of House Tyrell.

Margaery is aware of what it takes to maintain her position at the top. She gained the favor of his brother Tommen soon after Joffrey Baratheon’s passing and assumed the position of Queen Consort, which infuriated Cersei.

Natalie Dormer

Natalie Dormer has contributed her time and skills to other film and television projects, such as The Hunger Games and the CBS series Elementary, when she is not attempting to conquer a kingdom. She received praise from critics for her performance in a pivotal role in the miniseries Penny Dreadful: City of Angels.

Although she frequently resembles her Game of Thrones character in some of her more recent roles, Natalie’s typical stage presence is one of smiles and a sparkle in the eye. Her career opportunities in film and television have significantly increased since the series, which is not surprising.

Arya Stark

One of those characters who draws viewers in just to witness her development is Arya Stark. She managed to escape the brutal persecution of House Stark while undergoing training to become a warrior. She is the daughter of Eddard and Catelyn Stark.

She uses her own difficult upbringing as fuel to unleash a powerful force of suffering and pain on others, particularly on those who have targeted her family. She developed into one of the most well-liked characters on the show, going from being mild and meek to a rogue assassin.

Maisie Williams

When Maisie Williams took on the role of Arya when she was just a teenager, she grew up virtually on screen. She received favorable reviews for her performance on the program, winning a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress.

The BBC science fiction series Doctor Who and the television movie Cyberbully both featured this young person with a fresh face. Williams, who is still only in her twenties, has a promising future ahead of her, regardless of the screen she decides to pursue.