Game of Thrones killed these 5 characters way too soon 

As a series famous for its gory surprises, Game of Thrones set the precedent for killing favorite characters with wild abandon. Although the brutality definitely imparted a measure of shock value and authenticity to the show, not all of the murders held up. Some of the characters died so suddenly that the audience couldn't help but speculate about what might have been had they lived longer.

There are quite a number whose names are still mentioned with raised eyebrows years after the series concluded. Whether they were lost potential for character development, potential in the narrative, or just emotional investment, these five characters would have contributed a lot more to the series if they had died a bit later.

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These are the 5 characters that Game of Thrones killed way too soon

1. Oberyn Martell

Oberyn Martell's demise in Season 4 remains Game of Thrones' greatest shock. A nice, deadly warrior with a highly personal motivation—retribution against those who murdered his sister Elia—Oberyn was constructed as a smart, combat-hardened, and politically astute character, hence an intriguing one for the long run. Unfortunately, his fight with Gregor Clegane ended in a gruesome death that seemed sudden, about his possible contribution to the overall political game.

His presence would have altered Dorne's trajectory within the series, but his story was suddenly halted for dramatic effect.

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2. Robb Stark

Robb Stark's murder during the infamous Red Wedding came as a surprise to everyone. As the King in the North, Robb was cemented as the key player in the rebellion against the Lannisters. His command and martial skills made him a possible contender for the Iron Throne—or a key player in Westeros's future, at least. However, his political impulsiveness in marrying Talisa in defiance of the Freys resulted in a betrayal that ravaged much of House Stark's authority.

As powerful as he was, Robb's premature death robbed Game of Thrones of an outstanding character who would have been a complete contrast to the Lannisters and added depth to the Northern plot.

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3. Ygritte

In Game of Thrones, Ygritte, the hot-headed wildling fighter and Jon Snow's love interest, was a character whose death infuriated viewers. Her hot-headed nature and complicated love life with Jon added depth to the Free Folk's storyline in the show. Ygritte's freedom, philosophy, survival, and loyalty were the polar opposite of the Night's Watch, so she functioned as a cultural bridge.

Her death during the Battle of Castle Black ruined a good potential storyline and deprived her of additional emotional development with Jon. As much influence as she has over him, her ongoing presence could have provided moral and emotional conflict throughout the entire series.

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4. Khal Drogo

The intimidating Dothraki warlord Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones would have been one of the show's lead characters after Season 1 if not for his premature death due to a poisoned wound complicated by a botched magical ritual that made it anticlimactic for someone so powerful. Daenerys' sexual tension with Drogo was the start of her transition from reserved exile to assertive leader.

If he had lived, Drogo would have been a political force and military asset to be taken into account in Daenerys's campaign for the Iron Throne. His death at the wrong time denied Daenerys a useful part of what could otherwise have been a powerful marriage.

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5. Renly Baratheon

Another early casualty was Renly Baratheon, brother of Robert and Stannis, in Season 2. Less war-weary than his brothers, Renly had a valid claim to the throne and a huge army. As if all this was not enough, Renly was charming, liberal-minded, and able to bring people together—traits that would have made him a new and powerful king.

His assassination at the hands of a shadow creature that Melisandre summoned put one of the War of the Five Kings' leading players out of business. Had he lived longer in Game of Thrones, Renly would have shaped the course of the battle for the throne by his popularity and leadership.

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Game of Thrones won the award for killing main characters off-screen but, in so doing, left an impossibly long list of "what ifs." These five characters were not victims of violence only—alone, they were victims of storytelling decisions that in so many ways shortchanged the story's potential.

For political machinations, for emotional depth, or for possible alliances, these Game of Thrones characters' premature deaths left gaping holes that were never ultimately filled.

Also read: I firmly believe that not Jon Snow but this underrated character was the real hero of Game of Thrones