Theon Greyjoy is a major antagonist in HBO drama series Game of Thrones. He is the son of Balon Greyjoy who rose in a failed rebellion against Robert Baratheon. As a result Theon was sent to be a hostage of Eddard Stark in Winterfell where he was treated well despite his position. After Eddard's death Theon was sent by his son Robb to obtain Greyjoy support in their conflict against the Lannisters which resulted in Theon betraying Robb to win his father's approval. This ultimately resulted in Theon being tortured by Ramsay Snow and redeeming himself by rescuing Robb's sister Sansa.
What Makes Him Sympathetic?[]
- It is heavily implied in a conversation with Yara they were both abused by Balon as children.
- He is deeply resentful about his position as a hostage and is mocked by multiple others including Tyrion and Ros over it.
- Despite the betrayal he genuinely loved Robb like a brother with his initial loyalty being genuine and being devastated by his death.
- He was deeply hurt when Robb told him he'd never be a stark.
- He also cared about the other starks and rescued Bran from wildlings.
- Upon returning home he is insulted and disrespected by his family and other ironborn even though the things he is getting punished for are not his fault but his father's.
- He feels deeply conflicted as he's doing his crimes and shows immense remorse for killing the two miller's boys.
- He's tortured by Ramsay to the point he loses all concept of his own idnetity and becomes an obedient slave.
- His own father shows no care for his son's fate and instead insults his manhood.
- He seems disgusted by Ramsay's sadistic and cruel nature.
- He redeems himself by rescuing Sansa and becomes a heroic character from that point on.
- He has a very sympathetic death where he gives his life to defeat the Night King and protect Bran.