The Game of Thrones character ages has been a big question since the beginning of the series as it differs significantly from George R.R. Martin’s books. As with most shows, the Game of Thrones actors age faster than the characters with many eventually being quite a lot older than their characters by the end of the show, and this was especially obvious in the case of the teenage actors. While far from the biggest problem Game of Thrones‘ later seasons faced, this phenomenon did create some confusion and inconsistency with regard to how old each character was supposed to be.

Matters surrounding the Game of Thrones character ages were complicated further by certain fan favorites varying considerably in age compared to their original book counterparts. Despite being a fantasy story, the Game of Thrones world heavily draws from 15th-century history, and this was a time when people married, fought, reproduced, and died at a much younger age than they do now. By the end of Game of Thrones, it was hard to determine how old each of the main characters was meant to be and how it compared to their book counterparts.

Jon Snow – 16 Years Old

Book Age: 14

Beginning his quest into manhood by joining the Night’s Watch, Jon Snow is 16 when Game of Thrones begins. Around 7 years pass over the course of the TV series, which means Jon would be in his mid-20s by the time of the series finale while Harington was 33 years old by the time the show ended. With Harington’s age and the many experiences Jon Snow faced over the course of the series, including dying and being resurrected, he seemed older.

Jon actually has one of the smaller age differences compared to the books, as he is 14 at the beginning of the story. However, even that small difference helps to accept Jon’s petulant attitude in the early seasons.

Daenerys Targaryen – 16 Years Old

Book Age: 13

The relative Game of Thrones character ages of Daenerys Targaryen closely mirror those of Jon Snow. Although she is 13 in the novels when she is married off to Khal Drogo, the show rightfully saw the problematic nature of depicting such a young character in those situations in the early seasons. She was aged up to be 16 in the series which didn’t take away from the impact of her journey.

Daenerys would then be 23 when she is killed by Jon Snow in the Game of Thrones finale and her body was carried away by Drogon. However, the younger age might have made her eventual dark turn more tragic. Like her costar Kit Harrington, Emilia Clarke was 25 when Game of Thrones debuted and was 33 years old when the show ended.

Tyrion Lannister – 32 Years Old

Book Age: 24

Tyrion’s age is one of the more confounding among the Game of Thrones character ages because he is confirmed to be the youngest of the Lannister children, but Peter Dinklage is older than both Lena Headey and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau. In the show, he is depicted as being 32 years old at the start of Game of Thrones and nearing 40 when the show ended.

On the other hand, Peter Dinklage was 42 years old when the series began and 50 by the time it was over. To further complicate Tyrion’s age, his book counterpart is 24 at the beginning of the story, making for one of the more substantial age differences. However, Dinklage’s older stature gives Tyrion a sense of experience and wisdom.