Confused About Who Is Who on Game of Thrones's New Council? Here's a Breakdown

Warning: Major spoilers for the Game of Thrones series finale ahead!

The Game of Thrones ends with some major surprises, including the selection of a new king who neither won it by birthright or by conquest. In the end, it's Bran Stark who sits on the throne (though not the Iron Throne), and he gets there by the votes of a council — a first for the Seven Kingdoms. In the aftermath of the Battle of King's Landing and the death of Daenerys, a group assembles consisting of the surviving leaders of the great houses that are still standing after everything that has happened. There are some familiar faces, but also a few who don't seem like they should be there. Let's break down everyone who's seen in that scene.

A handful of the characters are there for obvious reasons. All three of the Stark children are there, including Sansa in her role as Lady of Winterfell and the de facto head of the house. Gendry appears as well, in his new role as the legitimate Lord of Storm's End and the last Baratheon, while Yara Greyjoy, back in power again, is there even after her ally Dany has died. Plus, somewhat surprisingly, Sam Tarly is back, representing his nearly-extinct house. Ser Davos sits among them, despite voicing his concerns that he doesn't actually belong there, as does Bronn (presumably now lord of Highgarden) and Ser Brienne, representing Tarth as well as sitting there on her own merits.

Among the members of the council are a few characters we haven't seen before or haven't seen in a long time. The Starks' uncle, Edmure Tully (the younger brother of their mother Catelyn), pops back up again for an awkward and hilarious moment, and Robin Arryn, all grown up, also voices his opinion. We're able to spot a young man dressed in golden clothes who, we can assume, is the new prince of Dorne. There are also a couple of older men on the council who represent minor houses who haven't played major roles in the series. It's a moment that demonstrates the future of Westeros, one decided by a group (though not exactly a democracy) rather than a single house in power.