Finally, considering the nature of Game of Thrones, are the tossups. Given this is a show where fantasy tropes are subverted and anything can happen, you can’t be sure whether these figures will live or die in the final season. Besides, since we’re getting close to the end, main character plot armor may not be as reliable as in earlier seasons. Hell, even the characters I’ve guessed could live or die may not face their predicted fate. Seriously, who knows what will happen. Though as they say in Hamilton, you have no control who lives, who dies, who tells your story.

Tormund Giantsbane– as the last real leader of the free folk, Tormund needs to survive to bring them into a new time of peace and prosperity and romance Brienne of Tarth. As a savagely fierce warrior, Tormund has fought tooth and nail against the wights beyond the Wall. But it’s also thoroughly fitting for Tormund to die in battle alongside Jon Snow, the man he’s chosen to follow. Since fighting’s what he knows best and there’s little for him in a ruined world. Hell, we’re not sure if he survived the Night King’s break through the Wall. Since he was last seen standing atop of it. Either way, he’s come painfully close to death plenty of times before. So it can be either way.

Bronn– as his world’s Han Solo with less moral scruples, he’s a survivor who’s got a knack for picking a winning side in a fight while managing to remain likeable, it would be nice to see him get his own dream castle. However, given how Season 8 will be the show’s most dangerous, it’s a bad time to be a mercenary since a lack of loyalty on one side for money will come back to bite him. One mistake and it can be his life. But since he genuinely cares about others, he’ll be back fighting for the right side no matter how much he’d complain about it or say otherwise. Above all else, Bronn is a man who loves to fight which he’s best at. He may not get his castle (since there won’t be many left by the end), but dying with a sword in his hand seems like a good consolation prize. Nonetheless, even if he fights the wrong side, we’d like to see him live.

Sandor “The Hound” Clegane– from child-killing Lannister lackey to stalwart defender of the living, The Hound has changed more than almost any character on Game of Thrones. Given his figurative “death” in Season 4 and all the hardships he’s suffered, it would be nice to see him enjoy a peaceful retirement. Assuming if he survives the White Walkers and his undead brother the Mountain. But now he’s weary of the battles he’s had to fight and the people he’s had to fight them for. While there are few people he genuinely cares about, it would make more sense for him to die on the battlefield. Since he may not have a purpose once his brother dies. Though it would be nice for him to have some happiness in his life.

Brienne of Tarth– as one of the most loyal and honorable characters who will be on the front battle lines against the White Walkers, defending her charges from harm with her fighting prowess and her Valyrian steel sword. Though she’s already filled her purpose in protecting the Stark sisters. On one hand, being noble and true can get you killed on Game of Thrones. On the other hand, since Brienne is so self-sacrificing, killing her off would be a low blow. Besides letting her live will give the opportunity for Jamie Lannister to die in the arms of the woman he platonically loves. Also, I’d like to see her marry Tormund Giantsbane.

Daenerys Targaryen– as the only character with dragons, she will be an integral part of whatever plan of the living make to take down the army of the dead. Since this is Game of Thrones, the plan won’t go off without a hitch. People close to Daenerys will die and she will be in constant danger. But will the White Walkers take down the Mother of Dragons herself? Given that the show has a reputation of killing off characters who seem like heroes. After all, anyone can go away at any moment.

Jon Snow (Aegon Targaryen)– now that he’s been revealed as Aegon Targaryen, he’ll certainly be important in the endgame. But will he get to rule the Seven Kingdoms or will he nobly die to prevent the Night King from obliterating humanity? Now it’s probably a given that he’ll marry and have a child with Daenerys. Yet, Jon has no problem throwing himself into battle, no matter who the enemy is. From the moment he joined the Night’s Watch, he’s been in dangerous situations every other minute of his life. Since he’s a tested battle commander with more experience fighting White Walkers than anyone living and knows it’s the right thing to do, Jon will lead the army of the living against the army of the dead. Given his plot armor as one of the main characters, he may survive the wars as they come. But his importance to the plot hasn’t always saved him. After all, if it weren’t for Melisandre’s magic, Jon would’ve ended up 6 feet under in Castle Black’s cemetery. And as we get close to the end, Jon’s plot armor may not be as effective as it used to be. Even if he survives the battle, there’s no guarantee he’ll survive the scramble for leadership that will follow. Even more than his uncle, Jon has always tried doing things honorably. And we know how that worked out for Ned. Then again, maybe he’ll combine his claim with Daenerys and let her handle Cersei so he won’t have to die. Of course, given that it’s Game of Thrones, we know nothing.

Drogon– since hatching from a dragon egg, Drogon has taken part in some of the most important moments of Daenerys’ journey. Since he’s shared a tender moment with Jon Snow after Viscerion’s death, he’s more than a one-dimensional death machine. Drogon and Rhaegal are Westeros’ best hopes for surviving the coming war with the White Walkers. Since things will have to get worse before they get better, one of them may have to go. And given that Drogon is Jon and Dany’s biggest weapon, odds don’t look good.

Rhaegal– while Drogon got to do all the exciting stuff, Rhaegal usually played second fiddle with his brother Viscerion. If Drogon falls to the White Walkers, Rhaegal can step up to the plate and help Daenerys and Westeros in dire need. But even if he survives the war, his future in a post-Night King Westeros could be in doubt.

Ghost– sure he hasn’t been seen since the start of Season 6, but he’s implied to be alive though not at his master Jon’s side. Yes, money could be a reason but CGI dragons cost a lot while we’ve seen Arya meet up with Nymeria and her family. Though if a character isn’t on the show, can he really be killed? Let’s hope not. Still, killed or not, expect him to have at least some heroic moments on-screen.

Davos Seaworth– he’s been clear he’s not a fighter. He’s also an old man and doesn’t have all his digits (or at least finger ends), which makes him less likely to survive the carnage. But with the Night King and his army marching, the Onion Knight may not have a choice but to get the sword and go right at it. Sure he may enjoy Daenerys’ and Jon Snow’s protection as one of Jon’s closest advisors. But the army of the dead won’t care. Should Winterfell fall, Davos may sacrifice himself should things go south, noble soul he is. Since there will be heartbreaking deaths in the series, it’s likely his will tug at the viewers’ heartstrings. And there will be plenty of opportunities for him to bite the dust. Still, it’s possible Davos could survive since he’s lived through the deaths of the 2 men he’s chosen to follow. As the wizened adviser, if he lives, he can go on as Jon or Dany’s right-hand man.

Arya Stark– a trailblazing in the high stakes world of reparation and murder, a connoisseur of vigilante justice, and a stone-cold, blood-lusting assassin with serious moves. But more importantly, she’s a young woman with a big heart who’s suffered through more loss and pain than most people will deal with in a lifetime. Such losses have left her lost, scared, and forced to carve her own way in the world with little or no guidance from anyone who could’ve served as a nurturing influence in her life. Losing her dad Ned, her mother Catelyn, and her brother Robb have affected Arya deeply and set her on a dark, dangerous path to no return. But when faced with the choice of vengeance or return home, she went back to Winterfell. Sure, she’ll take down a few more. But her arc is about a loss of identity and by prioritizing family, she gave herself a new beginning, not an end. It seems downright foolish to kill her off when she’s got a whole new world of potential. Besides, given that she’s led a life of violence, there are 2 outcomes: either she falls by the sword or settles down to a quiet life and starts a family. As of Season 7, she seems heading toward the latter, especially given that Nymeria’s leading her own pack and that Gendry’s back. On the other hand, given that she puts herself through the most dangerous situations, she also has the least purpose in a post-war Westeros world, aside from having a family with Gendry. So if another Stark child has to die, it will probably be her.

Podrick Payne– squire to the rich and famous, he’s a magical instrument of pleasure. Podrick may not be overly clever, great with a sword, or even chatty, but he must be doing something right. Since he’s made it to the final season. Lately, he’s been following Brienne while she’s smacked the crap out of him. Besides, he’s so good-natured, affable, and kind-hearted, that we can’t think of who’d want to hurt this guy. Okay, everyone. Still, chances are he’ll survive and get his knighthood, but barely. But once Brienne returns to Winterfell, he’ll be facing the army of the dead and unlike her, he won’t have a Valyrian steel sword to protect himself. So killing him off might make more sense, especially given his ineptitude on the battlefield as well as tug at fans’ emotional heartstrings.

Yara Greyjoy– since Season 7, she’s been her uncle Euron’s prisoner and is in a lot of danger. So we’ll have to hope that Theon rescues her soon (despite that he’s headed in the wrong direction and that he failed the first time he tried due to PTSD). Then again, she might be dead already since she’s a threat to Euron’s rule. Yet, seeing that seeing Euron emerge victorious is too nightmarish and that Theon seems destined for heroic sacrifice, Yara could be the one Greyjoy to make it out alive.

Daario Naharis– now that he’s no longer in a relationship with Daenerys, I don’t see him appearing in the show anytime soon. He’ll live since he’ll be running Meereen with the Second Sons, anyway. On the other hand, since Cersei has enlisted the help of the Golden Company from the East and the Second Sons wouldn’t let them invade Westeros unchallenged. So Daario may join the fray with his own band of mercenaries and he may not survive it.

Hot Pie– the only way he’ll die would be if the army of the dead ransacks the Crossroads Inn and kills everyone there. Still, he probably won’t appear in Season 8 at all. Then again, since the Crossroads Inn is along the Kingsroad in the Riverlands, he’s not really out of the woods. Besides, he doesn’t have any impact on the story anymore.