Varys is the MVP of both Westeros and Game of Thrones. He doesn't covet the Crown, which paradoxically makes him one of the few people who can be trusted with such overwhelming power. Varys navigates his way through King's Landing, Essos, Dorne, Dragonstone, and Winterfell, collecting and redeploying stray bits of gossip to further his humanitarian goals.
Unfortunately, Varys' misplaced conviction led to his immolation in the final season. Before his death, however, he dedicates every waking moment in service to the realm. Varys would have unquestionably "ruled [as] wisely and well" as Jon Snow, but Westeros' regressive attitudes toward gender effectively prevent him from sitting on the Iron Throne.
10 Varys Tries His Best To Counsel King Aerys II Targaryen
Varys has been "whispering in the ears of Kings" since the reign of Aerys II. He serves House Targaryen for an undisclosed duration before shifting his loyalties to Robert Baratheon. Although Varys has every reason to abandon his employer, he sticks with the Mad King until the bitter end.
He cautions Aerys against Tywin Lannister, claiming that the Hand doesn't have the King's best interests at heart. Jaime endorses Varys' judgment call, but Aerys gleefully dismisses them and welcomes Tywin into King's Landing with open arms. Varys may not have the authority to make such significant decisions, but he's smart enough to distinguish between faith and folly.
9 He Warns Ned Stark Against Taking Unnecessary Risks
Varys is among the first people to recognize Ned Stark's incomparable sincerity, which is why he warns the Lord of Winterfell to avoid the political maelstrom within the Red Keep. When Ned wonders about Jon Arryn's assassination, Varys candidly states that the former Hand "started asking questions." Ignoring Varys' sensible advice, Ned openly accuses Cersei Lannister of infidelity.
The Queen retaliates by imprisoning the new Hand on clearly fabricated charges of sedition. Luckily, Varys convinces Ned to confess his alleged crimes and take the black, citing Sansa's safety as the main reason. Despite his attempts, Varys is ultimately unable to save Ned from the executioner's ax.
8 Varys Saves Tyrion Lannister From The Brink Of Despair
After Oberyn Martell's death, Varys quickly formulates an escape plan for the doomed Tyrion Lannister. He loads his inconsolable friend into a shipping crate headed for Pentos, protecting him from Cersei's wrath. For his part, Tyrion refuses to acknowledge Varys' incredible gallantry, drowning his sorrows in a goblet of wine.
Varys gently reassures Tyrion, claiming he has the power to "make [Westeros] a better place." The two exiles eventually head to Meereen, where Daenerys semi-grudgingly integrates them into her Small Council. Tyrion owes almost everything to Varys, even if he betrays him in the end.
7 He Establishes A Highly Efficient Spy Network
The history of espionage is probably as old as the institution of monarchy, if not older. Westeros has seen numerous spymasters come and go, including Mysaria in House of the Dragon. Meanwhile, Varys is considerably more accomplished than his predecessors, given that he serves four separate rulers throughout his distinguished career.
He establishes an extensive network of secret operatives across Westeros and Essos, most of whom are small children. Varys refers to these children as "little birds," and treats them with compassion and dignity. That said, nobody knows how or when he began collecting information from his spies.
6 Varys Shrewdly Counters Littlefinger's Machinations
Varys and Petyr Baelish are two sides of the same coin. While they're equally ingenious, witty, and perceptive, Littlefinger doesn't care for concepts like honesty, empathy, and decency. Varys takes it upon himself to counter Baelish's self-centered machinations, usually to great effect.
These two often find themselves at an impasse – Littlefinger and Varys expose their political rival's weak points, which keeps them from moving against each other. At the same time, it can be argued that Varys effectively hinders Littlefinger's schemes. Baelish would have likely brought the Seven Kingdoms to ruin without Varys holding him back.
5 He Crafts An Alliance Between Daenerys, Olenna, And Ellaria
Daenerys Targaryen possesses the firepower to seize King's Landing by force, but she'd rather achieve her goals through peaceful methods. Daenerys stubbornly insists that she's "not here to be Queen of the ashes." As such, Varys invokes an alliance between Houses Highgarden, Martell, and Targaryen.
He meets with Olenna Tyrell and Ellaria Sandin Sunspear, where he proposes a symbiotic coalition. Daenerys secures unequivocal support from Westerosi kingdoms like Dorne and the Reach, consequently strengthening her claim to the Iron Throne. Unfortunately, this alliance collapses long before the Night King invades Westeros.
4 Varys Challenges Queen Daenerys With A Smile On His Face
Daenerys displays the first symptoms of Targaryen Madness when she begins mistrusting her inner circle. She coldly denounces Varys' allegiance — "if he dislikes one monarch, he conspires to crown the next one." Although Daenerys is right to question his integrity, Varys merely observes that "incompetence should not be rewarded with blind loyalty."
The Master of Whispers firmly declares that his "true loyalties lie not with any King or Queen, but with the people [...] who suffer under despots and prosper under just rule." Daenerys is taken by surprise, but she accepts Varys' criticism with an open mind.
3 Varys Realizes What Daenerys Is Capable Of
Winterfell celebrates the end of the Long Night with a raucous victory party. The Lords and Ladies of the North hail Jon Snow's achievements, leaving Daenerys to ruminate on the consequences. She realizes that the people of Westeros would instantly withdraw their support if they were to discover the truth behind Jon's parentage.
Daenerys takes a turn for the worse upon Rhaegal's death, swearing an oath of fiery vengeance against Cersei. Varys helps the Queen regain her composure, imploring her not to "become what [she had] always struggled to defeat." Although his pleas are successful, Varys loses faith in Daenerys after this point.
2 He Subtly Shifts His Allegiance To Jon Snow
Jon Snow's secret threatens to disturb the political balance of Westeros, even if he's Rhaegar Targaryen's trueborn son. This partly explains why he "bends the knee" to Daenerys. On the other hand, Sansa and Arya want their brother/cousin to embrace his legal legacy, meaning that the North would never fully submit to Daenerys.
Varys is painfully aware of the conflict that might arise between Daenerys and Jon Snow, so he subtly pledges fealty to the rightful heir. However, Jon angrily disregards his concerns and walks away. Varys is subsequently branded a traitor and sentenced to death by dragon flame.
1 His Unimpeachable Devotion To The Realm
No person in the Seven Kingdoms is more dedicated to the welfare of the realm than Varys, a man who isn't even from Westeros. Every single one of his thoughts, deeds, and actions is geared toward the betterment of the common folk.
When Tyrion tries to dissuade his friend in Season 8, Varys reminds him that the Iron Throne and its occupants are inconsequential — the only ones who matter are the nameless, faceless inhabitants of Westeros. All of them "deserve to live, they deserve food for their children," and, most of all, they deserve a ruler who genuinely cares about them. Varys staunchly refuses to change his mind, "no matter the personal cost."