Tyrion Lannister is a pivotal character in HBO's "Game of Thrones" series. Often called an imp or a halfling as a manner of insult, Tyrion has cultivated his political and intellectual abilities to make up for the height he lacks due to being a little person.
Tyrion's unique skill set significantly differentiates him from other characters. He is quick-witted but can never hide his shortness, which is seen as a matter of shame in Westeros.
Penchant for Underdogs
Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) confesses to having a penchant for underdogs due to his own background. This mentality allows him to speak with characters in all levels of society--individuals that other nobles might disregard. Beyond relating more to various types of individuals, this genuine affection causes Tyrion to create bonds with characters that might otherwise avoid him.
This is particularly true in his interactions with Bran Stark (Isaac Hempstead Wright). When Bran loses the use of his legs due to a fall from a tower, Tyrion provides him with a design for a special saddle that will enable him to remain on a horse and ride.
Family Motto
The Lannister family motto is: "A Lannister always pays his debts." Tyrion rides on this reputation and often makes this pronouncement when money can earn him his goal. Tyrion also upholds his family's reputation by making good on the promise.
Tyrion invoked the family motto when taken hostage and imprisoned at the Eyrie, Arryn stronghold of the Vale. While imprisoned there, Tyrion's coin purse was taken. He promised jailer Mord that "a Lannister always pays his debts," and once he retrieved the coin pouch after earning freedom, he reminded everyone of the motto and tossed the entire bag of coin to Mord.
Political Expertise
Tyrion is sometimes a trickster, but his occasional moments of self-deprecation and effacing honesty hold the attention of other characters in "Game of Thrones." When working for his own benefit, Tyrion often mentions that he is not favored by his father, making himself appear slightly more vested in the interests of other houses than that of his own.
When the army of Winterfell chases that of the Lannisters, Tyrion arrives with tribal armies who have agreed to fight in exchange for weapons and territory. While others might have overlooked such allies, Tyrion made a deal that ultimately helped earn him his father's respect.
In such a way, Tyrion makes tactical and political decisions based on advantages that enemies overlook.
Romance
From the beginning of the series, it is clear that Tyrion enjoys purchasing prostitutes' time. It is at first easy to assume that he does this because he's considered deformed and he has a hefty amount of coin. He selects prostitutes that treat him with a special kindness.
At war camp, Tyrion drunkenly reveals that his brother set him up with a whore so that he could lose his virginity. When he became attached to the female, it was disallowed as he was a noble. This heartbreak has enabled him to seek comfort and companionship from prostitutes, further asserting his comfort with individuals otherwise rejected by 'normal' society.
In these respects, Tyrion uses what he has (and lacks) to gain what he wants out of every situation. Though his weaknesses are obvious, he reveals and withholds the psychology behind him depending on whether it proves advantageous for him.
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