Leaves Castle Black on a ranging mission beyond the Wall. Does not return as expected.

In a coma after his fall. An assassin tries to kill him but is stopped by his mother and Summer.

Reluctantly agrees to become Hand of the King after Jon Arryn's death. Concerned about the danger...

Jon Snow's albino direwolf, the runt of the litter with red eyes and silent nature.

Faces consequences on Prince Joffrey's orders after the incident with Arya and Prince Joffrey at...

The last Targaryen king, known as the Mad King, killed by Jaime Lannister during Robert's Rebellion.

Training in sword fighting with Syrio Forel, the First Sword of Braavos.

Ser Rodrik's young daughter. Serves as a companion to the Stark girls.

Eddard's elder brother, killed by the Mad King along with their father. Was betrothed to Catelyn.

Receives a letter from her sister Lysa claiming the Lannisters murdered Jon Arryn. Stays with Bran...

A guard at Winterfell, loyal to House Stark.

Beautiful golden-haired Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. Having an affair with her twin brother Jaime.

One of Khal Drogo's three bloodriders present at the wedding. Sworn to die with his khal.

Married to Khal Drogo in exchange for his army. Receives three petrified dragon eggs as a wedding...

A Lysene pleasure slave given to Daenerys as a wedding gift by Illyrio. Teaches Dany arts of love.

Cook at Winterfell. Manages the castle's kitchens and prepares meals for the household.

Veteran ranger on the ranging with Waymar Royce. Tries to warn against pursuing wildlings.

Robb Stark's direwolf, named for its speed and grey coloring.

One of Khal Drogo's three bloodriders present at the wedding. Sworn to die with his khal.

A guard in service to House Stark at Winterfell.

Simple-minded stableboy at Winterfell. Giant in size but gentle, can only say 'Hodor'.

Master of horse at Winterfell. Manages the castle's stables and horses.

Provides wedding gifts including the three dragon eggs. Fat and wealthy merchant with a golden...

A young Dothraki girl given to Daenerys as a wedding gift to serve as handmaid. Teaches Dany...

Golden-haired knight of the Kingsguard. Twin brother and secret lover of Queen Cersei. Pushes Bran...

Sansa's best friend and companion. Daughter of Vayon Poole, steward of Winterfell.

A young Dothraki girl given to Daenerys as a wedding gift to serve as handmaid. Teaches Dany...

Crown Prince with golden hair and green eyes. Cruel and spoiled, torments others for amusement.

Decides to join the Night's Watch. Leaves Winterfell with his uncle Benjen and Tyrion Lannister.

Exiled knight from Bear Island. Middle-aged, balding, and hairy. Sworn to serve Viserys.

Captain of Ned's household guard. Loyal and competent, son of the late Martyn Cassel.

Powerful Dothraki warlord with long braided hair never cut in defeat. Married to Daenerys.

Faces consequences from Eddard Stark on Queen Cersei's orders as punishment for Nymeria's attack on...

Eddard's sister, betrothed to Robert Baratheon but allegedly abducted by Rhaegar Targaryen.

Catelyn's sister, widow of Jon Arryn. Sends warning that Lannisters killed her husband.

Maester of Winterfell. Grey-haired and intelligent, serves the Stark family faithfully.

Blacksmith of Winterfell. Skilled craftsman who maintains weapons and armor for the castle.

Robert's supposed daughter, actually fathered by Jaime. Golden-haired and sweet-natured.

Driven away by Arya after biting Prince Joffrey to protect her mistress.

Ancient servant at Winterfell, over ninety years old. Tells stories of the old days and Others.

A guard at Winterfell in service to House Stark.

One of Khal Drogo's three bloodriders present at the wedding. Sworn to die with his khal.

Crown Prince and heir to the Mad King, killed by Robert Baratheon at the Battle of the Trident.

Eddard's father and former Lord of Winterfell, burned alive by the Mad King.

Youngest Stark child at three years old. Wild and difficult to control.

Eldest Stark son with auburn hair. Takes charge of Winterfell when his parents leave.

Names Ned Stark as Hand of the King. Deeply in debt to the Lannisters and others.

Master-at-arms of Winterfell, an old knight with white whiskers who trains the Stark children.

Huge warrior with terrible burn scars on his face. Joffrey's sworn shield, not a knight.

Infatuated with Prince Joffrey and life at court. Sides with Joffrey after he's attacked by Arya.

Septa who serves as governess to Sansa and Arya. Tries to teach them proper ladylike behavior.

Master-at-arms of Winterfell. White-whiskered knight who trained the Stark children in combat.

Young lordling ranger killed by White Walkers in the prologue. Arrogant but brave.

A knight who served House Targaryen and raised Daenerys and Viserys in exile. Died when Dany was...

Rickon Stark's direwolf, black with green eyes and the most aggressive of the pack.

Kills the assassin who tried to murder Bran, protecting his master.

Former First Sword of Braavos, now teaching Arya Stark the water dance style of swordplay.

Ward of Eddard Stark, taken as a boy after his father's rebellion. Cocky and ambitious.

Robert's supposed youngest son, actually fathered by Jaime. Gentle and plump child.

Dwarf with mismatched eyes and white-blond hair. Sharp wit and love of books compensate for his...

Steward of Winterfell, serving Lord Eddard Stark faithfully.

Sells his sister to Khal Drogo for an army. Growing impatient and disrespectful to the Dothraki.

Deserted the Night's Watch after seeing White Walkers. Executed by Ned Stark for desertion.

A guard serving House Stark at Winterfell.

Wandering crow of the Night's Watch who recruits men for the Wall. Gruff and experienced ranger.