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

A lady of House Dayne, rumored to have had a relationship with Eddard Stark. Died tragically.

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

All three of her children are actually Jaime's, not Robert's. Deeply protective of them.

Prince of Dorne, mentioned as one of the great lords Robert might rally to his cause.

Discovers the truth about Cersei's children - they are Jaime's, not Robert's. Beginning to uncover...

Robert's acknowledged bastard son, raised as a ward at Storm's End.

Rhaegar Targaryen's wife from Dorne, killed during the Sack of King's Landing.

Robert's unacknowledged bastard son working as a smith's apprentice in King's Landing.

Former Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, known as 'The White Bull'.

Reveals information about Jon Arryn's investigations into Robert's bastards and the royal children.

Commander of the City Watch (Gold Cloaks). Corrupt and ambitious, takes bribes from various...

A former member of the Kingsguard who served the Targaryens, now deceased.

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

A prince of Dorne who served in the Kingsguard under Aerys II.

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

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

A former member of the Kingsguard who served under King Aerys II.

Shireen's fool at Dragonstone. Half-mad survivor of a shipwreck, speaks in riddles.

Master of Coin on the Small Council. Small man with pointed beard and grey-green eyes. Owns...

Lord of Darry in the Riverlands, a supporter of House Targaryen.

Robert's youngest brother, Lord of Storm's End. Handsome and popular at court.

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

Queen and wife to King Aerys II, mother of Rhaegar, Viserys, and Daenerys.

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

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

Stannis Baratheon's wife from House Florent. Stern and devoted to the Lord of Light.

Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. White-haired veteran knight with an impeccable reputation.

Former squire to Jon Arryn who was recently knighted. Young and newly wealthy.

King's Justice and royal executioner. Silent and grim, had his tongue torn out by Aerys II...

Stannis and Selyse's young daughter. Scarred by greyscale but intelligent and kind.

Robert's middle brother, Lord of Dragonstone. Fled King's Landing before Robert's death.

Master armorer in King's Landing. One of the few who can work Valyrian steel.

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

Master of Whisperers, a perfumed eunuch with a bald head. Has spies everywhere called 'little...

Builder recruit at Castle Black. Part of the training group under Ser Alliser.

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

An old black tomcat in the Red Keep, named after the great dragon Balerion the Black Dread.

Infant bastard daughter of Robert, born to a prostitute in one of Littlefinger's brothels.

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

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

Awakens from his coma but has no memory of the fall. Cannot use his legs.

Captain of the ship that brought Daenerys and Viserys from Pentos to meet Khal Drogo.

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

A guard at Winterfell, loyal to House Stark.

A woman from the Summer Islands who owns an upscale brothel in King's Landing.

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

Night's Watch recruit training at Castle Black. One of the boys in Jon's training group.

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

Former singer from Oldtown who joined the Night's Watch. Handsome and vain, accused of rape.

A guard at Riverrun, part of the castle's security force serving House Tully.

One-armed blacksmith of Castle Black. Lost his arm serving Robert Baratheon in battle.

Teaches Daenerys about pleasing a man and gaining power through intimacy. From Lys across the sea.

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.

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

Large, strong but slow-witted recruit who becomes Jon's friend. Good-hearted despite his size.

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.

Recruit training to be a builder. One of the boys who picked on Sam before Jon intervened.

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...

An exiled prince from the Summer Islands, now at the court in King's Landing.

Lord Commander of the Night's Watch. Gruff but fair, commands respect from his men.

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

A ko (lieutenant) in Khal Drogo's khalasar. Commands part of the great horde.

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.

Shifts his loyalty from Viserys to Daenerys. Secretly reporting to Varys for a pardon.

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

Recruit at Castle Black training alongside Jon and the other new brothers.

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

Lady of Harrenhal, the cursed castle in the Riverlands. Rules the massive fortress with its dark...

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

Cares for Bran after his fall, helping him adjust to his disability with patience and wisdom.

Maester of Riverrun, serving House Tully. Provides counsel and medical care to the Tully household.

A slave master who taught Daenerys how to ride horses in preparation for her Dothraki life.

Night's Watch recruit training at Castle Black alongside Jon and the others.

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

The court fool at King's Landing, known for his jests and antics.

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

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 ko (lieutenant) in Khal Drogo's khalasar. Commands part of the great horde.

A guard at Winterfell in service to House Stark.

Former mummer who became Jon's friend at Castle Black. Quick-witted and good-humored.

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

Cruel and vicious recruit who particularly enjoys tormenting Sam. Jon's enemy at Castle Black.

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.

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

A Lysene pirate captain mentioned in the capital.

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.

Former knight who fought for the Mad King. Bitter about being sent to the Wall after defeat.

Master-at-arms of Riverrun, sworn to House Tully. A seasoned knight responsible for training and...

Captain of the guards at Riverrun, responsible for castle security and defense. A loyal knight to...

Accompanies Catelyn to King's Landing to investigate the Valyrian steel dagger.

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.

Chief cook at Castle Black. Lost two fingers but makes hearty meals for the Night's Watch.

Night's Watch recruit training alongside Jon. Part of the group that initially bullied Sam.

At the Wall, showing kindness to Jon Snow and designing a special saddle for Bran.

Steward of Riverrun, managing the day-to-day operations of the castle. A trusted servant of House...

Steward of Winterfell, serving Lord Eddard Stark faithfully.

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

One of Lord Walder Frey's grandsons, fostered at Winterfell as a ward.

One of Lord Walder Frey's great-grandsons, fostered at Winterfell as a ward.

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.