A cruel knight in service to House Lannister, known for his brutality.

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

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

Young knight serving as Robert's squire. Blonde and eager to please.

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

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

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

Master-at-arms of the Red Keep. Dornish knight responsible for training and weapons.

Disapproves of Jaime's attack on Ned in the streets. Maintains honor even in difficult times.

Young knight from Highgarden, famous for his skill in tournaments. Handsome and popular at court.

Young Lannister cousin serving as a squire at court. Quiet and dutiful.

Visits Ned in the throne room, speaking in riddles about serving the realm.

A knight of House Marbrand, serves as a commander in Tywin Lannister's army.

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

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

Lady of Highgarden, wife to Lord Mace Tyrell.

A knight of House Royce from the Vale, competing in the Hand's Tournament.

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

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

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

A skilled knight from the Stormlands participating in the Hand's Tournament.

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.

One of Walder Frey's bastard sons, distinguished by his dark demeanor. Bears the bastard surname...

Lord Steward of the Night's Watch. Manages the supplies and provisions of Castle Black.

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

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

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

Captures Tyrion Lannister at the inn, believing he tried to kill Bran. Taking him to the Eyrie for...

A guard at Winterfell, loyal to House Stark.

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

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...

A member of House Frey participating in the Hand's Tournament.

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.

A knight from House Waynwood in the Vale, participating in the tournament.

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

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

Pessimistic steward known for his gloomy outlook and dry humor. Makes everything sound worse than...

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.

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.

Second son of Lord Mace Tyrell, known for his skill with a sword.

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'.

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

Takes his vows and becomes a ranger. Remains loyal to Jon despite their different assignments.

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.

One of the Redwyne twins, nicknamed 'Slobber' by the court. Participates in the Hand's Tournament.

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

One of the Redwyne twins, nicknamed 'Horror' by the court. Participates in the Hand's Tournament.

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...

Attacks Ned Stark in the streets of King's Landing after learning Tyrion was captured.

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

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

One of Walder Frey's many sons present at the Twins. Part of the large Frey household.

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.

Training at Castle Black under Ser Alliser Thorne's harsh instruction. Making friends with Sam...

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

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

Confronts Jaime Lannister during the street fight in King's Landing.

A knight from House Vance competing in the Hand's Tournament.

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...

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

A man-at-arms present at the Inn of the Crossroads when Catelyn confronts Tyrion. Supports her...

One of Walder Frey's sons, called 'Lame Lothar' due to his twisted leg. Known for his cunning and...

A freerider competing in the Hand's Tournament, later known as 'Lothor Apple-Eater'.

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

A knight of House Corbray participating in the Hand's Tournament.

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

Lord of Highgarden and Warden of the South, father to Ser Loras Tyrell.

Ancient blind maester of Castle Black. Very old and wise, respected by all at the Wall.

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.

Daughter of Lord Mace Tyrell, sister to Ser Loras.

Handsome singer at the inn who joins Catelyn's party to the Vale for glory and songs.

Innkeeper of the Inn of the Crossroads. A plump woman who runs the busy inn where many travelers...

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.

A man-at-arms present at the Inn of the Crossroads. Joins Catelyn in confronting Tyrion Lannister.

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

Orange-haired steward of the Night's Watch. One of the support staff at Castle Black.

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

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.

Dowager Lady of Highgarden, mother to Lord Mace Tyrell, known for her sharp wit.

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

First Builder of the Night's Watch. Oversees all construction and maintenance at Castle Black.

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

Lord of the Arbor, commands a great fleet and produces the finest wines in Westeros.

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

A guard at Winterfell in service to House Stark.

Takes his vows with Jon and becomes a steward. Continues to be Jon's loyal friend.

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

Lord of Horn Hill, father to Samwell Tarly, known as one of the finest military commanders in...

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

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

Son of Aenys Frey and great-grandson of Lord Walder. A young member of the extensive Frey family.

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.

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.

Extremely overweight new recruit to the Night's Watch. Cowardly but intelligent and kind.

Tells Sansa how his brother Gregor burned his face as a child. Hates knights and hypocrites.

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

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

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

The septon of Castle Black, usually drunk on wine. Performs religious ceremonies for the Watch.

Son of Stevron Frey and grandson of Lord Walder. A knight of House Frey present at the Twins.

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...

One of Walder Frey's sons, married to Genna Lannister. This marriage ties House Frey to the...

Massive knight, nearly eight feet tall. Sandor's older brother who burned his face as a child.

One of Walder Frey's sons, known for his large size and aggressive nature. A formidable knight of...

Faces Gregor Clegane in the Hand's Tournament, possibly to prevent him from revealing Jon Arryn's...

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

Kingsguard knight known for his cruelty and lack of honor. Follows orders without question.

One of the more courteous and decent members of House Frey. Shows more honor than most of his kin.

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.

Walder Frey's eldest son and heir. Over sixty years old but still waiting to inherit. Somewhat more...

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...

A knight staying at the Inn of the Crossroads when Catelyn encounters Tyrion. Answers Catelyn's...

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

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.

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.

A red priest from Myr, serves at the royal court and fights in tournaments with a flaming sword.

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

Steward of the Night's Watch. Has difficulty speaking clearly, hence his nickname.

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

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

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

A knight competing in the Hand's Tournament.

Captured by Catelyn Stark at the inn. Accused of attempting to murder 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.

Ancient Lord of the Crossing and the Twins. Nearly ninety years old with a sharp tongue and bitter...

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

Eldest son of Lord Mace Tyrell, crippled in a tourney joust.

A guard serving House Stark at Winterfell.

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