Makes Jon Snow his personal steward, grooming him for leadership.

Makes a shocking decision at the Sept of Baelor despite promises of mercy, shocking even his mother...

Saves Lord Commander Mormont from a wight attack. Badly burns his hand in the process.

Shows unexpected protection of Sansa, stopping her from pushing Joffrey to his death.

Forced to witness terrible events at the Sept of Baelor. Joffrey torments her cruelly.

Threatens Sansa on Joffrey's behalf, showing his willingness to intimidate children.

Drunken knight saved from execution by Sansa's intervention. Made Joffrey's fool instead.

Strikes Sansa on Joffrey's orders, showing his willingness to harm innocents.

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.

A young Dothraki who serves Daenerys. One of her growing group of loyal followers.

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

Lady of Highgarden, wife to Lord Mace Tyrell.

Brutal officer of the City Watch who kills Robert's bastard daughter Barra and her mother.

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

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

Daughter of Prince Doran Martell, heir to Sunspear.

Present at the Sept of Baelor during a shocking event. Yoren of the Night's Watch protects her.

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.

Targeted by gold cloaks on Joffrey's orders during the crackdown on Robert's bastards.

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

Young lord of Blackhaven in the Stormlands, sent by Ned Stark to bring Gregor Clegane to justice.

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.

Having strange dreams where he sees through Summer's eyes. The three-eyed crow calls to him.

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

Lord of Nightsong in the Stormlands.

Catelyn's uncle, brother to Hoster Tully. Experienced knight and military commander.

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

At Riverrun with Robb's war council. Her father Lord Hoster Tully is dying.

A guard at Winterfell, loyal to House Stark.

Lord of Claw Isle, a Targaryen loyalist house in the Crownlands.

Has Robert mortally wounded during his hunt. Takes control as Queen Regent for Joffrey.

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

Leads her Black Ears warriors in battle for Tyrion and the Lannisters.

Maester Aemon's elderly steward. Helps the blind maester with his daily needs and duties.

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

Fights alongside other clansmen in battle for the Lannisters.

Castellan of Storm's End, loyal to the Baratheon line.

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

Maege Mormont's eldest daughter. Tall and strong, fights with her mother's forces.

Viserys receives his promised 'crown' from Khal Drogo. Khal Drogo promises to conquer Westeros for...

Lord of Ashemark in the Westerlands.

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.

Skilled smith who repairs weapons and armor. Knows the Baratheon brothers well from his past...

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.

Faces judgment at the Sept of Baelor after confessing to treason to save his daughters.

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

Catelyn's younger brother, heir to Riverrun. Auburn-haired and well-meaning but impulsive.

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.

A young Lhazareen girl saved by Daenerys from Dothraki rapists during the raid on her village.

A knight of House Prester, serves in Tywin Lannister's army.

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.

Lord of the Crag in the Westerlands.

Taken by Yoren to join the Night's Watch, fleeing the gold cloaks hunting Robert's bastards.

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.

Supports Joffrey's claim to the throne. Reveals his true loyalty lies with House Lannister.

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

Lady Lysa's personal maid at the Eyrie.

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

A pious lord from the Stormlands known for his devotion to the Faith.

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 knight of House Swyft from Cornfield in the Westerlands.

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.

Lord of Riverrun and Catelyn's father. Old and dying, but still maintains his authority.

Baker's boy from King's Landing recruited by Yoren for the Night's Watch.

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...

Leading Lannister forces in the Riverlands. Defeated and captured by Robb Stark at the Whispering...

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

Orders the killing of Robert's bastard children throughout King's Landing on Joffrey's command.

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

Screaming hysterically during the Lannister takeover. Fate unknown after father's death.

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...

A young Dothraki who serves Daenerys. One of her growing group of loyal followers.

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

Saves Daenerys from a poisoned wine assassination attempt. Truly loyal to her now.

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

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

Tywin's younger brother and most trusted advisor. Loyal and competent, serves as his...

Kills Viserys with molten gold. Promises to conquer Westeros for his son.

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 Ironoaks, one of the prominent Vale lords present at the Eyrie.

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

Gives Robert strongwine during the hunt, contributing to the king's fatal accident.

Lord of Golden Tooth, controls a strategic pass in the Westerlands.

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...

Dyer's apprentice from King's Landing recruited by Yoren for the Night's Watch.

Lord of Strongsong, one of the Vale lords present at the Eyrie for Tyrion's trial.

Elderly lord of House Hunter, present at the Eyrie.

Lord of Longbow Hall, one of the Vale lords present at the Eyrie.

Lord of Redfort, one of the Vale lords present at the Eyrie.

Lord of Snakewood, one of the Vale lords present at the Eyrie.

Lord of House Corbray, brother to the dangerous Ser Lyn Corbray.

Lord of Runestone and head of House Royce. Called 'Bronze Yohn' for his bronze armor covered in...

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.

Has become paranoid and unstable since Jon's death. Obsessively protective of her sickly son.

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

A serving woman at the Eyrie.

Lady of Bear Island, a fierce warrior woman who fights alongside Robb's forces.

Reveals he is Aemon Targaryen, great-uncle to the Mad King. Gave up his claim to the throne to...

Maester serving at the Eyrie. Tends to Lord Robert's health and fits.

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.

Challenges Khal Drogo after defying his khaleesi. Faces Drogo in single combat.

Daughter of Lord Mace Tyrell, sister to Ser Loras.

Present at Tyrion's trial by combat. Plans to make a song of the events.

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.

A merchant captain who trades in Vaes Dothrak, the great market city of the Dothraki.

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

Performs blood magic to save Drogo's life, demanding 'only death can pay for life.' The ritual goes...

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.

Brutal gaoler of the Eyrie's sky cells. Simple-minded but strong and cruel.

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

Robert's bastard daughter in the Vale. Serves as a guide in the mountains.

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

Son of Lord Horton Redfort, present at the Eyrie.

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

High Steward of the Vale, serving House Arryn faithfully for years.

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

Prince of Dorne, younger brother to Prince Doran, known for his skill with poison and spear.

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.

Betrays Ned Stark to Cersei. The City Watch turns on Ned at Littlefinger's command.

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

A guard at Winterfell in service to House Stark.

A warlock from the great city of Qarth, mentioned among the traders who come to Vaes Dothrak.

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

Opposes Daenerys's use of blood magic. Confronts Ser Jorah Mormont while defending her position.

Son of Prince Doran Martell.

A young Dothraki who serves Daenerys. One of her growing group of loyal followers.

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.

Suggests Ned should seize the royal children before Robert's death is announced.

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.

A Dothraki warrior in Drogo's khalasar. Participates in raids and follows khalasar customs.

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

Stays at Winterfell under Bran's care while his father and brothers are away.

Wins the Battle of the Whispering Wood, capturing Jaime Lannister through clever strategy.

Sickly young Lord of the Vale, suffers from shaking fits. Spoiled by his overprotective mother.

Mortally wounded by a boar during a hunt, likely due to strongwine provided by Lancel Lannister.

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

Undergaoler of the Red Keep dungeons. Actually Varys in disguise, though this is not revealed.

A Lysene pirate captain mentioned in the capital.

Becomes a steward alongside Jon. Sworn brother of the Night's Watch.

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

Confronts Lannister soldiers during the takeover of the Red Keep while trying to protect the Stark...

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 the Red Keep. Dornish knight responsible for training and weapons.

Kingsguard knight assigned to protect Princess Myrcella. More honorable than some of his brothers.

Dismissed from the Kingsguard by Joffrey for being 'too old'. Shocked by this unprecedented action.

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...

Leads raids in the Riverlands for Tywin Lannister, burning villages and terrorizing smallfolk.

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...

Carries out the king's justice at the Sept of Baelor using Ice, the Stark Valyrian steel sword.

Captain in the City Watch, known as 'Ironhand' for his iron prosthetic hand. More honorable than...

Acting First Ranger after Benjen Stark's disappearance. Commands the rangers in search missions.

Supports Renly's claim to the throne. His loyalty lies with the Tyrells and Renly.

Vale-born Kingsguard knight with dead eyes. Dangerous and unpredictable in his loyalty.

Son of Lady Anya Waynwood, present at the Eyrie.

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

Kingsguard knight present during the throne room confrontation. Follows the Lannister faction.

Son of Lord Yohn Royce, called 'the Red' for his auburn hair.

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...

Knight of Ninestars, one of the Vale knights present at the Eyrie.

Serves as Lysa's champion in Tyrion's trial by combat. Faces Bronn 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...

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

Fights alongside Tyrion in battle, leading his Stone Crows warriors.

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.

Tywin's cousin, tasked with raising troops in the Westerlands.

Rightful heir to the Iron Throne by law, but missing when Robert dies.

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

Holds off Lannister guards to allow Arya to escape during the coup in King's Landing.

Young squire of House Lynderly at the Eyrie.

Daenerys eats the horse heart in ritual to the Great Stallion, ensuring her child will be strong.

One of Lord Walder Frey's many sons at the Twins.

Fights alongside Robb in his campaign. Dreams of glory and recognition.

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.

Commands his Burned Men in battle alongside Tyrion and the Lannister forces.

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.

Gaoler in charge of the black cells beneath the Red Keep where high-value prisoners are held.

A knight competing in the Hand's Tournament.

Youngest son of Prince Doran Martell.

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

Appointed as acting Hand of the King by his father Tywin. Preparing to defend King's Landing.

Leading Lannister forces against the Riverlands. Burning and pillaging to draw out Robb Stark.

Fights in battle alongside the other mountain clansmen for Tyrion.

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

Visits Ned in the black cells. Claims to serve the realm but allowed Ned's imprisonment.

Steward of Winterfell, serving Lord Eddard Stark faithfully.

Receives his promised 'crown' from Khal Drogo after threatening Daenerys and her unborn child.

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.

Kevan's twin son, serves in the Lannister forces.

A wine merchant who attempts to poison Daenerys with poisoned wine. Actually an assassin sent to...

A guard serving House Stark at Winterfell.

A wealthy merchant prince from Qarth, mentioned among the exotic traders in Vaes Dothrak.

Saves Arya from the crowd during Ned's execution, cuts her hair and disguises her as a boy.