The Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North, known for his stoic sense of honor and justice. At the book's start, he executes a deserter from the Night's Watch before receiving news that his old friend, King Robert, is traveling north to offer him a powerful position.

The bastard son of Eddard Stark, raised at Winterfell alongside his lawful siblings but often feeling like an outsider. He plans to leave his home to join the sworn brotherhood of the Night's Watch at the Wall.

The adventurous, climbing-obsessed second son of Ned and Catelyn Stark. His discovery of a direwolf pup helps bond the Stark children to their ancient house sigil just before a tragic fall alters his life.

The eldest legitimate son of Ned Stark and the heir to Winterfell. He is growing into his role as a leader, sharing a close bond with his half-brother Jon and his ward, Theon Greyjoy.

The eldest daughter of House Stark, who excels in traditional ladylike courtly arts and dreams of romance and songs. She is eager to travel south to the capital and is infatuated with the crown prince, Joffrey.

The heir to the Iron Islands who was taken as a ward (and hostage) by Ned Stark following his father's failed rebellion. He was raised at Winterfell and acts as a confident, sometimes arrogant, older brother figure to the Stark children.

The youngest sibling of the powerful Lannister family, known for his sharp intellect, dwarfism, and mismatched eyes. He uses his wit and wealth to navigate a world that despises him, often reading and drinking to cope with his family's disdain.

The King of the Seven Kingdoms who won his crown by rebellion years prior. Once a fearsome warrior, he has grown fat and unhappy with governance, preferring drinking, hunting, and feasting to ruling his realm.

The Crown Prince and heir to the Iron Throne, adored by his mother Cersei but disliked by many others. He is handsome but displays a cruel and petulant nature, often bullying those beneath his station.

The strong-willed Lady of Winterfell and wife to Ned Stark, originally from the Riverlands. She is deeply protective of her five children and initially wary of her husband's illegitimate son, Jon Snow.

The youngest Stark daughter, known for her rebellious nature and lack of interest in traditional female roles. She prefers swordplay and riding over needlework, often clashing with her sister Sansa.

The beautiful and ambitious Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, wife to King Robert Baratheon. She is fiercely protective of her three children and maintains a close, secretive relationship with her twin brother, Jaime.

A highly skilled knight of the Kingsguard and the twin brother of Queen Cersei. He is infamous for betraying his vows by killing the previous king, earning him a derogatory nickname and a reputation for dishonor.

An exiled princess of the fallen Targaryen dynasty living in Pentos. She is initially timid and dominated by her abusive older brother, who plans to sell her into marriage to a Dothraki warlord in exchange for an army.

The exiled heir to the Targaryen throne, obsessed with reclaiming the Seven Kingdoms. He is arrogant, cruel, and delusional, believing the common people of Westeros secretly toast his health.

A powerful warlord (Khal) of the Dothraki horse lords, known for his long braid which signifies he has never been defeated in battle. He commands a massive khalasar (horde) and marries Daenerys Targaryen.

An exiled knight from Bear Island in the North, living in Essos to escape execution for slave trading. He pledges his sword to the Targaryens and serves as an advisor and translator for Daenerys.

Prince Joffrey's personal bodyguard and sworn shield, easily recognizable by the horrific burn scars covering one side of his face. He is a cynical, fearsome warrior who despises knighthood and follows orders with brutal efficiency.

The Master of Coin on the King's Small Council and a childhood friend of Catelyn Stark. He is a cunning manipulator who uses his financial acumen and network of spies to increase his own power and status.

The Lord Commander of the Night's Watch and father of the exiled Jorah Mormont. He is a gruff but respected leader trying to maintain the strength of the Watch against threats from beyond the Wall.

A timid, overweight, but intelligent recruit to the Night's Watch who was forced to join by his martial father. He lacks combat skills but possesses a sharp mind and a love for books, quickly befriending Jon Snow.