List of A Song of Ice and Fire characters

George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire novels feature a massive cast of characters. The series follows three interwoven plotlines: a dynastic war for control of Westeros by several families; the rising threat of the superhuman Others beyond Westeros's northern border; and the ambition of Daenerys Targaryen, the exiled heir of the previous ruling dynasty.

Each chapter is narrated in the third person limited point of view through the eyes of a single character. Beginning with nine POV characters in A Game of Thrones (1996), the number grows to thirty-one by A Dance with Dragons (2011).

House Stark

Coat of arms of House Stark

House Stark is one of the Great Houses of the Seven Kingdoms and the principal house of the North. Its seat is at Winterfell, one of the oldest castles in the Seven Kingdoms. Its coat of arms displays a grey direwolf running on a white field, and its words, Winter is Coming. Bastards born to North men are given the surname "Snow". House Stark had ruled as the Kings in the North for thousands of years until House Targaryen conquered Westeros, whereafter the Starks are the Lords of Winterfell and Wardens of the North. For prizing honor and devotion to duty, House Stark is the closest of the noble houses to heroism.

Over the course of the novels, the Starks are scattered by the War of the Five Kings, and the fate of the House remains uncertain, as most characters believe that all the legitimate Stark sons are dead.

Eddard Stark

Eddard "Ned" Stark is the Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North, and briefly serves as Hand of the King to Robert Baratheon.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Sean Bean. Robert Aramayo and Sebastian Croft have both played younger versions of the character in flashbacks.

Catelyn Stark

Catelyn Stark, formerly of House Tully, is the wife of Lord Eddard Stark (Ned); mother to Robb, Sansa, Arya, Bran, and Rickon Stark; daughter of Lord Hoster Tully of Riverrun; sister to Lysa Arryn of the Vale; sister to Edmure Tully; and niece to Brynden Tully.

In the HBO television adaptation, she is portrayed by Michelle Fairley.

Robb Stark

Robb Stark is the oldest child of Eddard and Catelyn Stark. While he does not have any POV chapters of his own, he is mentioned frequently by the Stark POVs in A Game of Thrones and regularly appears in his mother's POV chapters in the second and third books. Robb's tame direwolf is named "Grey Wind". As the first legitimate child of Ned and fifteen years in age, he was already prepared to rule Winterfell upon his father's death. He is very close to his half-brother Jon Snow, and to his father's ward Theon Greyjoy.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Richard Madden.

Sansa Stark

Sansa Stark is the second child and elder daughter of Eddard and Catelyn Stark. She serves as a POV character for twenty-four chapters throughout A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, and A Feast for Crows. Sansa is introduced as beautiful and demure.

In the HBO television adaptation, she is portrayed by Sophie Turner.

Arya Stark

Arya Stark is the third child and younger daughter of Eddard and Catelyn Stark. She serves as a POV character for thirty-three chapters throughout A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast for Crows, and A Dance with Dragons.

In the HBO television adaptation, she is portrayed by Maisie Williams.

Bran Stark

Brandon "Bran" Stark is the second son and fourth child of Eddard and Catelyn Stark. He serves as the third-person narrator of twenty-one chapters throughout A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, and A Dance with Dragons. In A Game of Thrones, he sees Queen Cersei and her brother Jaime Lannister committing incest, and Jaime pushes Bran from the window to keep the relationship secret. Bran survives, but loses the use of his legs. While comatose, Bran dreams of a three-eyed raven. Slowly, he develops the ability to assume his wolf Summer's consciousness, making him a warg or skinchanger. After his older brother Robb is crowned King in the North, Bran becomes Robb's heir and the acting Lord of Winterfell. In A Clash of Kings, Jojen Reed teaches Bran how to correctly use his telepathy, and directs him beyond the Wall. In A Dance with Dragons, Bran meets the Three-Eyed-Raven: an alias of the last trained clairvoyant.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Isaac Hempstead Wright.^{[S 1][S 2]}

Rickon Stark

Rickon Stark is Ned Stark's youngest child and is three years old in A Game of Thrones.^[1] When Theon Greyjoy captures Winterfell in A Clash of Kings, Rickon hides in the crypts. After Winterfell is sacked, he and the wildling woman Osha travel through the North.^[2] In A Dance with Dragons, he is said to be on an island of cannibals, presumably Skagos.^[3]

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Art Parkinson.^{[S 1][S 3]}

Jon Snow

Jon Snow was raised as Ned Stark's illegitimate son and serves as the third-person narrator of forty-two chapters throughout A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, and A Dance with Dragons. He shares the same Stark family values of honour, and tries to stay morally correct and honest, even when forced otherwise.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Kit Harington.

Benjen Stark

Benjen Stark is the younger brother of Ned Stark and serves as First Ranger in the Night's Watch. He appears briefly at the start of A Game of Thrones first in Winterfell and then later at Castle Black on the Wall where he travels with his bastard nephew Jon Snow. He is sent on a mission into the lands beyond the Wall to search for a missing ranging party, but he and his men also disappear.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Joseph Mawle.

Lyanna Stark

Lyanna Stark was Ned Stark's younger and only sister.^[4] She is said to be beautiful and headstrong by all who knew her. She was betrothed to Robert Baratheon, who deeply loved her,^[5] but before they were to be married, she was abducted by Crown Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, leading to a civil war that resulted in the overthrow of House Targaryen. Ned attempted to rescue Lyanna, but he found her in a bed, dying in a pool of her own blood. Her last words were, "Promise me, Ned." Ned returns her body to be buried at Winterfell, and Robert marries Cersei Lannister instead, though he greatly mourns Lyanna for over a decade, causing great strain in his marriage with Cersei.

In the HBO television adaptation, she is portrayed by Cordelia Hill as a young Lyanna, and Aisling Franciosi at the time of her death.

Roose Bolton

Lord Roose Bolton is a significant vassal of Lord Eddard Stark. His seat is the Dreadfort and his sigil is a flayed human, a homage to the ancient Bolton tradition of flaying enemies. He is nicknamed "the Leech Lord" for regular leechings meant to improve his health.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Michael McElhatton.^{[S 4]}

Ramsay Bolton

Ramsay Snow is the bastard son of Lord Roose Bolton, later legitimized as Ramsay Bolton. He is known as the Bastard of Bolton or the Bastard of the Dreadfort. Ramsay is vicious, ruthless, psychopathic, sadistic, opportunistic, unpredictable, and fearless. He takes great pleasure and pride in torturing others and enthusiatically practices the Bolton custom of flaying their enemies. Roose suspects that Ramsay murdered Roose's legitimate heir and expects that Ramsay will kill all of Roose's future children. He is described as ugly, with blotchy skin and dry, dark hair.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Iwan Rheon.

Rickard Karstark

Rickard Karstark is the Lord of Karhold and one of the main Stark vassals. During the Battle of the Whispering Wood Jaime Lannister kills two of his sons, who were guarding Robb Stark. Rickard's surviving son Harrion Karstark is later captured by the Lannisters. When Catelyn helps Jaime escape in an attempt to recover her daughters, Rickard murders two of Jaime's cousins and has his army desert Robb to search the Riverlands for Jaime, offering his daughter Alys Karstark to whoever brings him the Kingslayer. Due to this Robb executes Rickard personally.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by John Stahl.

Alys Karstark

Alys Karstark is the only daughter and youngest child of Lord Rickard Karstark. She is betrothed to Daryn Hornwood, heir to the Hornwood, but he is killed by Jaime Lannister alongside two of her brothers. Her father offers her to whoever captures Jaime Lannister, meaning the sadistic sellsword Vargo Hoat captures Jaime in the hope of becoming Lord of Karhold. However after Rickard's death his uncle Arnolf Karstark plots to take control of Karhold. He declares for Stannis when he comes North in the hope this will mean the Lannisters execute his great-nephew Harrion Karstark, meaning Karhold will pass to Alys, who Arnolf intends to force into marriage with his son Cregan Karstark. Arnolf also intends to betray Stannis when the Boltons attack. However Alys flees to the Wall for help from Jon Snow, pursued by Cregan, and reveals her uncles' plans. To protect her Jon imprisons Cregan and arranges for Alys to marry the Wildling leader Sigorn, Magnar of Thenn, the ceremony is performed by Melisandre, which will aid Wildling integration into the North. If Harrion dies childless Karhold will pass to the newly-formed House Thenn.

Wyman Manderly

Wyman Manderly is the Lord of White Harbor, the only city in the North, and the wealthiest of the Stark Vassals. He is an enormously fat man, with two sons, Ser Wylis and Ser Wendel Manderly. During the War of the Five Kings the Manderlys and Boltons begin a private war over the Hornwood lands after Ramsay kidnaps the widowed Lady Donella Hornwood, Wyman's cousin, forces her to marry him and then starves her to death. Wyman's heir Wylis is captured when Roose Bolton treacherously sends a large Northern force to be wiped out by Randyll Tarly. Wyman's younger son Wendel is murdered at the Red Wedding by the Freys. Due to his heir being held captive Wyman cannot openly defy the Lannisters. Three Freys come to his city with Wendel's bones and a peace is apparently made, in which Wyman's granddaughters Wynafryd and Wylla will marry one of these Freys, Rhaegar Frey, and another of Walder Frey's grandsons "Little" Walder Frey. When Davos Seaworth arrives in White Harbor to treat with Wyman to support Stannis, Davos denounces the Freys present for their treachery. Wyman apparently has him executed but secretly executes a criminal in their place, leading to Cersei returning his heir. Wyman reveals to Davos he knows where Rickon Stark is hiding and will support Stannis if Davos returns them. Wyman is implied to have murdered the White Harbor Freys when their stay was over (thus keeping to guest right), then put them in pies which he serves to the Freys and Boltons when he attends Ramsay's wedding, even eating some himself. The Freys suspect him of murdering their kin, and when Little Walder is murdered (possibly by his cousin Big Walder Frey) their uncle Hosteen Frey attacks Wyman. It is unclear if he survives.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Sean Blowers.

Hodor

Hodor is a simple-minded stable-boy at Winterfell. He is popularly known as Hodor because that is the only word he is capable of saying. He is over seven feet tall, and it is hinted that he may have giant ancestry. He has a friendly, childlike disposition and possesses great strength, though he is reluctant to use it against others. After Bran Stark is crippled in A Game of Thrones, Hodor is employed to carry him in a sling on his back. Old Nan (Hodor's great-grandmother) reveals to Bran that Hodor's real name is Walder.^[6] When Winterfell is destroyed, Hodor escapes to the north with Bran, Jojen, Meera, Rickon, and Osha.

In the HBO television adaptation (in which Hodor's real name has been changed to Wylis, ostensibly to avoid confusion with another character, Walder Frey), he is portrayed by Kristian Nairn.

Osha

Osha is a wildling woman who travels south of the Wall to escape the Others. She is captured by House Stark in A Game of Thrones and taken back to Winterfell. She is eventually employed as a scullery maid and is given limited freedom.^[7][8] She becomes close to Bran Stark and often gives him advice.^[8][9] When Theon Greyjoy captures Winterfell she helps Bran and his brother Rickon escape.^[2] She travels with Rickon through the North, and by A Dance with Dragons, they have landed on an island supposedly inhabited by cannibals.^[2][3]

In the HBO television adaptation, she is portrayed by Natalia Tena.^{[S 1]}

Jeyne Poole

Jeyne Poole is the daughter of Vayon Poole, the steward of Winterfell, and Sansa Stark's best friend.^[10] She has brown eyes and dark hair and is described as being very pretty.^[11] Following the arrest of Eddard Stark in A Game of Thrones, the members and servants of his household are killed. Jeyne reappears in A Dance with Dragons, having survived the massacre but being sent to Petyr Baelish's brothels. The Lannisters use her as a stand-in for Sansa's younger sister Arya and send her north to marry Ramsay Bolton at Winterfell. Theon Greyjoy recognizes that she is a fake, and that the Boltons are aware of the ruse.^[12][13] It is implied that Ramsay Bolton tortures her and forces her to perform sexual acts on dogs.

Jon Snow, Arya's half-brother, believes Jeyne to be the real Arya and sends Mance Rayder to rescue her.^[14] The group enlists Theon's help, and Theon and Jeyne barely escape.^[15]

In the first season of the television adaptation, an unidentified extra appeared briefly as Jeyne. In season five, her storyline was partially blended into Sansa Stark's.

Jojen and Meera Reed

Jojen and Meera are the children of Howland Reed, the Lord of Greywater Watch and a Stark bannerman. They first appear in A Clash of Kings, where they are sent to renew House Reed's pledge to the Starks in place of their father and are asked to befriend and support the late Eddard Stark's children. Meera is a skilled huntress, preferring to use a small net and a trident. Jojen is thirteen when he first appears, but his seriousness and maturity make him seem older. In Winterfell, Jojen recognizes that Bran Stark is a skinchanger, able to enter the mind of an animal and control its actions, and helps him gain control of his abilities. When Theon Greyjoy captures Winterfell, Jojen and Meera accompany Bran's escape. At the end of A Storm of Swords, they travel beyond the Wall and Jojen becomes very weak. In A Dance with Dragons, Meera struggles to keep the group's spirits up, but implies that Jojen's future is bleak.

In the HBO television adaptation, Jojen and Meera Reed are portrayed by Thomas Sangster and Ellie Kendrick.^{[S 5][S 6]}

Jeyne Westerling

Jeyne Westerling is the daughter of a family sworn to House Lannister. She meets Robb Stark when he is wounded in the fighting, and has just learned of the presumed deaths of his two youngest brothers. She has sex with Robb, who marries her the next day to preserve her honour, in doing so breaking a marriage contract with House Frey. After Robb's departure for the Twins, Jeyne remains in Riverrun and does not witness the massacre. After the Red Wedding, she is granted a royal pardon. In A Feast for Crows, she is openly mourning and last appears riding to Casterly Rock as a prisoner.

In 2011, it was announced that Oona Chaplin would play Jeyne in the television adaptation of the novels.^{[S 7]} However, when the series was released, Jeyne's character had been replaced by Talisa Maegyr (played by Chaplin), a healer from Volantis, whose story, apart from her marriage to Robb, was completely different.

House Targaryen

Coat of arms of House Targaryen

House Targaryen was the ruling house of the Seven Kingdoms for nearly 300 years, holding royal court in King's Landing. Its coat of arms shows a red, three-headed dragon breathing fire on a black field, and its words are Fire and Blood.

The Targaryens originally came from Valyria on the continent of Essos. Before Valyria was destroyed, the Targaryens left for Dragonstone. A century after the Valyrian "Doom", Aegon I Targaryen conquered six of the Seven Kingdoms with his dragons, and his descendants won the seventh through a political marriage. The Targaryen dragons were the last known to exist and died out long before the events of A Game of Thrones. People of Targaryen ancestry, referred to as "blood of the dragon", tend to have silvery-gold or platinum hair and purple eyes ranging from lilac to violet.^[16]

Fifteen years before the events of the series, the Targaryens were deposed in Robert's Rebellion, with the children Viserys and Daenerys fleeing to Essos.

Daenerys Targaryen

Daenerys Targaryen, the 'Mother of Dragons', is the daughter of King Aerys II Targaryen and is one of the last surviving members of House Targaryen.^[16][1] She serves as the third-person narrator for thirty-one chapters throughout A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, and A Dance with Dragons.

In the HBO television adaptation, she is portrayed by Emilia Clarke.

Viserys Targaryen

Viserys Targaryen is the second born son of Aerys II Targaryen.^[1] Thirteen years before the events of the series, he and his sister Daenerys fled Westeros to escape death at the hands of rebel Robert Baratheon.^[16] Viserys is an arrogant, cruel and ambitious man given to violent mood swings. Daenerys named one of her dragons as Viserion, in respect of her brother.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Harry Lloyd.^{[S 1][S 2]}

Rhaegar Targaryen

Rhaegar Targaryen was the oldest son of Aerys II. Years before the events of A Game of Thrones, Rhaegar was the heir apparent to the Iron Throne, had married Elia Martell, and had fathered two children with her, a daughter named Rhaenys and son named Aegon. After winning a tourney, he had crowned Lyanna Stark Queen of Love and Beauty, passing over Elia; he and Lyanna later disappeared. Enraged, Robert Baratheon, Lyanna's betrothed, started a rebellion to rescue her, killing Rhaegar and ultimately deposing House Targaryen. During this time, the child who would come to be known as Jon Snow was conceived, and was born in the Tower of Joy. Lyanna Stark died shortly after the birth. Though Robert vilifies Rhaegar throughout A Game of Thrones, many characters express admiration for him. He is the namesake of Daenerys's son, Rhaego, and of her green dragon Rhaegal.

Aegon V Targaryen

Aegon Targaryen, nicknamed "Egg" in his youth, was called Aegon the Unlikely because he was unlikely to inherit the throne of the Seven Kingdoms. As a child, his father Prince Maekar reluctantly permitted him to serve as squire to the knight errant, Duncan the Tall, in the hopes that the lessons learned through humble service and hard experience would help him avoid the excesses and shortcomings of his royal brothers. Aegon V was later named king when a council bypassed those before him in the line of succession. His reign lasted more than twenty-five years. He perished in a fire at Summerhall, the Targaryen summer home, along with Ser Duncan. A young Aegon is one of the main characters in the Tales of Dunk and Egg novellas.

In the television adaptation, Aegon is the father of Aerys the Mad King, rather than his grandfather.

Aerys II Targaryen

Aerys Targaryen, also called The Mad King, ruled the Seven Kingdoms as the last Targaryen king. While his rule started out well, he slowly descended into madness. He was married to his sister Rhaella, who bore him eight children, but only three survived into adulthood: sons Rhaegar and Viserys, and daughter Daenerys. After Rhaegar absconded with Lyanna Stark, Aerys had Ned Stark's father and brother executed, beginning Robert's Rebellion. When Aerys planned to burn King's Landing rather than let Robert rule, he was assassinated by a member of his own Kingsguard, Jaime Lannister.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by David Rintoul.

Aegon VI Targaryen

Aegon VI Targaryen is the only known son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Elia Martell. Fifteen years before the events of the series, the infant Aegon was reported to have been killed with his mother and sister by Gregor Clegane. In A Dance with Dragons, Varys claims to have switched Aegon with another infant and smuggled Aegon out of King's Landing. Tyrion meets Aegon, who intends to marry Daenerys and unite their claims, and persuades him to attack Westeros now rather then going to Daenerys in Slaver's Bay. In A Dance with Dragons, he and his army land in the Stormlands and capture several castles, and plans to lay siege to the Baratheon seat of Storm's End. His fate is unknown.

Jon Connington

Lord Jon Connington is the exiled Lord of Griffin's Roost and was a close friend of Rhaegar Targaryen. Jon serves as a third-person narrator for two chapters in A Dance with Dragons. Fifteen years before the events of the series, King Aerys II made Jon his Hand of the King. However, Jon also failed to contain the rebellion. Aerys stripped him of his lands and titles, giving them to Jon's cousin Ronald Connington, and exiled him. Biding his time in Essos, Jon and Aegon eventually decide to attack Westeros while it is embroiled in civil war. During the return trip, Connington contracts Greyscale Plague when saving Tyrion. The group lands in the Stormlands and captures several castles, including Griffin's Roost. Aegon plans to lead the attack on Storm's End, the next target.

Jorah Mormont

Coat of arms of House Mormont

Ser Jorah Mormont is the exiled Lord of Bear Island in the North, which he inherited after his father Jeor Mormont joined the Night's Watch to pass on the title. After winning a tourney joust, Jorah had been allowed to marry a noblewoman, but went into debt trying to support her lavish lifestyle.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Iain Glen.^{[S 1][S 2]}

Brynden Rivers

Brynden Rivers, better known as "Lord Bloodraven", is a legitimized bastard son of King Aegon IV Targaryen (called Aegon the Unworthy) and Melissa Blackwood. He is one of only three characters (the others being Aemon Targaryen and Walder Frey) to have appeared in both the A Song of Ice and Fire novels and the Tales of Dunk and Egg novellas. He is an albino, with white skin, long white hair, and red eyes. He has a red birthmark on his left cheek, said to be in the shape of a raven, and thus the source of his nickname "Bloodraven".

Bloodraven remained loyal to his half-brother King Daeron II Targaryen (called Daeron the Good) throughout the Blackfyre Rebellions against another of Aegon's legitimized bastards, Daemon Blackfyre, and their descendants, but was later thrown in prison by his great-nephew King Aegon V Targaryen (called Aegon the Unlikely) for ordering the execution of Aenys Blackfyre despite promising safe passage. He was sent to the Wall as the punishment and later elected the Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, and served in that capacity for many years before disappearing during a ranging beyond the Wall. In A Dance with Dragons, Bloodraven is shown to have become the last greenseer and is fused to the root of a weirwood tree. He begins training Bran Stark in clairvoyance.

In the HBO television adaptation, Bloodraven was portrayed by Struan Rodger in the fourth season finale "The Children". The role was recast with Max von Sydow for the sixth season.

Missandei

Missandei is a slave interpreter for Kraznys mo Nakloz when Daenerys Targaryen comes to inspect the Unsullied in Astapor. After Daenerys strikes a bargain with the Good Masters of Astapor concerning payment for the Unsullied, Kraznys gives Missandei to Daenerys as an interpreter to give them commands. Afterwards, she becomes a trusted confidante and handmaiden to Daenerys.

In the HBO television adaptation, she is portrayed by Nathalie Emmanuel.^{[S 8]}

Daario Naharis

Daario Naharis is a leader in the Stormcrows mercenary company. Daario is won over by Daenerys and brings the Stormcrows over to her side. He becomes romantically involved with her, eventually becoming one of her advisors.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Ed Skrein in season three, and by Michiel Huisman from season four onwards.^{[S 9]}

Grey Worm

Grey Worm is an Unsullied purchased by and sworn to Daenerys Targaryen. He is the commander of Daenerys's Unsullied and one of her trusted advisors. After Daenerys flees Mereen, Grey Worm becomes a member of the ruling council of the city.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Jacob Anderson.^{[S 10]}

Maekar I Targaryen

Maekar is a character in The Tales of Dunk and Egg. He is the fourth and youngest son of Daeron II Targaryen. Maekar married Dyanna Dayne and had six children, four sons, Daeron, Aerion, Aemon and Aegon, and two daughters. He was made Prince of Summerhall, a summer castle built in the Stormlands by his father. Maekar is resentful that his achievements are often overlooked, especially in favor of his eldest brother Baelor "Breakspear". He was angry when his father Daeron ordered that his third son Aemon be sent to the Citadel. At the Tourney at Ashford, Maekar sends his other three sons, and is angered when Dunk attacks the cruel Aerion to defend Tanselle, a Puppeteer. When Aerion asks for a Trial by Seven Maekar takes his son's side. However Baelor takes Dunk's side. In the fight Dunk forces Aerion to withdraw his accusation, but Maekar while trying to reach his son is stopped by Baelor and accidentally strikes them a blow to the head that kills them. He allows Dunk to take Aegon as his squire when Dunk points out how Daeron and Aerion turned out. Maekar would eventually become King but died 12 years later at the Peake Uprising, when a stone thrown from the Peake's castle Starpike crushed his head.

House Arryn

Coat of arms of House Arryn

House Arryn is one of the Great Houses of the Seven Kingdoms and is the principal house in the Vale. It is descended from Kings of Mountain and Vale. Its main seat is at the Eyrie, a small castle located at the top of a mountain and reputed to be impregnable. Its coat of arms displays a white moon-and-falcon on a sky blue field, and its words are As High as Honor.^[1] Bastards born in the Vale are generally given the surname "Stone".

Jon Arryn was the head of the Arryn family until he was poisoned shortly before A Game of Thrones. His only child, Robert Arryn, became Lord of the Vale with Lysa Tully acting as regent.

Jon Arryn

Jon Arryn was the Lord of the Eyrie, Defender of the Vale, Warden of the East, and Hand to King Robert Baratheon before the events of A Game of Thrones.^[1] He took Robert and Eddard Stark as wards and became a father figure to both. When King Aerys II Targaryen commanded him to hand over his wards for execution, Jon rose up in rebellion.^[17] To earn the support of House Tully in the rebellion, Jon married the much younger Lysa Tully.^[18] Throughout Robert's reign, Jon was left with most of the responsibility of the Seven Kingdoms.^[19] When Stannis Baratheon had doubts about the parentage of Queen Cersei Lannister's children, he brought his suspicions to Jon, who confirmed that Cersei's children were fathered not by Robert, but by her brother Jaime.^[20] Before he could reveal this publicly, Lysa poisoned him on Littlefinger's orders to stop him from sending their son Robert Arryn away as a ward.^[21]

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by John Standing.^{[S 2]}

Lysa Arryn

Lysa Arryn, formerly of House Tully, is the second child and youngest daughter of Lord Hoster Tully. Enamored with Petyr Baelish, Lysa resented her older sister Catelyn Tully when he fell in love with her. Prior to the series, while Baelish was her father's ward, Lysa was impregnated by him after Catelyn spurned him. Learning of this, Hoster sent Baelish home and tricked Lysa into drinking an abortifacient potion, using her unborn child as proof of her fertility while marrying her off to Jon Arryn. Lysa has become a paranoid and an unstable, mercurial woman.^[22]

Shortly before A Game of Thrones, Baelish convinced Lysa to poison her husband and write a letter to Catelyn to name House Lannister responsible for the act. Fearing for herself and her son, Lysa returns to the Eyrie and becomes Lady Regent of the Vale. At the Eyrie, Lysa refuses House Stark's plea for assistance and commits the Vale to a strict policy of neutrality in the war. Lysa later accepts a marriage proposal from Baelish in A Storm of Swords. After finding Baelish kissing Sansa Stark, Lysa attempts to throw her to her death, but Baelish saves Sansa by murdering Lysa.^[21]

In the HBO television adaptation, she is portrayed by Kate Dickie.^{[S 1][S 11]}

Robert Arryn

Robert Arryn, sometimes called 'Sweetrobin', is the only child of Jon Arryn and Lysa Tully.^[1] He suffers from frequent seizure-like episodes called a 'shaking illness', and is depicted as intellectually and physically stunted. ^[22] At the start of the series, he is Lord of the Eyrie and Defender of the Vale though his mother rules as regent.^[1] After Lysa's marriage to Petyr Baelish and her subsequent death in A Storm of Swords, Baelish claims the rule of the Vale and guardianship of Robert. In the absence of his mother, he becomes attached to his cousin Sansa Stark in her disguise of Alayne Stone.^[23]

In the television adaptation of the novels, the character is renamed 'Robin Arryn' to prevent confusion with Robert Baratheon. He is portrayed by Lino Facioli.^{[S 1][S 11]}

Yohn Royce

Yohn Royce (sometimes called 'Bronze Yohn') is Lord of Runestone and head of House Royce. After the death of Lysa Arryn, Lord Yohn forms the Lords Declarant in opposition to Petyr Baelish's rule of the Vale.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Rupert Vansittart.

Anya Waynwood

Lady Waynwood is the lady of Ironoaks, and the head of House Waynwood, a powerful vassal to House Arryn of the Vale. Lady Anya is part of the Lords Declarant, who oppose Baelish's rule of the Vale.

In the HBO television adaptation, she is portrayed by Paola Dionisotti

Nestor Royce

Nestor is a cousin of Yohn Royce, from a lesser branch of House Royce. He ruled the Eyrie as High Steward of the Vale during Jon Arryn's absence and acted as Keeper of the Gates of the Moon and feels he is owed for his years of service. Littlefinger later makes him the hereditary Lord of the Gates of the Moon to keep him loyal, signing the paper declaring this so Nestor holding the Gates depends on Baelish' power.

House Lannister

The lion rampant coat of arms of House Lannister

House Lannister is one of the Great Houses of the Seven Kingdoms and the principal house of the Westerlands. Its seat is at Casterly Rock. Its coat of arms displays a golden lion rampant on a crimson field, and its words are Hear Me Roar! More famous than its official motto is the House's unofficial one: A Lannister always pays his debts. The Lannisters ruled as Kings of the Rock until House Targaryen invaded Westeros. They are the richest family in the Seven Kingdoms because of the gold mines located in their lands.

Tywin Lannister

Tywin Lannister is Lord of Casterly Rock, Shield of Lannisport, and Warden of the West. He is a calculating, ruthless, and controlling man. In his youth, he witnessed his father grow old and "weak". Eventually several nobles revolted against Lannister rule. Disgusted with his father's inaction, Tywin personally led the Lannister army and utterly destroyed the rebellious vassals, placing the bodies of their entire families on display at Casterly Rock. Impressed with his decisive actions in putting down the rebellion, Aerys II Targaryen appointed the young Tywin Hand of the King. Despite his ruthlessness, Tywin proved himself a capable leader and his tenure was marked by peace and prosperity.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Charles Dance.^{[S 1][S 12]}

Cersei Lannister

Cersei Lannister of House Lannister is the older twin sister of Jaime, and the only daughter of Tywin Lannister. She became queen by marrying Robert Baratheon. She has three children (all of whom are in actuality fathered by her twin brother) and two of whom eventually become king after Robert's death.

In the HBO television adaptation, she is portrayed by Lena Headey.^{[S 1][S 2]}

Jaime Lannister

Jaime Lannister is the twin brother of Cersei and the first son of Tywin Lannister. He serves as the third-person narrator of seventeen chapters throughout A Storm of Swords, A Feast for Crows, and A Dance with Dragons. Was widely considered one of the best swordsmen in all the 7 kingdoms before having his right hand chopped off by Vargo Hoat.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Nikolaj Coster-Waldau.^{[S 1][S 2]}

Tyrion Lannister

Tyrion Lannister is the younger brother of Cersei and Jaime Lannister and a prominent third-person narrator in the novels.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Peter Dinklage.

Joffrey Baratheon

Joffrey Baratheon's personal coat of arms

Joffrey is the eldest of Queen Cersei Lannister's children. Though a Baratheon in name, Joffrey is actually a product of incest between Cersei and Jaime Lannister, but unaware of his true parentage. He is described as a strong-willed child with a vicious temper and a sadistic streak.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Jack Gleeson.

Myrcella Baratheon

Princess Myrcella Baratheon is the second oldest child and only daughter of Queen Cersei Lannister. Like her brothers, she is also fathered by Cersei's brother Jaime Lannister, but she is unaware of this. She is described as delicate, beautiful and courteous and is said to have all her mother's beauty but none of her cruel nature. To ensure that House Martell will support Joffrey, Myrcella is betrothed to marry Prince Trystane Martell when they come of age and is sent to Dorne in A Clash of Kings. After Joffrey's death in A Storm of Swords, Princess Arianne Martell schemes to kidnap Myrcella and crown her queen of Westeros. The plan goes awry, however, and Myrcella is severely injured in the kidnapping.

In the HBO television adaptation, she is portrayed by Aimee Richardson in seasons one and two, and Nell Tiger Free in season five and six.^{[S 1]}

Tommen Baratheon

Tommen Baratheon's personal coat of arms

Prince Tommen Baratheon is the younger brother of Prince Joffrey and Princess Myrcella and is second in line for the throne. Tommen is Queen Cersei Lannister's youngest child and, like his siblings, he is also the son of Cersei's brother Jaime Lannister, but he is unaware of this, as he believes Robert Baratheon to be his father. Like his sister, he shares none of his mother's ruthlessness, and is in fact, mild-mannered, courteous, and kind-hearted.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Callum Wharry in seasons one and two, and Dean-Charles Chapman from season four onwards.^{[S 1]}

Kevan Lannister

Ser Kevan Lannister is Tywin Lannister's younger brother and most trusted captain, known for his reliability and loyalty. He serves as the third-person narrator for the epilogue of A Dance with Dragons. He is comfortable with carrying out Tywin's wishes and resigned himself to perpetually living in his brother's shadow. In A Storm of Swords, he is appointed Master of Laws to his great-nephew King Joffrey Baratheon, and after Tywin's death, he is offered the position Hand of the King in A Feast for Crows but refuses to serve under Cersei. After Cersei's imprisonment, the council appoints him Lord Regent to King Tommen Baratheon, and he tries to solve the problems Cersei created. Because his efforts to stabilize the kingdom threaten Aegon Targaryen's plans to take the throne, Varys murders Kevan.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Ian Gelder.^{[S 13]}

Lancel Lannister

Lancel Lannister is the oldest son of Kevan Lannister and serves as squire to King Robert Baratheon at King's Landing in A Game of Thrones. He helps Jaime's sister Queen Cersei kill Robert. In A Clash of Kings, Cersei knights him for his part in Robert's death. After Cersei takes him as a lover, Tyrion discovers the affair and blackmails Lancel into spying for him. During an attack on King's Landing, Lancel guards Cersei's son King Joffrey Baratheon and takes a serious wound in the fighting. During recovery in A Storm of Swords, he experiences a spiritual awakening and spends much of his time atoning for his sins. When the Faith Militant, the military order of the Faith, is reinstated, he renounces his wife and lands and joins the organization.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Eugene Simon.^{[S 1][S 2]}

Bronn

Bronn is a skilled sellsword of low birth. He is described as having a sardonic sense of humor and a pragmatic, amoral philosophy. He helps Catelyn take Tyrion to the Eyrie, where he befriends Tyrion.^[24][22] Bronn offers to champion for Tyrion in trial by combat, winning the duel.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Jerome Flynn.^{[S 1][S 2]}

Gregor Clegane

Coat of arms of House Clegane

Ser Gregor Clegane, known as the Mountain That Rides, or simply the Mountain, is the older brother of Sandor Clegane and is a vassal to Tywin Lannister.^[1] His size and strength make him a fearsome warrior, and he has earned a reputation for brutality.

In the HBO television adaptation, revealing Robert to be a reanimated Gregor, he is portrayed by Conan Stevens in season one, by Ian Whyte in season two, and by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson in seasons four, five, and six.^{[S 2][S 12]}

Sandor Clegane

Sandor Clegane, known as the Hound, is a retainer to House Lannister and the younger brother of Gregor Clegane. He is regarded as one of the most dangerous and skilled fighters in Westeros. His face is distinguished by gruesome burn scars, which he received as a child when his brother pushed his head into a brazier.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Rory McCann.^{[S 1][S 2]}

Podrick Payne

Podrick Payne, Pod for short, is a squire to Tyrion Lannister toward the end of A Game of Thrones.^[25] Despite being painfully shy and insecure, he proves himself to be a loyal and capable squire. In A Clash of Kings, he rescues Tyrion from an assassination attempt.^[26] He continues his duties through A Storm of Swords until Tyrion vanishes in A Feast for Crows.^[27][28] He follows Brienne of Tarth, knowing that she was searching for Tyrion's wife Sansa Stark. He becomes Brienne's squire and serves her as faithfully as he did Tyrion.^[29][30] He and Brienne are captured by the Brotherhood Without Banners, and Podrick is sentenced to be hanged for serving as Tyrion's squire. His ultimate fate is unknown.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Daniel Portman.^{[S 14]}

House Baratheon

Coat of arms of House Baratheon

House Baratheon is the youngest of the Great Houses of the Seven Kingdoms and the principal house of the Stormlands. It was founded by the bastard brother of the first Targaryen King, Orys Baratheon. The main seat of House Baratheon is at Storm's End under Renly, with a royal branch at King's Landing under Robert, and a cadet branch at Dragonstone under Stannis. The Baratheon coat of arms displays a black stag on a field of gold; a crown was added after Robert Baratheon took the Iron Throne. The house motto is Ours is the Fury.^[1] Bastards born in the Stormlands are generally given the surname "Storm".

Robert Baratheon

Robert Baratheon is King of the Seven Kingdoms at the beginning of A Game of Thrones. He was the ward of Jon Arryn and was raised at the Eyrie alongside Eddard Stark. Fifteen years before the novels, Robert was betrothed to Ned's sister Lyanna, and after Lyanna and Rhaegar Targaryen disappeared, Robert killed Rhaegar and seized the throne.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Mark Addy.^{[S 1][S 2]}

Stannis Baratheon

Personal coat of arms of Stannis Baratheon

Stannis Baratheon is the younger brother of King Robert and older brother of Renly.^[1] He is portrayed as a brooding and humorless man with a harsh sense of justice and an obsession with slights both real and imagined. He is regarded as a skilled but overcautious military commander.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Stephen Dillane.^{[S 15][S 1]}

Selyse Florent

Selyse Baratheon is the wife of Stannis, and was a Florent before her marriage. She is described as being fairly unattractive with extremely prominent ears and a hint of a mustache on her upper lip. Selyse has a cold relationship with her husband Stannis. She is the first of her family to be converted to the religion of the Red God by Melisandre.

In the HBO television adaptation, she is portrayed by Tara Fitzgerald.

Shireen Baratheon

Shireen Baratheon is the only living child of Stannis Baratheon and Selyse Florent. She contracted the lethal greyscale disease as a child, disfiguring her by leaving the left side of her cheek and most of her neck covered by grey, cracked, and stone-like skin.

In the HBO television adaptation, she is portrayed by Kerry Ingram.

Melisandre

Melisandre of Asshai is a priestess of R'hllor in service to Stannis Baratheon. She is introduced in A Clash of Kings and serves as the third-person narrator for one chapter of A Dance with Dragons. She is described as a beautiful woman with red eyes, always dressing in red and rarely sleeping or eating.

In the HBO television adaptation, she is portrayed by Carice van Houten.^{[S 1][S 15]}

Davos Seaworth

Coat of arms of Davos Seaworth

Ser Davos Seaworth, called the Onion Knight, is the common-born head of the newly founded House Seaworth and was formerly known as an elusive smuggler. He is introduced in A Clash of Kings and is the third-person narrator for thirteen chapters throughout A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, and A Dance with Dragons. During the Siege of Storm's End, Davos smuggled food to the starving Stannis Baratheon, earning him a knighthood and choice lands. Before knighting him, Stannis removed the last joints from four fingers on Davos' left hand as punishment for years of smuggling.

In A Clash of Kings, he supports Stannis' claim to the throne, making him Stannis' most trusted adviser,^[31] but Davos is a follower of the Faith of the Seven and opposes Melisandre. During the Battle of the Blackwater, his ship is destroyed but Davos survives while losing four sons.^[32] He blames Melisandre for the deaths of his sons and plans to kill her, but she receives word of the plot and he is jailed.^[33][34] Stannis eventually pardons Davos and names him his Hand of the King.^[35] As Hand, Davos convinces Stannis to help the Watch against the wildling army.^[35][36]

After Stannis sails to the Wall, he tasks Davos with enlisting the support of House Manderly, but Davos is taken prisoner. After staging Davos' death, Manderly asks Davos to rescue Rickon Stark from Skagos.^[37][38] His fate is unknown.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Liam Cunningham.^{[S 16][S 1]}

Renly Baratheon

Renly Baratheon is the youngest of the Baratheon brothers and Lord of Storm's End. He is described as handsome and charismatic, winning friends easily. Renly serves on Robert's council as Master of Laws.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Gethin Anthony.^{[S 1]} The adaptation openly depicts Renly and Ser Loras Tyrell as lovers, an interaction obliquely addressed in the novels.^{[S 17][S 18]}

Brienne of Tarth

Brienne, the Maid of Tarth, called Brienne of Tarth, a prominent character in the fourth book of the series, A Feast for Crows. A tall and imposing but extremely plain woman, she is mocked by many as "Brienne the Beauty." She is a maiden on a quest.

In the HBO television adaptation, she is portrayed by Gwendoline Christie.^{[S 19]}

Beric Dondarrion

Beric Dondarrion is a gallant knight with great fighting skill. In A Game of Thrones, Eddard Stark sends him to arrest Gregor Clegane and bring peace to the Riverlands. He is ambushed and killed by Lannister forces. Thoros of Myr accidentally revives him with magic during the funeral service. By A Storm of Swords, he and his men have formed an outlaw band called the Brotherhood Without Banners. The Brotherhood starts a guerrilla war against raiders in the Riverlands. The success of these ambushes earns him the nickname the Lightning Lord, also reference to his coat of arms. In the third book, he and his men find the corpse of Catelyn Stark. He resurrects her with the last of his life force and dies for the final time.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by David Michael Scott in season one, and by Richard Dormer in seasons three and six.^{[S 5][S 6][39]}

Gendry

Gendry is one of Robert Baratheon's many bastard children. He lives in King's Landing as an armorer's apprentice and is unaware of his true parentage.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Joe Dempsie.

Edric Storm

Edric Storm is Robert Baratheon's only acknowledged bastard. He was conceived on Stannis and Selyse's wedding night, when Robert seduced one of Selyse's cousins, Delena Florent, in Stannis' marriage bed. Edric was sent by Stannis to be fostered by his other uncle Renly Baratheon. Edric was raised under the guardianship of Storm's End Castellan Ser Cortnary Penrose. After Renly dies Cortnay refuses to surrender Storm's End, fearing Stannis' intentions for Edric, as a result of which he is assassinated by Melisandre. Stannis then sends Edric to Dragonstone. Melisandre and Selyse tell Stannis to sacrifice Edric, claiming his king's blood will enable them to raise a dragon. To prevent this, Davos sends Edric to Lys under the guardianship of one of Robert's cousins, Andrew Estermont.

In the HBO television adaptation Edric's storyline is combined with Gendry.

House Greyjoy

Coat of arms of House Greyjoy

House Greyjoy is one of the Great Houses of the Seven Kingdoms and is the principal noble house on the Iron Islands, home to the Ironborn. Its seat is on Pyke. Its coat of arms displays a golden kraken on a black field, and its words are We Do Not Sow. Bastards born in the Iron Islands are given the surname "Pyke". The Greyjoys became Lords Paramount of the Iron Islands after House Targaryen conquered the Seven Kingdoms and allowed the Ironborn to choose who would have primacy over them. Balon Greyjoy is the current Lord of the Iron Islands. He has two surviving children, his only daughter, Asha, and Theon.

Theon Greyjoy

Theon Greyjoy is the only living son, and heir apparent of Balon Greyjoy. He is the third-person narrator for thirteen chapters throughout A Clash of Kings and A Dance with Dragons. He is arrogant, cocky, and proud. Ten years before the events of the series, he was taken hostage by Ned Stark to be executed if Balon displeased the king. Theon was raised at Winterfell with the Stark children and became a close friend to Robb Stark in particular.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Alfie Allen.^{[S 1][S 2]}

Balon Greyjoy

Balon Greyjoy is the Lord of the Iron Islands, King of Salt and Rock, Son of the Sea Wind, and Lord Reaper of Pyke.^[1] He is a harsh and fierce man. Ten years before A Song of Ice and Fire, he led a rebellion against King Robert Baratheon. The rebellion failed and his youngest son Theon Greyjoy was taken as a hostage and raised in Winterfell by Lord Eddard Stark. After Robert's death, Balon spurns Robb Stark's offer of an alliance in a Clash of Kings and declares himself King of the Iron Islands and the North.^[40] He captures the Neck and ravages the coastline of the Stark-held North. He dies in A Storm of Swords after falling off a bridge during a storm.^[41] The timely return of Balon's banished brother Euron leads many characters to believe that Euron played a part in Balon's death.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Patrick Malahide.^{[S 20]}

Asha Greyjoy

Asha Greyjoy is Balon Greyjoy's only daughter and oldest living child. She serves as the third-person narrator for four chapters throughout A Feast for Crows and A Dance with Dragons. Asha was raised as Balon's heir despite a custom forbidding female rule, and has otherwise defied traditional gender roles by captaining her own ship and leading men into battle. When Balon orders an invasion of the North in A Clash of Kings, she captures Deepwood Motte. She returns to the Islands in A Storm of Swords after her father's death and claims her father's throne, which she loses in favor of her uncle Euron. In A Dance with Dragons, she returns to Deepwood Motte and learns that Euron has married her off by proxy.^[42] She is eventually captured by Stannis Baratheon and travels with his army toward Winterfell, where she is reunited with her brother Theon.

In the HBO television adaptation, the character is renamed Yara Greyjoy to avoid confusion with the character Osha. Yara is portrayed by Gemma Whelan.^{[S 21][S 22]} In the TV series Yara is bisexual, though Martin confirmed that she is not in the novels.^[43]

Euron Greyjoy

Euron Greyjoy is the younger brother of Balon and is hated by all his brothers. He wears a patch over his left eye, for which he is nicknamed Crow's Eye and is more ruthless and sadistic than his brothers. Before the events of the series, he was banished from the Iron Islands. During his exile, he lived as a pirate and became extremely wealthy. In A Feast for Crows, Euron's return from exile coincides with Balon's death, thus encouraging speculation that he played a role in his brother's demise. After becoming King of the Iron Islands at a Kingsmoot by telling the Ironborn he knows where there are dragons and that he intends to conquer Westeros, he begins successful raids along the Reach. He sends his brother Victarion away to court Daenerys Targaryen in his name and bring her and her dragons to Westeros.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Pilou Asbæk.^{[S 23]}

Victarion Greyjoy

Victarion Greyjoy is the second youngest of Balon's surviving brothers and is Lord Commander of the Iron Fleet. He first appears in A Clash of Kings and is present as his brother, King Balon Greyjoy, reveals his plans to invade the north; Victarion is given overall command of the invasion. He appears next in A Feast for Crows and serves as the third-person narrator for four chapters throughout A Feast for Crows and A Dance with Dragons. Victarion is a devout follower of the Drowned God. Years before the events of the series, he killed his wife after he learned of her affair with Euron and has not remarried. After failing to become King of the Iron Islands, he is sent away to court Daenerys Targaryen in Euron's name, but he plans to marry her himself to spite Euron for earlier betrayals. After weathering a savage storm, the remains of his fleet reach Meereen. Victarion orders his fleet to assault the forces besieging the city. His fate is unknown.

Aeron Greyjoy

Aeron Greyjoy is the youngest of Balon's surviving brothers.^[44] He is introduced in A Clash of Kings and serves as a third-person narrator for two chapters of A Feast for Crows. In his youth, he was a drunk and was scorned by Balon, thus later known as Aeron Damphair. After nearly drowning, he dedicated himself to the Drowned God, and became a high priest.^[45] After Balon's mysterious death, and crowning of his brother Euron, he becomes a bitter opponent of Euron and his schemes, calling a Kingsmoot to make Victarion King instead of Euron. This fails, and Aeron goes into hiding. A preview chapter from The Winds of Winter reveals that Euron had his men capture Aeron, leaving him imprisoned in Euron's ship for several months before being tied to the ship's prow. It is also revealed that Euron had repeatedly molested Aeron in their youth, leading to Aeron's hatred of Euron.

In the HBO television adaption, he is portrayed by Michael Feast.

House Martell

Coat of arms of House Martell

House Martell is one of the Great Houses of the Seven Kingdoms and is the ruling house of the kingdom of Dorne. Its seat is the castle of Sunspear. Its coat of arms displays a gold spear piercing a red sun on an orange field, and its words are Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken. Bastards born in Dorne are generally given the surname "Sand". Dorne, along with House Martell, is culturally, ethnically, and politically distinct from the rest of the kingdoms. The rulers of Dorne are styled Prince or Princess because Dorne resisted direct conquest and joined the rest of the Seven Kingdoms through marriage.

Doran Martell

Doran Martell is the Prince of Dorne and the Lord of Sunspear. He is the father of Arianne, Quentyn, and Trystane. By A Game of Thrones, he is in his fifties, and his gout leaves him barely able to walk and dependent on a wheeled chair. He is a cautious, pensive man who does not display his emotions. He swears loyalty to Joffrey only after Myrcella Baratheon is betrothed to Trystane by Tyrion Lannister, sending her off to Dorne. Tyrion also gives him a position on Joffrey's council. In A Storm of Swords, Doran sends his brother Oberyn to claim the position. After Oberyn's death, Doran refuses to start a war and returns to Sunspear to reassume control of his principality. He imprisons Oberyn's vengeful daughters, called the Sand Snakes (who have been calling for war for the death of their father), to maintain peace. After foiling his daughter Arianne's attempt to crown Myrcella the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, he reveals that he has long been planning the downfall of Tywin Lannister to avenge Elia and intends to ally Dorne with House Targaryen.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Alexander Siddig.^{[S 24]}

Arianne Martell

Arianne Martell is the eldest child of Prince Doran Martell of Dorne and heir to the Sunspear. She serves as the third-person narrator for two chapters in A Feast for Crows, and will be the narrator for at least two chapters in The Winds of Winter.^{[S 25]} She is cunning and beautiful and is also close with her cousins, the Sand Snakes. By A Feast for Crows, she is dissatisfied with her father, believing him to be weak. She plans to name Myrcella Baratheon the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, as by Dornish law Myrcella inherits the title over her brother. Arianne seduces Arys Oakheart to win his support of Myrcella's claim. The plot is foiled and Myrcella is wounded in the kidnapping attempt. As Arianne confronts Doran after he foils her plans, her father reveals that he has been plotting revenge on Tywin Lannister for many years and was waiting for the perfect time to strike. After the Golden Company invades Westeros, Doran sends Arianne to find out the truth about Aegon Targaryen. Her fate is unknown.

Quentyn Martell

Ser Quentyn Martell is the second child and oldest son of Doran Martell.^[1] He serves as the third-person narrator for four chapters in A Dance with Dragons. He is described as intelligent, serious, and dutiful,^[46] though not particularly handsome. In A Dance with Dragons it is revealed that Doran Martell sent Quentyn to marry Daenerys Targaryen and bring her to Dorne. On the way most of Quentyn's companions die. He and his remaining two friends, Archibald Yronwood and Gerris Drinkwater, are forced to become sellswords to reach Slaver's Bay. Daenerys politely refuses the offer.^[47] Not wanting to leave empty-handed, Quentyn tries to take one of Daenerys's dragons as a mount to impress her, but is killed by her dragons in front of his guards.^[48][49]

Trystane Martell

Trystane Martell is the youngest child of Doran Martell. To ensure House Martell loyalty to the throne he is betrothed to Myrcella Baratheon when they come of age.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Toby Sebastian.^{[S 26]}

Elia Martell

Elia Martell was the younger sister of Prince Doran Martell of Dorne and was very close to her younger brother Oberyn. She married Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, and bore him two children: a daughter Rhaenys and a son Aegon. Fifteen years before the events of the series, Rhaegar was killed in battle during Robert's rebellion. When the capital city was sacked by House Lannister, she was raped and murdered by Gregor Clegane. Elia's brother Oberyn, however, believed Tywin had Elia murdered to avenge the slight to his honor when Aerys had his son and heir married to Elia instead of Tywin's daughter, Cersei.

Oberyn Martell

Oberyn Martell is the youngest brother of Doran Martell. He is a hot-headed, forceful, and lustful man with a quick wit and a barbed tongue. He is a formidable fighter and is called the Red Viper because it is rumored he poisons his weapons.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Pedro Pascal.^{[S 27]}

Ellaria Sand

Ellaria Sand is the paramour of Prince Oberyn Martell, and the mother of the four youngest "Sand Snakes". She accompanies Oberyn to King's Landing when Oberyn takes the seat on the small council. After returning to Dorne, she is distraught when she hears Obara's statement on how the Mountain's death "is a start", as she sees the futility of it, and is worried about her own daughters' safety.

In the HBO television adaptation, she is portrayed by Indira Varma.^{[S 27]}

The Sand Snakes

The Sand Snakes are Oberyn Martell's eight illegitimate daughters: Obara, Nymeria, Tyene, Sarella, Elia, Obella, Dorea, and Loreza. They are called the Sand Snakes in reference to their father's nickname of the Red Viper and the Dornish custom of giving aristocratic illegitimate children the surname "Sand." In A Feast for Crows, Obara, Nymeria and Tyene wish revenge for their father's death and pressure their uncle Doran to declare war. When they are implicated in various plots to agitate the Dornish populace, Prince Doran imprisons the Sand Snakes to prevent them from drawing Dorne into war. In A Dance with Dragons, Doran releases them and sends them on individual missions in his plot to bring down House Lannister in revenge for Elia Martell's murder during the Sack of King's Landing.

In the HBO television adaptation, Obara Sand is portrayed by Keisha Castle-Hughes, Nymeria Sand by Jessica Henwick, and Tyene Sand by Rosabell Laurenti Sellers; the other Sand Snakes do not appear in the series.^{[S 28]}

Areo Hotah

Areo Hotah is the captain of Prince Doran Martell's guards. He serves as the third-person narrator for two chapters throughout A Feast for Crows and A Dance with Dragons. He was born as the youngest of a large family in Norvos. Areo is steadfastly loyal to Doran. He helps foil Arianne Martell's plot to name Myrcella Baratheon the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, killing Arys Oakheart in the process.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by DeObia Oparei.^{[S 28]}

House Tully

Coat of arms of House Tully

House Tully is one of the Great Houses of the Seven Kingdoms and is the principal house in the Riverlands. Its seat is at Riverrun. Its coat of arms displays a leaping silver trout on a field of rippling blue and red stripes, and its words are Family, Duty, Honor. Bastards born in the Riverlands are generally given the surname "Rivers". When House Targaryen invaded Westeros, Lord Tully was among the first to welcome the invaders. In return, the Targaryens made House Tully the principal House of the Riverlands.

Hoster Tully

Hoster Tully is the Lord of Riverrun and Lord Paramount of the Trident. He is the father of Catelyn Stark, Lysa Arryn, and Edmure Tully. He often quarrels with his brother Brynden because Brynden refuses to be married. Years before the events of the series, he agreed to foster Petyr Baelish at Riverrun as a ward. When he discovered that Lysa was pregnant with Petyr's child, he sent Petyr away and tricked Lysa into drinking an abortifacient potion. Hoster supported Robert Baratheon, House Stark, and House Arryn in rebellion against House Targaryen on the condition that Catelyn and Lysa be wed into the Stark and Arryn families, respectively. His health deteriorates rapidly over the novels; he eventually dies and is laid to rest in the river following the Tully tradition.

In the HBO television adaption, he is portrayed by Chris Newman.

Edmure Tully

Edmure Tully is the third child, only son, and heir of Lord Hoster Tully. He is dutiful and wishes to earn his father's respect and protect the common people of the Riverlands. However, he is also said to have a large heart and his decisions are often rash and emotional. He takes command of the Riverlands in A Game of Thrones because of his father's illness and is taken captive by Jaime Lannister. He is rescued by his nephew Robb Stark, and upon hearing of Eddard Stark's death he leads the Riverland lords in proclaiming Robb the King in the North. He defeats Tywin in battle and unwittingly ruins Robb's plan to destroy Tywin's army. As amends for thwarting Robb's plan, he agrees to marry Roslin Frey and repair the alliance with House Frey. However, the wedding is a trap and the Stark-Tully army is massacred, breaching ancient guest right customs. Edmure is taken to Casterly Rock, where he and the remaining members of House Tully are to spend the rest of their lives as prisoners to House Lannister. Roslin is to remain at the Twins, and the pair is promised to be reunited after the birth of their child.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Tobias Menzies.^{[S 5][S 6]}

Brynden Tully

Personal coat of arms of Brynden Tully

Ser Brynden Tully, called the Blackfish, is the younger brother of Hoster Tully and the uncle of Catelyn Stark, Lysa Arryn, and Edmure Tully. He constantly quarreled with his brother, usually over Brynden's refusal to marry. During one encounter Hoster called him the black goat of House Tully. Brynden mused that since their sigil was fish, he was the "Blackfish" of the family. He accompanied Lysa to the Vale. In A Game of Thrones, he is upset over the Vale's neutrality in the ongoing war. He resigns from his position and joins Robb Stark and his bannermen. He is appointed head of Robb's outriders and is a crucial member of the war council. His efforts win Robb several battles throughout A Clash of Kings. He is named Warden of the Southern Marches in A Storm of Swords and remains at Riverrun while Robb goes to the Twins to attend Edmure's wedding. After Robb's death, Brynden holds Riverrun in Robb's name, but he is besieged by House Lannister and House Frey. In A Feast for Crows, Brynden surrenders the Tully seat of Riverrun to spare further bloodshed, but he himself escapes capture. His whereabouts are unknown.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Clive Russell.^{[S 29]}

Walder Frey

Walder Frey is Lord of the Twins, and a vassal to House Tully. He is called the Lord of the Crossing as the placement of his castle allows him to control who crosses the river, giving Walder Frey considerable strategic importance. He is known for having over a hundred descendants and taking eight total wives. He emphasizes family loyalty and believes in taking care of relations, including those who disappoint him. Although he is a bannerman of House Tully, he does not immediately go to Riverrun when Edmure Tully summons his vassals to support Robb Stark in A Game of Thrones.

Since crossing the Twins is a necessity for Robb, Walder is able to negotiate marriage contracts between his house and House Stark. But when Robb marries Jeyne Westerling in A Clash of Kings, Frey is outraged and withdraws his support from Robb to conspire with Tywin Lannister and Roose Bolton to enact his revenge. In A Storm of Swords, Walder pretends to make amends with Robb and agrees to marry his daughter Roslin to Edmure. The wedding is a trap, with Robb, his key supporters, and most of his army massacred during the feast, a direct violation of ancient guest right customs. He then openly swears loyalty to House Lannister and his second son Emmon Frey receives Riverrun, the seat of House Tully, as a reward, with advantageous marriages for other descendants of his. However, the people of the Riverlands refuse to support his rule, and a shadowy guerrilla war erupts that Walder Frey struggles to control.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by David Bradley.^{[S 30]}

House Tyrell

Coat of arms of House Tyrell

House Tyrell is one of the Great Houses of the Seven Kingdoms and is the principal noble house in the Reach. Its seat is at Highgarden. Its coat of arms displays a golden rose on a green field, and its words are Growing Strong. Bastards born in the Reach are generally given the surname "Flowers". The Tyrells became liege lords of the Reach after the king of the Reach, House Gardner, was killed and the ruling House Targaryen raised the Tyrells from stewards of Highgarden to Lords of Highgarden. Because House Florent had a better claim to Highgarden, the Tyrells are often seen as "upjumped stewards" by the lords of the Reach and other Great Houses; however, the women of the Tyrell household are noted for being shrewd and clever leaders.

Mace Tyrell

Lord Mace Tyrell is the Lord of Highgarden, Defender of the Marches, High Marshal of the Reach, and Warden of the South. He has three sons—Willas, Garlan, and Loras—and one daughter, Margaery. He is described as a prematurely old and tedious man who lacks in political savvy and is thought to serve as the figurehead to his mother, Olenna Redwyne. In A Clash of Kings, he supports the marriage between Margaery and Renly Baratheon, who plans to usurp the throne of the Seven Kingdoms. When Renly dies, Mace accepts an offer to marry Margaery to Joffrey Baratheon, the current king. After his and Tywin's armies defeats Stannis Baratheon, Mace is given a seat on the King's council. After Cersei's downfall, Kevan Lannister, Regent of the Seven Kingdoms, names Mace his Hand, mostly to repair the relationship between their houses.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Roger Ashton-Griffiths.

Loras Tyrell

Ser Loras Tyrell, nicknamed the Knight of Flowers, is the third son of Mace Tyrell. He is a young, but highly skilled tourney knight and jouster. He is beloved by the crowds, and many young girls are infatuated with him. When Renly Baratheon claims himself king of the Seven Kingdoms in A Clash of Kings, Loras supports him and is made head of Renly's personal guard. After Renly's assassination, Loras is enraged with grief, blaming Brienne of Tarth and Catelyn Stark for Renly's death. In A Storm of Swords, he questions Brienne and finally decides that she is not the killer. When his sister Margaery is married to Joffrey Baratheon, he joins the Kingsguard. He volunteers to lead the assault on Dragonstone in A Feast for Crows so Cersei Lannister will send military assistance to defend his native Highgarden from the Greyjoys. He successfully captures Dragonstone but is badly wounded and near death. By the end of A Dance with Dragons, he barely clings to life. His fate is unknown. In the HBO show, he is killed by a wildfire explosion in the Sept of Baelor after his trial, along with his sister and father.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Finn Jones. The character is a composite of the three Tyrell sons. The adaptation openly depicts Loras and Renly Baratheon as lovers, an interaction only obliquely addressed within the novels.^{[S 17][S 18]}

Margaery Tyrell

Margaery Tyrell /ˈmɑːrdʒəri tɪˈrɛl/ is the youngest child and only daughter of Mace Tyrell. She is an intelligent, beautiful, and shrewd young woman, and despite being only sixteen, she is manipulative and adept at political intrigue.

In the HBO television adaptation, she is portrayed by Natalie Dormer.^{[S 31]}

Olenna Tyrell

Olenna Tyrell, also known as the Queen of Thorns, is a former Redwyne and the mother of Mace Tyrell. She is described as a wizened and cunning old woman with a wicked wit and a sharp tongue, and is known for openly stating her opinion.

In the HBO television adaptation, she is portrayed by Dame Diana Rigg.

Randyll Tarly

Randyll Tarly is the head of House Tarly, bannerman of House Tyrell, and considered to be one of the finest military commanders in Westeros. He is also the father of Samwell Tarly. When word of the imprisonment of Margaery Tyrell reaches Randyll, he marches his army to King's Landing where Kevan Lannister makes him the new master of laws.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by James Faulkner.^{[S 32]}

Night's Watch and Wildlings

Coat of arms of the Night's Watch

The Night's Watch is a sworn brotherhood of men who patrol the Wall. The individual members or 'Brothers of the Watch' reject land and titles, practice celibacy, cut ties to their families, assume neutrality in politics, and never desert their assignments,^[50][51] on pain of death.^[52] Joining the Watch is still considered an honor because any man can rise through the ranks regardless of illegitimacy or criminal past, but in the first book,^[53][54] the Watch is severely undermanned.^[55] The Watch is based at Castle Black, where the Lord Commander of the Watch resides and new recruits are trained.^[56]

Wildlings, or Free Folk, are people who live beyond the Wall.^[56][57] They live in independent villages and have no central government.^[58] Bands of wildlings often cross the Wall for plunder.^[59] In A Storm of Swords, the wildlings unite under Mance Rayder, the self-styled 'King-beyond-the-Wall', and invade the Seven Kingdoms to escape the return of The Others.^[58] With the help of Jon and Stannis Baratheon, they settle in the North. Many move into the abandoned castles to defend the Wall.^[60]

Jeor Mormont

Jeor Mormont, called the Old Bear, is the Lord Commander of the Night's Watch. He was the Lord of Bear Island in the North, but joined the Watch to pass the title to his son Jorah Mormont. He is considered a strong, resolute leader and commands respect. He keeps a raven capable of speaking simple phrases as a pet. In A Game of Thrones, he chooses Jon Snow as his personal steward and potential successor.^[50] Soon after, a wight (a dead body reanimated by the Others) attempts to kill him, but Jon kills the wight.^[61] As thanks, Mormont gives Jon his ancestral sword, Longclaw, and changes its pommel to suit that of Jon's father, Eddard Stark.^[51] To investigate the return of wights, the disappearance of several Rangers, and rumors of a wildling army, Jeor leads an expedition beyond the Wall in A Clash of Kings; but his force is annihilated by Others and an army of wights in A Storm of Swords. He leads the survivors to Craster's Keep, where he is killed by mutiny.^[62]

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by James Cosmo.^{[S 1]}

Maester Aemon

Aemon Targaryen is the older brother of Aegon V Targaryen and a member of the Night's Watch. Decades before the start of the series, he was sent to the Citadel in Oldtown on the orders of his grandfather Daeron II, who felt there were too many Targaryens, and became a Maester (one of an order of scholars and healers). He was later offered the throne of the Seven Kingdoms, but ceded the rule to Aegon and joined the Night's Watch. By A Game of Thrones, he is elderly and blind, but provides guidance to the men of the Watch. In A Feast for Crows, Jon Snow sends him to the Citadel by sea, but Maester Aemon dies on the voyage between Braavos and Oldtown.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Peter Vaughan.^{[S 1][S 2]}

Yoren

Yoren is a recruiter of the Night's Watch. In A Game of Thrones Yoren travels with Tyrion Lannister from the Wall to King's Landing, and is present when Tyrion is arrested by Catelyn Stark. He then races to King's Landing to inform Eddard Stark. During Lord Eddard's execution, he finds Arya Stark and shields her from seeing her father’s death. In A Clash of Kings he disguises Arya as a boy recruit to smuggle her to Winterfell, but is killed by Lannister soldiers.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Francis Magee.^{[S 2][S 33]}

Samwell Tarly

Samwell Tarly, called 'Sam', is the elder son of Lord Randyll Tarly of Horn Hill. Ten chapters throughout A Storm of Swords and A Feast for Crows are told from his point of view. In spite of his self-professed cowardice, Sam is highly intelligent, resourceful, and loyal. Sam's complete lack of martial abilities and his interest in scholarly pursuits convince his father that he is not a worthy heir and he is forced to join the Night's Watch.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by John Bradley.^{[S 1][S 2]}

Janos Slynt

Janos Slynt was a former Commander of the City Watch in King's Landing and a brother in the Night's Watch. He first appears in A Game of Thrones as commander of the City Watch. Slynt is known for his corruption, but Robert was persuaded not to remove them on the grounds the next commander might be worse. Later, when Ned intends to depose Joffrey, Slynt orders his men to arrest Ned. For this, Janos Slynt was made a lord and given Harrenhal.

In A Clash of Kings, Tyrion Lannister exiles Slynt to the Night's Watch as they cannot be trusted. In A Storm of Swords, Slynt attempts to be elected as Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, but loses to Jon Snow. After Slynt repeatedly refuses Jon's orders, Jon publicly executes him.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Dominic Carter.^{[S 1][S 2]}

Alliser Thorne

Alliser Thorne is the Master of Arms at Castle Black; a warrior charged with training the Watch's recruits. Thorne was originally a Targaryen loyalist who, after the fall of House Targaryen at the hands of Ned and Robert, was forced to join the Night's Watch. He harbors deep resentment at House Stark for this fate. When Jon arrives at Castle Black, Thorne personally torments, humiliates, and provokes Jon whenever possible.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Owen Teale.^{[S 1][S 2]}

Mance Rayder

Mance Rayder is a former member of the Night's Watch who later deserted. Since then, he has become known as "King-beyond-the-Wall".^[52][63] In A Storm of Swords, he unites all the wildlings under his command and leads them to attack the Wall from the south trying to guide his people to safety from the advancing White Walkers. His vanguard is defeated by Jon Snow at the Wall.^[64] During a parlay with Jon, Stannis Baratheon and his army rout the wildlings, and Mance is taken prisoner.^[65] Stannis orders Mance to be burned alive in A Dance with Dragons, but Jon later discovers that the priestess Melisandre used magic to disguise Rayder as the wildling who was burned in his place, escaping execution. Jon orders Mance to rescue Arya Stark, not knowing the girl is actually Jeyne Poole.^[14][13] In Winterfell, the party secretly kills off several of Roose Bolton's men, creating tension in Winterfell, and enlists the help of Theon Greyjoy to smuggle Jeyne out of the castle, but Mance is forced to stay behind. Ramsay Bolton later sends a letter to Jon claiming that he has captured Mance and is holding him prisoner.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Ciarán Hinds. In the show, Mance Rayder is not saved by Melisandre and his execution is genuine.

Ygritte

Ygritte is a wildling woman known for her red hair. She is fierce and headstrong. In wildling culture she is known as a spearwife: a woman who is also a warrior.

In the HBO television adaptation, she is portrayed by Rose Leslie.^{[S 34]}

Craster

Craster is a wildling who lives north of the Wall in a fortified homestead called Craster's Keep. A regrettable ally of the Night's Watch, he has nineteen wives, and when his daughters are old enough, he marries them, incestuously fathering new children. He is slain by a young ranger, Karl Tanner, in "And Now His Watch Is Ended" which sparks the Mutiny at Craster's Keep.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Robert Pugh.

Gilly

Gilly is a wildling girl, daughter and wife of Craster. After the Night's Watch regroups at Craster's Keep, Gilly gives birth to a son. Craster is killed before he can sacrifice the child, and in the confusion Gilly flees south with Samwell. In A Feast for Crows she is sent South aboard a ship to Oldtown with Samwell, ostensibly with her child; in truth Jon Snow swapped her child with that of Mance Rayder, to spare the innocent child from Melisandre's flames on account of his king's blood.

In the HBO television adaptation, she is portrayed by Hannah Murray.^{[S 35]}

Val

Val is the sister of Mance Rayder's wife, Dalla. After the failed Wildling incursion, she is kept prisoner at the wall. She is described as an attractive woman. In A Dance with Dragons, Jon Snow sends her alone to bring a Wildling warlord, Tormund, and his people to the Wall. The mission is successful.

Lord of Bones

The Lord of Bones (also mocked as "Rattleshirt") is a wildling leader under Mance Rayder, known for his vileness and cowardice. In A Dance with Dragons, he is executed, believed to be Mance since Melisandre glamoured him to take the appearance of the condemned.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Edward Dogliani in seasons two and three, and Ross O'Hennessy in season five.^{[S 36]}

Bowen Marsh

Bowen Marsh is the First Steward of the Night's Watch, based at Castle Black. He is in charge of the day-to-day running of the Night's Watch, dealing with issues of supplies, funding, logistics and communications. During A Dance with Dragons, Bowen becomes disillusioned by the decisions made by Jon Snow as Lord Commander. Fearing for the future safety of the Night's Watch, Bowen and several of his followers stab Jon.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Michael Condron.

Eddison Tollett

Eddison Tollett (also known as Dolorous Edd) is a squire from House Tollett and a steward of the Night's Watch. Edd survives the fight with the wights at the Fist of the First Men. He is among the survivors to make it back to Craster's Keep. In A Dance with Dragons Edd carries on his duties as the Lord Commander's steward. He is one of the men brought along as muscle to assist Lord Commander Jon Snow in escorting Janos Slynt for his execution.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Ben Crompton.^{[S 37]}

Tormund Giantsbane

Tormund, better known as Tormund Giantsbane or Tormund Thunderfist, is a famous wildling raider.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Kristofer Hivju.

Varamyr Sixskins

Varamyr is a Wildling skinchanger, named due to controlling six animals. He held power over multiple Wildling villages and even aspired to be King-Beyond-the-Wall, before joining Mance Rayder. When Stannis attacks the Wildlings Melisandre uses her magic to burn Varamyr's eagle, causing him to lose control of his remaining animals. Varamyr hides his identity, fleeing north and retaining control of three wolves. He is stabbed by a boy and as he is dying attempts to take the body of the spearwife Thistle. However she expels him from her mind and Varamyr dies, his mind living on in the wolf One Eye.

Royal court and officials

The Royal Court at King's Landing is mostly composed of the King's small Council and his Kingsguard, the seven knights sworn to protect the king and his family. All members of the small council, except for the Grand Maester, are appointed and dismissed by the king or The Hand.

Petyr Baelish

Lord Petyr Baelish, called Littlefinger, holds power as the Master of Coin, the Treasurer of the Seven Kingdoms.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Aidan Gillen.^{[S 1][S 2]}

Varys

Varys, called the Spider, is a eunuch who serves as Master of Whisperers, the spymaster for the king of the Seven Kingdoms.^[66] He is feared by nobles and common people alike. He is described as bald and fat, and he usually affects a fawning, effeminate manner. He knows all of the secret passages in the royal castle and his spies are found everywhere.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Conleth Hill.^{[S 1][S 2]}

Pycelle

Pycelle is an elderly Maester, who for decades has served many kings as Grand Maester, the personal healer and scholar of the king. Although he is intelligent and highly educated, his effectiveness as an officer of the court has been dulled by his age. He is secretly an agent of influence for House Lannister: he convinced King Aerys II Targaryen to open the gates for Tywin Lannister during a rebellion, he allowed Jon Arryn to die to keep the true parentage of Cersei Lannister's children secret, and would have killed King Robert Baratheon upon Cersei's command. Upon learning this, Tyrion Lannister has Pycelle removed from office and imprisoned. In A Storm of Swords, he is restored to his position. He objects to Queen Regent Cersei's decisions throughout A Feast for Crows, and she considers replacing him. When Cersei is arrested, Pycelle seizes control of the king's council and offers Kevan Lannister the regency. Together, they begin restoring order to the Seven Kingdoms. Pycelle is killed by Varys, who believes that he and Kevan's competent leadership threatens Aegon VI Targaryen's chance at the throne.^[67]

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Julian Glover.^{[S 1]}

Barristan Selmy

Ser Barristan Selmy, called Barristan the Bold, is hailed as a hero throughout Westeros and is the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. He serves as the third-person narrator for four chapters in A Dance with Dragons. Although he is over sixty at the start of the series, he remains a remarkable fighter and is the most celebrated and respected living knight. He has been a member of the Kingsguard for most of his life and served three kings. He remained loyal to House Targaryen during Robert Baratheon's rebellion, but he later accepted Robert's pardon and held his position as commander. He is dismissed by Cersei upon Joffrey's succession to the throne. In A Clash of Kings, he begins serving the exiled princess Daenerys Targaryen. He exposes Ser Jorah Mormont, Daenerys's most trusted adviser, as a former spy for Robert. When Daenerys disappears in A Dance with Dragons, he launches a coup against her husband. He then reluctantly rules Meereen in her stead under the title the Queen's Hand until she returns.^[49]

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Ian McElhinney.^{[S 1][S 2]}

Arys Oakheart

Ser Arys Oakheart is a knight of King Robert Baratheon's Kingsguard, and for Robert's subsequent heirs.^[66] He serves as the third-person narrator for one chapter in A Feast for Crows. Arys accompanies Myrcella Baratheon to Dorne, where he is seduced by Arianne Martell.^[68] Together, they plot to place Myrcella on the throne. When the plot is foiled, Arys is killed.^[69]

Ilyn Payne

Ser Ilyn Payne is the King's Justice, the royal executioner. Before the events of the series, King Aerys II Targaryen ordered his tongue cut out. He is a skilled headsman, seldom requiring a second stroke to finish his charges. Ilyn executes Lord Stark after his downfall. He serves as Jaime's sparring partner in A Feast for Crows.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Wilko Johnson.^{[S 38]}

Qyburn

Qyburn is a former Maester who lost his chain for unethical experiments. He is also rumored to dabble in necromancy. In A Clash of Kings, he is a member of the Brave Companions mercenary company. He later leaves the company in A Feast for Crows and joins the court at King's Landing. He convinces Queen Cersei Lannister to allow him to experiment on the dying Gregor Clegane. He creates Cersei an unbeatable champion dubbed Ser Robert Strong, who is made a knight of the Kingsguard.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Anton Lesser.^{[S 5][S 6]}

The High Sparrow

The High Sparrow is a prominent member of the "sparrows", a religious movement formed during the War of the Five Kings and is a member of the Faith of the Seven.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Jonathan Pryce.

Meryn Trant

Ser Meryn Trant is a member of the kingsguard under King Robert Baratheon, King Joffrey Baratheon and King Tommen Baratheon.

When Joffrey tells Sansa of his plan to behead Robb Stark, she defies him by wishing to see his own head mounted there, for which Joffrey has Trant slap her. As part of the City Watch he also murders King Robert's illegitimate children. When the Lannisters send their guards to capture Arya Stark, Trant kills Syrio Forel, her fencing Instructor, who protects Arya despite only being armed with a wooden training sword.^{[70][S 39]} Following his arrival in Braavos, Arya infiltrates a brothel disguised as a child prostitute and kills Trant in revenge.

He is played by recurring cast member, Ian Beattie in the television adaptation.

Other characters

Khal Drogo

Drogo is a powerful khal, or warlord, of the Dothraki people, a tribal nation of horse riders in the steppes beyond the Free Cities. He is an accomplished warrior and has never been defeated in battle.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Jason Momoa.^{[S 2]}

Syrio Forel

Syrio Forel is the former First Sword of Braavos and a master of the Braavosi fighting style known as Water Dancing.^[71] He instructs Arya in the ways of fencing. When the Lannisters send their guards to capture Arya, Syrio is killed protecting her.^{[70][S 40]}

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Miltos Yerolemou.

Jaqen H'ghar

Jaqen H'ghar is a name used by a member of the Faceless Men, a society of assassins who follow a personification of death known as the Many-Faced God. In A Clash of Kings, he is taken from the dungeons to join the Night's Watch. On the journey, he meets Arya Stark, who frees him and two others when the group is attacked by Lannisters. In return, he promises to kill any three people she names. After Arya names Jaqen himself, he agrees to help her free the northern prisoners in Harrenhal in exchange for his own life. They escape, and he gives Arya an iron coin, instructing her to give it to any Braavosi and say "valar morghulis" should she need more help. He then leaves her.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Tom Wlaschiha.^{[S 41]}

Illyrio Mopatis

Illyrio Mopatis is a wealthy and powerful Magister in Pentos. He is a larger man, though in his youth he was a strong mercenary.^[72] He is a close friend of Varys, and the pair engineer a plot to place House Targaryen back on the throne of the Seven Kingdoms.^[73] Before the events of the series, he welcomed the exiled Viserys Targaryen and his sister Daenerys into his home as guests.^[72] In A Game of Thrones, Illyrio brokers a marriage between Daenerys and Khal Drogo to buy Drogo's army of warriors.^[74] His plan to create an army to invade Westeros is ruined upon the deaths of Drogo and Viserys. He aids Daenerys in A Clash of Kings by sending her three ships and a disguised Barristan Selmy. He also smuggles Tyrion Lannister out of Westeros in A Dance with Dragons and sends him to accompany Aegon on his journey to aid Daenerys.^[75][73]

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Roger Allam.^{[S 1]}

Thoros of Myr

Thoros is a red priest of R'hllor from the city of Myr. Before the events of the series, he was sent to King's Landing to convert King Aerys II Targaryen into a follower of R'hllor. He was unsuccessful and began to question his faith. When Robert Baratheon became king, Thoros became a frequent drinking companion of Robert's. He is a formidable fighter known for using a flaming sword. In A Game of Thrones, he is sent with Beric Dondarrion to arrest Gregor Clegane. When Dondarrion is killed, Thoros inadvertently resurrects him during the funeral service. By A Storm of Swords, the two founded a band of outlaws called the Brotherhood Without Banners to stop the raiders ravaging the Riverlands. Thoros is continually able to resurrect Dondarrion whenever he is killed. When Lady Stoneheart takes leadership of the Brotherhood in A Feast for Crows, he does not dispute her, although he disapproves of her motives and methods.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Paul Kaye.^{[S 5][S 6]}

Ser Duncan the Tall

Ser Duncan the Tall is a legendary knight and the subject of several popular songs and stories. He is one of the main characters of the Tales of Dunk and Egg novellas. Originally the squire of an itinerant 'hedge knight', he later befriended Prince Maekar Targaryen's son Aegon (nicknamed 'Egg'), with whom he traveled before Aegon ascended to the Iron Throne as King Aegon V Targaryen. Duncan was appointed to his Kingsguard, and eventually became its Lord Commander. He perished alongside his king in a fire at Summerhall, the Targaryen summer home.

Hizdahr zo Loraq

Hizdahr zo Loraq is a Ghiscari noble of the city of Meereen. With the Sons of the Harpy continuing to cause trouble in the streets, the Green Grace advises Daenerys to take a husband of Ghiscari blood to placate the Meereenese and recommends Hizdahr. After keeping the peace, Hizdahr marries Daenerys. Hizdahr tries to gain control of Meereen after the disappearance of Daenerys but Grey Worm and his Unsullied refuse to obey him.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Joel Fry.^{[S 42]}

Yezzan zo Qaggaz

Yezzan zo Qaggaz is a slave-trader from the city of Yunkai, on the coast of Slaver's Bay, and one of the Wise Masters, the ruling elite of the city. He bought Tyrion Lannister, Penny, and Jorah Mormont from the slavers, and gives them to the charge of his henchman, Nurse. Yezzan was one of the few Yunkai lords who wished to honor the peace between Yunkai and Meereen. He later died of the pale mare that was spreading throughout the Yunkish siege lines, and several of his slaves used the opportunity to escape.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Enzo Cilenti.

Tycho Nestoris

Tycho Nestoris is a representative of the Iron Bank of Braavos. Tycho is sent to the Wall to negotiate payment of the debt of the Iron Throne with King Stannis Baratheon. Jon Snow negotiates with him for the use of his ships for a voyage and a loan to purchase food for the winter while the Night's Watch provides him guides to reach Stannis, who has left Castle Black.

In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Mark Gatiss.^{[S 43]}

The Waif

The Waif is a priestess of the Many-Faced God in the House of Black and White. The waif is assigned to teach Arya the tongue of Braavos and then how to detect lies.

In the HBO television adaptation, she is portrayed by Faye Marsay.

Meribald

Meribald is a septon of the Riverlands. He guides Brienne of Tarth to the Quiet Isle to meet the Elder Brother.

In the HBO television adaptation, the character is renamed Brother Ray and is portrayed by Ian McShane.

Septa Unella

Septa Unella is a member of the "Most Devout", the ruling council of the Faith of the Seven. Unella is the septa who forces Cersei Lannister to admit her crimes to her in A Feast for Crows.

In the HBO television adaptation, she is portrayed by Hannah Waddingham.

References

Secondary sources

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14. "Exclusive: Tyrion Lannister's Squire, Podrick Payne, Cast For 'Game Of Thrones' Season 2". Access Hollywood. August 24, 2011. Retrieved June 6, 2012.
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18. Hartinger, Brent. "Gays Go Medieval in Upcoming "A Game of Thrones" Fantasy Series". Movies/TV. AfterElton. Retrieved 13 February 2012.
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1. A Game of Thrones, Appendix.
2. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 69: Bran VII.
3. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 29: Davos IV.
4. A Game of Thrones, Arya II, p. 221.
5. A Game of Thrones, Eddard I, pp. 42–44.
6. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 24: Bran IV.
7. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 37: Bran V.
8. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 53: Bran VI.
9. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 16: Bran II.
10. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 7: Arya I.
11. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 37: The Prince of Winterfell.
12. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 72: Jaime IX.
13. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 20: Reek II.
14. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 31: Melisandre I.
15. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 51: Theon I.
16. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 3: Daenerys I.
17. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 2: Catelyn I.
18. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 2: Catelyn I.
19. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 4: Eddard I.
20. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 45: Eddard XII.
21. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 80: Sansa VII.
22. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 40: Catelyn VII.
23. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 10: Sansa I.
24. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 34: Catelyn VI.
25. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 62: Tyrion VIII.
26. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 61: Tyrion XIV.
27. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 38: Tyrion V.
28. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 66: Tyrion IX.
29. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 14: Brienne III.
30. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 20: Brienne IV.
31. A Clash of Kings, Prologue.
32. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 5: Davos I.
33. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 10: Davos II.
34. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 25: Davos III.
35. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 36: Davos IV.
36. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 63: Davos VI.
37. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 9: Davos I.
38. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 19: Davos III.
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48. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 68: The Dragontamer.
49. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 70: The Queen's Hand.
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52. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 1: Bran I, p.11-13.
53. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 4: Eddard I, p.37.
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55. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 13: Tyrion II, p.104.
56. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 19: Jon III, pp.148–157.
57. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 53: Bran VI, p.483-484.
58. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 15: Jon II.
59. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 41: Jon V.
60. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 17: Jon IV.
61. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 52: Jon VII, pp.473–474.
62. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 33: Samwell III.
63. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 53: Jon VII.
64. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 69: Jon IX.
65. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 73: Jon X.
66. A Game of Thrones, Appendix: House Baratheon, pp.676–677.
67. A Dance with Dragons, Epilogue.
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Bibliography

• Martin, George R. R. (September 1996). A Game of Thrones. A Song of Ice and Fire (US hardcover ed.). Bantam Spectra. ISBN 978-0-553-10354-0.
• Martin, George R. R. (March 1999). A Clash of Kings. A Song of Ice and Fire (US hardcover ed.). Bantam Spectra. ISBN 978-0-553-10803-3.
• Martin, George R. R. (November 2000). A Storm of Swords. A Song of Ice and Fire (US hardcover ed.). Bantam Spectra. ISBN 978-0-553-10663-3.
• Martin, George R. R. (November 2005). A Feast for Crows. A Song of Ice and Fire (US hardcover ed.). Bantam Spectra. ISBN 978-0-553-80150-7.
• Martin, George R. R. (July 2011). A Dance with Dragons. A Song of Ice and Fire (US hardcover ed.). Bantam Spectra. ISBN 978-0-553-80147-7.

External links

• A sourced list of GRRM's pronunciations, hosted at Westeros.org
• HBO's official pronunciation guide for Game of Thrones characters