The younger Stark daughter, wild and wilful where her sister is proper. More interested in swordplay than needlework, Arya chafes against the expectations placed on highborn girls.

A highborn woman from the island of Tarth who has defied every expectation of her sex to become a warrior. Tall, ungainly, and mocked for her appearance, Brienne clings to the ideals of knighthood with a sincerity that the actual knights of Westeros have long since abandoned.

Wife of Eddard Stark, born of House Tully of Riverrun. A fiercely protective mother and shrewd political mind, Catelyn's instincts about the dangers threatening her family prove sharper than her husband's trust in old friendships.

Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, wife of Robert Baratheon, and twin sister of Jaime. Beautiful, ambitious, and increasingly paranoid, Cersei harbours secrets that could destroy the realm.

Cersei's twin brother and a knight of the Kingsguard, widely regarded as the finest swordsman alive. Jaime earned the name Kingslayer when he killed the Mad King Aerys, an act that branded him an oathbreaker regardless of his reasons.

The eldest son of Randyll Tarly, sent to the Wall by a father who despised his gentle, bookish nature. Overweight, timid, and self-deprecating, Sam is everything a warrior is not – but he possesses a quiet courage and a keen mind.

The elder Stark daughter, raised on songs of chivalry and dreams of courtly life. Sansa's romantic ideals carry her eagerly toward King's Landing, where reality proves far crueller than any story.

The elderly, blind maester of the Night's Watch at Castle Black. Few know that he is a Targaryen prince who refused the Iron Throne decades ago, choosing service over power.

Tywin's younger brother and most reliable lieutenant. Competent, dutiful, and content to serve in his brother's shadow, Kevan is the steady hand that keeps House Lannister's machinery running.

The daughter of Mace Tyrell, Lord of Highgarden. Young, beautiful, and politically astute, Margaery is a key piece in House Tyrell's ambition to place their family at the heart of power.

Master of Coin on the King's Small Council, a man of humble origins who has risen through cunning, charm, and an unsettling readiness to be useful to whoever holds power. Petyr makes no secret of his old, unrequited devotion to Catelyn Tully - a fixation that goes back to their childhood as wards of her father at Riverrun.

The younger son of Robert and Cersei. A sweet, timid boy who loves his cats and has none of his brother Joffrey's cruelty.