Lord of Winterfell, Warden of the North, and head of House Stark. A man of rigid honour and quiet authority, Ned is deeply devoted to his family and to the old ways of the North. When his old friend King Robert asks him to serve as Hand of the King, duty compels him south to a court where honour is a liability.

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.

The eldest son of Eddard and Catelyn Stark. A young man raised on his father's principles, Robb is thrust into a leadership role far sooner than anyone expected.

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 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.

The middle Stark son, a boy of seven who loves to climb the walls and towers of Winterfell. Bran dreams of becoming a knight of the Kingsguard, but fate has a very different path in store.

The youngest Stark child, only three years old at the start of events. Too young to understand the forces tearing his family apart.

Eddard Stark's illegitimate son, raised alongside his trueborn siblings at Winterfell but never allowed to forget his bastardy. Jon chooses to join the Night's Watch, seeking purpose and belonging at the edge of the known world.

The master-at-arms of Winterfell, a loyal old knight with impressive whiskers who has served House Stark for decades.

The maester of Winterfell, advisor to the Stark family. Wise, gentle, and devoted to the household he serves, Luwin provides counsel grounded in learning and pragmatism.

A simple-minded but gentle giant who serves House Stark at Winterfell. Hodor can say only one word – his own name – but his loyalty and strength make him indispensable.