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 youngest child of Tywin Lannister, a dwarf despised by his father and loathed by his sister. What Tyrion lacks in physical stature he compensates for with a razor-sharp wit, political cunning, and a voracious appetite for books, wine, and life.

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 eldest son of King Robert and Queen Cersei, heir to the Iron Throne. A cruel and petulant boy who mistakes brutality for strength.

Sandor's elder brother, the largest and most feared knight in Westeros. A man of almost mindless violence, Gregor serves as Tywin Lannister's most brutal instrument.

A sellsword of low birth and no scruples who attaches himself to Tyrion Lannister after a chance meeting. Skilled, pragmatic, and refreshingly honest about his motivation: gold.

A former maester stripped of his chain for conducting forbidden experiments. Qyburn's skills as a healer are undeniable, but his curiosity recognises no ethical boundaries.

A young squire assigned to Tyrion Lannister, later to Brienne of Tarth. Quiet, loyal, and easily underestimated. His competence and courage reveal themselves slowly across the series.

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

Joffrey's sworn shield, a massive and terrifying warrior whose face was horribly burned as a child by his own brother. The Hound despises knights, oaths, and pretensions of honour, yet his actions sometimes suggest a conscience he would deny possessing.