Everyone's A Player

Queen Daenerys Targaryen, “Stormborn”, “Mother of Dragons”, “Breaker of Chains” // House Targaryen // FC: Emilia Clarke

BEFORE GAME OF THRONES

Daenerys Targaryen is the last Targaryen child born and is the daughter of King Aerys II Targaryen and Queen Rhaella Targaryen. Queen Rhaella became pregnant with Daenerys during the last stages of Robert’s Rebellion. With the defeat of the Targaryens imminent, Rhaella and her son Viserys fled to the Targaryen stronghold at Dragonstone. Rhaella gave birth to Daenerys amid a violent storm and died shortly thereafter, leaving her children orphans. Before the Baratheon forces could take Dragonstone, loyalists smuggled the two Targaryen children to Braavos across the Narrow Sea where there hid in refuge for a number of years until their retainer's death forced them into the street. For a long period the two went from place to place until they wet finally taken in by Illyrio Mopatis who swore he would help the vindictive and controlling Viserys take his rightful place on the Iron Throne, including arranging the marriage between Daenerys and Khal Drogo to give him the Khalasar army. 

PERSONALITY

Daenerys has two sides to her. She can be very compassionate, kind and merciful, but she can also be ruthless and unwavering. The Mother of Dragons has a huge heart for the oppressed and strives to seek justice so that her kingdom can be fair and honorable, but she also has fierce determination which sometimes causes her to have somewhat of a one-track mind. She has little patience for those who oppose her or even those who disagree with her. Her young age has made her naive and sometimes unable to see just how her actions, while good in intention, might truly affect the people she want to rule and protect, though she is a very keen woman and is willing to admit and learn from her mistakes if it makes her kingdom a better place. Though inexperienced as a ruler, she has the ability to draw people to her and those who follow her, follow her with fierce dedication and love.

Friends: Barristan Selmy, Missandei, Grey Worm, Daario Naharis

Enemies: House Lannister, House Baratheon, Doreah

Queen Margaery Baratheon (nee Tyrell) // House Tyrell, House Baratheon of King's Landing // FC: Natalie Dormer

BEFORE GAME OF THRONES

Margaery Tyrell is the only daughter of Lord Mace Tyrell and his wife Lady Alerie. She was born in the Tyrell seat of power, Highgarden, and grew up a privileged life. Her father Mace, is the lord of Highgarden, Lord Paramout of the Reach, and Warden of the South making him and the Tyrell family very rich and influential. Margaery is very close to her brother Loras and her grandmother Olenna, whom she takes after greatly. From an early age, Margaery wanted to be queen and with her family's position and influence, she has the tools to make it possible and she will do almost anything to get her crown.

PERSONALITY

Margaery is very much her grandmother's granddaughter. Both she and Lady Olenna are very cunning, politically savvy women. Margaery is a very smart, observant girl who knows exactly when and how to manipulate those of weaker wills. She has been known to exhibit a compassionate and kind side. She knows that in order to be a successful queen, you must win the love of the people. But it is her ability to play the game that truly sets her apart. She may prove to be one of the most powerful players yet. 

Friends: House Tyrell, House Lannister, House Baratheon of King's Landing, Sansa Stark

Enemies: House Baratheon of Dragonstone

Ser Sandor Clegane, "The Hound" // House Clegane // FC: Rory McCann

BEFORE GAME OF THRONES

Sandor Clegane was born to one of the Lannister vassal houses, House Clegane. Though strong and talented in battle, nearly all of Sandor's life has been overshadowed by his older brother, Gregor Clegane, "the Mountain". A cruel, sadistic, violet person even in his youth, the older Clegane brother forced a seven-year-old Sandor's head in a lit fireplace because he borrowed a toy Gregor never showed interest in, severely burning the young boys face and permanently scarring it. Since then, Sandor has grown an intense hatred of his brother, joining the Lannister household the first opportunity he got. He became a knight and served the king and the Lannisters as made a name for himself for his strength and brutality in battle, but even then, Gregor's presence still loomed over.

PERSONALITY

Sandor Clegane is a man of little happiness and kindness. He is known to be very cruel, rude and blunt. His unhappiness undoubtedly stems at least partially from his brother's infamy and the deformity Gregor gave him as a child. He shows little honor and only seems to do things for himself. However, there have been instances when he has shown mercy, infinitesimal semblances of warmth and morality. Though he is very much like his brother in many ways, he lacks his brother's complete and utter psychopathy and thirst for blood, though he is not afraid to kill if it serves him to do so. 

THE HOUND LIVES

As we know, the Hound was seemingly mortally wounded during the battle with Brienne of Tarth, then left for dead by Arya in Season 4, Episode 10, "The Children". But what if someone else had miraculously found him and saved him from certain death? Shortly after Arya took off with his money, a traveler passed by and spotted Clegane lying on the ground, bleeding and yelling in pain. Though not the maester the Hound had sardonically joked about, he was a man experienced with medicine and herbs. The man took the Hound in and cleaned him up the best he could, though he could not completely heal Sandor's badly broken leg. Now on the mend, is still badly bruised and sore and now must walk with a limp. Despite his adversity, he is determined to not only find Arya but also the person who gave him such injuries, Brienne of Tarth.

Friends: Arya Stark

Enemies: House Lannister, House Baratheon of King's Landing, Gregor Clegane, Brienne of Tarth

Lord Tyrion Lannister, “the Imp” // House Lannister // FC: Peter Dinklage

BEFORE GAME OF THRONES

Tyrion is the youngest son of Tywin and Joanna Lannister. Joanna tragically died in childbirth and Tyrion came into the world disfigured and stricken with dwarfism. Joanna’s death made Tyrion the target of his father’s and his sister Cersei’s resentment. Tyrion had a tough life growing up. Not only was he reviled by his father, but he was constantly teased and bullied because of his appearance. The only one in his immediately family who seemed to care anything for him was his older brother Jaime. When he was thirteen, he and Jaime stumbled upon a peasant girl named Tysha who being threatened by bandits. The brothers rescued her and Tyrion took care of her. The two slept together and Tyrion quickly fell in love, marrying the girl in secret. Quickly enough, the secret was outed and Tyrion’s father told his older son to lie and say that the whole encounter with Tysha was a setup and she was really a whore who Tywin hired to sleep with Tyrion. Tywin punished the “whore” by having his entire guard rape her, then giving her a silver coin, making Tyrion go last who paid her with gold. After that, Tyrion never saw his wife again and lived for years thinking his father’s cruel story was true. The incident caused Tyrion to grow a deep seeded resentment and hatred of his father, one that he has held until this day.

PERSONALITY

Due to his deformities, Tyrion was never a strong fighter. But what he lacks in physical strength, he makes up in intelligence. Tyrion is an exceedingly smart and cunning man who uses wit and knowledge as his weapons and he uses them well. His nearly endless taunting and teasing has given Tyrion not only a tough skin and a witty sarcastic sense of humor, but also a great amount of sympathy to outcasts and misfits like himself. Though he can be cruel, he can also be surprisingly kind and thoughtful and returns the kindness of others readily. He is also incredibly savvy and is known to show incredible acts of bravery, but those go rarely noticed.

Friends: Jaime Lannister, Varys, Bronn, Sansa Stark, Podrick

Ser Jaime Lannister, “Kingslayer” //  House Lannister // FC: Nikolaj Coster-Waldau

BEFORE GAME OF THRONES

Jaime Lannister is the son of Lord Tywin Lannister and Joanna Lannister. He is the twin brother of Queen Cersei Baratheon and older brother of Tyrion Lannister. Jaime was close to both of his siblings, showing much care and affection toward his little brother Tyrion and eventually entering into an incestuous relationship with his sister. Growing up, everything was riding on Jaime in Tywin’s eyes. He was the heir of Casterly Rock and the future leader of the Lannister family. Things changed when Jaime was appointed to the Kingsguard by King Aerys II Targaryen, thus stripping him of all inheritance and the chance to carry on the Lannister name, which enraged Tywin greatly. Jaime stayed in the Kingsguard even when it was becoming more and more apparent just how cruel and mad the king was growing, only worsening with Robert’s Rebellion and the killing of Aerys’ son Rhaegar at the Battle of the Trident. Aerys refused to let Jaime leave to be on the battlefield, so Jaime was present when the Mad King let it be known his plan to burn King’s Landing rather than have it taken, killing thousands of innocent people in the process. Upon the Sacking of King’s Landing lead by Jaime’s own father, Aerys ordered Jaime give him Tywin’s head as he prepared the pyromancers to set the city ablaze. Partly because he refused to kill his father and partly to save the city, Jaime defied his king and murdered him in the throne room, swiftly ending the war for Robert, thus earning him the nickname “Kingslayer”.

PERSONALITY

Like many of the Lannisters, Jaime comes across as arrogant, conniving and haughty. Jaime has only some regard to his vows and duties as a member of the kingsguard. While he does take it upon himself to defend the city and King Robert, he breaks his vows of celibacy and fathering children, both of which are broken in his relationship with Cersei. Despite his flaws, Jaime can show some kindness and exhibit some honor, as seen in of his affectionate treatment of his brother Tyrion and his friendship and rescuing of Brienne of Tarth. The journey with Brienne and especially the loss of his hand have changed the Kingslayer, humbling him.

Friends: House Baratheon of King’s Landing, House Lannister, Brienne of Tarth

Lord Tywin Lannister // House Lannister // FC: Charles Dance

BEFORE GAME OF THRONES

Tywin Lannister was born to Tytos Lannister, a weak and ineffectual leader who brought much shame and embarrassment to Tywin. Tywin rebelled against his father’s gentility with power and strength. Tytos died, allowing Tywin to become the Lord of Casterly Rock. As lord, he married is cousin Joanna Lannister and the two seemed rather happy. She bore him three children: the twins Cersei and Jaime and Tyrion the dwarf. Sadly, Joanna died giving birth to Tyrion, something Tywin always held against his youngest son. King Aerys II Targaryen appointed Tywin as Hand of the King and he proved to be very effectual in his post, but the king soon became jealous of Tywin’s success and their friendship deteriorated. Things came to a head when King Aerys appointed Tywin’s son and heir, Jaime, to the Kingsguard, stripping the boy of his inheritance and his chance to have a family. Tywin saw this as the ultimate offense and resigned from his position and returned to Casterly Rock where he stayed nearly throughout the entirety of Robert’s Rebellion, refusing to help either side. This changed, however, when it was clear that the favor of the war was on Robert’s side. Tywin ordered his troops to King’s Landing. The King, thinking Tywin was there to help him, let them in, but the Lannister forces took the city for Robert. Tywin ordered the killing of the king’s daugter-in-law and her children and Jaime, still a member of the Kingsguard, delivered the loosing blow to the Targaryens by killing King Aerys himself. Robert Baratheon was named king and Tywin saw the opportunity to set an alliance with him by marrying his daughter Cersei to the new king.

PERSONALITY

Tywin Lannister is a very focused, calculating and ruthless man. Highly intelligent, he is a capable leader both in peacetime and in war. To Tywin, legacy and family honor are everything. He will do whatever he can to ensure that the Lannister name never reaches the pits it did under his father, Tytos, meaning Tywin is not afraid of playing dirty if it means preserving the Lannister reputation. He is far from a loving man and is not much loved in return, but very respected. He knows how to manage power and he does it extremely well.

TYWIN LANNISTER LIVES

As we know, Tywin was assassinated by his own son Tyrion in Season 4, Episode 10, “The Children”. However, what if Tyrion’s arrows didn’t quite hit the mark? Though Tyrion did indeed shoot his father, luckily for the Hand, the arrows just missed his major organs. Before Tywin could react, Tyrion took off and is on the run. In severe pain, Tywin called out and was soon taken by a guard who brought him to Grand Maester Pycelle who painfully removed his arrows, stemmed the bleeding, and gave Tywin medicine to dull the pain. Much like his grandson, Joffrey, Tywin is currently bedridden and recovering, and also like Joffrey, he now has it out for Tyrion more than ever. He is also aware now of Cersei’s and Jaime’s scandalous relationship and plans to deal with it once he is able.

Friends: House Lannister, House Tyrell, House Baratheon of King’s Landing, House Frey, House Bolton

King Stannis Baratheon // House Baratheon of Dragonstone // FC: Stephen Dillane

BEFORE GAME OF THRONES

Stannis Baratheon is the second son born to Lord Steffon Baratheon and Cassana Estermont and is the younger brother of Robert Baratheon. During his brother’s rebellion, Stannis successfully held the Baratheon home at Storm’s End, albeit under terrible conditions which were only lessened by Davos Seaworth who sneaked food on his small boat into the castle under siege. Stannis wasn’t so lucky at Dragonstone. After his forces were relieved by Eddard Stark, Stannis was ordered to take the last Targaryen stronghold, however before he made it there, the last remaining Targaryens, Viserys and infant Daenerys were successfully smuggled out of Dragonstone and across the Narrow Sea to safety. Expecting to be rewarded Storm’s End for his success in the war, Robert gave Stannis Dragonstone to head instead, something which slighted Stannis. Nevertheless, he still served on his older brother’s small council as his Master of Ships. He and the king’s Hand, Jon Arryn began suspecting that Cersei’s children were not Robert’s but before their suspicions could be told to Robert, Jon Arryn died and Stannis went back to Dragonstone.

PERSONALITY

Stannis is known to be very serious and stubborn. He has an unwavering sense of justice which makes him very inflexible and unforgiving. He is cold and standoffish to nearly everyone he meets, though no one can doubt his sense of duty and loyalty. While not a loved man, he is a respected and very capable leader.

Friends: House Baratheon of Dragonstone, the Night’s Watch, Melisandre, Davos Seaworth

Enemies: House Lannister, House Stark, House Greyjoy, House Baratheon of King’s Landing, House Baratheon of Storm’s End, the Free Folk, the White Walkers

Queen Regent Cersei Baratheon (nee Lannister) // House Lannister, House Baratheon of King’s Landing // FC: Lena Heady

BEFORE GAME OF THRONES

Cersei Lannister is the oldest child of Lord Tywin Lannister and his late wife Joanna. Her twin brother Jaime was born moments after her. When the twins were eight, their mother died while birthing their little brother Tyrion who was horribly disfigured and stricken with dwarfism. Since then, Cersei grew resentment toward her little brother. Though she openly detested Tyrion, she was conversely very close with her twin Jaime. The two entered in an illicit incestuous relationship at a young age and have continued it well into their adulthood. When her father Tywin was made Hand of the King to Aerys II Tagaryen, he took Cersei with him from Casterly Rock to King’s Landing where she was separated from Jaime. She concocted a plan and convinced Jaime to join Aerys’ kingsguard which not only brought him to King’s Landing permanently, but barred him from marriage. The plan nearly worked, but just as Jaime took his oaths, Tywin resigned from his post due to rising tensions with the king, dragging Cersei back to Casterly Rock. Luckily for her, she didn’t stay too long as Tywin proposed she marry the Usurper, Robert Baratheon whom he just helped win his rebellion. Cersei was excited to not only be back in King’s Landing, but to also be queen. However, her marriage to Robert quickly deteriorated and she resumed her affair with Jaime, giving him three children Joffrey, Myrcella and Tommen, fooling Robert into thinking they were his own.

PERSONALITY

Cersei is a very ambitious and prideful woman. She thinks very highly of herself and of her intellect, oftentimes lamenting the fact that she was born a woman as she believes she has the political prowess and cunning nature of a man. She can be very spiteful, impatient and underhanded and generally treats those she dislikes very poorly. The only people she has shown any true love toward are her brother Jaime and her children, though she can treat them coldly if they do not please her. She is very protective of her children, Joffrey most of all, whom she almost lives vicariously through. Though her love for her children runs deep, she is poor at giving advice and guidance.

Friends: House Baratheon of King’s Landing, House Lannister, House Tyrell

Enemies: House Stark, House Baratheon of Dragonstone, Tyrion Lannister

King Joffrey Baratheon // House Baratheon of King’s Landing // FC: Jack Gleeson

BEFORE GAME OF THRONES

Joffrey Baratheon was the firstborn to King Robert Baratheon and Queen Cersei Lannister, though unbeknownst to Robert, Joffrey is actually the product of incest between Cersei and her twin brother Jaime. Being the firstborn son, Joffrey was heir to his father’s throne. He grew up a privileged life and was spoiled by his mother who doted upon him. Even at a young age, he showed his cruel streak. It is said that he often bullied his younger brother Tommen, and he once cut open the stomach of a pregnant cat to see the babies inside. Robert never paid much attention to his son and showed him very little affection growing up.

PERSONALITY

Joffrey is cruel to the core. He has very little consideration for others, is selfish to the bone, and has a mean sadistic streak. The young man has grown up incredibly spoiled and entitled and now that he has the crown, anyone who dares to speak against him is punished severely. He is a little tyrant who is widely despised by his kingdom, his people, his court and even his own family. The only person who shows him any love and affection is his mother, but even to her, Joffrey is rather cold. Joffrey is not an intelligent boy and can be easily manipulated which his grandfather Tywin and wife Margaery use to their advantage. He is hot-headed, mean and generally cowardly in the moments he needs to show bravery, but since he has all the power, very few are willing to speak to him, let alone tell him of his wrongdoings. The only one that seems to have that power is his grandfather.

JOFFREY BARATHEON LIVES

The fandom and the kingdom rejoiced when Joffrey Baratheon was poisoned at his own wedding in Season 4, Episode 2, “The Lion and the Rose”. However, what if to our horror, that he had survived the poisoning? As Joffrey held the goblet to his mouth, only the tiniest of drops hit his lips before a servant clearing bringing more cake accidentally bumped into the king. Though he caughed violently and was obviously showing some adverse reactions, the small wine he had swallowed was not enough to kill him and he was immediately taken away to be looked at by Grand Maester Pycelle. It was obvious there was poison in the wine which had conveniently just been poured by Joffrey’s uncle Tyrion Lannister. Joffrey is now recuperating in his bedchambers and he is out for for vengeance against his uncle whom he and Cersei are convinced he is the culprit. But to make matters even worse, Tyrion somehow escaped in the middle of the night and his nowhere to be found.

Friends: House Baratheon of King’s Landing, House Lannister, House Tyrell

Enemies: House Stark, House Greyjoy, House Baratheon of Storm’s End, House Baratheon of Dragonstone, House Targaryen, Petyr Baelish, Olenna Tyrell, Tyrion Lannister, Sansa Stark

Prince Brandon Stark, “Bran” // House Stark // FC: Isaac Hempstead-Wright

BEFORE GAME OF THRONES

Brandon Stark is the second son and fourth child born to Eddard Stark and his wife Catelyn Tully. From a young age, Bran had a propensity for climbing. He was often seen on the rooftops of houses or scaling the towers, which always terrified his mother. Despite the trouble Bran gave her occasionally, Catelyn had a special bond with Bran, calling him her “summer child” and the two were close. He also had dreams of becoming a strong knight, dreams which were surely dashed when he was paralyzed.

PERSONALITY

As a young boy, Bran was a very curious and adventurous child, which undoubtedly went hand in hand with his love for climbing, but since he was crippled, Bran has grown to be more serious and introspective. He is a sweet, kind boy who nearly always treats others nicely, but he is also a very determined and stubborn boy. He knows what he needs to accomplish and will do what needs to be done in order to do so.

Friends: House Stark, House Tully, Jojen Reed, Meera Reed, Osha, Tyrion Lannister

Enemies: Jaime Lannister, Cersei Lannister, House Greyjoy, Karl Tanner

King Robb Stark // House Stark // FC: Richard Madden

BEFORE GAME OF THRONES

Robb Stark is the eldest son of Eddard Stark and Catelyn Tully, the Lord and Lady of Winterfell. As the heir, Robb was taught much from his father about what it means to be Lord of Winterfell, thus inheriting many of his father's traits. He got along well with most of his siblings and had a brotherly rivalry with his half-brother Jon Snow. Growing up, he also became very close to Theon Greyjoy who was being held in Winterfell after Eddard suppressed Balon Greyjoy's - Theon's father - rebellion. They grew to be as close as brothers, or so Robb thought.

PERSONALITY

Robb's personality nearly mirrors that of his father's. Eddard instilled in his son the same sense of honor and justice. Though young, Robb has proved himself to be a just king who can be prone to mercy and kindness. Though his young age does give him some naivete and he sometimes acts out of emotion which puts him in some dangerous situations.

ROBB STARK LIVES

As we know, Robb was brutally murdered in Season 3, Episode 9, "The Rains of Castamere". But what if the Red Wedding was not so successful? While at the wedding feast for his uncle Edmure Tully and Roslin Frey, Robb is cautiously optimistic about how things have turned out, that is until Catelyn comes behind him and whispers that something feels odd about Roose Bolton. Though he initially rebuffed her, she managed to convince him that something foul was afoot. When one of Robb's bannermen started a loud fight between one of the Frey's, Catelyn used the commotion to slip Robb, Talisa and herself out of the dining hall, but it was too late for Robb's bannermen. They were all but destroyed, his wolf Grey Wind with them. Though the murder attempt went awry, the Freys and Boltons still sent to the Lannisters that they had done their deed, sending Tywin Lannister Grey Wind's head. With the Stark forces nearly wiped out and the Lannisters, Freys and Boltons all their enemies Catelyn, Robb and Talisa are on the run.

Friends: House Stark, House Tully, House Baratheon of Storm's End

Enemies: House Lannister, House Frey, House Bolton, House Greyjoy, Petyr Baelish, House Baratheon of King's Landing, House Baratheon of Dragonstone

Lady Catelyn Stark (nee Tully) // House Tully, House Stark // FC: Michelle Fairley

BEFORE GAME OF THRONES

Lady Catelyn Tully was the firstborn daughter of Hoster Tully, Lord of Riverrun. Catelyn was betrothed to Brandon Stark, heir to Winterfell. But that marriage was to never take place as Brandon, along with his father Rickard, were killed by King Aerys II. So, Catelyn married the new Lord of Winterfell, Eddard, before he rode off to war. Undoubtedly relieved her husband was coming home after Robert's Rebellion was a success, that relief turned to betrayal when Ned came home with a baby boy in his arms, a son born of another woman. Though Catelyn accepted Jon Snow into her and Ned's growing family, she could never accept him in her heart.

PERSONALITY

Catelyn Stark is a strong, intelligent woman who is knowledgeable and observant. Though she holds bitterness toward Jon Snow, her love for her husband and for her children is deep. She is a fiercely protective mother who puts her children's well being above all else. Her deep love and devotion to her family can sometimes lead her to act with her heart, rather than her head, causing her to sometimes act rashly.

CATELYN STARK LIVES

As we know, Catelyn was murdered in Season 3, Episode 9, "The Rains of Castamere". But what if the Red Wedding was not so successful? Catelyn grew suspicious of Roose Bolton early on in the wedding feast, informing Robb of her suspicions the nearest chance she got. Though he initially rebuffed her, she managed to convince him that something foul was afoot. When one of Robb's bannermen started a loud fight between one of the Frey's, Catelyn used the commotion to slip Robb, Talisa and herself out of the dining hall, but it was too late for Robb's bannermen. They were all but destroyed, his wolf Grey Wind with them. Though the murder attempt went awry, the Freys and Boltons still told the Lannisters that they had done their deed, sending Tywin Lannister Grey Wind's head as proof and they were subsequently rewarded. With the Stark forces nearly wiped out and the Lannisters, Freys and Boltons all their enemies Catelyn, Robb and Talisa are on the run.

Friends: House Stark, House Tully, House Baratheon of Storm's End, Brienne of Tarth

Enemies: House Lannister, House Bolton, House Frey, Petyr Baelish, House Greyjoy, House Baratheon of King's Landing, House Baratheon of Dragonstone

Lord Eddard Stark, "Ned" // House Stark // FC: Sean Bean

BEFORE GAME OF THRONES

Eddard Stark was born as the second son to Lord Rickard Stark, Lord of Winterfell. In his youth, Ned was trained and fostered by Lord Jon Arryn of the Vale, during which he met and befriended Robert Baratheon. In the night, Lyanna Stark, Ned's sister and Robert's betrothed, is kidnapped by Prince Rhaegar Targaryen. In response, Ned's father and older brother Brandon rode to King's Landing to speak with the king and rescue Lyanna. Unfortunately for them, the Mad King, Aerys II Targaryen, has no patience to listen and sadistically kills them both. Upon their deaths, Ned is named Lord of Winterfell and marries Lady Catelyn Tully of Riverrun in his brother's stead. With Lyanna still being held hostage and Rickard and Brandon murdered, Robert stages a full scale rebellion with the Starks, Tullys and Arryns all by his side. Though Robert eventually won the war and was declared king, things did not end up so joyous as Ned found his dear sister at death's door. He returned to Winterfell with Lyanna's corpse and a bastard son in tow. But before he could settle at his home in Winterfell, he first had to squash another rebellion lead by Balon Greyjoy. In the fight, Balon's two eldest sons are killed, but Ned spares his youngest, a baby by the name of Theon, and takes the boy back with him to Winterfell to serve. Since then, Ned ruled as Warden of the North for many years in relative peace until King Robert asked him to be his Hand after the sudden death of Jon Arryn.

PERSONALITY

Ned is man bound by honor. His sense of justice is strong and he strives to always do what is right, no matter the cost. Though his dedication to honor and justice can be seen as noble, he can come off as very serious and stern and it is that duty to honor that often gets him in trouble with the wrong crowd who may be not so honorable. Despite his stern nature, he is a kind, understanding man who is very dedicated to his wife Catelyn and his children, whom he loves deeply and whom he tries to protect with all his being.

NED STARK LIVES

As we know, Eddard Stark took his final breath in Season 1, Episode 9, "Baelor" before he was decapitated at the orders of King Joffrey Baratheon. But what if, in a rare moment, Joffrey had shown the former Hand mercy? Eddard Stark now sits in the dungeons of King's Landing. The King and the Lannisters are reluctant to release him and send him to the Wall because it would mean having to move straight through the Stark banners in the North, so they keep him as prisoner. Ned is often visited by the Lannisters who keep him imprisoned, Tywin, Cersei and Jaime mostly. Both Tyrion and Varys would visit him under more friendly airs, but both have fled to Braavos. Ned is beginning to grow stir crazy in his cell and is willing to do almost anything to escape and reunite with his beloved family.

Friends: House Stark, House Tully, Varys, House Baratheon of Storm's End

Enemies: House Lannister, House Baratheon of King's Landing, House Greyjoy, Petyr Baelish

Princess Arya Stark // House Stark // FC: Maisie Williams

BEFORE GAME OF THRONES

Arya Stark is born to Eddard Stark and Catelyn Tully of Winterfell. Growing up, Arya proved to be nearly the exact opposite of her lady-like and demure older sister Sansa. Instead of learning to sew, dance or sing, Arya wished to be out riding a horse or going out on an adventure, much to the bemusement of her sister, her parents and especially her tutor septa Mordane. Arya was close to her bastard half-brother Jon Snow who, like Arya, is much more Stark in appearance than Tully. She and Sansa, however, had quite the tumultuous relationship and the two always fought and bickered.

PERSONALITY

Arya is a very curious and adventurous child. Rebelling against the traditional fate of a noble woman, Arya learns to fight with her prized possession being her sword Needle, bequeathed to her by Jon Snow. Arya is very quick, both of mind and on her feet, and she doesn't hesitate to use either to her advantage. She is a brave girl who is very dedicated to her own cause of exacting revenge to those who have wronged her and her family. She is sometimes seen as unphased or nonplussed by the terrible things happening around her, reacting rather matter-of-factly and coldly to them and always seeming to hold her emotions close to her chest.

Friends: House Stark, House Tully, Sandor Clegane, Gendry

Enemies: House Lannister, House Frey, Gregor Clegane, House Baratheon of King's Landing, Melisandre

Lady Sansa Lannister (nee Stark) // House Stark, House Lannister // FC: Sophie Turner

BEFORE GAME OF THRONES

Sansa Stark is the firstborn daughter of Lord Eddard Stark and Lady Catelyn Tully. Sansa is very much her mother's daughter, not only strongly inheriting the good-looks of the Tullys but being far more cultured due to her mother's influence, much more so than her brothers and even her own sister Arya. She excelled in "womanly" activities such as sewing and music, in which her tutor septa Mordane often showered her with praises. Sansa had close friends in Winterfell but always seemed to be at odds with Arya. The two were almost always seen bickering.

PERSONALITY

Above all else, Sansa always strives to be a lady. She is a quiet young girl who rarely speaks out of turn, and usually speaks with politeness and civility, unless it is to her sister Arya to whom she can be rather cold and cruel sometimes. Sansa always walks with dignity and poise even in the most difficult situations. Though she lacks physical strength, she rarely looses her composure and shows incredible self-will.

Friends: House Stark, House Tully, Tyrion Lannister, Margaery Tyrell, Olenna Tyrell, Shae, Varys, Petyr Baelish

Enemies: Joffrey Baratheon, Cersei Lannister, Tywin Lannister, Lysa Tully

Jon Snow // Man of the Night's Watch // FC: Kit Harrington

BEFORE GAME OF THRONES

Jon Snow is the bastard son of Lord Eddard Stark; the identity of his mother is the source of much intrigue and speculation. Jon Snow's status as a bastard child makes him the target of much teasing and ridicule, even in his own family. His step-mother, Catelyn Tully, has always treated him coldly, though he his close with his half-siblings, Robb and Arya in particular. Despite his closeness with his siblings, the taunting he receives drives him to consider joining the Night's Watch where names and titles have little importance. He feels there he can prove himself to being something greater than Ned Stark's bastard.

PERSONALITY

Like Eddard and Robb, Jon has a strong sense of honor and justice which fits in well with the oath taken by the men of the Night's Watch. He is a smart, quick learner who thinks on his toes which makes him a natural leader among the men at the Wall. He is brave and is not afraid to take charge, yet he is capable of showing compassion, especially to outcasts like himself. Though he grew up the way any high born child would, Jon was still treated differently because of his status as a bastard. Growing up in that environment has caused him to become very serious and somber.

Friends: House Stark, The Night's Watch, Tyrion Lannister, House Baratheon of Dragonstone

Enemies: The Free Folk, The White Walkers