Four seasons of Game of Thrones has passed on HBO, and Winter is still coming. Not so the Song of Ice and Fire novels, where Winter is well and truly under way.

Just like Jon Snow, the TV-watchers know nothing. The books are better. It is known. Lovereading.co.uk believes the time has come to push the books into prominence. The Song of Ice and Fire series has been building for 16 years, so everyone has had plenty of time to catch up.

The Game of Thrones spoiler machine is a way for readers to remember and celebrate the best plot points, and for fans of the show to test their resistance.

Is Tyrion dead? Has Cersei remarried? Who is The Mummer's Dragon?

To make things easier, we’ve mentioned where things happen in the books.
AGOT = A Game of Thrones (Book 1)
ACOK = A Clash of Kings (Book 2)
ASOS = A Storm of Swords (Book 3)
AFFC = A Feast for Crows (Book 4)
ADWD = A Dance with Dragons (Book 5)
TWOW = The Winds of Winter (Extracts from Book 6)

Click below to find out - but be warned: There are Spoilers.

Click on a house to see what happens
  • House Stark

    • Lord Eddard Stark
      Who?

      Still Dead.

      Executed in King’s Landing for treason (AGOT). He was told his (false) confession of treason would be met with leniency and he could take the black. Joffrey retracted the leniency and ordered his death, sparking The War of The Five Kings.

    • Lady Catelyn Stark
      Who?

      Back from the dead.

      Originally killed at The Red Wedding (ASOS), but found days later by The Brotherhood Without Banners. Beric Dondarrion gave his life to bring her back from the dead (AFFC). Now called Lady Stoneheart, she seeks vengeance on all who wronged her and her family.

    • King Robb Stark
      Who?

      Still Dead.

      Murdered at The Red Wedding (ASOS). Robb broke a marriage pact with House Frey. In response, Lord Walder Frey allied with House Lannister (through Roose Bolton). Robb was killed along with his mother, Lady Catelyn and most of the Stark Bannermen.

    • Rickon Stark
      Who?

      Unknown.

      Rickon parted ways with his brother (Bran), and his whereabouts is unknown. He is believed to be on The Isle of Skagos by Wyman Manderly, and Ser Davos has been charged with retrieving him, before Manderly will declare for Stannis Baratheon (ADWD).

    • Bran Stark
      Who?

      Alive (but slowly turning into a tree)

      Bran travelled north of The Wall with Hodor and The Reeds (ACOK - ADWD). He is currently learning the ways of ‘The Children’ and enhancing his warg and greenseer abilities with ‘The Three Eyed Crow’. Bran learns he has the ability to watch the whole world and all of history through the eyes of Weirwood Trees. (ADWD)

    • Hodor
      Who?

      Alive (Hodor)

      Hodor Hodor Hodor. Hodor Hodor, Hodor Hodor Hodor! Hodor Hodor… Hodor “Hodor Hodor Hodor Hodor”. Hodor Hodor Hodor Hodor. Hodor, Hodor, Hodor Hodor Hodor. Hodor Hodor Hodor. Hodor.

    • Sansa Stark
      Who?

      Alive (no longer a wimp)

      Accused of a part in the regicide of Joffrey Baratheon (ASOS). Now de facto lady of The Eyrie under the guise of Alayne Stone, the bastard of Petyr Baelish. (AFFC). She is learning the manipulative ways of Littlefinger and is to wed Robert Arryn’s distant cousin and heir (‘Harry the Heir’) before revealing her true identity and seizing control of The North. (AFFC)

    • Arya Stark
      Who?

      Alive (now the darkest character in Westeros)

      Training as an assassin with The Faceless Men in The Free City of Braavos. (AFFC-ADWD). Blinded with poison for killing a member of The Night’s Watch (AFFC), but now able to see again (ADWD). She has learned the ways of the facechangers, and has lost all claim to a true identity.

    • Jeyne Poole
      Who?

      Alive.

      Forced by The Lannisters to take the role of Arya Stark and wed to Ramsay Bolton to solidify his control of the north. Abused and tortured before eventual rescue by Theon Greyjoy. (ADWD) Suffered the great winter storm to reach Stannis Baratheon before being sent on to Jon Snow at The Wall. (TWOW)

  • House Lannister

    • King Tommen Baratheon
      Who?

      Alive. (Still loves cats)

      Tommen is not witness to his mother’s penitence walk through Kings Landing, his great uncle feeling no child should bear witness to his mother's shame. Tommen entertains his uncle at dinner with tales of his kittens and sees his mother for the first time since her incarceration.

    • Princess Myrcella Baratheon
      Who?

      Alive (Now missing an ear)

      Staying with The Martells of Dorne. Following the death of Oberyn Martell, Arianne Martell starts a campaign to make Myrcella Queen of the Seven Kingdoms (in Dorne, women have the same rights as men, so her claim is stronger than her brother Tommen's) (AFFC). She is maimed in an ensuing struggle, and her Sworn Shield, Arys Oakheart, is killed. (AFFC).

    • Ser Kevan Lannister
      Who?

      Dead.

      Murdered by Varys with a crossbow. (ADWD). After Cersei is arrested, he agrees to serve as Tommen’s regent. To appease Mace Tyrell, he makes him King’s Hand. He has a big role in Cersei’s naked walk through King’s Landing. He was killed to upset relations between The Lannisters and The Tyrells.

    • Queen Cersei
      Who?

      Alive. (Still a nasty piece of work)

      On trial for murder, treason and adultery. After confessing to adultery, she was forced to walk through King’s Landing naked as a show of penance. For her remaining crimes, she will face trial by combat and has selected Ser Robert Strong (assumed to be Gregor Clegane) as her champion.

    • Tyrion Lannister
      Who?

      Alive (Still talking his way out of everything)

      After killing his father, The Imp flees across the Narrow Sea. (ADWD). He joins up with a ship on it ways to Volantis, where he learns his companions are Aegon Targaryen and Lord Jon Connington. He is kidnapped by Jorah Mormont - both are then captured by slavers but escape amidst a plague to join an army of mercenaries. (ADWD)

    • Lancel Lannister
      Who?

      Alive.

      Badly wounded in The Battle of The Blackwater (ACOK). He becomes devoutly religious. After confessing to Jaime his sexual relationship with Cersei, he joins the Faith Militant and guards Cersei during her naked walk of penance through King’s Landing.

    • Tywin Lannister
      Who?

      Still Dead.

      Shot through the groin by Tyrion while on the privy. The subsequent few minutes proved that Tywin did not in fact ‘shit gold’.

    • Grandmaester Pycelle
      Who?

      Dead. (Killed by Varys)

      The grandmaester, who served six kings, takes over the Small Council when Cersei is arrested by the faith (AFFC). He fears The Tyrells seek to kill him after confessing to the faith he served Margaery moon tea. He is murdered by Varys to sow turmoil between The Lannisters and The Tyrells (ADWD).

  • House Targaryen

    • Daenerys Targaryen
      Who?

      Alive. (Still hasn’t gone to King’s Landing).

      She suffers marriage to Hizdahr zo Loraq (a wealthy and popular lord) to solidify her rule (ADWD). After riding her dragon, Drogon from the city, she is marooned on the Dothraki Sea and appears to have dysentery. (ADWD). She is found by the khalasar of Khal Jhaqo (one of Khal Drogo’s former bloodriders).

    • Prince Aegon Targaryen
      Who?

      Alive. (Revealed in ADWD).

      Aegon is the son of Prince Rhaegar and Elia Martell. He is the son of King Aerys’ heir, so his claim to the throne is stronger than his aunt Daenerys’. His identity is revealed to Tyrion Lannister, as they are both travelling to meet Daenerys. Tyrion convinces Aegon to turn back and try to take Westeros (ADWD) and he is last seen announcing his intention to lead a raid on Storm's End.

    • Viserys Targaryen
      Who?

      Dead.

      The petulant brother of Daenerys, also known as The Beggar King, always threatened to wake the dragon. Sadly he drowned on liquid gold instead(GoT). Poor form.

    • Missandei
      Who?

      Alive

      Rescued from slavery by Daenerys Targaryen, her knowledge of languages is put to good use. She advises Ser Barristan after Daenerys leaves on Drogon, and definitely never ever comes close to having a love story with Grey Worm. Because she's 10 years old.

    • Grey Worm
      Who?

      Alive.

      Commander of the Unsullied and utterly dedicated to Daenerys Targaeryen. Works together with Barristan Selmy after the beloved mother disappears on dragon back. Now a member of the ruling council of Mereen[ADOD]

    • Ser Barristan Selmy
      Who?

      Alive (Still can’t catch a break)

      Lord Commander of Daenerys Targaryen’s Queensguard. He becomes The Queen’s Hand and rules Mereen after she flees the city on her dragon, Drogon. (ADWD). He suspects Daenerys' husband, Hizdahr zo Loraq, of attempting to poison her and holds him in custody. (ADWD). He is last seen preparing to defend Mereen from the invading Yunkai.

    • Ser Jorah Mormont
      Who?

      Alive (Still loves Daenerys)

      Sent away from Mereen by Dany after betraying her (ASOS). He is next seen in a brothel where he kidnaps Tyrion Lannister (ADWD). On their way to Daenerys, they are shipwrecked in a storm and captured by a slave ship. They escape their new master amid a plague, and join ‘The Second Sons’, a group of Sellswords. (ADWD).

    • Daario Naharis
      Who?

      Alive. (Being held hostage)

      Captain of The Stormcrows and lover of Daenerys Targaryen. He is angered by the marriage of Daenerys and Hizdahr so Loraq. He is given as a hostage to the Yunkai to ensure peace during the wedding and ensuing festivities. He is not released after Daenerys flies away on Drogon.

    • Hizdahr zo Loraq
      Who?

      Alive. (Being held prisoner)

      Hizdahr marries Daenerys, but she flies from the city almost immediately on her dragon, Drogon. He is arrested by Barristan Selmy, after it becomes apparent he may have tried to poison Dany. The marriage was meant to ensure peace in Mereen, but Mereen now faces war. (ADWD)

  • House Baratheon

    • King Stannis Baratheon
      Who?

      Reported dead. (Still hasn’t smiled).

      According to a letter from Ramsay Bolton to Jon Snow, Stannis was killed as he marched on Winterfell. (ADWD) Having lost most of his troops to The Great Winter Storm, his last confirmed location was three days West of Winterfell (TWOW). Anything that happened subsequently is hearsay.

    • Lady Melisandre
      Who?

      Alive (Still bad news).

      Still at the wall, and gradually gaining influence over Jon Snow (ADWD). She impresses Jon with a couple of visions in her flames, but didn’t seem to know he was about to be stabbed in the back by his Night’s Watch brothers. (ADWD).

    • Queen Selyse
      Who?

      Alive (Still weird).

      After spending some time at Eastwatch, she arrives at Castle Black. Once there, she begins marrying her men to The Freefolk, cementing Stannis’ grip over The Wildlings.

    • King Robert Baratheon
      Who?

      Still Dead.

      It turns out Cersei killed him. (Kind of...). She convinced Lancel Lannister to get him drunk while he was hunting, which ultimately led to his demise. Also he has 15 bastard children around Westeros.

    • Joffrey Baratheon
      Who?

      Dead!

      The incestuous Lannister off-spring died at the feast to celebrate his wedding to Margaery Tyrell. Maybe he choked on his own hatred? More likely he was poisoned by a special stone planted on Sansa Stark’s hairpiece by the Queen of Thorns[ASOS].

    • King Renly Baratheon
      Who?

      Still Dead.

      Renly was the first person claimed by Melisandre's ghostbaby. Brienne was accused of his murder for a while, but that got resolved and nobody really talks about Renly any more.

    • Princess Shireen
      Who?

      Alive. (You’ve got something on your face).

      Princess Shireen recently arrived at Castle Black with her mother. She is feared by the Wildlings (especially Val) as she has suffered from Grey Scale. The Wildlings firmly believe Grey Scale is a curse and can never be cured, and that it will ultimately kill Shireen. It’s also a bit silly leaving someone with king’s blood so close to Melisandre – especially since Winter is Coming.

    • Davos Seaworth
      Who?

      Alive (but reported dead)

      Currently searching for Rickon Stark. Lord Wyman Manderly would only join Stannis’ side of the war if Davos agreed to go to Skagos, where Rickon is allegedly hiding. An imposter was killed in his place to appease The Lannisters.

  • The Kings Guard

    • Ser Jaime Lannister
      Who?

      Alive (Now hates Cersei)

      Currently in The Riverlands attempting to quell any more resistance (AFFC). He ignores Cersei’s plea for help in her trial (AFFC). He is approached by Brienne of Tarth who tells him she has found Sansa Stark, who is being held hostage by The Hound and Jaime must come alone to save her. He does so (ADWD).

    • Meryn Trant
      Who?

      Alive

      The cowardly Kingsguard who likes to beat girls. He has survived two kings without much guarding done, and continues to guard King Tommen, much good it will do him[ADOD].

    • Ser Osney Kettleblack
      Who?

      Alive (Awaiting execution).

      The youngest Kettleblack brother (Cersei’s pawns in AFFC). He falsely confesses to seducing Margery. Under questioning and torture by The High Septon, he admits he was lying, had a hand in the murder of the previous High Septon and slept with Cersei. He awaits execution. (ADWD)

    • Ser Osmund Kettleblack
      Who?

      Alive

      Osmund was arrested as a result of Cersei Lannister’s confessions to the faith, of sleeping with both him and his brother. Kevan Lannister had planned to send them north to The Wall if they pled guilty, if not they would face trial by combat with Ser Robert Strong.

    • Ser Balon Swann
      Who?

      Alive

      Ordered south by Cersei Lannister to return her daughter, Princess Myrcella to Kings Landing. After being delayed by the Prince of Dorne, the true extent of Myrcella’s injuries at the hands of Gerold Dayne are revealed. Balon Swann sets out to hunt Dayne, aka Darkstar.

    • Ser Arys Oakheart
      Who?

      Dead.

      Sent to Dorne with Princess Myrcella as her protector. (ACOK) He is seduced by Arianne Martell and convinced to support Myrcella’s claim to the iron throne, then killed by the Captain of Prince Doran’s guard. (AFFC)

    • Ser Robert Strong
      Who?

      Alive (but also probably dead…)

      A knight of the Kingsguard with no origin. He is suspected to be the reanimated corpse of Ser Gregor Clegane, due to his size. He never eats, never drinks and never uses the privy. Nor has he been seen without a helm, suggesting he may have no head. He is Cersei’s champion in her upcoming trial. (ADWD)

  • The Nights Watch

    • Jon Snow
      Who?

      Mortally Wounded. (Still knows nothing)

      After being selected as Lord Commander of The Night’s Watch (ASOS), Jon made peace with The Wildlings and brought them south of The Wall (ADWD). In the last chapter of Book 5, he was attacked by his black brothers and stabbed 4 times. It’s unclear whether he is alive or dead.

    • Ser Alliser Thorne
      Who?

      Unknown (Still giving Jon a hard time)

      Ser Alliser is sent to range north of the wall by Lord Commander Jon Snow (ADWD). He is unhappy with the orders, but accepts them for fear of execution. He swears he will return to Castle Black in one way or another.

    • Jeor Mormont
      Who?

      Dead.

      The Lord Commander’s beard may have saved him from the cold north of the wall, but sadly not from the treachery of his brothers. He is slain in Craster’s Keep, presumably because everyone was really annoyed that he made them fight ice zombies[ASOS].

    • Janos Slynt
      Who?

      Dead.

      After refusing to follow the orders of Lord Commander Jon Snow, Janos Slynt is executed for insubordination ADWD. Jon wields the blade himself, following the lessons he learned from his ‘father’ Eddard Stark.

    • Samwell Tarly
      Who?

      Alive (Still scared)

      Sent to Oldtown by Lord Commander Jon Snow with Maester Aemon, to become a maester. (AFFC). He and Gilly finally become lovers (AFFC). They hear stories about Daenerys and her dragons, and Aemon tells Sam to send her a maester to advise her, then dies. Sam carries out her wishes and remains in Oldtown. (AFFC)

    • Maester Aemon
      Who?

      Dead. (Still as old as the hills)

      Died travelling to Oldtown with Samwell Tarly. He died happy in the knowledge that dragons had returned, and a member of his family (Daenerys Targaryen) controlled them. He tells Sam the prophecy of ‘The Prince that Was Promised’ was a mistranslation, and that ‘The Prince’ is more likely ‘The Princess’ (Daenerys).

    • Benjen Stark
      Who?

      Unknown (Still hasn’t come home).

      The younger brother of Eddard Stark and First Ranger of the Night's Watch is sent ranging beyond the wall by Lord Mormont and has not been seen since (AGOT). This loss is the spark which leads to the tragic great ranging (ACOK).

  • House Martell

    • Prince Doran
      Who?

      Alive.

      Prince Doran is the brother of Prince Oberyn and ruler of Dorne. He suffers badly from Gout. He is generally considered to be a wimp, but is later shown to be a great schemer. He sends his son, Quentyn to wed Danaerys (he dies). He sends his daughter to meet Aegon Targaryen (still enroute). He sends his niece Nymeria to sit on the council in King’s Landing (enroute).

    • Prince Oberyn
      Who?

      Dead. (Got too cocky).

      Prince Oberyn is still dead, but his legacy continues. He has seven bastard daughters, who are (nearly) all fearsome warriors. They are called ‘The Sand Snakes’ and the seek vengeance for their father’s death.

    • Lady Nymeria Sand
      Who?

      Alive

      The bastard daughter of Oberyn Martell and second oldest of The Sand Snakes. Imprisoned by Prince Doran over fears the Sand snakes will upset his carefully laid plans (AFFC), but eventually released and sent to King’s Landing to take Dorne’s place on the small council (ADWD)

    • Ellaria Sand
      Who?

      Alive

      The bastard daughter of Oberyn Martell and second oldest of The Sand Snakes. Imprisoned by Prince Doran over fears the Sand snakes will upset his carefully laid plans (AFFC), but eventually released and sent to King’s Landing to take Dorne’s place on the small council (ADWD)

    • Quentyn Martell
      Who?

      Dead (cooked by a dragon).

      The elder son of Prince Doran, he is sent to Mereen to marry Daenerys (AFFC). She rejects his offer as she is set to marry Hizdar do Loraq (ADWD). To impress her, he tries to tame her dragons but then kill him and escape. They are now loose in Mereen and causing an awful lot of trouble (ADWD).

    • Ariane Martell
      Who?

      Alive. (Good at making plans, bad at acting on them)

      The eldest daughter of Doran Martell, the Prince of Dorne. She seduces Ser Arys of the Kingsguard and plots with Gerold Dayne to name Myrcella Baratheon as Queen (AFFC). She’s imprisoned by her father when her plot goes awry, then released as reveals his true plans to wed her brother to Daenerys (ADWD).

    • Tyene Sand
      Who?

      Alive. (One of the Sand Snakes)

      Bastard daughter of Oberyn Martell and a member of the Sand Snakes. She demands revenge for her father’s death. Imprisoned by Doran Martell (AFFC). Released and sent to Kings Landing by Doran to befriend the new High Septon.

    • Obara Sand
      Who?

      Alive. (One of the Sand Snakes)

      Eldest of the Sand Snakes, bastard daughter of Oberyn Martell. Demands vengeance for her father and is imprisoned by Doran Martell (AFFC). Released before the feast to welcome Balon Swann to Sunspear, before being sent to lead him on the hunt for Darkstar (AFFC).

    • Sarella Sand
      Who?

      Alive. (One of the Sand Snakes)

      Member of the Sand Snakes and bastard daughter of Oberyn Martell. Unlike her sisters she is outside Dorne when they are imprisoned. Theories suggest she may be disguised as a novice, ‘The Sphinx’, to study in Oldtown.

    • Areo Hotah
      Who?

      Alive. (Pretty damn loyal)

      The captain of Doran Martell’s guard and a master of the axe. He arrests the Sand Snakes for causing trouble after their father’s death. Slays Arys Oakheart and ends Arianne Martell’s plot to raise Myrcella to the throne (AFFC). His motto is serve, obey, protect.

  • House Greyjoy

    • Theon Greyjoy
      Who?

      Alive (but not quite the same)

      Following his torture at the hands of Ramsay Bolton (ADWD), he is given back his real name so he can give Arya Stark away at her wedding to Ramsay. Conspiring with Mance Rayder, he rescues Jeyne and helps her escape to Stannis. He is subsequently hung by his arms and awaits execution, so Stannis can win the support of the Northern Lords.

    • Euron ‘Crow’s Eye’ Greyjoy
      Who?

      Alive (Probably meaner than Cersei).

      Also known as ‘Crow’s Eye’. Captain of the Silence, recently returned from ruined Valyria. Voted King of the Iron Islands at a Kingsmoot. Hated by his brother Victarion. Possesses the seemingly magical dragon’s horn. Now leading a fleet of reavers to smash the Reach whilst the Redwyne fleet remains at the siege of dragonstone.

    • Aeron Greyjoy
      Who?

      Alive (Probably meaner than Cersei).

      The devout drowned priest, youngest brother to Balon Greyjoy. When not supping on the salty delight of the drowned god he bemoans the heathen ways of The Crows Eye. Rumour has him sulking on Grey Wyk, preaching against Euron Greyjoy[ADOD].

    • Asha Greyjoy
      Who?

      Alive (Still better in the book).

      A prisoner of Stannis Baratheon (ADWD). She fled from The Iron Islands after her uncle Euron beat her claim at the Kingsmoot (AFFC). She is married to Erik Ironmaker in her absence (ADWD). She takes control of Deepwood Motte but is overrun by Stannis’ army (ADWD). She is currently at risk of being sacrificed to the Red God in an attempt to end the great winter storm (TWOW).

    • Victarion Greyjoy
      Who?

      Alive (A total badass)

      Failed to win support at the Kingsmoot and forced to follow his hated brother Euron (AFFC). Has his most trusted warriors taken by Euron and is sent to offer marriage to Daenerys on behalf of his brother. (AFFC). He decides to seek her hand for himself instead (ADWD). Rescues the Red Priest Moqorro from the sea and slowly grows to trust his guidance (ADWD). His fleet arrives at Meereen as the second siege of Meereen begins (TWOW).

    • Balon Greyjoy
      Who?

      Dead. (A long walk off a short castle wall)

      The Father of Asha and Theon Greyjoy. He stirs the Iron Islanders and reclaims his title of King taken by King Robert (ACOK). He is killed in a fall from the castle at Pyke during a great storm, but signs suggest he was truly killed by a faceless man hired by his brother, Euron.

  • House Tyrell

    • Mace Tyrell
      Who?

      Alive (A new major player)

      Sent by Cersei from King’s Landing to attempt to capture Storm’s End from Stannis. (AFFC). He returns after his son is mortally wounded in a raid on Storm's End, and his daughter is arrested for treason and adultery in King's Landing (AFFC). He is made King’s Hand by Kevan Lannister in compensation for Cersei’s scheming,. (ADWD)

    • Margaery Tyrell
      Who?

      Alive (Still can’t seem to catch a break)

      Married to King Tommen (ASOS), she is continually under Cersei’s suspicion as a competitor for popularity, power, and Tommen's affection (AFFC). She is arrested under Cersei’s orders for treason and adultery, and awaits trial by The High Septon. (She is generally considered innocent as most evidence against her is proven to be made up by Cersei) (AFFC).

    • Ser Loras Tyrell
      Who?

      Mortally Wounded (Not so pretty any more)

      Loras volunteers for command of a storming of Dragonstone to end the siege there (AFFC). He is reported to have been shot with multiple arrows and then had boiling water poured on him (AFFC). His wounds are unconfirmed by any point of view characters.

    • Olenna Tyrell nee Redwyne
      Who?

      Alive (Still the most underutilised character in the series)

      It is hinted that she had a hand in the murder of Joffrey (ASOS). She was also implicated in Varys’ scheme to free Tyrion in order to cause discontent between Houses Lannister and Tyrell.

  • House Bolton

    • Lord Roose Bolton
      Who?

      Alive (Still the scariest man in Westeros)

      Named Warden of the North (ASOS). He is grudgingly accepted by the other lords of the North. He is currently at Winterfell with his army for the wedding of his son Ramsay to Arya Stark. (ADWD). He is preparing for the arrival of Stannis Baratheon and his army, and is braving the effects of the great winter storm.

    • Ramsay Bolton
      Who?

      Alive (Still making Joffrey seem like the kindest man in Westeros).

      Newly legitimised (ASOS). To solidify his claim to Winterfell, the Bastard of Bolton is married to ‘Arya Stark’ (ADWD). He abuses her until she escapes with Theon Greyjoy. The last report of Ramsay comes from a letter allegedly written by him to Jon Snow. It claims Stannis has been defeated and Mance Rayder (working as a spy for Jon) has been captured. (ADWD)

  • House Tully

    • Edmure Tully
      Who?

      Prisoner. (Staying at Casterly Rock)

      Brother to Catelyn Stark and heir to Riverrun. Married to a Frey at The Red Wedding and taken hostage (ASOS). He is released by Jaime Lannister and coerced into commanding the surrender of Riverrun (AFFC). He will now live out his days under guard at Casterly Rock. (ADWD)

    • Brynden Tully
      Who?

      Unknown. (Still a slippery customer)

      Also called ‘The Blackfish’, uncle of Catelyn and Edmure Tully. A fierce fighter who commands the garrison at Riverrun during the Lannister siege. following the events of The Red Wedding. Escapes the surrender of Riverrun (AFFC). Whereabouts now unknown.

  • House Clegane

    • Ser Gregor Clegane
      Who?

      Dead (and alive…?)

      Poisoned by Oberyn Martell during their battle in ASOS. Cersei gave his body to Qyburn for experimentation. (ASOS). His head was removed, but now a man matching his description named Robert Strong has joined The King’s Guard (ADWD). The reader is given to believe that the two men are the same person.

    • Sandor Clegane
      Who?

      Dead (but probably alive…)

      After Arya left him to die, he has not been seen by a point of view character. Stories abound around The Riverlands of people seeing him. One man claims to have seen him die, while others (including Brienne of Tarth) claim he is alive.

  • The Vale

    • Lord Petyr Baelish
      Who?

      Alive. (Still a badass.)

      Also known as Littlefinger. Having fled Kings’ Landing with Sansa Stark he takes control of The Eyrie after murdering Lysa Arryn (ASOS), blaming the death on a visiting singer. He manipulates the Lords of the Vale to support his stewardship while planning to marry Sansa to Harry the Heir, (distant cousin and heir of Robert Arryn).

    • Alayne Stone
      Who?

      Alive.

      Accused of a part in the regicide of Joffrey Baratheon (ASOS). Now de facto lady of The Eyrie under the guise of Alayne Stone, the bastard of Petyr Baelish. (AFFC). She is learning the manipulative ways of Littlefinger and is to wed Robert Arryn’s distant cousin and heir (‘Harry the Heir’) before revealing her true identity and seizing control of The North. (AFFC)

    • Lord Robert Arryn
      Who?

      Alive. (Still a weirdo.)

      Current Lord of the Vale. A Sickly child, prone to fits and seizures. Since his mother’s death (ASOS), he seeks maternal comfort from his cousin, Sansa Stark (under the guise of Alayne Stone). He is under the care of Lord Baelish, and has just begun a tour of the vale with Baelish and Alayne (AFFC).

    • Lysa Arryn
      Who?

      Dead. (Could not fly)

      Cowering mother of Robyn Arryn and sister of Catelyn Stark. Littlefinger manipulated her love for him to gain power in The Vale. Died at the hands of Littlefinger who sent her flying from the Moon Door (ASoS). He blamed a visiting musician.

    • Jon Arryn
      Who?

      Dead. (Killed by Littlefinger and Lysa Arryn)

      Hand of the King and husband to Lysa Arryn, died immediately prior to the events of GoT. Like Ned he discovered the true patronage of Cersei’s children. It was assumed the Lannister’s killed him, until Lysa Arryn admitted to poisoning him at Littlefinger’s urging.

  • House Frey

    • Walder Frey
      Who?

      Still Alive. (Proof that there’s no justice!)

      Lecherous betrayer, father of over thirty known children. Arranged The Red Wedding and death of Robb Stark to gain favour with the Lannisters. Resident at The Twins, he is plagued by bandits and the death of his family who are hunted by many foes.

    • Family Frey
      Who?

      Dying. (The North Remembers)

      Hunted by (among others) the Brotherhood without Banners and Lady Stoneheart. Many of Walder Frey’s sons have been found hung around the riverlands, and he has lost grandchildren as far North as Winterfell.

  • The Braavosi

    • The Kindly Man
      Who?

      Alive. (Teaches Arya how to kill)

      This mysterious figure is a priest of the many faced-god. He is also the leader and teacher of the faceless men in the House of Black and White. He blinds Arya with poison, and teaches her how to become a true assassin (AFFC).

    • Syrio Forel
      Who?

      Dead. (Could he be alive? Just so.)

      The first sword of Braavos does not run! The water-dancer and sword teacher to Arya Stark appears to be killed to facilitate her escape from the Lannister guards in Kings Landing (AGOT). It is widely speculated that he is not dead, but he may be Jaqen H’Ghar. His tutelage leaves a lasting impression on Arya.

    • Jagen H'Ghari
      Who?

      Alive. (A man knows there are a lot of fan theories…)

      The faceless man gifts Arya three deaths, before changing his face and leaving Arya with a Braavosi coin and the words ‘Valar Morghulis’. A man matching his new face is described killing Pate, a novice in Old Town – the same ‘Pate’ then greets Samwell on his arrival there (AFFC).

  • The Dead Who Walk

    • Nights King
      Who?

      Undead. (A controversial entry)

      A figure of myth who lived during the Age of Heroes. Legends indicate he may have loved and married an Other. They took residence in the Night Fort and terrorised the north. Old Nan’s tales name him as a Brandon Stark. Watchers of the show will know him as the White Walker who turns babies into White Walkers. His Stark blood may be a reason The Starks come to no harm when they stray North.

    • Coldhands
      Who?

      Alive and dead. (Probably not coming to TV)

      The mysterious black eyed Coldhands, alive but dead, guides Samwell Tarly to the Wall (ASOS). Magic surrounding the Wall stops him from passing south. He meets with Bran Stark and guides him to the Three-eyed crow (ADWD). His true identity is unknown, and it’s unclear if he’ll show up on TV.

    • Bloodraven
      Who?

      Alive. (Almost entirely a tree)

      Lord Brynden Rivers, also known as Bloodraven. The bastard born albino son of Aegon IV. Rumoured to be a sorcerer, he fought in the Blackfyre rebellion and was raised to Commander of the Nights Watch. He is now thought to be the three-eyed crow (the old tree-man who Bran meets).

    • Lady Stoneheart
      Who?

      Alive/Deceased

      The reanimated corpse of Catelyn Stark who has allied herself with the brotherhood without banners seeking vengeance against any and all Freys and Lannisters involved in the massacre at the Red Wedding. Last seen ordering the hanging of Brienne of Tarth and Podrick Payne after Brienne refused to kill Jaime Lannister.

    • Beric Dondarrion
      Who?

      Dead (and not coming back this time)

      Lord Beric gave his life to reanimate the corpse of Catelyn Stark (ASOS). His final sacrifice caused rifts within The Brotherhood Without Banners, with some choosing to leave rather than follow Lady Catelyn (now Lady Stoneheart).

  • Weirdos and Wanderers

    • Thoros of Myr
      Who?

      Alive.

      After swapping Lord Beric’s life for Lady Catelyn’s (AFFC), Thoros puts Catelyn (now Lady Stoneheart) in charge of The Brotherhood Without Banners. He then gets disheartened with her obsession with killing Freys and Lannisters, so he leaves.

    • Mirri Maz Duur
      Who?

      Dead.

      Saved from the marauding ways of the Dothraki by Daenerys, this woman of the sheep is taken into her retinue. Her duplicitous magics kill Daenerys unborn child to revive a brainless Khal Drogo. So Daenerys burns her at the stake to bring dragons to life. As you do[ACOK].

    • Jojen Reed
      Who?

      Alive.

      The young Reed is a greenseer, destined to lead Bran Stark to the Three-Eyed Crow. He survives the journey north of the wall, only to find himself sulking in the cold cave that houses the last of the Children of the Forest[ADOD]. He is still alive in the books, though his health is failing.

    • Meera Reed
      Who?

      Alive.

      The oldest Reed sibling is fierce in battle, and has a trident to prove it. After surviving an ambush of wights she delivers Bran and Jojen to the three-eyed crow. Now she’s busy trying to stop them being horribly depressed.[ADOD]

    • Brienne of Tarth
      Who?

      Alive

      After being savagely attacked by roving bandits (AFFC), she is captured by Lady Stoneheart (Catelyn Stark). She is hanged, but shouts out ‘one word’ and apparently released (AFFC). She is last seen by Jaime Lannister, claiming she needs his help rescuing Sansa Stark from The Hound.

    • Khal Drogo
      Who?

      Dead.

      The mighty Dothraki, tamed by a woman who likes to be on top. His life is saved by the strange magic of Mirri Maz Duur, sadly his intelligence is not. In the end Daenerys grants him death by pillow[ACOK].

    • Jon Connington
      Who?

      Alive.

      Jon Connington, once hand of the king to Aerys II was thought dead. Actually he’s been hiding, having fled with the baby Aegon Targaryen. Now he’s back. And he’s angry. Partly because he’s slowly turning to stone. Yes really.[ADOD]

    • Magister Illyrio
      Who?

      Alive.

      It turns out the mysterious Magister Illyrio is some sort of chubby comrade in arms to Varys and they’ve been working together the whole time. Good job for Tyrion really, since Illyrio helps ship him out to Mereen, introducing him to Aegon Targaryen in the process.[ADOD]

    • Podrick Payne
      Who?

      Alive

      Was last seen being hung by the Brotherhood without banners due to his affiliation with House Lannister. (The excerpt from winds of winter confirms his survival due to Brienne’s intervention)

    • Gendry
      Who?

      Alive. (Still doesn’t know who he is)

      The bastard son of King Robert Baratheon. Captured by the Brotherhood Without Banners who he then joins. Knighted by Lord Beric Dondarrion (ASOS). Discovered by Brienne of Tarth at the inn at the crossroads, he kills Biter and saves Brienne from being killed (ADWD).

    • Qyburn
      Who?

      Alive. (Up to no good)

      A disgraced Maester, thrown out for immoral practice (magic). He replaces Varys as Master of Whisperers on The Small Council (AFFC), but is quickly dismissed by Tywin Lannister. Now head of dungeons, he carries out gruesome experiments. It’s assumed that he resurrected Gregor Clegane (now Robert Strong).

    • High Sparrow
      Who?

      Alive. (Cersei’s biggest problem)

      The hard-line leader of a militant arm of the faith, ‘The Sparrows’. He takes position of High Septon, after the previous one is killed under Cersei’s orders. A pious man who imprisons Margaery Tyrell and Cersei Lannister with accusations of adultery (ASoS). He forces both to confess, and punishes Cersei by having her walk naked through King’s Landing (ADWD)

    • Bronn
      Who?

      Alive. (Still out for himself)

      A sellsword originally under Tyrion’s employ. He refuses to fight for The Imp in trial by combat, instead taking Cersei’s deal to marry Lollys Stokeworth and the chance to become a lord (ASoS). He names his first child Tyrion and then avoids a plot by Cersei to have him killed (AFFC).

  • The Wildlings and The Free Folk

    • Mance Rayder
      Who?

      Unknown.

      Supposedly sacrificed to the Red God by Melisandre (ADWD). Later shown to have been a trick by the red woman. He is sent to Winterfell to rescue Arya Stark from The Boltons. Whilst there, he conspires with Theon Greyjoy but is captured. In a letter supposedly written by Ramsay Bolton, he is reported to be captured and in a cage.

    • Craster
      Who?

      Dead.

      When not threatening people with axes, Craster is busy maintaining staff levels in his keep by sleeping with his daughters. His own temper is his death, inspiring mutiny in the Nights Watch after the defeat at the First of the Firstmen[ASOS].

    • Val
      Who?

      Alive.

      The sister of Mance Rayder’s Wife. Renowned as a great beauty. Queen Selyse tries to marry her to various suitors from Stannis’ Lords, but to no avail.

    • Wun Wun
      Who?

      Alive. (Wun Wun friend!)

      One of the few remaining giants, Wun Wun is discovered in the Weirwood grove north of the Wall after the battle with Mance Rayder. Jon takes him South to help guard the wall and rebuild the castles. He is prone to confusion and quick to anger. He kills one of Queen Selyse’ entourage, and Jon Snow is murdered in the ensuing chaos.

    • Gilly
      Who?

      Alive.

      Sent South with Samwell Tarly to Oldtown. Her baby is swapped for Mance Rayder’s son as the latter has King’s blood and could be sacrificed to The Red God. She becomes Sam’s lover and is due to be sent to Horn Hill, his ancestral home.

    • Tormund Giantsbane
      Who?

      Alive

      Leader of the free folk after Mance’s capture. He consents to terms of peace and takes his people south of The Wall, to garrison the empty castles and defend against The Others. Tormund and Jon become allies, until Jon is mortally wounded.

    • Osha
      Who?

      Alive. (Nobody really knows where)

      The Wildling captured by Robb Stark now guards his brother, Rickon. While Bran heads north (ACOK), Osha is rumoured to have taken Rickon to safety on the Isles of Skagos (ADWD). The island is said to be inhabited by cannibals and unicorns, and Davos is on his way to find them.

    • Lord of Bones
      Who?

      Dead. (Just as things were starting to heat up…)

      Also known as Rattleshirt for his bone laced armour. He is burnt alive in Mance Rayder’s place under an illusion cast by Mellisandre. Mance was then given his appearance to hide the fact he was still alive, and is sent South to save Arya Stark from The Boltons (ADWD).

    • Styr, Magnar of Thenn
      Who?

      Dead. (I don’t remember him looking like that…)

      Styr, the Mangar, or leader, of the Thenns lead a group including Jon Snow over the wall, but died in the attack on Castle Black (ASOS). His son, Sigorn, succeeds him (ADWD). The Thenns are a pretty civilised sect of The Free Folk, and even wear armour. In the books, they aren’t scar-faced cannibals.

    • Ygritte
      Who?

      Dead

      The red haired vixen who melts Jon Snow’s heart. She dies in his arms(ASOS). A sad day for the bastard Lord Snow.

  • Beasts of Westeros

    • Direwolves

      An important note on The Stark’s Direwolves:

      In the books, it’s very clear that all of the Stark children have warg abilities, and can bond with their pets when they sleep. At night, they hunt as them and even develop important plot points (Arya finds her mother’s body as Nymeria and pulls it out of the river for it to be found by Beric Dondarrian) .

      In the show, only Bran has this ability, and even in the books, he is the only one who acknowledges it outside of his own thoughts. Sansa never really shows this ability as her Direwolf dies early on. This perhaps isolates her even more, as she has nowhere to escape to.

    • Ghost
      Who?

      Alive. (Couldn’t save Jon)

      The albino direwolf bonded to Jon Snow. Re-united with Jon Snow after the battle at Castle Black. Jon merges with Ghost, learning two of his siblings still live, Nymeria and Shaggydog(ADWD). He cannot sense Summer despite him being alive.

    • Nymeria
      Who?

      Alive. (A better leader than Cersei)

      After being driven away by Arya, Nymeria gathered her own pack of regular wolves in the Riverlands (ACOK). She now heads a pack of several hundred wolves who terrorise villages in the riverlands. Drags Catelyn Stark’s corpse from the river after the Red Wedding (ASOS). Arya continues to have wolf dreams of the Riverlands (ADWD).

    • Summer
      Who?

      Alive. (Pretty much half of Bran’s story)

      Summer and Bran are the most closely bonded of the wolves. Bran often ‘rides’ Summer as a warg. Summer helps Jon Snow escape at Queenscrown (ASOS). He takes control of his own pack, north of the wall (ADWD) before following Bran into the Bloodraven’s cave. Bran often enjoys living as Summer more than he enjoys living as Bran.

    • Shaggydog
      Who?

      Alive. (Probably coming back soon)

      Bonded to Rickon Stark. Last seen in a vision by Ghost, fighting what looked to be a unicorn (ASOS). Rumoured to be on Skagos with Bran Stark (ADWD).

    • Grey Wind
      Who?

      Dead. (Here comes the King of the North…)

      Robb Stark’s direwolf was slain outside the red wedding. He senses the Frey’s betrayal but Robb has him locked in the stables. He is killed and his head removed and sewn onto Robb Stark’s corpse (ASOS).

    • Lady
      Who?

      Dead. (First proof that Joffrey is a meanie)

      The first direwolf to die. Sansa’s wolf was killed by Eddard Stark at King Robert’s command, after Arya’s wolf Nymeria bit Prince Joffrey. Her body is returned to the north and buried at Winterfell.

    • Dragons

      The only three dragons currently in the story are Dany’s three: Drogon, Viserion and Rhaegal.

      It’s speculated that there are more dragons: possibly ‘Stone Dragons’ or ‘Ice Dragons’.

      Exposition in the books states that traditionally, dragons can only be tamed by one person, and a person can only tame one dragon. Dany has already ‘tamed’ Drogon, so the next mystery is whether the other two can be tamed, and who they can be tamed by. (Hint: It’s not Quentyn Martell…)

      The Greyjoys appear to have a horn that can force the dragons to change allegiance. Currently it is held by Victarion, but ‘owned’ by Euron. Whoever blows the horn is killed almost instantly, but the ‘owner’ will gain control of any dragons in the vicinity.

      Victarion is charged with gaining control of Daenerys’ dragons for Euron, but has just learnt he can kill Euron to gain ownership of the horn…

    • Drogon
      Who?

      Alive. (Tamed and ridden by Dany)

      Named for Khal Drogo. The large black is the greatest of Daenery’s three dragons. He escapes the chaining of his siblings, but returns to the re-opening of the fighting pits in Mereen. Daenerys mounts him and flies away. They visit his lair on the Dothraki Sea before being discovered by a khalasar.

    • Viserion
      Who?

      Alive. (Going crazy over Mereen)

      Named for Daenerys’ brother Viserys. He is chained as a result of Drogon’s killing of a herder boy (ADWD). Prince Quentyn (Doran’s son) attempts to release him and is slain by dragon fire. Viserion escapes and makes his lair in one of Mereen’s great pyramids. He is drawn to the second siege of Mereen by the stench of death (TWOW).

    • Rhaegal
      Who?

      Alive. (Killed a prince)

      Named for Daenerys’ brother Rhaegar. Chained as a result of Drogon’s killing of a herder boy (ADWD). He kills Prince Quentyn (Doran’s son) as the prince attempts to free and tame him. Rhaegal and Viserion escape and make their new lairs in separate pyramids. He is drawn to the second siege of Mereen by the stench of death (TWOW).

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