Eddard

Eddard Stark, commonly known as Ned Stark, is a fictional nobleman from George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series and its television adaptation, Game of Thrones. He serves as the Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North, head of House Stark, one of the principal houses of Westeros.

Born the eldest son of Lord Rickard Stark of Winterfell, Ned grows into a trusted lord and military commander. He is married to Catelyn Tully and has five legitimate children: Robb, Sansa, Arya, Bran, and Rickon. He also raises Jon Snow as his own bastard son, a decision that carries through the series.

When King Robert Baratheon visits Winterfell, Ned travels to King's Landing to serve as Hand of the King. In that role, he seeks to uncover the truth behind Jon Arryn's death and navigates dangerous political intrigues, treading a fine line between loyalty to the crown and personal honor. His investigation and decisions lead to his arrest and execution in King's Landing.

Ned is widely recognized for his personal code of honor, responsibility, and practical leadership. He embodies the virtue and peril of absolute integrity in a world of political deception, and his choices have lasting consequences for the political landscape of Westeros.

In media adaptations, he is portrayed by Sean Bean in the television series. The character's arc has had a lasting impact on the series' tone and on popular depictions of noble duty and the costs of honor.