The first thing you need to know is that Game of Thrones is adapted from the first novel in George R R Martin’s series A Song of Ice and Fire. The fantasy series, which currently has 4 books in the series with a long awaited fifth being released later this year, is epic in every sense of the word. It is set in a fantasy world, with a majority of the story being based in a continent called Westeros, which is not too dissimilar to western Europe, with parts set in Essos which can be likened to the Middle East.
The main story revolves around the various power struggles between a number of noble families as they attempt to gain and retain control of the Iron Throne. In the novels, the story unravels from the viewpoints of a large number of characters, and so, unlike most stories the reader gets an idea of their motivations and true goals. As such not everyone is who they seem, and hopefully the TV show will follow this pattern closely.
I am here to give you a brief rundown of the movers and shakers in the Seven Kingdoms:
Robert Baratheon (Mark Addy)
King of Westeros, having dethroned the previous monarch, “The Mad King” King Aerys Targeryan. A formidable warrior in his youth, King Robert has been in power for 15 years at the start of the series, and has squandered most of that time (and the Crown’s money) on women, feasts and tournaments and so he is not the man he once was.
Cersei Baratheon (Lena Headey)
Wife of Robert and Queen of Westeros. Cersei is a part of the Lannister family, a powerful and dangerous family, who played a crucial part in the Rebelion. After Robert took the Iron Throne, he was married to Cersei to solidify the link between the Baratheon and Lannister families. Robert and Cersei have two boys, Joffrey and Tommen, and a daughter Myrcella. Cersei is a cunning woman with a two faced disposition.
Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster- Waldau)
Cersei’s twin brother, and nicknamed the “Kingslayer” for his part in Robert‘s Rebellion. An immensely talented warrior as a young man, Jaime became the youngest ever member of the Kingsguard (seven knights serving as the King's personal security), but he soon became disenchanted with his role upon learning that King Aerys was a cruel and insane monarch, eventually resulting in his betrayal and murder of the King during the Rebellion. Feared and disliked by most given his seemingly disloyal nature.
Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage)
The younger brother of Cersei and Jaime, and son of Tywin Lannister, Tyrion was born a dwarf, but following the death of his mother during childbirth, he receives little respect from his father due to his sharp tongue and his penchant for whoring. He is nicknamed “The Imp” due to his appearance and is generally looked down upon, with his wit getting him in and out of trouble on a regular basis.
Eddard “Ned” Stark (Sean Bean)
Lord of castle Winterfell and Warden of the North, Ned is a friend and trusted ally to King Robert, who fought by his side in the Rebellion. Often seen as a man who does not give in to his emotions, and has a strong sense of honor and justice. Has a bastard son, Jon Snow, whose mother remains a mystery.
Catelyn Stark (Michelle Fairley)
Wife of Ned and Lady of Winterfell, daughter of Hoster Tully. Originally Catelyn was betrothed to Ned’s brother Brandon, but when Brandon died in the Rebellion, Catelyn was married to Ned in his place. Although the marriage was not born out of love, they have learned to love each other over the years, and their similar morals and ideals of family, have kept them together. Catelyn and Ned have four children: Robb, Bran, Sansa and Arya.
Viserys Targaryan (Harry Lloyd)
Son and rightful heir to Mad King Aerys, Viserys fled to Essos during the rebellion with his baby sister Daenerys. Viserys has spent the last 15 years trying to amass power and gain an army strong enough to reclaim the Iron Throne. A bitter and vindictive man, he intends to marry his sister to a powerful warrior, Khal Drogo, in return for the use of his army.
Daenerys “Dany” Targaryan (Emilia Clark)
Younger sister of Viserys, nicknamed “Daenerys Stormborn” and one of the last living members of the Targaryan family. A beautiful young girl who starts the series as naïve, and ruled by her brother. Although she dislikes his vindictive side, she loves him nonetheless and would do anything to help him regain the family’s power and return to their rightful home, Westeros; a land she has never seen, but has heard the wonders it holds.
Well there you have it, above I have listed the main protagonists when it comes to the power play for Westeros. As I mentioned above this series has a wealth of sub plot and a depth of character unseen in most fantasy series. It would be impossible to detail all the characters, but in addition to the above look out for Robb Stark, Jon Snow, Joffrey Baratheon, Sandor “The Hound” Clegane, Theon Greyjoy, Arya Stark, Varys, Petyr “Littlefinger” Baelish and Hodor to name but a few.
Game of Thrones premieres on HBO in the US on 17 April 2011, and Sky Atlantic in the UK on 18 April 2011.
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