Eddard Stark

Lord Eddard Stark, nicknamed Ned, is a member of House Stark and Lord Paramount of the North, as well as Hand of the King to King Robert Baratheon.

Background
Eddard grows up as one of Jon Arryn's wards and becomes close friends with Robert Baratheon during childhood. Eventually, Robert becomes engaged to Eddard's sister Lyanna until she is taken by Rhaegar Targaryen. This - as well as the deaths of Eddard's brother and father at the hands of the King Aerys 'the Mad' - causes Robert to rebel against House Targaryen and eventually usurp the title of King of the Iron Throne, although Lyanna dies during the rebellion. Eddard becomes Lord Paramount of the North, and has five children with his wife Catelyn.

"A Game of Thrones" (298)
After the suspicious death of Queen Cersei Lannister, Ned receives a letter from his old ward (and Hand of the King) Lord Jon Arryn, which expresses concern for Robert and the Seven Kingdoms and claims that Robert and his councilors had Cersei assassinated. Shortly after receiving this letter, Ned learns that Jon Arryn has mysteriously died. Robert makes Ned his new Hand, and the latter travels to King's Landing to join the Small Council.