Robert Baratheon became king after Jaime Lannister killed "Mad" King Aerys Targaryen, earning Jaime the nickname, "The King Slayer".

Before departing for the Wall, Jon gives Arya a thin sword, which she names "Needle", a play on words that she may now enjoy doing "needlework".

At first, Jorah works as a spy for Varys, King Robert Baratheon's spymaster, sending him information about Viserys Targaryen's efforts to reclaim the throne. But he grows to respect and admire Daenerys, eventually serving her in earnest.

Lord Petyr Baelish, popularly called Littlefinger, is the Master of Coin on the small council under King Robert Baratheon. A skilled manipulator, he uses his ownership of brothels in King's Landing to both accrue intelligence on political rivals and acquire vast wealth.

Tyrion presents the Starks with a saddle design that will allow the paraplegic Bran to ride a horse.

Ser Alliser Thorne identifies Samwell Tarly as a soft, pampered lordling and orders the other recruits to attack him, mockingly calling him "Lady Piggy". To Alliser's annoyance, Jon Snow defends the new recruit.

Varys, popularly known as the Spider, is the eunuch Master of Whisperers on the Baratheon small council until he is forced to flee King's Landing with Tyrion Lannister.

Initially a skilled and dangerous sellsword, who comes to prominence when he champions for Tyrion Lannister in his trial by combat at the Eyrie, Bronn subsequently enters Tyrion's service as his personal bodyguard, assassin, and enforcer.

Robert is badly wounded while trying to kill a boar. On his deathbed, he names Eddard Stark as Lord Regent and Protector of the Realm.

When a drunk Viserys stumbles into Khal Drogo's tent during a feast and demands that Drogo give him what was promised: the crown of the Seven Kingdoms, the Khal coldly promises him a "golden crown that men will tremble to behold." Drogo then melts several gold medallions from his belt in a nearby pot, which he pours onto Viserys' head, killing him for his impudence.