In the third season of the hit HBO drama series Game of Thrones, the Lannisters are barely holding onto power after a savage naval onslaught from Stannis Baratheon, while stirrings in the North threaten to alter the overall balance of power in Westeros. Robb Stark, King in the North, is facing major calamity in his efforts to build on his victories over the Lannisters while beyond the Wall, Mance Rayder and his huge army of wildlings continue their inexorable march south. Across the Narrow Sea, Daenerys Targaryen - reunited with her three fast-maturing dragons - attempts to raise an army to sail with her from Essos, in hopes of eventually claiming the Iron Throne.

Meet the Characters

Queen Daenerys Targaryen

The death of her husband, Khal Drogo, has not stopped Daenerys from strategizing her return to the Seven Kingdoms to take back the Iron Throne. Impervious to fire, Dany used the heat of Drogo's funeral pyre to hatch the dragon eggs she was given as a wedding gift. She considers her dragons her children and will stop at nothing to ensure their well-being as she travels through Essos to save her people.

Jon Snow

Ned Stark's bastard son, Jon was raised at Winterfell on near-equal footing with his siblings. He joined the Night's Watch where he serves as steward to Lord Commander Mormont. Despite his instincts to join Robb on the battlefield, he stayed up north to honor his vows to the Watch. While traveling beyond the Wall with the Lord Commander, he was separated from the rest of the group.

Cersei Lannister

Cersei is the only daughter of Tywin Lannister, the richest man in the Seven Kingdoms. Even before she was married off to Robert Baratheon, she was involved in an incestuous relationship with her twin Jaime, the only sibling she cares for. With her son Joffrey reigning as king and her father Tywin now serving as his Hand, Cersei is finding her power eclipsed.

Tyrion Lannister

A dwarf, Tyrion is considered an embarrassment to his House and the fact that his mother died during his birth has not endeared him to his father. What Tyrion lacks in size and strength, he makes up for in mental acuity; his loyalty to House Lannister and the good of the Seven Kingdoms is unquestioned. He served as Hand of the King in his father's absence, and although few know it, it was Tyrion who hatched the plan that saved King's Landing from Stannis Baratheon's attack.

Jaime Lannister

Jaime is twin brother to Queen Cersei. A celebrated knight and member of the Kingsguard, his reputation as "The Kingslayer" dogs him: It was he who slew the Mad King, in violation of his oath to protect the royal family. Robb Stark took him prisoner (twice), but Catelyn Stark, anxious to trade him for her daughters, set him free.

King Robb Stark

Lord of Winterfell and now King in the North, Robb has always been aware of the responsibilities that come with his title. At present, that means avenging his father's death and bringing his sisters home. Robb has a close relationship with his bastard half-brother, Jon Snow, but has vowed vengeance against Theon Greyjoy, his father's ward, who betrayed him by taking Winterfell and murdering members of the Stark household. Robb's direwolf is named Grey Wind.

