Game of Thrones, Episode 1: Winter is Coming
Catelyn Stark’s Role in the Episode
Catelyn Stark plays a supporting but significant role in this episode, primarily acting as a grounding force for Eddard Stark and their children. Her interactions help establish key family dynamics, political concerns, and foreshadowing of future events.
Key Moments and Contributions:
- Supporting Bran and Rickon – Catelyn watches Bran during his archery practice, showing her protective and nurturing nature. When Eddard decides that Bran must witness the execution of the Night’s Watch deserter, Catelyn expresses her concern, arguing that Bran is too young to see such things. This interaction highlights her softer, maternal instincts, contrasting Eddard’s pragmatic northern values.
- Glaring at Jon Snow – When Jon interacts with his half-siblings, Catelyn coldly glares at him from above, reinforcing the tension between her and Jon. This subtle but important moment helps establish her resentment towards him, which plays a major role in later episodes.
- Receiving the News of Jon Arryn’s Death – Catelyn is the one to deliver the news to Eddard that Jon Arryn has died and that Robert Baratheon is coming to Winterfell. This scene is crucial because it sets up the main political conflict and foreshadows Eddard’s fate, as she warns him that he can refuse Robert’s request.
- Hosting the Lannisters – Catelyn is involved in preparing for the arrival of King Robert and the Lannisters, particularly arranging accommodations for Tyrion Lannister, making a remark about his drinking habits. While seemingly minor, her focus on hospitality reflects her role as the Lady of Winterfell and her awareness of courtly politics.
- Opposing Ned’s Departure to King’s Landing – In an intimate scene with Eddard, she strongly opposes him leaving Winterfell, arguing that he belongs in the North and reminding him of the tragic fates of her father-in-law and brother-in-law when they rode south at a King’s request. This foreshadows Ned’s ultimate downfall and highlights her role as a cautious political thinker.
- Receiving Lysa Arryn’s Secret Letter – Near the end of the episode, she receives a letter from her sister Lysa, claiming that Jon Arryn was murdered by the Lannisters and that the King is in danger. This is arguably her most impactful moment, as it significantly influences Eddard’s decision to accept the position of Hand of the King, which drives the entire plot of the first season.
Impact Rating: 7.5/10
Why So High?
- Major role in political setup – She informs Ned of Jon Arryn’s death and Robert’s arrival, which sets the plot into motion.
- Influences key decisions – She opposes Ned going south, but her discovery of Lysa’s letter ultimately convinces him to accept Robert’s offer.
- Character dynamics – She establishes important relationships (her love for Bran, her resentment toward Jon, her devotion to Eddard).
- Foreshadowing – Her dialogue about the dangers of the South, the Lannisters, and the fate of her family serves as clear foreshadowing for future betrayals and tragedies.
Why Not Higher?
- No direct action – While she is influential, she does not personally make a decisive move in this episode. She reacts to events rather than driving them.
- No immediate impact – Her biggest moment (receiving Lysa’s letter) sets up later conflict, but its immediate consequences are limited.
Final Score: 7.5/10 - Catelyn plays a crucial but passive role in the episode. While she doesn’t directly shape events, her concerns, warnings, and discoveries influence Eddard, making her one of the most consequential supporting characters in this premiere.