Game of Thrones, Episode 1: Winter is Coming
Gared’s Role in the Episode
Gared appears as one of the three Night's Watch rangers (along with Waymar Royce and Will) who investigate a Wildling camp beyond the Wall. Though he doesn’t receive as much focus as Will, Gared serves as a cautious and experienced voice, warning of the dangers ahead and urging his companions to return to the Wall rather than risk facing an unknown threat. His concern and pragmatism contrast with Waymar Royce's arrogance, but he is ultimately forced to comply with the latter’s orders.
When the White Walkers attack, Gared attempts to escape but is quickly hunted down and executed by one of them. His death marks one of the first on-screen kills by a White Walker, emphasizing the threat they pose to the realm. Unlike Will, who survives and later attempts to warn the world about what he saw, Gared does not live past this encounter.
Impact Rating: 2.5/10
While Gared’s presence adds depth to the opening scene, his impact on the overall plot is limited compared to characters like Will, who serves as the audience’s primary witness to the White Walkers. Gared’s warnings and death help build tension, but he does not influence future events since he doesn’t survive to deliver any information. However, his death does reinforce the supernatural horror of the White Walkers and serves as a foreshadowing element for the threats beyond the Wall.
Thus, while Gared’s role is minor, his presence adds atmosphere and urgency to the introduction, giving him a moderate impact score of 2.5/10.