Ned Stark is a fictional character from the book series A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin and the television adaptation Game of Thrones. He is the head of House Stark, the ruling family of the North in the fictional continent of Westeros. Known for his strong sense of honor and duty, Ned serves as the Warden of the North and is a loyal friend to King Robert Baratheon. Ned is the father of five children: Robb, Sansa, Arya, Bran, and Rickon, and he also raises Jon Snow, his illegitimate son. His character embodies themes of loyalty, justice, and the complexities of leadership in a harsh world. Ned's decisions significantly impact the story's unfolding events.