Jon Snow

Took the Nights watch vows

Living... at Castle Black where he is training to become a member of the Night’s Watch. The Night’s Watch is an ancient order of men who dedicate their lives to guarding the Wall – a giant ice structure – from threats that might encroach from the Northern wilds. Jon is the illegitimate son of the Lord Eddard Stark, and is generally reviled by Ned’s wife Catelyn for providing a constant reminder of her husband’s early infidelity. Desperate to escape the label of bastard, Jon pledges himself to the Night’s Watch.

Profession... training to become a member of the Night’s Watch. They are an important military team that protects the giant ice structure known as the Wall. It guards the Seven Kingdoms from whatever creatures are on the other side. Unfortunately, the Night’s Watch isn’t exactly a mighty band of heroes anymore, and is instead mostly composed of criminals and lowlifes who had nowhere else to go.

Interests… his family. Though he is not a “true” Stark, he becomes extremely close with his step-siblings – he gives Arya a sword even though girls are not expected to learn the art of swordfighting and he teaches Bran how to shoot a bow and arrow. He’s incredibly caring, but that’s not enough for full acceptance by Catelyn Stark.

Relationship Status... single, at least officially. Though the oath of the Night’s Watch states he cannot take a wife, he does become intrigued by a woman who lives beyond the Wall named Ygritte. Initially they are enemies, and he captures her after ambushing her watchpost. But soon they fall in love. Alas they have some pretty immense hurdles to overcome to even have a shot at happily ever after.

Challenge... making his name with the Night’s watch. Not truly a Stark, Jon has always felt like an outsider. He thought joining the Night’s Watch would be a way to prove his worth, to himself and maybe to his stepmother, but he soon learns that the group is full of misfits. Still, if the stories of bizarre and ominous happenings beyond the Wall are true, the Night’s Watch could be more important than ever. Jon could be right in the middle of an important battlefield for the future of mankind.

Personality... determined but conflicted. Jon learned a sense of honor and nobility from his father, but absorbed shame and self-doubt from his stepmother. But Tyrion Lannister tells him of his status as a bastard, “Never forget what you are. The rest of the world will not. Wear it like armor, and it can never be used to hurt you.” Jon takes the advice to heart. While he’s young, Jon has the makings of a traditional hero – brave, charismatic, and resourceful. He just needs to live long enough to truly make something of himself.