The world of HBO's fantasy epic Game of Thrones was ever expanding, but from the very beginning, it was clear that House Stark was meant to be seen as the series' lead family. No matter which House fans would find themselves favoring over time, the series followed the Starks of Winterfell in greatest detail, even as they spread further and further away from each other.
Even as House Stark dwindled in its ranks over time, Game of Thrones remained committed to telling this family's epic stories - though some were received far more sympathetically by fans than others.
Robb Stark
Robb Stark may have been the series' first character to claim the title of King in the North, but in the end, Richard Madden's character is arguably one of the more unlikable and ultimately forgettable characters to come from House Stark.
Ostensibly a good leader, Robb is too often swayed from his duties by romantic, selfish ideas and pursuits of passion. His selfishness, in breaking a deal made with House Frey, brings about one of the biggest losses in the history of House Stark.
Rickon Stark
Rickon may not have much to do in the series as the youngest of the Starks, but his few shining moments earn him a higher ranking than his older brother, Robb.
Rickon was a faithful companion to his brother, Bran, in their travels with Hodor and Osha, and he shared many heartfelt moments with his brother and Maester Luwin, too. In his final moments, Rickon became a martyr for House Stark in the Battle of the Bastards, ensuring his legacy would live on.
Jon Snow
Originally believed to be Ned Stark's bastard, Jon Snow is later revealed to be the legitimate son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark, making him the series' most prominent character to belong to two houses.
Jon acts as one of the series' primary protagonists, and for its first five or six seasons, his storyline is incredible as he works his way up to leader of the Night's Watch. But the Jon in seasons seven and eight is virtually unrecognizable, and often useless, too.
Sansa Stark
Perhaps more than any other member of House Stark, Sansa is often derided for being unlikable. In the early seasons, that's undoubtedly true, as she is portrayed as a whiny, petulant brat who acts much younger than her years.
But over time, Sansa Stark becomes a leader, a hero, and one of the series' best written characters. She becomes a political mastermind, through the influence of characters such as Cersei Lannister and Petyr Baelish, and even becomes Queen in the North, securing the North's position as an independent kingdom.
Bran Stark
No matter how fans feel about certain parts of Bran Stark's storyline, it's hard to ignore just how beloved and adorable the future King of the Six Kingdoms once was as a young child.
Though his storyline as the Three-Eyed Raven was muddled at best, Bran nevertheless becomes one of the series' wisest characters over time, despite being one of its youngest. Further, it's Bran who truly sets the game of thrones in action after he witnesses the incestuous relationship between Cersei and Jaime Lannister.
Benjen Stark
Benjen Stark is far from a major player in the series, but the brother of Eddard Stark nevertheless remains one of the most beloved members of House Stark. Every appearance by Benjen is a welcome one, whether lovingly sparring with his brother or offering sage wisdom to young nephew Jon.
Later, after an encounter with a White Walker, Benjen becomes a quasi undead hero, saving Bran and Meera on their travels, and later sacrificing his life to ensure Jon's safety.
Catelyn Stark
House Stark may be known for its wolf sigil, but one of its fiercest wolves originally bore the fish sigil of House Tully. Catelyn Stark was the fierce matriarch of House Stark, who risked everything she had for her children and her husband.
Whether wielding a knife against an armed assassin, risking treason to go against her own son's leadership failings, or fighting to the death during the Red Wedding, Catelyn remained fierce and loyal, compassionate and strong through thick and thin.
Arya Stark
It would be hard to find a character with a more impressive character arc over the course of Game of Thrones than young Arya Stark. Arya began the series as the misunderstood tomboy daughter of House Stark, and ended the series as a fearless assassin and world explorer.
She also boasts some of the most interesting relationships in the series, through her nuanced dynamics with Jaqen H'ghar, The Hound, and eventually her sister Sansa. Arya is the one who brings an end to the Long Night once and for all, and no one else could have deserved it more.
Ned Stark
For a character that only appeared in one of the series' eight seasons, Eddard "Ned" Stark undoubtedly stands the test of time as the most beloved of House Stark's many members. Staunchly honest, an incredible husband, and a devoted father, Ned was the epitome of honorable, in a television universe all but devoid of honor.
Ned's honor, of course, is what would lead to his own downfall, and further accelerate the titular game of thrones. But his arc, his character, and his loss remain vital and resonate all throughout the series.