Matching 50 Game of Thrones characters with each of the 50 states

Virginia: Ned Stark

Lord Eddard Stark’s time on Game of Thrones was brief. In fact, he lasted less than a season before Joffrey Baratheon had him beheaded (insert weeping emoji here). Still, he was beyond memorable. He was the leading character of the first season, and many fans considered giving up the show entirely after his loss.

Good old Ned was known for his extreme loyalty, his unwavering dedication to family, and a patriotic streak that ran so deep it finally got him killed. He was noble in every way, which is why it was so tough to see him get the ax early on.

Ned’s personality reminds me of Old Dominion, aka Virginia. When you think of the Revolutionary War, it’s hard not to immediately think of this state. It was famously patriotic and home to many a key revolutionary leader, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry. Ned’s desire to do what is right for Westeros no matter the personal cost makes me think he’d feel right at home with these heroes.

Virginia was one of the earliest dissenters against the British government. Its people didn’t hide their feelings and weren’t afraid to get their hands dirty to fight for what they thought was right. Before Ned even sends out his infamous letter to Stannis, he fought alongside another Baratheon, King Robert, in his war against the Mad King Aerys Targaryen. In other words, he’s demonstrated multiple times that, like Virginia, he isn’t afraid to voice his dissent publicly, even if it puts him at risk.