Willis Wode

Willis Wode is a recurring character in the first season. He is played by guest star Ryan McKenna and debuts in "Cripples, Bastards and Broken Things." Ser Willis Wode is a knight in the service of House Whent. He helps Catelyn Stark to apprehend Tyrion Lannister and dies defending her during her passage through the Vale of Arryn.

Background
Ser Willis Wode is sworn to the service of House Whent of Harrenhal, a vassal house to House Tully. He is travelling the Kingsroad following the Tourney of the Hand. He carries a shield emblazoned with the black bat of Harrenhal.

Season 1
Willis is drinking with another man at the Inn at the Crossroads when Tyrion Lannister arrives on his way south. Catelyn Stark is also in the inn and Tyrion recognizes her. She turns to the knights from the Riverlands in the inn to help her to take Tyrion into custody, accusing him of attempting to murder her son Bran Stark. She asserts her origin as a daughter of House Tully and then tells the man of House Whent that she recognizes the black bat of Harrenhal on his coat. He affirms Lady Shella Whent's loyalty to Lord Hoster Tully or Riverrun when asked. Catelyn announces that she will return Tyrion to Winterfell to await the King's justice. The Knight of House Whent draws his sword and threatens Tyrion. He accompanies Catelyn east into the Vale of Arryn; her claims to be headed to Winterfell were a diversion. Among the party are the captive Tyrion, the two Lannister men-at-arms who were travelling with Tyrion, Catelyn and her escort Ser Rodrik Cassel, the sellsword Bronn, the singer Marillion, a man of House Bracken and six other swordsmen loyal to House Tully. The party are attacked by warriors from the hill tribes. Ser Willis dies defending Catelyn from a warrior wielding a spiked club. Catelyn, Tyrion, Rodrik, Bronn, Marillion, and two others survive the attack and continue to the Eyrie.

In the books
In the A Song of Ice and Fire novels, the Knight of House Whent is later identified as Ser Willis Wode. Wode is a hedge knight sworn to the service of Lady Shella Whent. He is a stiff necked and stolid man. He survives the journey to the Eyrie in the books.