Benjen Stark

Benjen Stark is a supporting character in Game of Thrones. He is played by Joseph Mawle and appears in the first episode.

Benjen Stark is the younger brother of Lord Eddard Stark of Winterfell. He is the First Ranger of the Night's Watch, the military force which patrols and guards the Wall, the vast fortification which defends the Seven Kingdoms' northern border.

Like many of the other Starks, Benjen holds contempt for the Lannisters. He becomes defensive when conversing with Tyrion Lannister at the Wall, specifically when discussing the King's policies.

He shows a clear liking for his nephew Jon Snow, and suggests he joins the Night's Watch. There he wishes him luck before heading north of the wall again.

Winter is Coming
Benjen travels to Winterfell to join in the feast to celebrate King Robert Baratheon's arrival. Benjen asks Jon to join the Night's Watch and Jon agrees, though Benjen warns him it is a hard life. Benjen then talks to Eddard at the feast, telling him of odd reports from beyond the Wall. He confirms that the young deserter Eddard killed was a good and loyal man, a true ranger, who would not desert his post lightly.

The Kingsroad
Benjen escorts Jon and Tyrion Lannister to Castle Black. Along the way they are joined by fresh recruits, including a rapist named Rast. Jon begins to realise that the Watch may not be the noble institution he thought it was.

Lord Snow
Benjen tells Jon that he must earn his place in the Watch. He announces he is leaving on a ranging, and refuses to allow Jon to go with him. He swaps words with Tyrion before he leaves, feeling that Tyrion holds him and the Watch in contempt. Tyrion protests otherwise. Before Benjen's departure, he says goodbye to Yoren, the Watch's recruiter.

The Wolf and the Lion
As a courtesy to the brother of Benjen Stark, Yoren warns Eddard that Catelyn Stark has taken Tyrion prisoner.

You Win or You Die
Benjen's horse returns to Castle Black, but there is no sign of Benjen.

The Pointy End
Two of the rangers who accompanied Benjen, Othor and Jafer Flowers, are found dead in the forest beyond the Wall. They are brought back to Castle Black for Maester Aemon to study, but in the middle of the night they reanimate as wights. Both are killed again and their bodies burned.

In the books
In the Song of Ice and Fire novels Benjen is the First Ranger of the Night's Watch, a position of high honour and achievement. He is a noted tracker and fighter. Benjen attends King Robert Baratheon's visit to Winterfell and offers Jon Snow the chance to find a new home by joining the Night's Watch.