Stannis Baratheon

Stannis Baratheon is a character in Game of Thrones. Although frequently mentioned, he is not expected to appear or be cast until the second season.

Stannis Baratheon is the younger brother of King Robert Baratheon and the older brother of Renly Baratheon. He serves on his brother's small council as Master of Ships.

In the books
In the Song of Ice and Fire novels, Stannis is a very different man to his two brothers. Whilst they are handsome, charasmatic and bold warriors, Stannis is colder, more logical and reserved. He acts only after much forethought and planning. Stannis lacks passion and, whilst not cruel, is merciless to those he considers his enemies. Stannis also believes absolutely in the law and his rights, and joined his brother's rebellion against the Targaryens only after much soul-searching. During the rebellion Stannis held the ancestral Baratheon castle at Storm's End against siege for over a year. By the end of the siege the castle defenders were living on rats and cargos of onions and other foods smuggled into the castle's port by the pirate Davos. Whilst the siege lacked a major battle to enshrine it in song and legend, it was essential to tie down the armies of House Tyrell and prevent them marching to King Aerys II Targaryen's aid. To Stannis's fury, despite the deprivations he suffered in holding the castle, Robert appointed their infant brother Renly as Lord of Storm's End whilst Stannis was given the ancient Targaryen holdfast of Dragonstone to rule instead. Dragonstone is storied and legendary, but also poor, often isolated by bad weather and is cold. Stannis takes every opportunity to leave the island for court at King's Landing.

At the time the books begin, Lord Stannis has taken an indefinite leave to absence to visit his wife and daughter on Dragonstone. He is married to the Lady Selyse of House Florent and has a single daughter, Shireen. Ser Davos Seaworth, the knighted smuggler, is arguably Stannis's most loyal and steadfast vassal.