This season introduced several fan-favorite and pivotal characters:

: Theon Greyjoy is subjected to extreme physical and psychological torture by Ramsay Snow , the bastard son of Roose Bolton. New Character Introductions

: Jaime Lannister loses his hand while being escorted by Brienne of Tarth, leading to an unlikely bond. Meanwhile, Arya Stark is captured by the Brotherhood Without Banners and later the Hound.