Game of Thrones Entry 1

I promise I'm not choosing the second chapter because that's all I read, I just think it's very important:
The second chapter of the book, Bran's chapter, opens with a skinny and raggedy old man. Bran's father, Ned Stark, is the Lord of Winterfell and therefore must deliver the punishment the old man is deserving of. Bran is sure not to look away as his father beheads the man, as not to bring shame to his family and show that he is coming of age and growing into "manhood." His father holds Bran behind to explain his reasoning behind why he must bear the weight of the punishment and emphasizes the importance of doing so. Upon journeying back, the small crowd of the king's guards and sons stumble upon a pack of direwolves and after some debate, it is decided that each child of the king, including the bastard son, will be allowed to keep one direwolf.

I think this chapter is extremely important because of Ned's explaining to Bran his duty to give the old man the punishment himself. It is obviously important because we are introduced to many of the main characters and are already able to see many of their personalities already coming through in the dialogue. We can see how Jon feels like an outcast but nonetheless knows he has a certain duty and will fulfill it. We can see how much of a leader Robb is and his natural inclination to direct other people onto the right path. We can see how curious Bran is (which later will lead to trouble) as well as worried about those around him and pleasing his father. Most importantly, however, we can see just how strong and moral of a leader Ned Stark is. Ned is the best, for lack of better explanation. He chose to deliver punishment to the man because he delivered the sentence so it is out of respect that he faces the sentence delivered. You can see how aware of others he is and this shows later when contemplating whether or not to leave. He thinks of his wife, children, and Winterfell and is even more distraught after Bran's fall. This chapter foreshadows the noble, righteous, and overall great leader that is Ned Stark.