Because then the deus ex machina plot device wouldnt have worked.

He is still "good" at that point as well... The whole bit at Skirling pass (Im trying to be as vague as possible) was done out of duty - and he was obviously very conflicted by it - which would speak to his "goodness." Havent read book 5 yet, but I would guess that he doesnt turn into some crazy asshole - since there…

That is also not even close to being correct... He took the vow because he looked up to his Uncle Benjen (lead Ranger), and because Catelyn influenced Ned to support that (because she doesnt want his bastard child around)... Ned raised his kids to be dutiful and honorable - and Jon exeplifies that at this point in the…

NO. I actually read the D&D definition of "good" and Ned is the freaking ARCHETYPE of GOOD.

Yes... Being Ned in Winterfell works for everyone... Being Ned in King's Landing benefits almost no one, Ned included (not that he even wants to be there).

Its a little stupid, but people should know what he means... There are no other "true" King Baratheons, as Cersei is Joff's regent (ie he isnt a king yet) and the others dont stake their claim til season 2 and are still not "true" kings in the eyes of most Westerosi.

Robert Baratheon is probably just "Neutral." He seems to be an old knight who wishes he could just "retire" (ie continue whoring and drinking) without worrying about anything else... Dont know how that could be construed as "good."

Complicated, yes.... Not evil (by the D&D rubric): No...

Yeah no... It may appear that way in the show (though his actions with Bran - ie designing his new saddle/harness), but he is quite compassionate - and would not want to bring harm to anyone without just cause. He desires a stable realm not just for his family, but for the whole of Westeros.

I dont doubt it... I just started that book yesterday... She does seem to care very much about people generally - considering she has taken a lot of people under her wing that are effectively useless (actually they are worse than that considering they are a huge net negative) in her quest for conquest.

How is taking a vow of service to the realm - that includes chastity (though the Brothers are not all chaste - they do at the very least have an obligation not to wed/father children) - not considered a "good" thing?

Just in case someone else happens upon the convo that hasnt been reading...

There are plenty of "good" characters (most of them being Starks to include Jon Snow - who couldnt possibly be seen as "bad" at this point - I just started book 5), and Dany certainly tends toward the good side (given her actions in Slaver's Bay) as she only employs brutality when it appears to be necessary - but not…

also coercive forcible rape with a (huge) foreign object? Probably supercedes the others in terms of evil.

erm... Jamie's actions are a bit more complicated (as explained in the later books), but can definitely be seen that way right now in terms of the show. He is still a selfish prick right now though and serves no one but his sister, his family and himself (and probably in that order).

Except for the fact that Ned thought that he was going to die (which I would say is a good enough excuse for a dalliance as such - especially given the fact that all of his peers are given to relentless whoring whereas Ned most certainly is not) - AND the fact that Ned married Cat at the behest of his family... It was…

Totally... As selfish as Tyrion may seem (probably due to his witticisms) he seems to be extremely altruistic - and cares greatly for the livelihood of the smallfolk and has a much better understanding of their plight (and probably everyone else's for that matter).

Also, the assertion that he never questions King Baratheon is retarded as well... His disdain for the assassination order on Dany being the most obvious example - among other less important instances.

How can you say that he is innocent - when you state his crime in the SAME SENTENCE. Ned Stark did not decide the punishment for desertion - he just had the balls to carry it out himself.

I really dont think that any of these people (many of whom do seem at least a bit "touched in the head") expect any sort of significant recognition. I think that they are just trying to live out a personal fantasy, and so long as its legal who cares?