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'Game of Thrones': A catch-up guide for newbies to the TV show

The traits 'Game of Thrones' is known for – sprawling plotlines and multiple characters – also make it hard to break into the show as it gets further along in its run. Wondering why dragons are so important and how many people are vying for a throne? Here's what you need to know about previous seasons of 'Game of Thrones' to dive in now. (Warning: spoilers for season one and season two abound.)

Helen Sloan/HBO

1. Westeros

Nick Briggs/HBO/AP

  • By Molly Driscoll Staff Writer

Here are the basics: The show takes place in a country called Westeros, also referred to as the Seven Kingdoms. The main conflict of the show is the battle among various groups and families for the right to rule Westeros. King Robert Baratheon fought a war against the current king and won, earning the right to rule the country. However, he died in what was believed to be a hunting accident. The succession seemed assured because of his oldest son, Joffrey, but it's soon discovered that Joffrey is actually the product of an incestuous relationship between the queen, Cersei, and her brother Jaime. Joffrey is crowned nonetheless (the Lannisters insist the incest is only rumor) and currently rules as king of Westeros, but many believe he does not have the right to be king because he is not Robert's son, and other factions are currently fighting to take control of the throne.

A character you'll hear about but never see is Eddard "Ned" Stark. An old war comrade of Robert's, Ned was selected by Robert to hold the prestigious position of Hand of the King – the monarch's most valued advisor and the one who can make decisions as a representative of the king or queen. However, due to Queen Cersei's machinations, Ned was executed for treason in season one after he discovered the truth about Joffrey's parentage.

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Mark Sappenfield
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