The unassuming lord who traded his allegiance for a crown
In short: Roose Bolton is a man of chilling composure. Known as the Leech Lord for his health rituals, he is a mild-mannered but remorseless strategist. While serving Robb Stark, he secretly orchestrated the infamous Red Wedding, personally murdering the King in the North to secure his own rise to power.
A central figure in George R. R. Martin's fantasy series, Roose Bolton is the lord of House Bolton, the second most powerful house in the North. He is defined by an apathetic demeanor and a terrifying reputation for the custom of flaying his enemies. This cruelty is even reflected in his attire: a pale pink fur cloak embroidered with blood-red to symbolize his family's tradition. He is noted for his strangely pale eyes that nearly blend into his sclera. Furthermore, he avoids alcohol and maintains his health through regular leechings.
Roose's political maneuvering is marked by a cold, calculating nature. Although he initially joined Robb Stark's rebellion as a chief lieutenant, he secretly conspired with Lord Tywin Lannister and Lord Walder Frey to betray the Starks. During the Red Wedding, Roose personally killed Robb Stark by driving a knife through his heart. As a reward for this betrayal, Tywin Lannister named him the Warden of the North. During the conflict, he led a portion of the Northern forces at the Battle of the Green Fork. His strategic decisions often involved sending troops on dangerous missions to weaken his allies.
His personal life is equally complex and fraught with tension. Roose practiced the banned tradition of the first night, resulting in a bastard son, Ramsay Bolton. After his only trueborn son, Domeric, died—a death Roose suspected was caused by poisoning by Ramsay—he was forced to bring Ramsay to the Dreadfort as his castellan. This unstable succession eventually led to Roose's own demise; he was murdered by Ramsay, who stabbed him in the stomach, leaving House Bolton extinct. He eventually married Walda Frey to solidify his new political standing. This union was secured through a dowry consisting of silver equal to the bride's weight.
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