After learning that Joffrey is not Robert Baratheon’s (Mark Addy) legitimate son, Ned Stark (Sean Bean) composes his friend’s will and a plan to make Renly Baratheon (Gethin Anthony) the new king. However, Ned is betrayed by Littlefinger (Aidan Gillen) and imprisoned for treason. Sansa Stark begs for her father to be spared, which Joffrey agrees to.
In Season 1, Episode 9, “Baelor,” Ned is brought in front of an audience to swear fealty to Joffrey and accept him as king; afterward, he would be sent to the Night’s Watch. Joffrey doesn’t follow this plan, though, and instead orders royal executioner Ser Ilyn Payne (Wilko Johnson) to “bring me his head.” Joffrey has no regrets, even when his equally prideful mother, Cersei (Lena Headey), tries to stop him.
Joffrey’s decision is his and his alone, and it shows that he cares little for his kingdom. Ned’s execution catapults Westeros into war, causing Robb Stark (Richard Madden) to seek revenge; this eventually leads to the murders of him and Catelyn Stark (Michelle Fairley) during the Red Wedding, as well as several other tragedies. To make matters worse, Joffrey’s attitude does not change; he remains apathetic to his people’s needs and continues to become furious whenever his leadership is questioned.
