When first reading it in 2002, thatLucimay wrote: i was hideously disappointed thatand i really like the dwarf so i hope he doesn't turn all bad or get killed off. (don't tell me anything!!)Spoiler
Ned was killed
Spoiler
But then I remembered: he was quite the honest character--not very suitable for the court intrigue that Cersei and the other Lannisters excel in. I suppose it was Martin's way of saying, "This isn't your average fantasy yarn. It's gritty and low on heroics; not everyone survives." If you wear your heart on your sleeve, someone's libel to stab it.
I think I'm going to re-read these books, once I finish Le Guin's Earthsea Cycle. Martin packs too much detail and too many clues/prophecies to merit just one reading.