Youve got to feel sorry for Theon. Heres a guy that was turned over into Neds care as a hostage after Balon Greyjoys revolt was thwarted. He grew up feeling abandoned by his family and never really a member of the Stark family, despite a sincere, brotherly relationship with Robb. When Robb goes to war, Theon is right by his side, and fights with distinction. But when he returns to the Iron Islands to speak to his father about a possible alliance with Robbs forces, Theon is once again reminded of the absence in his life of any true paternal affection. Its understandable that Theon would be conflicted between staying loyal to Robb and following his fathers wishes to attack the North while Robb is busy with the Lannisters. But when Theon takes it upon himself to attack Winterfell specifically as a means of proving his worth to Lord Greyjoy, he has taken the first step in his own demise. As a result, he endures the wrath of the entire North, he loses his adopted family in the Starks, and his true father is furious for his rash actions. And worst of all: Theon is taken captive by Ramsay Snow, leading to years of physical and mental abuse that turn Theon from a once proud, if arrogant man, into the broken creature known as Reek. Theon, you should have just stayed with Robb or chosen to be loyal to the Iron Islands; you cant have it both ways.