Baldric wrote:
SK alignment system doesn't fit with game of thrones world. That being said, if we're going to put Ned in a category, he's definitely not dogmatic.
He led a rebellion against someone he considered the rightful king because the king was unjust.
He refused his best friend and king's orders when he judged them to be unethical (assassinating Dany), even resigning his post as the King's hand.
He gave his enemies a heads up so that they could escape, trying to show mercy even though it could (and did) lead to his own downfall.
He is extremely concerned with doing what is right, throughout the first book. Those considerations include his duty to follow the law since he has sworn an oath to do so, but this is consistent with the principled alignment.
While he does tell some lies for the greater good, he is haunted by these lies.
In general, he does not support the idea that the ends justify the means.
Ed Stark is as close to principled as a realistic character could be. If you classify him as grey aura, there is virtually no room for anybody in GoT or real life being light aura.
Fair enough. That's a well thought out analysis. Although it's true that in GoT very few appear to qualify as good.