Ralof

Ralof is a Stormcloak Soldier in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. He is the first character to directly speak to the Dragonborn during the game and one of the two soldiers that follow alongside the Dragonborn during the Skyrim Civil War, the other being Hadvar of the Imperial Legion.

Personality
Ralof and his sister Gerdur live in the small town of Riverwood just south of Whiterun. The two are often considered the town's leaders.

It is also implied that he and Hadvar actually knew each other before the war, as implied by a conversation they have before they retreat inside the nearby barracks.

Role
Ralof is the first character that speaks to the Dragonborn over the course of the game, he reveals in the intro that the two of them, Ulfric Stormcloak, and a horse thief named Lokir are being transported to Helgen and awaiting execution (even though both Lokir and the Dragonborn's crimes aren't punishable by execution). Upon arriving, Lokir is killed while attempting to flee and Ralof, the Dragonborn, and Ulfric witness the execution of one of the Stormcloak soldiers. The Dragonborn is then called up to the chopping block, but before he/she is supposedly beheaded, a black dragon arrives and destroys Helgen, Ralof, Ulfric, Hadvar, General Tullius, and the Dragonborn escape alive, but also resumes the Skyrim Civil War.

If the Dragonborn decides to join the Stormcloaks, Ralof will being in the prescence of the Dragonborn over the course of the war, assisting him/her at the Battle of Whiterun and Ambushing a cart in the Reach. He can often be found at the Tavern at Riverwood in between battles and after the war ends.