Stela N was erected by Smoke Shell, the 15th ruler of Copan. He also built the Hieroglyphic Stairway as well as Stela M at the base of the Hieroglyphic Stairway.
Smoke Shell was the father of Yax Pac (or Yax Pasah), the last ruler of Copán and builder of Temple 11 which stands behind this stela.