9 key characters in House of the Dragons

House of the Dragon, set 200 years before the events of the Game of Thrones started streaming on August 22, 2022. The second episode of the series dropped on August 28 in the US and on August 29 in India. Based on George R.R Martin’s book Fire and Blood, the 10-episode series is the story of the House of Targaryen. 

Even though it is a prequel to Game of Thrones, House of the Dragons has new characters played by Emma D’Arcy, Matt Smith, Paddy Considine, Olivia Cooke, Rhys Ifans, Steve Toussaint, Eve Best, Fabien Frankel, and Sonoya Mizuno. 

Here are the main characters in House of the Dragons. 

1. Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen played by Emma D’ Arcy 

Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen is the firstborn child of King Viserys I Targaryen. She is the only child of King Viserys I’s first wife, Queen Aemma of House Arryn. She is a dragon rider whose mount is Syrax. She was challenged by her younger half-brother, Aegon, sparking a civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons. 

2. Prince Daemon Targaryen played by Matt Smith

He is the younger brother of King Viserys, grandson to King Jaehaerys and the uncle of Princess Rhaenyra. He is also an unrivalled warrior and an experienced dragon rider. 

3. King Viserys Targaryen played by Paddy Considine

King Viserys Targaryen is the fifth king of the Seven Kingdoms. He is a warm, kind and decent man. Viserys was chosen by the lords of Westeros to succeed Jaehaerys Targaryen, at the Great Council at Harrenhal. 

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4. Otto Hightower played by Rhys Ifans 

He serves king Visreys and the realm. He sees the king’s brother, Daemon and his position as heir to the throne as the greatest threat. 

5. Alicent Hightower played by Olivia Cook

She is the daughter of Otto Hightower. She was raised in the Red Keep, close to the king and his innermost circle. She possesses both a courtly grace and a keen political acumen. 

6. Lord Corlys Verlaryon played by Steve Toussaint 

Known as the “Sea Snake”, he is the head of House Velaryon. He is the most famous seafarer in Westerosi history. 

7. Princess Rhaenys Velaryon played by Eve Best 

She is the wife of Lord Corlys Velaryon, known as the “Queen Who Never Was”. She was once a candidate to succeed her grandfather, King Jaehaerys, as ruler of the Seven Kingdoms, but was passed over in favour of her cousin Viserys. 

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8. Ser Criton Cole played by Fabien Frankel 

He is a skilled swordsman from the Dornish Marches. He is the common-born son of the steward to the Lord of Blackhaven. 

Also Read: Who is Steve Toussaint?

9. Mysaria played by Sonoya Mizuno

A foreign-born dancer, she rose to become the most trusted ally of Prince Daemon Targaryen, the heir to the throne.