Highlights
- House of the Dragon Season 2 explores the conflict between Targaryen factions, Green and Black, in the Dance of Dragons saga.
- Characters like Orwyle, Qarl Correy, and Arryk & Erryk Cargyll use their skills to navigate the intense politics of Westeros.
- Loyalty, betrayal, and honor shape the intricate relationships and actions of characters like Ser Harrold Westerling and Criston Cole in the show.
House of the Dragon Season 2 sees the show delve into the famous Dance of Dragons saga, with warfare among the Targaryens set to commence. In George R.R. Martin’s fantasy world covering Westeros, the war for succession begins between King Aegon II Targaryen and his half-sister, Rhaenyra Targaryen, with their respective factions categorized as either Green or Black.
In the Game of Thrones prequel show, a multitude of characters become integral to the narrative despite not being born into a prestigious family such as House Targaryen, Stark, or Lannister. Several of these characters use their skills, such as combat, intelligence, or honor, to climb the ranks in Westeros, making them unique and compelling characters for audiences.
7 Orwyle
Grand Maester Loyal To King Aegon
- Debut: We Light the Way, Season 1, Episode 5
Orwyle is the current Grand Maester who serves King Aegon II, with Orwyle being loyal to The Greens in House of the Dragon. Originally a maester serving under the previous Grand Maester, Mellos, Orwyle ascends to Grand Maester at the end of King Viserys Targaryen’s rule.
As an important figure in King’s Landing and the Small Council, Orwyle stays loyal to Otto Hightower and his House, supporting Aegon’s claim to the throne. As a voice of reason, Orwyle is tasked with heading to Dragonstone with Otto to convince Rhaenyra to swear fealty to Aegon, acting as a loyal servant to the crown.
6 Qarl Correy
Laenor Velaryon’s Lover Who Serves House Velaryon
- Debut: The Princess and the Queen, Season 1, Episode 6
Introduced as Laenor Velaryon’s lover, Qarl Correy is a character who fights for House Velaryon despite being a common-born knight. After Season 1’s time jump, Qarl is introduced as the paramour of Laenor, with the two becoming inseparable despite Laenor being married to Rhaenyra. Qarl’s most significant contribution to House of the Dragon is his plot with Daemon to fake the death of Laenor, allowing Qarl and his lover to escape to Essos and for Daemon to ascend to become Prince Consort.
Qarl’s involvement in the scheme comes at the cost of Laenor’s titles and inheritance, although the pair get to escape with each other and rebuild their lives in peace, leaving Westeros behind.
5 Arryk & Erryk Cargyll
Twins Fighting On Opposing Sides
- Debut: The Heirs of the Dragon, Season 1, Episode 1
The twin brothers Arryk and Erryk Cargyll are two of the most intriguing characters in the show, with the pair slowly drifting apart due to their differing opinions regarding the succession of King Viserys. While Arryk supports The Greens and King Aegon, Erryk is a staunch supporter of Rhaenyra’s claim, with the knight rescuing Rhaenys Targaryen from King’s Landing to flee the Hightowers.
When the brothers work in tandem to search for the missing Aegon, Erryk has second thoughts about rescuing him due to his misbehavior, with Erryk being his sworn protector. As a result, Erryk leaves his brother behind to side with Rhaenyra and the Velaryons, causing the twins to become enemies.
4 Lyman Beesbury
Small Council Member That Was Honorable Till The End
- Debut: The Heirs of the Dragon, Season 1, Episode 1
As the Master of Coin, Lord Lyman Beesbury is a highly influential figure in Westeros, being a loyal servant to King Viserys. Under his tenure as Master of Coin, Beesbury was ever-present at the Small Council meetings, providing sound advice to his king.
When Aegon is placed as the realm’s ruler, Beesbury is the only small council member who respects Viserys’ wish that Rhaenyra becomes queen, with the lord being outnumbered by the Hightowers and their followers. Unfortunately for Beesbury, his honor and integrity get the best of him, as Ser Criston Cole kills the Master of Coin for speaking against Aegon and the succession plan.
3 Ser Harrold Westerling
Honorable Lord Commander Who Is Respected Throughout The Realm
- Debut: The Heirs of the Dragon, Season 1, Episode 1
The Lord Commander Ser Harrold Westerling was a loyal servant to the realm, serving under King Jaehaerys and Viserys Targaryen during his tenure. The highly respected knight becomes one of Rhaenyra’s sworn shields, with Westerling keeping an eye on the princess when she was young.
When Viserys passes on, the usurping of the crown by Aegon is frowned upon by Westerling, with the Lord Commander being furious at Cole when he kills Beesbury due to the Master of Coin challenging Aegon’s ascension. Westerling’s patience comes to a halt when Otto orders him to assassinate Rhaenyra at Dragonstone, but he refuses due to his honorable nature. Immediately after, Westerling resigns from the Kingsguard after being disillusioned by the events that transpired.
2 Mysaria
The White Worm Who Runs The Underbelly Of King’s Landing
- Debut: The Heirs of the Dragon, Season 1, Episode 1
Formerly the lover of Daemon, the White Worm, Mysaria became a powerful player in King’s Landing, operating from the shadows. After leaving Daemon, Mysaria works her way up in King’s Landing, with the character harboring several spies loyal to her.
Mysaria uses her power to kidnap the incoming king, Aegon, after his father, Viserys, dies, using the chaos in the Red Keep to her advantage. Through her planning and scheming, Mysaria is granted an audience with the Hand of the King, Otto, allowing for many of her wishes to be heard by one of the most influential individuals in the Seven Kingdoms.
1 Criston Cole
Impressive Knight Who Holds A Lot Of Resentment For Rhaenyra Targaryen
- Debut: The Heirs of the Dragon, Season 1, Episode 1
Cole is a character who undergoes a dramatic change during the first season of House of the Dragon, with the character jumping ship between the two emerging factions. Picked by Rhaenyra to be her sworn shield after his impressive display against Daemon in the Heir’s Tournament, Criston quickly falls in love with the princess despite his role as her protector.
After Rhaenyra rejects Cole’s request to flee together, Cole almost resorts to suicide, although Alicent Hightower prevents the knight from doing so. From then on, Cole becomes a loyal servant of Alicent and her son, Aemond Targaryen, with his hatred of Rhaenyra and her offspring being evident. Even when Cole’s impulses cause incidents, the knight is always protected by Alicent and the Greens, being an asset as a great fighter and valuable ally.
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