List of House of the Dragon characters

The characters from the medieval fantasy television series House of the Dragon are based on their respective counterparts from author George R. R. Martin's Fire & Blood novel. Set in a fictional universe that has been referred to so far as "The Known World", the series follows the devastating war of succession for the Iron Throne of the continent of Westeros known as the "Dance of the Dragons", fought between Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen (the Blacks) and King Aegon II Targaryen (the Greens) and their respective supporters.

Cast

Main cast

  = Main cast (credited)

  = Recurring cast (3+)

  = Guest cast (1-2)

Actor	Character	Appearances
		1	2
Paddy Considine	Viserys I Targaryen	Main	Does not appear
Matt Smith	Daemon Targaryen	Main
Emma D'Arcy	Rhaenyra Targaryen	Main
Milly AlcockY		Main	Guest
Rhys Ifans	Otto Hightower	Main
Steve Toussaint	Corlys Velaryon	Main
Eve Best	Rhaenys Targaryen	Main
Sonoya Mizuno	Mysaria	Main
Fabien Frankel	Criston Cole	Main
Olivia Cooke	Alicent Hightower	Main
Emily CareyY		Main	Does not appear
Graham McTavish	Harrold Westerling	Main	TBA
Matthew Needham	Larys Strong	Main
Jefferson Hall	Jason Lannister	Main
	Tyland Lannister	Main
Harry Collett	Jacaerys Velaryon	Main
Tom Glynn-Carney	Aegon II Targaryen	Main
Ewan Mitchell	Aemond Targaryen	Main
Bethany Antonia	Baela Targaryen	Main
Phoebe Campbell	Rhaena Targaryen	Main
Phia Saban	Helaena Targaryen	Main
Kurt Egyiawan	Orwyle	Recurring	Main
Kieran Bew	Hugh Hammer	Does not appear	Main
Abubakar Salim	Alyn of Hull	Does not appear	Main
Tom Taylor	Cregan Stark	Does not appear	Main
Clinton Liberty	Addam of Hull	Does not appear	Main
Tom Bennett	Ulf White	Does not appear	Main
Ellora Torchia	Kat	Does not appear	Main
Freddie Fox	Gwayne Hightower	Uncredited	Main
Gayle Rankin	Alys Rivers	Does not appear	Main
Simon Russell Beale	Simon Strong	Does not appear	Main

Notes

Recurring cast

  = Recurring cast (3+)

  = Guest cast (1-2)

Actor	Character	Appearances
		1	2
David Horovitch	Mellos	Recurring	Does not appear
Bill Paterson	Lyman Beesbury	Recurring	Does not appear
Gavin Spokes	Lyonel Strong	Recurring	Does not appear
Steffan Rhodri	Hobert Hightower	Recurring	Does not appear
Elliott Tittensor	Erryk Cargyll	Recurring
Luke Tittensor	Arryk Cargyll	Recurring
Anthony Flanagan	Steffon Darklyn	Recurring
Ryan Corr	Harwin Strong	Recurring	Does not appear
Wil Johnson	Vaemond Velaryon	Recurring	Does not appear
John Macmillan	Laenor Velaryon	Recurring	TBA
Nanna Blondell	Laena Velaryon	Recurring	Guest
Paul Kennedy	Jasper Wylde	Recurring
Alexis Raben	Talya	Recurring	Does not appear
Jordon Stevens	Elinda Massey	Recurring	Guest
Paul Hickey	Allun Caswell	Recurring	Does not appear
Phil Daniels	Gerardys	Recurring
Elliot Grihault	Lucerys Velaryon	Recurring	Does not appear
Max Wrottesley	Lorent Marbrand	Guest	Recurring
Nicholas Jones	Bartimos Celtigar	Guest	Recurring
Michael Elwyn	Simon Staunton	Guest	Recurring
Jamie Kenna	Alfred Broome	Does not appear	Recurring
James Dreyfus	Gormon Massey	Does not appear	Recurring
Barney Fishwick	Martyn Reyne	Does not appear	Recurring
Ralph Davis	Leon Estermont	Does not appear	Recurring
Tok Stephen	Eddard Waters	Does not appear	Recurring

Guest cast

• Alfie Todd (season 1) and Jack Parry-Jones (season 2) as Willem Blackwood
• Maddie Evans as Dyana
• Michelle Bonnard as Sylvi

Season 1

• Siân Brooke as Aemma Arryn
• Michael Carter as Jaehaerys I Targaryen
• Garry Cooper as Ryam Redwyne
• Julian Lewis Jones as Boremund Baratheon
• David Hounslow as Rickon Stark
• Daniel Scott-Smith as Craghas Drahar
• Solly McLeod as Joffrey Lonmouth
• Lucy Briers as Ceira Lannister
• Alana Ramsey as Lynesse Hightower
• Gabriel Scott as Jerrel Bracken
• Paul Leonard as Beric Dondarrion
• Owen Oakeshott as Gerold Royce
• Rachel Redford as Rhea Royce
• Arty Froushan as Qarl Correy
• Dean Nolan as Reggio Haratis
• Haqi Ali as Kelvyn
• Roger Evans as Borros Baratheon

Season 2

• Sam C. Wilson as Blood
• Mark Stobbart as Cheese
• Oscar Eskinazi as Joffrey Velaryon
• Vincent Regan as Rickard Thorne
• Ryan Kopel as Aeron Bracken
• Kieran Burton as Davos Blackwood
• Archie Barnes as Oscar Tully
• Steven Pacey as Gunthor Darklyn

Main characters

Viserys I Targaryen

Viserys I Targaryen (portrayed by Paddy Considine), known posthumously as "Viserys the Peaceful", is the fifth King of the Seven Kingdoms. He is the grandson of the previous king Jaehaerys the Conciliator and the husband of Queen Aemma Arryn and later Queen Alicent Hightower. He is the father of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen and the short-lived Prince Baelon Targaryen through his first wife Aemma and King Aegon II, Queen Helaena, Prince Aemond, and Prince Daeron Targaryen through his second wife Alicent. He was a dragonrider who was bonded to the dragon Balerion until he died of old age. He was among the candidates to succeed his grandfather as ruler of the Seven Kingdoms and during the Great Council at Harrenhal he was chosen as heir over his older cousin Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, despite her better claim to the Iron Throne. Nine years later, he held the Heir's Tournament to celebrate the birth of his son Baelon but due to a difficult pregnancy, Viserys decided to sacrifice his wife Aemma by ordering Grand Maester Mellos to perform a C-section on her to ensure that Viserys gets a male heir, causing Aemma's death while Baelon dies anyway hours later. He then makes his only surviving child Rhaenyra his heir, a position previously held by his younger brother Prince Daemon Targaryen, and informs her of King Aegon the Conqueror's dream regarding the "Prince That Was Promised". He also cuts his finger on the Iron Throne, which while seemingly innocent at first, would develop into a far worse infection over time. Still seeking a male heir, Viserys goes against the Small Council's advice to marry Lady Laena Velaryon, the young daughter of Lord Corlys Velaryon, and soon marries Alicent who gives him a son, but Viserys decides to keep Rhaenyra as his heir anyway. He organizes a royal hunt on Aegon's second nameday while actively ignoring the ongoing War for the Stepstones and seeks to make a powerful alliance by marrying off Rhaenyra so she can have children to secure his bloodline further. To maintain ties with the wealthy House Velaryon, he and Corlys arrange a marriage between Corlys' son Ser Laenor Velaryon, and Rhaenyra, repairing the rift between the Velaryons and House Targaryen. Ten years later, the cut that Viserys received from the Iron Throne began to take its toll, and Viserys became increasingly weak as the years passed and began suffering from a form of leprosy. To continue fulfilling his role as king, he began taking the powerful opiate milk of the poppy while opposing political factions formed under Rhaenyra and Alicent that Viserys was unable to stop spiraling out of control. Six years later, as his body deteriorated and he struggled to walk, the Hand of the King Ser Otto Hightower now fulfilled most of Viserys' royal duties. Viserys holds a final family gathering, bringing his children and closest allies together in an attempt to stop any further conflict between them. While it was seemingly a success, he soon became delirious and bedridden and with his dying words he mistakes Alicent for Rhaenyra and rambles on about the "Prince That Was Promised", but Alicent mistakenly believes that he was telling her that he wanted their son Aegon on the throne. Viserys soon dies from his illness, and the Small Council enacts a long-held plan to make Aegon the new king, despite Rhaenyra still being the chosen heir, reigniting the feud between Rhaenyra and Alicent's factions that eventually escalates into civil war.

Daemon Targaryen

Daemon Targaryen (portrayed by Matt Smith), also known as the "Rogue Prince" for his unpredictable behavior, is the younger brother of King Viserys I Targaryen and the husband of Lady Rhea Royce, Lady Laena Velaryon and later his niece Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen. He is the father of Lady Baela and Lady Rhaena Targaryen through his second wife Laena and Prince Aegon "the Younger", Prince Viserys, and the stillborn Princess Visenya Targaryen through his third wife Rhaenyra. He is a dragonrider who is bonded to the dragon Caraxes and wields the Valyrian steel sword "Dark Sister". While he was the heir to the Iron Throne, he was considered unfit to rule by the Small Council due to his reluctance to be involved with politics and his brutal methods of dispensing justice as the Lord Commander of the City Watch. Following the death of Queen Aemma Arryn and her infant son Prince Baelon Targaryen, Viserys disinherits Daemon after he mockingly referred to the deceased Baelon as the "heir for a day". Viserys then names his daughter Rhaenyra as the new heir so Daemon and his lover Mysaria leave King's Landing and occupy Dragonstone. Daemon later steals the deceased Baelon's dragon egg simply to get his brother's attention by lying about it being for an unborn child of Mysaria, resulting in Rhaenyra retrieving the egg peacefully and Mysaria leaving Daemon after realizing he was just using her. After Viserys refuses to confront the threat of the Triarchy, Lord Corlys Velaryon requests Daemon's help in the War for the Stepstones. After a three-year campaign, Daemon kills the leader of the Triarchy Craghas Drahar during the climactic Siege of Bloodstone, winning the war, and is bestowed the title of "King of the Narrow Sea". Daemon soon returns to King's Landing and kneels before Viserys and abdicates his crown, claiming Viserys as the one true king. After discovering that Rhaenyra needs a husband, Daemon takes her into the streets of King's Landing at night where he seduces her but is unable to consummate their affair. When Viserys is informed of Daemon's exploits, believing that his brother still sought the Iron Throne, he orders Daemon to return to his estranged wife Rhea. Daemon then travels to the Vale and murders his wife so that he can marry Rhaenyra. However, Rhaenyra is soon married to Ser Laenor Velaryon as part of a political alliance with Corlys, but Daemon manages to get the attention of and later marries Laena. Ten years later, Daemon, Laena, and their daughters live in Pentos until Laena suffers from prolonged labor during her third pregnancy and commits suicide. Daemon attends her funeral at Driftmark where he reunites with Rhaenyra who proposes marriage to strengthen her claim to the Iron Throne but cannot marry with Laenor still alive. Daemon then conspires with Laenor's lover Ser Qarl Correy to fake Laenor's death so he and Qarl can run away together, allowing Daemon and Rhaenyra to get married. Six years later, he attends Ser Vaemond Velaryon's petition to the Iron Throne to name him the heir to Driftmark. After Vaemond publicly insults Rhaenyra and declares that her children are illegitimate, Daemon decapitates him in response. Following the death of Viserys and King Aegon II Targaryen usurping the throne, Rhaenyra gives birth to the stillborn Princess Visenya Targaryen, and at the funeral, Daemon crowns Rhaenyra the rightful Queen of the Seven Kingdoms.

In season 2, with the death of Prince Lucerys Velaryon, Daemon becomes frustrated with the inaction of Rhaenyra and her supporters. After he promises an imprisoned Mysaria her freedom in exchange for one of her agents, he hires the City Watch guard Blood and Mysaria's contact, the ratcatcher Cheese, to assassinate Prince Aemond Targaryen but Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen is murdered and decapitated instead. Rhaenyra suspects Daemon of being responsible before stating that she no longer trusts him, leading to Daemon departing Dragonstone. Daemon flies to Harrenhal and singlehandly takes the castle for Rhaenyra's cause after Ser Simon Strong willingly yields to him. Daemon later experiences a vision of a young Rhaenyra sewing Jaehaerys' head back onto his body. When he awakens, Daemon finds himself at Harrenhal's godswood where Alys Rivers tells Daemon that he will die there. He continues to have visions induced by Alys during his time at Harrenhal regarding his feelings of guilt surronding Rhaenyra, Aemond, and Laena. He summons House Tully and House Blackwood to meet him at Harrenhal and discusses terms with Ser Oscar Tully and later Ser Willem Blackhood.

Rhaenyra Targaryen

Rhaenyra Targaryen (portrayed by Emma D'Arcy as an adult and by Milly Alcock as a younger Rhaenyra) is the disputed Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. She is the daughter of King Viserys I Targaryen and Queen Aemma Arryn, and the wife of Ser Laenor Velaryon and later her uncle Prince Daemon Targaryen. She is the mother of Prince Jacaerys, Prince Lucerys, and Prince Joffrey Velaryon through her lover Ser Harwin Strong and Prince Aegon "the Younger", Prince Viserys, and the stillborn Princess Visenya Targaryen through her second husband Daemon. She is a dragonrider who is bonded to the dragon Syrax. She is also the childhood friend of Lady Alicent Hightower, with them having grown up together in the Red Keep. Following the death of Aemma and Rhaenyra's infant brother Prince Baelon Targaryen, Rhaenyra is made heir to the Iron Throne and Viserys informs her of King Aegon the Conqueror's dream regarding the "Prince That Was Promised". Rhaenyra personally selects Ser Criston Cole to join her father's Kingsguard and he becomes her royal protector. She also retrieves the deceased Baelon's dragon egg that was stolen by Daemon, who sought his brother's attention after he lost his inheritance to Rhaenyra. She is distraught after learning of her father's marriage to Alicent and grows concerned after she gives Viserys a son, Prince Aegon Targaryen. After Daemon is victorious during the War for the Stepstones, he takes Rhaenyra into the streets of King's Landing at night where he seduces her but is unable to consummate their affair. A frustrated Rhaenyra later seduces Criston instead despite his reluctance and the fact that the Kingsguard are sworn not to sleep with anyone. When Alicent confronts her about the affair with Daemon, she denies it, but Criston later confesses which makes Alicent feel betrayed. After failing to find a husband so Viserys can have grandchildren to secure his bloodline, Rhaenyra agrees to marry Laenor as part of a political alliance with House Velaryon. Rhaenyra and Laenor come to an understanding that they will perform their royal duties together but that Laenor can continue his relationship with his male lover, Ser Joffrey Lonmouth, and Rhaenyra can continue her affair with Criston. However, Rhaenyra breaks off her affair with Criston who then kills Joffrey during their royal wedding feast. Ten years later, Rhaenyra's first three sons had all been fathered by her lover Ser Harwin Strong, with Laenor being their father legally so they remain legitimate. Rhaenyra attends the funeral of Lady Laena Velaryon at Driftmark but following an altercation that results in Lucerys partially blinding Alicent's son Prince Aemond Targaryen, Alicent attempts to have Lucerys' eye gouged out in return, and when refused, she wounds Rhaenyra. Rhaenyra reunites with Daemon and proposes marriage to strengthen her claim to the Iron Throne and Daemon helps fake Laenor's death which allows him to go into exile in Essos and Daemon and Rhaenyra soon get married. Following the death of Viserys and Aegon usurping the throne, Rhaenyra gives birth to the stillborn Princess Visenya Targaryen, and at the funeral, Ser Erryk Cargyll arrives with Viserys' crown which Daemon uses to crown Rhaenyra as the rightful Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. She sends her sons Jacaerys and Lucerys as envoys to ensure that House Stark, House Arryn, and House Baratheon keep their oaths to support Rhaenyra's claim to the Iron Throne, but Lucerys is soon killed by Aemond and his dragon Vhagar.

In season 2, Rhaenyra discovers the partial remains of her son's dragon Arrax but nothing remained of Lucerys as he was devoured whole. She then holds a funeral for him at Dragonstone. Following the murder of Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen, Rhaenyra worries that her popularity will suffer and no longer trusts Daemon after he is revealed as responsible. In retaliation for Jaehaerys' murder, Criston sends Ser Arryk Cargyll to assassinate Rhaenyra but she is saved by Erryk although the confrontation results in both of the brother's deaths. After Lady Baela Targaryen informs the Black Council of Criston leading an army into the Crownlands, Rhaenyra, with assistance from Mysaria and Ser Steffon Darklyn, infiltrates King's Landing disguised as a septa and visits Alicent at the Grand Sept in an attempt to make peace. Rhaenyra learns that Alicent had misinterpreted Viserys' final words regarding the "Prince That Was Promised" which led to her wanting to put Aegon on the throne. Alicent dismisses Rhaenyra's pleas and warns her that the war is inevitable. After returning to Dragonstone she sends Princess Rhaenys Targaryen to Rook's Rest as Criston's army prepares to lay siege. As her heir, she also informs Jacaerys of the Aegon the Conquerer's dream regarding the "Prince That Was Promised".

Otto Hightower

Otto Hightower (portrayed by Rhys Ifans) is the father of Ser Gwayne Hightower and Queen Alicent Hightower who served as the Hand of the King on the Small Council under King Jaehaerys the Conciliator, King Viserys I Targaryen and King Aegon II Targaryen. Following the death of Queen Aemma Arryn, he makes Alicent get close to the grieving king, which later results in their marriage and the birth of Otto's eldest Aegon. Otto is pressured by his older brother Lord Hobert Hightower to help make Aegon the heir to the Iron Throne over the chosen heir Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen as it would strengthen their house's power. He is later dismissed as Hand of the King by Viserys after he discovers that Otto set Alicent up to become his wife and believes Otto's judgment to be compromised. Ten years later, he is reinstated as Hand of the King following the sudden death of Lord Lyonel Strong, orchestrated by Larys Strong to help Alicent who wanted her father to regain his position. Otto then spent several years conspiring with fellow Small Council members Ser Tyland Lannister, Lord Jasper Wylde, and Grand Maester Orwyle to eventually usurp the throne and make Aegon king while Viserys was slowly succumbing to his crippling illness. Following Viserys' death, he finally enacts their plan and Aegon is quickly crowned king.

In season 2, Otto urges Aegon to be tough on the smallfolk of King's Landing to secure resources for the impending war with Rhaenyra and her supporters. Following the murder of Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen, Otto orders a public funeral procession to help turn the smallfolk against Rhaenyra. He is later outraged and insults Aegon after he learns that he had ordered the execution of dozens of innocents so Aegon could get vengeance for the death of his son. He also questions Aegon's judgment after Ser Arryk Cargyll had been sent by Ser Criston Cole to assassinate Rhaenyra while Otto was trying to turn public perception against her instead of seeking immediate retribution. When Aegon dismisses Otto's efforts that helped make him king, Otto attempts to leave but Aegon orders him to step down as Hand of the King and makes Criston his replacement. Otto then returns to Oldtown with plans to mentor his youngest grandson Prince Daeron Targaryen.

Corlys Velaryon

Corlys Velaryon (portrayed by Steve Toussaint), also known as the "Sea Snake", is the husband of Princess Rhaenys Targaryen and the father to Ser Laenor Velaryon and Lady Laena Velaryon. He is the Lord of Driftmark, head of House Velaryon, and the most famous seafarer in Westerosi history. He also serves as the Master of Ships on the Small Council of King Viserys I Targaryen. Following the Great Council of Harrenhal, Corlys became enraged that his wife was passed over as heir despite her rightful claim to the throne. During the reign of Viserys, he was appointed as the Master of Ships but later resigns from his position after he became infuriated when Viserys married Queen Alicent Hightower over Corlys' daughter Laena, despite having the full support of almost the entire Small Council. When the Triarchy disrupts the Westerosi sea trade and therefore damages the profits and reputation of House Velaryon, he leads the War for the Stepstones against the Triarchy and enlists Prince Daemon Targaryen's help. After a three-year campaign, the Triarchy is defeated and pushed back to Essos. Corlys and Viserys soon arrange a marriage between Laenor and Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, making their future sons the heirs to the Iron Throne and Driftmark. Ten years later, during Laena's funeral at Driftmark and following Laenor faking his death and going into exile, Rhaenys privately urges Corlys to make their eldest granddaughter Lady Baela Targaryen the heir to Driftmark rather than Laenor's sons due to their assumed illegitimacy. Six years later, after Corlys is gravely wounded while fighting in the Stepstones due to the Triarchy's reemergence, his brother Ser Vaemond Velaryon is killed when he insults Laenor and the legitimacy of Laenor's sons during a petition to the Iron Throne to make him the heir to Driftmark instead. Following the death of Viserys and King Aegon II Targaryen usurping the throne, Corlys and Rhaenys pledge their support to Rhaenyra and send the Velaryon fleet to blockade Blackwater Bay.

In season 2, Corlys oversees the repairs of his flagship the Sea Snake and thanks the sailor Alyn of Hull who saved his life in the Stepstones.

Rhaenys Targaryen

Rhaenys Targaryen (portrayed by Eve Best), also known as the "Queen Who Never Was", is a cousin of King Viserys I Targaryen, wife of Lord Corlys Velaryon and mother to Ser Laenor Velaryon and Lady Laena Velaryon. She is a dragonrider who is bonded to the dragon Meleys. She was once a candidate to succeed her grandfather as ruler of the Seven Kingdoms but during the Great Council at Harrenhal she was passed over in favor of her younger cousin Viserys due to her gender. Twelve years later, despite her protests that it may eventually get her son killed, she is convinced to allow Laenor and Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen to get married. Ten years later, during Laena's funeral at Driftmark and following Laenor faking his death and going into exile, Rhaenys urges Corlys to make their eldest granddaughter Lady Baela Targaryen the heir to Driftmark rather than Laenor's sons due to their assumed illegitimacy. Six years later, when Corlys fell gravely ill, she chooses to support Prince Lucerys Velaryon's claim to Driftmark over Ser Vaemond Velaryon after he publically insults Laenor and the legitimacy of Laenor's sons. Following Viserys' death, Rhaenys is placed under house arrest and discovers that the Small Council are usurping the throne to make Prince Aegon Targaryen king over Rhaenyra. She is then freed by Ser Erryk Cargyll and escapes King's Landing on Meleys by bursting through the Dragonpit during Aegon's coronation. She then flies to Dragonstone and informs Rhaenyra of her father's death before she and Corlys pledge their support to her.

In season 2, Rhaenys patrols the Velaryon fleet's blockade of Blackwater Bay and after returning to Dragonstone she is approached by Prince Daemon Targaryen who demands that she accompany him to King's Landing to kill Prince Aemond Targaryen to avenge Lucerys' death, but she refuses to act while Rhaenyra still grieves for her son. She is sent by Rhaenyra to help stop Ser Criston Cole's siege at Rook's Rest, and she flies Meleys into battle. During the Battle at Rook's Rest, Rhaenys manages to defeat Aegon and his dragon Sunfyre, severely wounding the dragon and sending them tumbling to the ground. However, after the arrival of Aemond and his dragon Vhagar, Rhaenys initially gains the upper hand but Vhagar ambushes and crushes Meleys' neck, killing her and sending Rhaenys plummeting to her death as they crash onto Rook's Rest.

Mysaria

Mysaria (portrayed by Sonoya Mizuno), also known as the "White Worm", is a former brothel dancer from the far east nation of Yi Ti who became Prince Daemon Targaryen's lover. After Daemon the deceased Prince Baelon Targaryen's dragon egg, Mysaria is with him at Dragonstone when Ser Otto Hightower demands the dragon egg returned. She learns that Daemon, without her knowledge, announced that he and Mysaria were betrothed and that she was pregnant. She confronts him about the lie and after realizing that he was just using her, she leaves him. She soon builds a spy network in King's Landing and informs Otto of Daemon and Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen's secret exploits, which breaks down the trust between Otto and King Viserys I Targaryen. Many years later, one of her spies Talya, is one of the ladies-in-waiting to Queen Alicent Hightower, who keeps Mysaria informed of the king's ailing health. Following Viserys' death, she kidnaps Prince Aegon Targaryen and demands a meeting with Otto in exchange for Aegon's location. She threatens Otto to meet her demands to help the poor children of King's Landing or she can have Aegon killed. Mysaria's manse is later burned down by Lord Larys Strong, under Alicent's orders, and Larys rounds up and executes all the household staff in the Red Keep to remove any of Mysaria's spies.

In season 2, Mysaria has fled King's Landing on a ship but after it is intercepted by the Velaryon fleet, she is discovered by Ser Erryk Cargyll and imprisoned at Dragonstone. In exchange for her freedom, she provides Daemon with the name of one of her contacts in King's Landing, which indirectly causes the death of Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen. After Daemon breaks his promise to free Mysaria, Rhaenyra later chooses to release her instead. Before she leaves however, she spots Ser Arryk Cargyll who had snuck onto Dragonstone and warns Ser Erykk Cargyll of his arrival which saves Rhaenyra's life. She then requests to join Rhaenyra's Black Council to serve as her advisor while seeking retribution against House Hightower. She later assists Rhaenyra in infiltrating King's Landing so she can secretly meet with Alicent.

Criston Cole

Criston Cole (portrayed by Fabien Frankel) is a knight from the Dornish Marches and the common-born son of the steward to the Lord of Blackhaven. He is a member of the Kingsguard under King Viserys I Targaryen and King Aegon II Targaryen. During Aegon's reign, he succeeds Ser Harrold Westerling as the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard and later succeeds Ser Otto Hightower as Hand of the King on the Small Council. He participates in the Heir's Tournament, and manages to defeat Lord Boremund Baratheon and Prince Daemon Targaryen, first in a joust and then in single combat, and receives the favor of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen. Following the death of Ser Ryam Redwyne, he is appointed to the Kingsguard at Rhaenyra's insistence and becomes her royal protector. Rhaenyra later pressures Criston into having an affair with her following her exploits with Daemon, breaking his Kingsguard vows to not sleep with anyone. When Ser Laenor Velaryon and Rhaenyra are announced to be married, Criston asks her to run away with him, but she rejects him, leaving Criston distraught. Criston later confesses his sins to Queen Alicent Hightower, who is hurt by Rhaenyra's actions but keeps his secret. At the royal wedding feast of Laenor and Rhaenyra, Ser Joffrey Lonmouth, Laenor's lover, informs Criston that he's aware of his affair with Rhaenyra. Criston perceives this as a threat, beats Joffrey to death, and later prepares to take his own life but is interrupted by Alicent. Ten years later, Criston is training Rhaenyra's son in swordsmanship and provokes Ser Harwin Strong after he insinuates that Rhaenyra and Laenor's sons are in fact his, which leads to Harwin leaving King's Landing. Six years later, following the death of Viserys, he accidentally kills Lord Lyman Beesbury when he protests the rest of the Small Council's plot to put Prince Aegon Targaryen on the throne in place of Rhaenyra. Enraged by the Small Council's actions and Criston's murder of Lyman, Ser Harold Westerling resigns from the Kingsguard in protest and Criston succeeds him as Lord Commander. Criston and Prince Aemond Targaryen are sent into the city by Alicent, where they locate Aegon so he can be crowned king. Criston crowns Aegon king at the Dragonpit with the former crown of King Aegon the Conquerer, which in turn gains Criston the moniker of "Kingmaker".

In season 2, Criston has begun a sexual relationship with Alicent, who he is sleeping with during the murder of Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen. Feeling guilty for not being there to guard Jaehaerys, Criston sends Ser Arryk Cargyll to assassinate Rhaenyra. After Criston informs the king of this, Aegon soon removes Otto as Hand of the King due to his perceived lack of action in seeking retribution and appoints Criston to succeed him. He is charged with leading an army alongside Ser Gwayne Hightower into the Crownlands to either convince those who declared for Rhaenyra to surrender to have them killed. They are later discovered by Lady Baela Targaryen who reports their movements to the Black Council. Criston manages to convince House Rosby and House Stokeworth to join his forces without a fight and after executing Lord Gunthor Darklyn following the Sack of Duskendale, he gains the Darklyn forces as well. He then leads his combined armies into the Battle at Rook's Rest where they lay siege to the castle until he witnesses the dragon battle between Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, Aegon, and Aemond. After Aegon and his dragon Sunfyre are knocked out of the sky by Rhaenys, Criston rushes to aid the fallen king.

Alicent Hightower

Alicent Hightower (portrayed by Olivia Cooke as an adult and by Emily Carey as a younger Alicent) is the daughter of Ser Otto Hightower, second wife of King Viserys I Targaryen and mother to King Aegon II, Queen Helaena, Prince Aemond, and Prince Daeron Targaryen. She is also the childhood companion of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, with them having grown up together in the Red Keep. Following the death of Queen Aemma Arryn, Alicent's father pressures her to get close to the grieving Viserys. Viserys later goes against the advice of the Small Council and marries Alicent, who soon gives him a long-sought-after male heir with their son Aegon. When she overhears Otto and Viserys discussing Rhaenyra's exploits with Prince Daemon Targaryen, she confronts Rhaenyra privately, who denies the rumor, which begins to create a rift between them. Alicent is informed by Larys Strong that Grand Maester Mellos was ordered to discreetly deliver moon tea, which is used to abort pregnancies, to Rhaenyra, and questions Ser Criston Cole on the matter, who confesses that he broke his oath and slept with her. Feeling betrayed by her closest friend, Alicent surprises all the guests when she attends the royal wedding feast of Ser Laenor Velaryon and Rhaenyra by wearing a green dress that matches the colors of the flames House Hightower burns when they go to war. Ten years later, Alicent and Rhaenyra had become more distant, and she rejects Rhaenyra's proposal to marry Rhaenyra's eldest son, Prince Jacaerys Velaryon, to Alicent's daughter Helaena due to Rhaenyra's children being bastards. She indirectly causes the deaths of Lord Lyonel Strong and Ser Harwin Strong, when she mentions to Larys that she wanted her father to regain his position as Hand of the King. She attends the funeral of Lady Laena Velaryon at Driftmark, but following an altercation that results in Rhaenyra's second eldest son Prince Lucerys Velaryon partially blinding Alicent's son Aemond, Alicent attempts to have Lucerys' eye gouged out in return, and when refused, she wounds Rhaenyra. Six years later, on Viserys' deathbed, he mistakes Alicent for Rhaenyra and mutters parts of King Aegon the Conqueror's dream regarding the "Prince That Was Promised" which Alicent misinterprets as Viserys wanting their eldest son Aegon to succeed him as king instead of the chosen heir Rhaenyra. Following her husband's death, Alicent urges her father to help crown Aegon instead and Otto reveals that he and the majority of the Small Council had been planning Aegon's succession for years. Appalled by this, she orders Larys to dismantle Mysaria's spy network which Otto had been using for his advantage. When Otto travels to Dragonstone to request Rhaenyra's surrender and swear fealty to the newly crowned king Aegon, Alicent tries one final time to repair her friendship with Rhaenyra by sending a message with her father that only Rhaenyra would understand, but the death of Rhaenyra's son Lucerys soon ends any hope of a peaceful resolution.

In season 2, Alicent has begun a sexual relationship with Criston, who she is sleeping with during the murder of her grandchild Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen. She later attends the funeral procession of Jaehaerys and helps calm her daughter Helaena when she is on the verge of a panic attack due to her grief. While praying in the Grand Sept, she is visited by Rhaenyra who had managed to sneak into the city to try and make peace. Rhaenyra informs Alicent that she has misinterpreted Viserys' final words regarding the "Prince That Was Promised" which led to her wanting to put Aegon on the throne. Alicent dismisses Rhaenyra's pleas and warns her that the war is inevitable now that Criston and his army are marching on the Crownlands. She requests that Grand Maester Orwyle discreetly bring her moon tea to prevent her from getting pregnant with Criston's child.

Harrold Westerling

Harrold Westerling (portrayed by Graham McTavish) is a member of the Kingsguard under King Jaehaerys the Conciliator and King Viserys I Targaryen. During Viserys' reign, he succeeds Ser Ryam Redwyne as the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. He later resigns his position in the Kingsguard in protest when he discovers that the majority of the Small Council had conspired to crown Prince Aegon Targaryen as king instead of the chosen heir Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen.

Larys Strong

Larys Strong (portrayed by Matthew Needham), also known as the "Clubfoot" due to a birth defect, is the younger son of Lord Lyonel Strong. He is appointed as the Lord Confessor of the Red Keep and later serves as the Master of Whisperers on the Small Council of King Aegon II Targaryen. He becomes a close confidant of Queen Alicent Hightower after he informs her that Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen had been discreetly given moon tea after her exploits with Prince Daemon Targaryen. Ten years later, he orchestrates the deaths of both his father and his older brother Ser Harwin Strong by sending his agents to trap them in a fire at his family seat of Harrenhal, allowing him to succeed his father as the Lord of Harrenhal and have Ser Otto Hightower regain his former position as Hand of the King. Six years later, following the death of King Viserys I Targaryen, Larys apprehends Lord Allun Caswell during his attempt to flee King's Landing and has him executed. He also works to dismantle Mysaria's spy network in King's Landing under Alicent's orders by rounding up and imprisoning all the household staff in the Red Keep, suspecting there to be traitors and spies among them.

In season 2, Larys has replaced Alicent's entire household staff, having tortured and executed them all, with new servants loyal to him taking their place. In the aftermath of the murder of Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen, Larys apprehends the City Watch guard Blood, who was attempting to flee King's Landing with the Jaehaerys' severed head and easily obtains information from Blood concerning his accomplice before Aegon kills Blood personally. Impressed with Larys' loyalty and efficiency, Aegon then appoints him to the previously retired position of Master of Whisperers. When Harrenhal is taken by Prince Daemon Targaryen, he reassures Aegon that he maintains the castle's treasury.

Jason Lannister

Jason Lannister (portrayed by Jefferson Hall) is the son of Lady Ceira Lannister and the older twin brother of Ser Tyland Lannister. He is the Lord of Casterly Rock, head of House Lannister, and Warden of the West. An arrogant hunter and warrior, he unsuccessfully vies for the hand of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen during the second nameday celebrations for Prince Aegon Targaryen.

In season 2, Jason relays through his brother that he pledges his support to Aegon and musters the armies of the Westerlands to prepare for war.

Tyland Lannister

Tyland Lannister (portrayed by Jefferson Hall) is the son of Lady Ceira Lannister and the younger twin brother of Lord Jason Lannister. He serves as the successor to Lord Corlys Velaryon as the Master of Ships on the Small Council of King Viserys I Targaryen and later switches positions when he succeeds Lord Lyman Beesbury as the Master of Coin on the Small Council of King Aegon II Targaryen. After the immediate death of Viserys, Tyland is revealed to be part of a scheme to crown Aegon as king and informs the rest of the Small Council that the treasury will be divided for safekeeping.

In season 2, Tyland is irritated by the young Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen's presence after Aegon brings him to a Small Council meeting. After the Battle of the Burning Mill, Tyland concludes that, despite the death of Lord Samwell Blackwood, both sides took heavy losses and he urges Aegon to utilize his brother's forces that are being mustered in the Westerlands.

Jacaerys "Jace" Velaryon

Jace Velaryon (portrayed by Harry Collett as a teenager and by Leo Hart as a young child) is the eldest son of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, his legal father Ser Laenor Velaryon, and his biological father Ser Harwin Strong. He is a dragonrider who is bonded to the dragon Vermax. He is betrothed to his cousin Lady Baela Targaryen who together would act as the joint heirs to Rhaenyra and her claim to the Iron Throne once married. Following the death of King Viserys I Targaryen, Jacaerys is sent as an envoy to House Arryn and House Stark to ensure that they keep their oaths to support his mother's claim.

In season 2, Jacaerys managed to confirm the loyalty of House Arryn before visiting the Wall with Lord Cregan Stark, who also promises to uphold his father's oath. While there he receives word of his brother Prince Lucerys Velaryon's death and returns to Dragonstone to attends his funeral. After he becomes upset that his mother refuses to allow him to fly into battle with Vermax, as her heir, Rhaenyra informs him of Aegon the Conquerer's dream regarding the "Prince That Was Promised".

Aegon II Targaryen

Aegon II Targaryen (portrayed by Tom Glynn-Carney as an adult and by Ty Tennant as a teenager) is the sixth King of the Seven Kingdoms. He is the eldest son of King Viserys I Targaryen and Queen Alicent Hightower, husband to his sister-wife Queen Helaena Targaryen, and father to Prince Jaehaerys and Princess Jaehaera Targaryen. He is a dragonrider who is bonded to the dragon Sunfyre. As he grew into adulthood, Aegon's hedonism and depravity become legendary in King's Landing's Street of Silk with him having fathered at least one bastard child. Following the death of his father, despite his own belief that he is unfit to rule and that his half-sister Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen was the chosen heir, he is crowned king with the support of the Small Council, ultimately usurping the throne.

In season 2, Aegon brings his heir Jaehaerys to a Small Council meeting and humiliates the Master of Coin Ser Tyland Lannister. He initially strives to be a benevolent king but Ser Otto Hightower, the Hand of the King, urges him to be tough on the smallfolk to secure resources for the impending war. Following the brutal murder of his son, Aegon demands immediate retaliation against Rhaenyra and those who support her. He later personally kills one of his son's killers and orders the public hanging of every ratcatcher in the Red Keep, one of whom was an accomplice in Jaehaerys' death. This infuriates Otto, who Aegon subsequently dismisses as Hand of the King and appoints Ser Criston Cole as his replacement. Following the Battle of the Burning Mill, Aegon supports Criston's plan to take an army into the Crownlands to subjugate the houses that have allied with Rhaenyra. Despite Aegon wanting to go into battle himself with Sunfyre, Lord Larys Strong convinces him otherwise, and impressed with his loyalty, Aegon appoints him to the previously retired position of Master of Whisperers. Seeking to prove himself a strong ruler, Aegon takes Sunfyre to join in the Battle at Rook's Rest despite protests from his family and the Small Council. He attacks Princess Rhaenys Targaryen and her dragon Meleys but after the arrival of Aemond and his dragon Vhagar, Sunfyre is severely wounded by Meleys and they are sent tumbling to the ground.

Aemond Targaryen

Aemond Targaryen (portrayed by Ewan Mitchell as an adult and by Leo Ashton as a young child), also known as "Aemond One-Eye", is the third child of King Viserys I Targaryen and Queen Alicent Hightower. Following the funeral of Lady Laena Velaryon, he becomes a dragonrider after claiming her dragon Vhagar. This causes an altercation with his cousins/nephews during which Prince Lucerys Velaryon slashes Aemond's eye with a knife, partially blinding him. Six years later, following his father's death, Aemond is sent as an envoy to House Baratheon and arranges a political alliance with Lord Borros Baratheon through marriage with one of his daughters. After Lucerys arrives with his dragon Arrax, due to the new alliance forged with Aemond, Borros refuses to uphold his father's oath to support Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen's claim to the Iron Throne. After Lucerys leaves, Aemond pursues him on Vhagar, but Vhagar disobeys Aemond's commands and attacks Lucerys and Arrax, killing them both.

In season 2, Prince Daemon Targaryen attempts to have Aemond assassinated in revenge for Lucerys' death, but Aemond's nephew Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen is killed instead as Aemond was visiting a brothel. Aemond expresses regret concerning his part in Lucerys' death to the brothel madam Sylvi, concerned that it's his fault that they were on the verge of war. Following the Battle of the Burning Mill, Aemond supports Ser Criston Cole's proposal of subjugating the houses in the Crownlands that have allied with Rhaenyra. When Aegon and his retinue take a new squire to Sylvi's brothel to lose his virginity, he encounters Aemond with Sylvi and jeers at his brother until Aemond leaves. He partakes in the Battle at Rook's Rest with Vhagar as part of a plan to lure a dragon to defend the castle while it's under siege and ambush them. After Princess Rhaenys Targaryen arrives with Meleys, Aemond holds off the plan when Aegon arrives with Sunfyre. After Aegon and his dragon Sunfyre are knocked out of the sky by Rhaenys, Aemond engages her but despite Rhaenys initially getting the upper hand, Vhagar ambushes and crushes Meleys' neck, killing her and sending Rhaenys plummeting to her death as they crash onto Rook's Rest. Aemond is later found by Criston standing over his brother's unconscious body, after finding him severely wounded.

Baela Targaryen

Baela Targaryen (portrayed by Bethany Antonia as a teenager and by Shani Smethurst as a young child) is the elder daughter of Prince Daemon Targaryen and Lady Laena Velaryon. She is a dragonrider who is bonded to the dragon Moondancer. Following her mother's death, Baela becomes the ward of her grandmother Princess Rhaenys Targaryen. Six years later, she is betrothed to her cousin Prince Jacaerys Velaryon who together would act as the joint heirs to Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen and her claim to the Iron Throne once married.

In season 2, Rhaenyra sends Baela and Moondancer to keep watch on King's Landing in anticipation of any future attacks. Baela later discovers Ser Criston Cole and Ser Gwayne Hightower leading an army into the Crownlands and reports their movements to the Black Council, allowing the lords whose houses reside on the mainland to better prepare for an attack.

Rhaena Targaryen

Rhaena Targaryen (portrayed by Phoebe Campbell as a teenager and by Eva Ossei-Gerning as a young child) is the younger daughter of Prince Daemon Targaryen and Lady Laena Velaryon. Unlike her sister and cousins, her dragon egg has yet to hatch. She is betrothed to her cousin Prince Lucerys Velaryon, who together would have acted as the joint heirs to Driftmark once married until Lucerys' death prevents this from proceeding.

In season 2, she attends Lucerys' funeral and grieves her former betrothed. After the assassination attempt on Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, she requests Rhaena to take care of her younger children Prince Joffrey Velaryon, Prince Aegon "the Younger" and Prince Viserys Targaryen, and stay with them at the Eyrie to be under Lady Jeyne Arryn's protection. Rhaenyra also sends the dragon hatchlings Tyraxes and Stormcloud with her, as well as four dragon eggs, which include Viserys' chosen egg and a clutch laid by Syrax, so that Rhaena can protect the future of House Targaryen.

Helaena Targaryen

Helaena Targaryen (portrayed by Phia Saban as an adult and by Evie Allen as a young child) is the second child of King Viserys I Targaryen and Queen Alicent Hightower, the sister-wife of King Aegon II Targaryen, and mother to Jaehaerys and Jaehaera Targaryen. She is a dragonrider who is bonded to the dragon Dreamfrye. She has a unique interest in bugs and seems to make cryptic prophecies of the future. Helaena predicts her brother Prince Aemond Targaryen claiming the dragon Vhagar and losing his eye, and Princess Rhaenys Targaryen's escape from King's Landing among other predictions.

In season 2, after Prince Daemon Targaryen hires Blood and Cheese to infiltrate the Red Keep, they force Helaena to tell them which of her children is a boy as they are identical twins. She reluctantly gives up her son who is subsequently murdered before she escapes with her daughter. She attends the funeral procession of Jaehaerys with her mother but becomes overwhelmed and on the verge of a panic attack as she grieves her son.

Orwyle

Orwyle (portrayed by Kurt Egyiawan) is the successor to Mellos as the Grand Maester on the Small Council of King Viserys I Targaryen and King Aegon II Targaryen. Before serving as Grand Maester, he assists Mellos in treating an ailing Viserys, ultimately suggesting better methods of treatment despite his lesser experience. Sixteen years later, after the immediate death of Viserys, Orwyle is revealed to be part of a scheme to crown Aegon as king, and advocates for the murder of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen to eliminate the rival claimant. He also joins Ser Otto Hightower when they travel to Dragonstone in an attempt to convince Rhaenyra to surrender peacefully.

In season 2, Orwyle suggests offering the vacant position of Master of Ships to Lord Dalton Greyjoy, so they can use the Iron Fleet to match the dominant Velaryon Fleet. After the Battle of the Burning Mill, Orwyle suggests ordering the elderly Lord Grover Tully to seize control over the houses sworn to him in the Riverlands but the notion is dismissed by Lord Jasper Wylde. He discreetly delivers moon tea to Queen Alicent Hightower, who questions him regarding whether he believes Viserys changed his mind and chose Aegon to be king but refuses to comment.

Hugh Hammer

Hugh Hammer (portrayed by Kieren Bew) is the husband of Kat and a blacksmith from King's Landing. Hugh is commissioned by the Crown to manufacture scorpion ballistas to defend King's Landing from potential dragon attacks. Needing money to care for his sick daughter, he petitions to King Aegon II Targaryen to ask for payment in advance for his work, which Aegon approves.

Alyn of Hull

Alyn of Hull (portrayed by Abubakar Salim) is the younger brother of Addam of Hull. He is a sailor in the Velaryon fleet and saved Lord Corlys Velaryon's life during the War for the Stepstones. When Corlys oversees the repairs of the flagship of the Velaryon fleet, the Sea Snake, he encounters Alyn and thanks him for saving his life.

Cregan Stark

Cregan Stark (portrayed by Tom Taylor) is the son of Lord Rickon Stark who succeeds him as Lord of Winterfell, head of House Stark, and Warden of the North. He visits the Wall alongside Prince Jacaerys Velaryon and agrees to uphold his father's oath and support Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen's claim to the Iron Throne.

Addam of Hull

Addam of Hull (portrayed by Clinton Liberty) is the older brother of Alyn of Hull and a shipwright for the Velaryon fleet. He reunites with his brother at Driftmark after spending time in the Stepstones and later sees the dragon Seasmoke flying overhead.

Ulf White

Ulf White (portrayed by Tom Bennett) is a dragonseed and denizen of King's Landing. He is the purported illegitimate son of Prince Baelon Targaryen, father of King Viserys I, and Prince Daemon Targaryen.

Kat

Kat (portrayed by Ellora Torchia) is the wife of Hugh Hammer, and the mother of their sick daughter who she is struggling to provide for in King's Landing.

Gwayne Hightower

Gwayne Hightower (portrayed by Freddie Fox and by Will Willoughby as a younger Gwayne) is the son of Ser Otto Hightower. He participates in the Heir's Tournament, where he is unseated by Prince Daemon Targaryen. In season 2, he journies with House Hightower forces to King's Landing and accompanies Ser Criston Cole and his army into the Crownlands, and participates in the Battle at Rooks Rest.

Alys Rivers

Alys Rivers (portrayed by Gayle Rankin) is a mysterious healer at Harrenhal in service to House Strong. After Prince Daemon Targaryen claims Harrenhal for Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, Alys encounters him in Harrenhal's godswood and warns him that he will die there.

Simon Strong

Simon Strong (portrayed by Simon Russel Beale) is the uncle of Lord Lyonel Strong. He is the Castellan of Harrenhal but holds no loyalty to his great-nephew Lord Larys Strong for his role in the deaths of Lyonel and Ser Harwin Strong. When Prince Daemon Targaryen claims Harrenhal for Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, he willingly yields the castle and pledges his loyalty to Rhaenyra's cause. Daemon orders Simon to summon Lord Grover Tully and the various Riverlords to Harrenhal to pledge themselves to Rhaenyra but Simon informs Daemon of Grover's fragile state and how the recent Battle of the Burning Mill would complicate things. Simon hosts Ser Oscar Tully and Ser Willem Blackwood when they arrive to meet with Daemon at Harrenhal.

Recurring / Guest characters

House Arryn

• Aemma Arryn (portrayed by Siân Brooke) is the queen consort and first wife of King Viserys I Targaryen and the mother of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen. She is a granddaughter of King Jaehaerys the Conciliator through her mother, making Viserys her first cousin. During the Heir's Tournament, she goes into labor and while struggling to give birth to Prince Baelon Targaryen, Viserys requests that Grand Maester Mellos perform a c-section on her to save the baby. Aemma quickly dies from the operation and Baelon dies just hours later. A funeral is then held for them and they are cremated together.

• Gerold Royce (portrayed by Owen Oakeshott) is a cousin of Lady Rhea Royce. Following her death, he attends the royal wedding feast of Ser Laenor Velaryon and Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen at King's Landing where he confronts Prince Daemon Targaryen with claims that he murdered Rhea, which he denies. Daemon then threatens Gerold that he can request Rhea's inheritance and claim Runestone for himself from Lady Jeyne Arryn.

• Rhea Royce (portrayed by Rachel Redford) is the heir to Runestone, the seat of House Royce, and Prince Daemon Targaryen's estranged first wife. Daemon secretly confronts and murders Rhea so he can eventually marry Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and Rhea's death is reported as a horseriding accident.

House Baratheon

• Boremund Baratheon (portrayed by Julian Lewis Jones) is the father of Borros Baratheon. He is the Lord of Storm's End, head of House Baratheon, and Lord Paramount of the Stormlands. He is also a maternal cousin of Princess Rhaenys Targaryen and is the great-grandson of house founder Orys Baratheon, the half-brother of King Aegon the Conqueror. He participates in the Heir's Tournament, where he is unseated by Ser Criston Cole. He swears loyalty to Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen after she is chosen as the heir to the Iron Throne. He also hosts Rhaenyra at Storm's End during her tour of Westeros and advises her on various suitors who propose marriage. Boremund dies off-screen of unknown causes, and his son Borros succeeds him as Lord of Storm's End.

• Beric Dondarrion (portrayed by Paul Leonard) is the Lord of Blackhaven and head of House Dondarrion. During Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen's tour of Westeros, he is one of the many suitors vying for her favor at Storm's End but is hastily dismissed by Rhaenyra on account of his advanced age.

• Borros Baratheon (portrayed by Roger Evans) is the son of Lord Boremund Baratheon who succeeds him as the Lord of Storm's End, head of House Baratheon, and Lord Paramount of the Stormlands. Following the death of King Viserys I Targaryen, he forges a political alliance with Prince Aemond Targaryen by arranging a marriage between him and one of Borros' daughters, aligning himself with King Aegon II Targaryen. When Prince Lucerys Velaryon arrives as an envoy for his mother Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, Borros refuses to uphold his father's oath to support Rhaenyra's claim to the Iron Throne. When Aemond and Lucerys provoke each other, Borros commands them both to stand down and orders Lucerys to leave.

House Hightower

• Hobert Hightower (portrayed by Steffan Rhodri) is the older brother of Ser Otto Hightower and the husband of Lady Lynesse Hightower. He is the Lord of Oldtown and head of House Hightower. Alongside many other lords and ladies of Westeros, Hobert swears his allegiance to Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen when she is chosen as the heir to the Iron Throne. Following the birth of Prince Aegon Targaryen, Hobert pressures Otto to help make Aegon the heir as it would strengthen their house's power. Hobert dies off-screen of unknown causes and his son, Ormund Hightower, succeeds him as Lord of Oldtown.

• Lynesse Hightower (portrayed by Alana Ramsey) is the wife of Lord Hobert Hightower. During the second nameday celebrations for Prince Aegon Targaryen, she socializes with her niece Queen Alicent Hightower and Lady Ceira Lannister.

House Lannister

• Ceira Lannister (portrayed by Lucy Briers) is the mother of Lord Jason Lannister and Ser Tyland Lannister and the widow of the previous Lord of Casterly Rock. During the nameday celebrations for Prince Aegon Targaryen, she socializes with Queen Alicent Hightower and Lady Lynesse Hightower and openly condemns Prince Daemon Targaryen's involvement in the War for the Stepstones, which upsets Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen.

House Stark

• Rickon Stark (portrayed by David Hounslow) is the father of Cregan Stark. He is the Lord of Winterfell, head of House Stark, and Warden of the North. Alongside many other lords and ladies of Westeros, Rickon swears his allegiance to Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen when she is chosen as the heir to the Iron Throne. Rickon dies off-screen of unknown causes and his son Cregan succeeds him as Lord of Winterfell.

House Strong

• Lyonel Strong (portrayed by Gavin Spokes) is the father of Ser Harwin Strong and Larys Strong. He is the Lord of Harrenhal and head of House Strong. He serves as the Master of Laws on the Small Council of King Viserys I Targaryen and later switches positions when he suceeds Ser Otto Hightower as the Hand of the King. He supports Lord Corlys Velaryon's proposal for Viserys to marry Lady Laena Velaryon, Corlys's daughter, and suggests that Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen marry Ser Laenor Velaryon, Corlys' son. Ten years later, Lyonel attempts to resign his position following the rumors that Harwin and Rhaenyra have had three bastard children together, but Viserys refuses. Lyonel and Harwin then return to their family seat of Harrenhal where they are killed in a fire, orchestrated by Larys, who later succeeds his father as Lord of Harrenhal.

• Harwin Strong (portrayed by Ryan Corr), also known as "Breakbones", is the elder son of Lord Lyonel Strong, the secret lover of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and the biological father of her children Prince Jacaerys, Prince Lucerys, and Prince Joffrey Velaryon. He is also the Lord Commander of the City Watch and is said to be the strongest man in the Seven Kingdoms. Ten years later, Harwin is provoked into fighting Ser Criston Cole when he insinuates that Harwin is the father of Rhaenyra's children, leading to Harwin leaving King's Landing. Harwin and his father then return to their family seat of Harrenhal where they are killed in a fire orchestrated by Harwin's younger brother, Larys Strong.

House Targaryen

• Jaehaerys I Targaryen (portrayed by Michael Carter), also known as the "Jaehaerys the Conciliator" or the "Old King", was the fourth king of the Seven Kingdoms. He is the grandfather of King Viserys I Targaryen, Prince Daemon Targaryen, Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, and Queen Aemma Arryn. He was a dragonrider who was bonded to the dragon Vermithor. He ruled for over half a century and ended up outliving all his children, and eventually had to organize the Great Council of Harrenhal to choose an heir from his grandchildren, ultimately deciding on Viserys.

• Jaehaerys Targaryen, is the son of King Aegon II Targaryen and Queen Helaena Targaryen, twin brother of Princess Jaehaera Targaryen, and heir to the Iron Throne. Beloved by his father, Aegon takes his young son to a Small Council meeting where he humiliates the Master of Coin Ser Tyland Lannister. Jaehaerys is later killed and decapitated in his bed by the assailants Blood and Cheese who were sent to assassinate Prince Aemond Targaryen but killed Jaehaerys instead in retaliation for Prince Lucerys Velaryon's death. His severed head is later recovered when Blood is captured, and sewn back onto his body for a funeral procession that is attended by both his mother and his grandmother, Queen Alicent Hightower.

• Jaehaera Targaryen, is the daughter of King Aegon II Targaryen and Queen Helaena Targaryen, and the twin sister of Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen. When her brother is murdered, Jaehaera is taken away by her mother to safety.

• Aegon "the Younger" Targaryen, is the elder son of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen and Prince Daemon Targaryen and Rhaenyra's fourth son overall. He is bonded to the dragon hatchling Stormcloud. After the assassination attempt on his mother, Aegon, his younger brother Prince Viserys Targaryen, and his older half-brother Prince Joffrey Velaryon are sent away from Dragonstone with Lady Rhaena Targaryen to the Eyrie to be under Lady Jeyne Arryn's protection.

• Viserys Targaryen, is the younger son of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen and Prince Daemon Targaryen and Rhaenyra's fifth son overall. He is in possession of a dragon egg that has yet to hatch. After the assassination attempt on his mother, Viserys, his older brother Prince Aegon "the Younger" Targaryen, and his older half-brother Prince Joffrey Velaryon are sent away from Dragonstone with Lady Rhaena Targaryen to the Eyrie to be under Lady Jeyne Arryn's protection.

House Tully

• Jerrel Bracken (portrayed by Gabriel Scott) is a member of House Bracken. During Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen's tour of Westeros, Jerrel is one of the many suitors vying for her favor at Storm's End. After taunting and insulting the much younger Willem Blackwood, Jerrel is killed by him in a duel.

• Willem Blackwood (portrayed by Jack Parry-Jones as an adult, and Alfie Todd as a young child) is a young member of House Blackwood. During Princess Rhaenyra's Targaryen's tour of Westeros, Willem is one of the many suitors vying for her favor at Storm's End. After being mocked by Jerrel Bracken, he engages him in a duel and kills him. In season 2, he has since become a knight and the regent of Raventree Hall in the name of his young nephew. He travels to Harrenhal after Prince Daemon Targaryen summons House Blackwood to help form an army in the Riverlands. He promises to aid Daemon in exchange for him dealing with House Bracken and avenging Willem's older brother, Lord Samwell Blackwood, who was killed during the Battle of the Burning Mill.

• Aeron Bracken (portrayed by Ryan Kopel) is a knight of House Bracken. After his family chooses to support King Aegon II Targaryen, he quarrels with Davos Blackwood over a land dispute which eventually escalates into the Battle of the Burning Mill, where Aeron is killed.

• Davos Blackwood (portrayed by Kieran Burton) is a member of House Blackwood. After his family chooses to support Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, he quarrels with Ser Aeron Bracken over a land dispute which eventually escalates into the Battle of the Burning Mill.

• Oscar Tully (portrayed by Archie Barnes) is the grandson of Lord Grover Tully making him the heir to Riverrun, and future Lord Paramount of the Trident. He travels to Harrenhal in place of his ailing grandfather to meet with Prince Daemon Targaryen but refuses to speak for his grandfather while he is still alive and is dismissed.

House Velaryon

• Laenor Velaryon (portrayed by John Macmillan as an adult, by Theo Nate as a teenager, and by Matthew Carver as a young child) is the son of Lord Corlys Velaryon and Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, first husband of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and legal father to her children Prince Jacaerys, Prince Lucerys and Prince Joffrey Velaryon. He is a dragonrider who is bonded to the dragon Seasmoke. He participates in the War for the Stepstones with Seasmoke alongside his father. After he is arranged to marry Rhaenyra, they come to an understanding that they will perform their royal duties together but that Laenor can continue his relationship with his male lover, Ser Joffrey Lonmouth. However, at their royal wedding feast, Joffrey is beaten to death by Ser Criston Cole after Joffrey discovers that Criston is Rhaenyra's secret lover. Ten years later, Rhaenyra's first three sons had all been fathered by her lover Ser Harwin Strong, with Laenor being their father legally so they remain legitimate. He had since taken a new lover, Ser Qarl Correy, and attends his sister's funeral at Driftmark. To strengthen Rhaenyra's claim to the Iron Throne by having her marry Prince Daemon Targaryen, Daemon helps fake Laenor's death which allows him to flee with Qarl on a boat to go into exile in Essos.

• Laena Velaryon (portrayed by Nanna Blondell as an adult, by Savannah Steyn as a teenager, and by Nova Foueillis-Mosé as a young child) is the daughter of Lord Corlys Velaryon and Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, the second wife of Prince Daemon Targaryen and mother to Lady Baela and Lady Rhaena Targaryen. She is a dragonrider who is bonded to the dragon Vhagar. After the death of Queen Aemma Arryn, Corlys proposes marrying Laena to King Viserys I Targaryen who refuses due to her young age. She attends the royal wedding feast of her older brother Ser Laenor Velaryon and Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and gets the attention of Daemon, later leading to them getting married before they move to Pentos together. Ten years later, during her third pregnancy, she suffers prolonged labor, and after she is unable to deliver she commits suicide by having Vhagar incinerate her. Her funeral is later held at Driftmark, and Vhagar is claimed by Prince Aemond Targaryen.

• Vaemond Velaryon (portrayed by Wil Johnson) is the younger brother of Lord Corlys Velaryon and a commander of the Velaryon fleet. He participates in the War for the Stepstones alongside his brother. Ten years later, he delivers a eulogy at the funeral of his niece, Lady Laena Velaryon. Six years later, Vaemond petitions to Ser Otto Hightower to name him the heir to Driftmark in the event of his brother's death who had fallen gravely ill. Both King Viserys I Targaryen and Princess Rhaenys Targaryen dispute this, causing Vaemond to insult Rhaenyra, and publicly declare that her children are illegitimate, resulting in Prince Daemon Targaryen decapitating him.

• Joffrey Lonmouth (portrayed by Solly McLeod), also known as the "Knight of Kisses", is a knight of House Lonmouth who is the battle companion and lover to Ser Laenor Velaryon. He participates in the War for the Stepstones alongside Laenor. At the royal wedding feast of Laenor and Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, he reveals to Ser Criston Cole that he is aware of Criston's secret affair with Rhaenyra and is subsequently beaten to death by him. Laenor would eventually name his third son in honor of Joffrey.

• Qarl Correy (portrayed by Arty Froushan) is a household knight and lover of Ser Laenor Velaryon. Prince Daemon Targaryen secretly conspires with Qarl and provides him with enough gold to allow him and Laenor to run away together. They then fake Laenor's death and flee on a boat to go into exile in Essos.

• Lucerys "Luke" Velaryon (portrayed by Elliot Grihault as a teenager and by Harvey Sadler as a young child) is the second son of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, his legal father Ser Laenor Velaryon and his biological father Ser Harwin Strong. He is a dragonrider who is bonded to the dragon Arrax. Following the funeral of Lady Laena Velaryon, after discovering that Prince Aemond Targaryen had claimed Laena's dragon Vhagar, Lucerys slashes Aemond's eye with a knife, partially blinding him. Six years later, Lucerys is betrothed to his cousin Lady Rhaena Targaryen who together would act as the joint heirs to Driftmark once married. Following the death of King Viserys I Targaryen, Lucerys is sent as an envoy to House Baratheon and meets with Lord Borros Baratheon at Storm's End to ensure that he keeps his father's oath to support Rhaenyra's claim to the Iron Throne. He is refused however as Aemond had arrived first and arranged a political alliance with Borros through marriage with one of his daughters. After Lucerys leaves on Arrax, he is pursued by Aemond on Vhagar, but Vhagar disobeys Aemond's commands and attacks Lucerys and Arrax, killing them both. In season 2, Arrax's partial remains are found by Rhaenyra but nothing remained of Lucerys as he was devoured whole. His funeral is later held at Dragonstone.

• Joffrey Velaryon (portrayed by Oscar Eskinazi) is the third son of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, his legal father Ser Laenor Velaryon, and his biological father Ser Harwin Strong. He bonded to the dragon hatchling Tyraxes. In season 2, he attends his older brother Prince Lucerys Velaryon's funeral at Dragonstone and places one of his toys onto the funeral pyre. After the assassination attempt on his mother, Joffrey and his younger half-brothers Prince Aegon "the Younger" and Prince Viserys Targaryen are sent away from Dragonstone with Lady Rhaena Targaryen to the Eyrie to be under Lady Jeyne Arryn's protection.

• Kelvyn (portrayed by Haqi Ali) is the Maester of Driftmark serving House Velaryon. After Prince Lucerys Velaryon partially blinds Prince Aemond Targaryen, Kelvyn tends to his eye, and later Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen's arm when Queen Alicent Hightower wounds her. Six years later, he had been tending to Lord Corlys Velaryon's injuries received during fighting in the Stepstones and reports his condition to Princess Rhaenys Targaryen.

King's Landing

• Mellos (portrayed by David Horovitch) is the Grand Maester on the Small Council of King Viserys I Targaryen and also serves as his personal physician. During the birth of Viserys' son Prince Baelon Targaryen, Viserys requests him to perform a c-section on Queen Aemma Arryn, which results in her death. He later brews and delivers moon tea, which is used to abort pregnancies, to Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen on the orders of Viserys, following her exploits with her uncle Prince Daemon Targaryen. Mellos dies off-screen of unknown causes, and Orwyle succeeds him as Grand Maester.

• Lyman Beesbury (portrayed by Bill Paterson) is the Lord of Honeyholt and head of House Beesbury. He serves as the Master of Coin on the Small Council of King Jaehaerys the Conciliator and King Viserys I Targaryen. Following Viserys' death, he openly opposes Ser Otto Hightower and the other Small Council members when it is revealed that they have conspired to crown Prince Aegon Targaryen as king instead of the chosen heir Rhaenyra. When he accuses them of treason, he is accidentally killed by Ser Criston Cole when he shoves Lyman back into his seat.

• Jasper Wylde (portrayed by Paul Kennedy), also known as "Ironrod", is the Lord of Rain House and head of House Wylde. He serves as the successor to Lord Lyonel Strong as the Master of Laws on the Small Council of King Viserys I Targaryen and King Aegon II Targaryen. After the immediate death of Viserys, Jasper is revealed to be part of a scheme to crown Aegon as king, and is threatened by Queen Alicent Hightower when he defends their reasoning to not include her in their plans. In season 2, following the Battle of the Burning Mill, Jasper dismisses the conflict as a consequence of the ancient feud between House Blackhood and House Bracken. He also insultingly derides the elderly Lord Grover Tully when Orwyle proposes asking for his support, and instead supports the notion of sending word to Lord Ormund Hightower to bring House Hightower forces to help control the Riverlands.

• Allun Caswell (portrayed by Paul Hickey) is the Lord of Bitterbridge and head of House Caswell. Following King Viserys I Targaryen's death, due to his support of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, he attempts to flee King's Landing, but is apprehended by Lord Larys Strong. He is later hanged and labeled a traitor as a warning to those who refuse to swear fealty to King Aegon II Targaryen.

• Tayla (portrayed by Alexis Raben) is a lady-in-waiting to Queen Alicent Hightower and a spy for Mysaria. She is among the household staff who are rounded up and imprisoned by Lord Larys Strong. Talya is killed off-screen on the orders of Larys, who executes all of the Red Keep's servants to remove suspected spies and traitors.

• Dyana (portrayed by Maddie Evans) is a household servant of Prince Aegon Targaryen and Princess Helaena Targaryen. After she is raped by Aegon, Queen Alicent Hightower pays her to keep quiet. In season 2, six years later, she had since been dismissed from the Red Keep and had become a barmaid at a tavern in the Streets of Silk in King's Landing.

• Sylvi (portrayed by Michelle Bonnard) is a brothel madam in the Streets of Silk in King's Landing who is frequently visited by Prince Aemond Targaryen. Following the death of King Viserys I Targaryen, Aemond takes Ser Criston Cole to Sylvi for information concerning Prince Aegon Targaryen's whereabouts, but she informs them that he isn't there. In season 2, Aemond visits Sylvi and expresses regret over his role in the death of Prince Lucerys Velaryon.

• Blood (portrayed by Sam C. Wilson) is a disgruntled member of the City Watch who has a strong dislike for House Hightower. He is still loyal to the former commander of the City Watch, Prince Daemon Targaryen, who hires him and the ratcatcher Cheese to infiltrate the Red Keep and assassinate Prince Aemond Targaryen. Unable to find Aemond, he and Cheese instead kill Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen and decapitate him. Blood is later discovered attempting to flee the Red Keep with Jaehaerys' severed head by Lord Larys Strong. He willingly admits that his accomplice is a ratcatcher, and is beaten to death by King Aegon II Targaryen who sought vengeance for his son's murder.

• Cheese (portrayed by Mark Stobbart) is a ratcatcher who works in the Red Keep. Prince Daemon Targaryen hires him and the City Watch guard Blood to infiltrate the Red Keep and assassinate Prince Aemond Targaryen. After he and Blood instead kill Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen, he flees the Red Keep. When Blood is apprehended and confesses that his accomplice was a ratcatcher, Cheese is among the ratcatchers of the Red Keep who are rounded up and hanged on the orders of King Aegon II Targaryen.

The Kingsguard / Queensguard

• Ryam Redwyne (portrayed by Garry Cooper) is the aging Lord Commander of the Kingsguard under King Jaehaerys the Conciliator and King Viserys I Targaryen. Ryam dies off-screen of natural causes and Ser Harrold Westerling succeeds him as Lord Commander.

• Erryk Cargyll (portrayed by Elliott Tittensor) is the twin brother of Ser Arryk Cargyll. He is a member of King Viserys I Targaryen's Kingsguard and later a member of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen's Queensguard. Erryk accompanies Arryk in their search for Prince Aegon Targaryen, on the orders of Ser Otto Hightower, so that he may be crowned king. Erryk quickly becomes disgusted by the actions of the Small Council and their plot to crown Aegon as king. He steals Viserys' crown and frees Princess Rhaenys Targaryen from her house arrest so that she can escape King's Landing on her dragon Meleys. Erryk then travels alone to Dragonstone and delivers Rhaenyra her father's crown, swears his allegiance to her, and serves on the Black Council. In season 2, Erryk uncovers Mysaria on a ship after she had fled King's Landing and brings her to Dragonstone. He is later warned by Mysaria that Arryk had snuck onto Dragonstone in an attempt to assassinate Rhaenyra. After confronting and killing his brother, Erryk impales himself on his sword in grief. Erryk and Arryk are then buried together on Dragonstone.

• Arryk Cargyll (portrayed by Luke Tittensor) is the twin brother of Ser Erryk Cargyll. He is a member of the Kingsguard under King Viserys I Targaryen and King Aegon II Targaryen. Following the death of Viserys, Ser Otto Hightower orders Arryk and his brother to locate Aegon. In season 2, following the murder of Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen, Ser Criston Cole sends Arryk to assassinate Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen by disguising himself as his brother, but he is confronted and killed by Erryk, who commits suicide soon after. Erryk and Arryk are then buried together on Dragonstone.

• Steffon Darklyn (portrayed by Anthony Flanagan) is the son of Lord Gunthor Darklyn. He is a member of the Kingsguard under King Jaehaerys the Conciliator and King Viserys I Targaryen and later a member of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen's Queensguard. After Viserys' death, he swears his allegiance to Rhaenyra alongside Ser Lorent Marbrand and serves on the Black Council. In season 2, he accompanies Rhaenyra disguised as a septon when she infiltrates King's Landing to speak to Queen Alicent Hightower. When he returns with Rhaenyra to Dragonstone, he receives news that his father has been killed following the Sack of Duskendale.

• Lorent Marbrand (portrayed by Max Wrottesley) is a member of King Viserys I Targaryen's Kingsguard and later a member of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen's Queensguard. After Viserys' death, he swears his allegiance to Rhaenyra alongside Ser Steffon Darklyn and serves on the Black Council. In season 2, he is alerted to Ser Arryk Cargyll's assassination attempt on Rhaenyra and comes to protect her.

• Martyn Reyne (portrayed by Barney Fishwick) is a knight of House Reyne, companion, and flatterer of King Aegon II Targaryen. Aegon personally appoints him to the Kingsguard following the defection of three Kingsguard to Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen's Queensguard.

• Leon Estermont (portrayed by Ralph Davis) is a knight of House Estermont, companion and flatterer of King Aegon II Targaryen. At court, he acts as Aegon's herald. Aegon personally appoints him to the Kingsguard following the defection of three Kingsguard to Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen's Queensguard.

• Eddard Waters (portrayed by Tok Stephen), also known as "Red Ned", is a bastard hedge knight serving King Aegon II Targaryen. Aegon personally appoints him to the Kingsguard following the defection of three Kingsguard to Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen's Queensguard.

• Rickard Thorne (portrayed by Vincent Regan) is a member of King Aegon II Targaryen's Kingsguard.

The Black Council

• Elinda Massey (portrayed by Jordon Stevens) is the daughter of Lord Gormon Massey and a lady-in-waiting to Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen. She is present for the birth of Prince Joffrey Velaryon, and Rhaenyra's miscarriage following the news of her father's death. In season 2, when Ser Arryk Cargyll attempts to assassinate Rhaenyra, she escapes and gets assistance from Ser Lorent Marbrand and the household guard.

• Gerardys (portrayed by Phil Daniels) is the Maester of Dragonstone serving House Targaryen who advises Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen. In season 2, Gerardys informs Rhaenyra of the murder of Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen and that it is widely believed that she ordered his death.

• Bartimos Celtigar (portrayed by Nicholas Jones) is the Lord of Claw Isle and head of House Celtigar. Like House Targaryen and House Velaryon, the Celtigars are of Valyrian descent. Following the death of King Viserys I Targaryen, he urges that Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen use their greater number of dragons to their advantage. In season 2, after the assassination attempt on Rhaenyra, Bartimos agrees with Lord Gormon Massey's suggestion that she leave Dragonstone for somewhere safer and have the Black Council rule in her stead which she vehemently rejects.

• Simon Staunton (portrayed by Michael Elwyn) is the Lord of Rook's Rest and head of House Staunton. In season 2, after Lady Baela Targaryen informs the Black Council of Ser Criston Cole leading an army into the Crownlands, Simon requests to leave Dragonstone so he can return home to defend Rook's Rest which he believes will be a likely target due to it being on the mainland. Simon's assumption was proven correct when Criston and his growing army lay siege during the Battle at Rook's Rest. He leads the defense of Rook's Rest and witnesses the dragon battle between Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, King Aegon II Targaryen, and Prince Aemond Targaryen.

• Alfred Broome (portrayed by Jamie Kenna) is a knight of House Broome. Following the murder of Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen, he proposes that Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen take credit for the killing as an act of vengeance for the recent death of her son but is quickly rebuked. Following the Battle of the Burning Mill, he insists that Rhaenyra utilize all her dragons to their immediate advantage, ignorant of the devastation it may cause. Alfred later reprimands Lady Baela Targaryen for not using Moondancer to kill Ser Criston Cole and further urges that they send dragons to defend Rook's Rest after receiving news regarding the Sack of Duskendale.

• Gormon Massey (portrayed by James Dreyfus) is the father of Elinda Massey. He is the Lord of Stonedance and head of House Massey. After the assassination attempt on Rhaenyra, Gormon suggests that she leave Dragonstone for somewhere safer and have the Black Council rule in her stead which she vehemently rejects.

• Gunthor Darklyn (portrayed by Steven Pacey) is the father of Ser Steffon Darklyn. He is the Lord of Duskendale and head of House Darklyn. Following the Sack of Duskendale, he refuses to swear fealty to King Aegon II Targaryen and is executed by Ser Criston Cole, leading his remaining forces to surrender and join Criston's army.

People of Essos

• Craghas Drahar (portrayed by Daniel Scott-Smith), also known as the "Crabfeeder", is a Myrish prince-admiral and leader of the Triarchy, a triple-alliance consisting of the free cities of Myr, Lys, and Tyrosh. He wages war against House Velaryon and their large fleet of ships during the War for the Stepstones, which disrupts the Westerosi sea trade. He became infamous for the practice of crucifying and feeding his captured enemies to crabs. During the climactic Siege of Bloodstone, he is bisected by Prince Daemon Targaryen, pushing the Triarchy back to Essos and bringing the war to an end.

• Reggio Haratis (portrayed by Dean Nolan) is the Prince of the Free City of Pentos. He hosts Prince Daemon Targaryen and his family and offers him a permanent residence and land in Pentos in exchange for military assistance in fending off the Triarchy.

Dragons

• Syrax is an adult dragon with yellow scales hatched to and ridden by Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen. She also laid a clutch of three dragon eggs on the Dragonmont on Dragonstone that were recovered by Prince Daemon Targaryen.

• Caraxes, also known as the "Blood Wyrm", is an adult dragon with blood-red scales bonded to and ridden by Prince Daemon Targaryen. Unlike most dragons, Caraxes' neck and body are much longer and more serpentine-shaped. Historically, he was previously bonded to Prince Aemon Targaryen, father of Princess Rhaenys Targaryen.

• Meleys, also known as the "Red Queen", is an adult dragon with scarlet red scales bonded to and ridden by Princess Rhaenys Targaryen. She is known as one of the swiftest dragons in the known world. Historically, she was previously bonded to Princess Alyssa Targaryen, mother of King Viserys I Targaryen and Prince Daemon Targaryen. In season 2, Meleys takes part in the Battle at Rook's rest and manages to defeat King Aegon II Targaryen and his dragon Sunfyre, severely wounding the dragon and sending them tumbling to the ground. However, she is soon killed when Prince Aemond Targaryen and his dragon Vhagar crush Meleys' neck, killing her and sending Rhaenys plummeting to her death as they crash onto Rook's Rest.

• Seasmoke is an adult dragon with silver grey scales hatched to and ridden by Ser Laenor Velaryon. After Laenor fakes his death and goes into exile, Seasmoke remained on Driftmark riderless and unclaimed.

• Vhagar, also known as the "Queen of All Dragons", is an ancient dragon with deep jade green scales that hatched on Dragonstone following the Doom of Valyria and who was bonded to and ridden by Lady Laena Velaryon until her death, and would then be claimed and ridden by Prince Aemond Targaryen. She is the oldest, largest, and most powerful dragon in the known world. Historically, she was previously bonded to Queen Visenya Targaryen during Aegon's Conquest and later Prince Baelon Targaryen, the father of King Viserys I Targaryen and Prince Daemon Targaryen. Following the death of Viserys, Vhagar disobeys Aemond's commands when he pursues Prince Lucerys Velaryon on his dragon Arrax in the skies above Shipbreaker Bay in the Stormlands, resulting in her killing both Arrax and his rider. In season 2, Vhagar takes part in the Battle at Rook's Rest as part of a plan to lure a dragon to defend the castle while it's under siege and have Vhagar ambush them. When Aemond engages Princess Rhaenys Targaryen and her dragon Meleys, despite Rhaenys initially getting the upper hand, Vhagar is about to crush Meleys' neck and kill her, sending her body plummeting onto Rook's Rest below.

• Balerion, also known as the "Black Dread", was a gigantic and powerful dragon with black scales from Old Valyria who was bonded to and ridden by King Aegon the Conquerer during Aegon's Conquest. He was later bonded to King Maegor the Cruel, the third King of the Seven Kingdoms and Aegon's younger son and later Princess Aurea Targaryen, the elder granddaughter of King Aenys I Targaryen, the second King of the Seven Kingdoms and Aegon's elder son. He would eventually be claimed and ridden by then Prince Viserys Targaryen until Balerion died of old age during the reign of King Jaehaerys the Conciliator. His skull would then be kept deep beneath the Red Keep in King's Landing and Viserys would never ride again.

• Sunfyre, also known as "Sunfyre the Golden", is a young dragon with golden scales hatched to and ridden by King Aegon II Targaryen. In season 2, Sunfyre takes part in the Battle at Rook's Rest when Aegon flies him into battle despite protests from his family and the Small Council. He attacks Princess Rhaenys Targaryen and her dragon Meleys but after Sunfyre is severely wounded they are sent tumbling to the ground.

• Dreamfyre is an adult dragon with pale blue scales bonded to but rarely ridden by Queen Helaena Targaryen. Having hatched during the reign of King Aegon the Conquerer, she is one of the older dragons in the known world. Historically, she was previously bonded to Princess Rhaena Targaryen, the eldest daughter of King Aenys I Targaryen. One of Dreamfyre's eggs was chosen to be placed in the cradle of Prince Baelon Targaryen but after Baelon's death, it was stolen by Prince Daemon Targaryen until he surrendered the egg to Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen.

• Moondancer is a young dragon with pale green scales hatched to and ridden by Lady Baela Targaryen.

• Vermax is a young dragon with olive green scales hatched to and ridden by Prince Jacaerys Velaryon.

• Arrax is a young dragon with pearlescent white scales hatched to and ridden by Prince Lucerys Velaryon. Following the death of King Viserys I Targaryen, both Arrax and Lucerys are killed during an altercation with Prince Aemond Targaryen and his dragon Vhagar in the skies above Shipbreaker Bay in the Stormlands, making him the first dragon to be killed during the Dance of the Dragons.

• Tyraxes is a dragon hatchling hatched to Prince Joffrey Velaryon.

• Stormcloud is a dragon hatching hatched to Prince Aegon "the Younger" Targaryen.

• Vermithor, also known as the "Bronze Fury", is an adult dragon with bronze scales who was bonded to and ridden by King Jaehaerys the Conciliator. Following Jaehaerys' death, Vermithor made his lair on the Dragonmont, a large volcano on Dragonstone, where he remained riderless and unclaimed. Having hatched during the reign of King Aegon the Conquerer, he is one of the older dragons in the known world.