HBO
Prepare to step back into the world of “Game of Thrones” on Sundays once again. HBO’s prequel series, “House of the Dragon,” reenters Westeros. However, instead of telling a sprawling story across various cities, this series mainly follows the Targaryen family about 200 years before Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen were born.
Unlike the original “Game of Thrones,” showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss are not involved with “House of the Dragon.” Instead, author George R.R. Martin and Ryan Condal created the prequel series, which is based on Martin’s book “Fire & Blood.” The novel tells the long history of House Targaryen over several generations — a second volume of the novels is set to release at some point (first, Martin needs to finish his main “A Song of Ice and Fire” series).
“House of the Dragon” tells the story of the Dance of Dragons, which is the war of succession within House Targaryen. Since it was extensively covered in “Fire & Blood,” the entire story exists to read, so viewers of the HBO series should beware of spoilers for upcoming storylines.
Just like the original series, “House of the Dragon” introduces viewers to a wide cast of characters right off the bat. There are lots of complex political, familial and romantic (and sometimes all three!) relationships between everyone, so here’s a rundown of who’s who.
“House of the Dragon” premieres on HBO and HBO Max on Aug. 21.
King Viserys Targaryen
Played by Paddy Considine, Viserys is the current king of Westeros, the father of Rhaenyra and the older brother to Daemon. He was originally chosen over his cousin, Rhaenys, to succeed their grandfather. Now he needs to choose his own heir. His wife is Queen Aemma Arryn.
Rhaenyra Targaryen
Rhaenyra is played as a teen by Milly Alcock and as an adult by Emma D’Arcy. She’s King Visery’s first-born child, but not a male, which leaves her claim to the Iron Throne in question. She’s also an experienced dragonrider.
Daemon Targaryen
As the younger brother to King Viserys, Daemon (Matt Smith) is the heir presumptive to the Iron Throne. He’s a strong dragonrider and an even stronger warrior.
Otto Hightower
Otto is the Hand to King Viserys and the father to Alicent Hightower. Played by Rhys Ifans, he serves the realm but is a staunch opponent to Daemon.
Alicent Hightower
Played by Emily Carey as a teen and Olivia Cooke as an adult, Alicent is Rhaenyra’s closest friend and Otto’s daughter. She grew up in the Red Keep of King’s Landing and is close to the royal family’s inner circle.
Rhaenys Targaryen
Rhaenys (Eve Best) was passed over for the Iron Throne years ago in favor of her male cousin, King Viserys. She’s married to Lord Corlys Velaryon and is called “the queen who never was.”
Lord Corlys Velaryon
Corlys (Steve Toussaint) is also known as the “Sea Snake” for his naval expertise. He’s the head of House Velaryon and married to Rhaenys Targaryen.
Queen Aemma Arryn
The wife of King Viserys, Queen Aemma Arryn (Sian Brooke) is determined to give him a male heir to take up the Iron Throne.
Harrold Westerling
Ser Harrold, played by Graham McTavish, is a powerful knight and member of the Kingsguard who now watches over Rhaenyra.
Criston Cole
Ser Criston (Fabien Frankel) is a talented swordsman from Dorne who turns some heads in King’s Landing.
Mysaria
Played by Sonoya Mizuno, Mysaria is a former prostitute who is Daemon’s most trusted confidante.
