The first two seasons of House of the Dragon have built up to the destructive and historical war between the opposing sides of the Targaryen family. Though some viewers found the Season 2 finale to be anti-climatic, the show has done an exceptional job exploring the nuances of the major characters and their relationships before the inevitable all-out war.

While characters like Rhaenyra and Alicent have had a fair share of screen time throughout the two seasons, there are some others that need further emphasis in upcoming seasons. From the diabolical Larys Strong to the complex Rhaena Targaryen, there are characters in House of the Dragon that have been underrepresented despite having some of the most fascinating storylines and personalities. These characters need their time to shine in Season 3.

10Larys Strong Has a Hold on King Aegon

Larys had his father and brother killed in Season 1, Episode 6, “The Princess and the Queen,” making himself Lord of Harrenhal.

Throughout Larys Strong’s storyline, he has served whichever noble will offer him the most power. Though he was an informant for Alicent for many years, he quickly turned to supporting Aegon and then bowed to Aemond’s temporary power as Prince Regent. However, despite seemingly respecting Aemond’s control of King’s Landing, Larys made a shocking alliance with Aegon, relating to the now-disabled king and pledging his loyalty to his reign.

Larys has a disturbing reputation from Fire & Blood but has so far largely remained in the shadows in House of the Dragon while war looms. He has now further removed himself by convincing Aegon to flee King’s Landing and go into hiding during the war. In the next season, the show needs to delve into Larys and Aegon’s situation and what the lord’s end goal is by luring the king away from the security of the court.

9Gwayne Hightower is Still a Mystery

The show has yet to clarify how many children Otto Hightower has, though it has been mentioned he has multiple sons and one daughter (Alicent). Gwayne is the only son to have a role in the show so far.

Aside from his brief appearance in the Heir’s Tournament in Season 1, Ser Gwayne Hightower didn’t have a role until this season of House of the Dragon. Through his interactions with Alicent, the audience learns he was left by his parents and sister at a young age, making his upbringing somewhat lonely. He also offers his sister some insight into her son Daeron, who she hasn’t seen since he was a baby, making Gwayne seem like he has compassion.

Though he seemed to be a pompous knight when defying Criston Cole’s orders and endangering other men in their company, he showed another side when he threatened Cole after discovering the King’s Hand was having an affair with Alicent. His admiration and love for his family is obvious, making him a new intriguing character that could add depth to the Hightower house in upcoming seasons.

8Sylvi Has Some Tricks Up Her Sleeve

Sylvi owns a brothel on the Street of Silk in King’s Landing, known for accommodating wealthy patrons.

Sylvi has been seen sparingly throughout the series. Her relationship with Aemond Targaryen has taken up most of the screen time her character received. Considering how the prince is comforted by her and trusts her enough to share his thoughts and struggles, it seems as though Sylvi is on The Greens’ side of the war. However, Season 2 showed her in a more strategic role.

Sylvi is in contact with the spy Rhaenyra sent into King’s Landing to track how the common people feel about their new rulers. With the blockade caused by Corlys depleting the food supply in the capital, Sylvi plants it in the heads of the smallfolk that the royals dine in luxury while their people starve. Her declaration about Rhaenyra being Viserys’ chosen heir was pointed, making it clear whose side she was on. Considering her relationship with Aemond, Sylvi could prove to play a significant role in the covert parts of the conflict.

7Rhaena Targaryen is Making Bold Moves

Rhaena is the only one of Daemon Targaryen’s four children not to have a dragon.

Rhaena Targaryen is another character lacking significant screen time. Though she is the daughter of Daemon and the twin sister of dragonrider Baela, her role has been limited to the noble girl left in the shadows of her more prominent family members. Her key characterization is her desire to be a dragonride, though that previously seemed impossible due to her several failed attempts to claim a dragon.

At the end of Season 2, the show hinted at Rhaena having a much more prominent role than in previous episodes. She was last seen confronting a wild dragon in the Vale, which is likely the dragon Sheepstealer from Fire & Blood. This dragon in the source material was tamed by the dragonseed Nettles, a storyline that will likely merge with Rhaena’s in House of the Dragon. If she can successfully claim Sheepstealer, Rhaena can rise out of the shadows and join the war front.

6Mysaria Could Either Be a Problem or a Solution

Mysaria is the only royal advisor character in House of the Dragon who has shown a concern for the Smallfolk.

In the couple of seasons of the show so far, Mysaria has already had a complicated storyline. After briefly having a relationship with Daemon that proved to be too dangerous for her, she created a network in King’s Landing, hoping to give some power to the Smallfolk. After Otto Hightower attacked her home, she ended up at Dragonstone and quickly became a valued advisor to Rhaenyra.

The most shocking aspect of Mysaria’s storyline in Season 2 was her passionate and intimate kiss with Rhaenyra. Though the audience hasn’t seen anything more of their relationship, there’s obvious respect and love between the queen and the advisor. With Daemon finally making amends with Rhaenyra and Mysaria still not trusting the king consort, this budding love triangle could prove to be one of the most interesting subplots in the next season.

5Otto Hightower’s Storyline Has Some Holes

Otto Hightower had not been seen since Season 2, Episode 2, “Rhaenyra the Cruel,” until his brief appearance in the season finale.

Otto Hightower was an immediate gray character, respecting King Viserys while also plotting to gain power through his trusted friend. After Otto’s complicated relationship with the late king, the lord showed his true colors by calling Aegon out as a bad ruler and an insult to his father’s memory. This made his character more intriguing, aside from his power-hungry nature.

He isn’t seen for most of Season 2 after he’s removed as Hand of the King, but was briefly seen in the finale locked in a cell at an unknown location. Season 3 will have to delve into the missing plot of Otto’s story to explain why he ended up in this situation.

4Baela Targaryen is Waiting For Her Moment to Shine

Baela is the twin sister of Rhaena but has more value for the Blacks because of her dragon, Moondancer.

There are some significant players in House of the Dragon, but there are also some important members of House Targaryen that need more time to shine. Baela is another one of Daemon’s children that hasn’t been in the spotlight. Though she’s valuable as a dragonrider on the Black’s side, she’s mostly waiting in the wings taking commands from the major players on her side of the war.

Despite her only being a pawn in the Targaryen civil war, Baela has proven to be an exceptional and strong character. In a memorable scene with her and Corlys, she stands up for her grandmother while simultaneously critiquing the patriarchy objectifying women. She’s often the voice of reason for her betrothed Jacaerys, who struggles with his identity. Her thoughtful, intelligent personality needs to be further developed as the conflict does.

3Alyn of Hull Has an Epic Future Ahead

Alyn is the older brother of Addam, one of Rhaenyra’s dragonseed riders.

Aly of Hull is a relatively new character in House of the Dragon. At first, he was the sailor that pulled Corlys out of the sea during a conflict in the Stepstones. It’s quickly suspected and confirmed that him and his younger brother Addam, one of the dragonseeds, are the illegitimate sons of the Sea Snake. After the death of Rhaenys, Corlys realizes most of his family is gone and makes a gesture by naming Alyn his first mate.

However, this doesn’t make up for decades of the lord ignoring his two sons and leaving them to struggle in poverty. Alyn tells Lord Corlys as much, accepting his new position while refusing to be grateful for the small amount of recognition given. Since Fire & Blood fans know Alyn eventually ends up being the heir to Driftmark, Season 3 will need to focus more on his character and how his father comes to the realization he is worthy of the Velaryon name.

2Jacaerys Velaryon is a Troubled Prince

Jacaerys is the rider of the young dragon Vermax, who is rarely seen in the show compared to other dragons.

In Season 2 of House of the Dragon, Jacaerys embraces the part of the brooding prince. For many years he had known that his real father was Harwin Strong, complicating his self-worth and confidence in being his mother’s heir. He often comes off as being pompous, such as seeing dragonseeds as an insult to dragonriders because they’re not of noble birth, and this is due to his own insecurities about being an illegitimate son.

Despite Jacaerys’ faults and his privilege as a high-born, he has had a difficult upbringing rife with ridicule and danger. He had an exceptional character arc in House of the Dragon Season 2, grappling with his identity outside of being a Targaryen. It would be interesting to see Season 3 explore his characterization outside of his role in the royal family.

1Helaena Targaryen Has Finally Shown Her True Colors

House of the Dragon excluded Helaena and Aegon’s youngest son, Maelor, their third and final child, from the source material.

Helaena is both the most tragic and most interesting Targaryen in House of the Dragon. From a young age, she was docile and awkward, simply going along with what her family told her while preferring her quirky habits. Her prophetic visions have been a fascinating mystery throughout the series, intriguing the audience when she gives subtle hints about the near and far future.

After the murder of her young son at the beginning of Season 2, Helaena’s character became even more reclusive. Despite her lack of a role in the battle between Targaryens, her prophecies continue to offer important information, such as when she tells Aemond how he will die in the Dance of the Dragons. Helaena may never fight in battle on dragon back, but Season 3 should explore the ways in which this magical Targaryen plays a part in the overall future of their house’s dynasty.