The younger brother of King Viserys I Targaryen, Daemon Targaryen is a fierce, albeit unpredictable warrior. He is no stranger to ruffling feathers, particularly those of his brother. His bravery and sword-fighting skills played a pivotal role in the War for the Stepstones. Upon the death of his first wife, Rhea Royce, Daemon married Laena Velaryon. Together, they had two daughters, Baela and Rhaena. In an effort to strengthen their house and Rhaenyra's claim to the Iron Throne, Daemon and his niece entered into marriage and had two children of their own, Aegon and Viserys.

Rhaenyra Targaryen is the firstborn daughter of King Viserys I Targaryen and Queen Aemma Arryn. As a strong-willed and independent young woman, her father named her heir to the Iron Throne. From her first marriage to Ser Laenor Velaryon, she has three sons: Jacaerys, Lucerys, and Joffrey. She shared a close bond with her sworn protector, Ser Harwin Strong. Still, despite speculation around her children's legitimacy, Rhaenyra maintained that Laenor was their father. To strengthen her family's claim, Rhaenyra married her uncle Daemon. Together, they have two children of their own, Aegon and Viserys. Following her father's death, Rhaenyra must defend her claim to the Iron Throne and rally support in the realm.

The daughter of Otto Hightower, Queen Alicent Hightower, was married to King Viserys I until his passing. Together, they have multiple children, the oldest being a son, Aegon Targaryen. She maintains a fierce allegiance to her house and family, souring her once-strong childhood friendship with Princess Rhaenyra. Their rift spilled over into their children as well, threatening the stability of the realm. In their final moments together, Alicent thought she heard King Viserys whisper that their son Aegon was his chosen heir, not Rhaenyra. Bolstered by this belief, and under her father's advisement, Queen Alicent aligned with her so-called "Green Council" to crown Aegon the next king of Westeros.

The firstborn son of King Viserys I Targaryen and Queen Alicent Hightower, Aegon faces his royal duties with indolence and indifference. After his father passed away, Aegon was sworn in as king, with the support of his mother and grandfather, Otto. He refuses to take an active part in the affairs of the kingdom, instead drinking excessively and harassing women in the castle. He is married to his younger sister Helaena, and they share two children, Jaehaera and Jaehaerys.

The secondborn son of King Viserys I Targaryen and Queen Alicent Hightower, Prince Aemond is a deadly, ferocious warrior. He is known for his serious disposition and fiery internal drive. His hostile vendetta against his nephews, Luke and Jace, stems from a fight in their youth.&nbsp;When his older brother was crowned king, Aemond forged an alliance with House Baratheon by agreeing to marry Floris Baratheon. While riding Vhagar, he killed his nephew Luke and the dragon Arrax, an action that may prove to have great consequences.

Lord Corlys Velaryon is the leader of a formidable family with ancient roots. He is married to Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, who was passed over in favor of Viserys to rule. Nicknamed “the Sea Snake” in his youth, Lord Corlys was a great explorer and is now the richest man in Westeros. His vast wealth includes the largest navy in the world, which puts him in a powerful position at court. He is Master of Driftmark, an island west of Dragonstone in Blackwater Bay and the seat of House Velaryon. A shrewd man, the Sea Snake often disagreed with King Viserys about his approach to the realm, but remained loyal to the crown. When the king died, Corlys placed blood over power, supporting Princess Rhaenyra's claim to the Iron Throne.

The granddaughter of King Jaehaerys I Targaryen, Princess Rhaenys, was once a possible contender for the Iron Throne. However, the lords of Westeros overlooked her claim in favor of her male first cousin, Viserys. She later married the powerful Lord Corlys Velaryon and had two children, Laena and Laenor. Whispers in the kingdom call her “The Queen Who Never Was.” During Aegon's coronation, Rhaenys escaped on her dragon, Meleys, and shared the news of Viserys' passing with Rhaenyra and Daemon.

Common-born and the son of the steward to the Lord of Blackhaven, Ser Criston Cole is a skilled knight of Dornish descent. Noble in demeanor, his prowess in battle is unmatched even by that of Prince Daemon. When Ser Harrold Westerling was named the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, Rhaenyra selected Cole to be added to the Kingsguard. However, his allegiance soon changed, and he became the sworn protector of Queen Alicent. When the Hightowers moved to place Aegon on the Iron Throne and Ser Harrold defected, Cole was named Lord Commander.

Cast & Characters

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Cast and Character

Prince Daemon Targaryen

Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen

Queen Dowager Alicent Hightower

King Aegon II Targaryen

Prince Aemond Targaryen

Lord Corlys Velaryon, "The Sea Snake"

Princess Rhaenys Targaryen

Ser Criston Cole

Matt Smith

Emma D'Arcy

Olivia Cooke

Tom Glynn-Carney

Ewan Mitchell

Steve Toussaint

Eve Best

Fabien Frankel

About the Series

House of the Dragon