House of the Dragon Characters Guide: Who’s Who in the Game of Thrones Prequel

Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy)

Of all the characters on House of the Dragon’s extensive slate, Rhaenyra Targaryen seems the strongest callback to the original Game of Thrones. Her snow-white hair, affinity for dragons, and thirst for power make her the spitting image of her great-great-great-great-great-great (phew) granddaughter Daenerys. But don’t let that fool you: Rhaenyra grew up the heir to King Viserys I, primed for the power of the Iron Throne, a background vastly different from Dany’s. And when her long-standing claim to the throne is suddenly challenged by her half-brother Aegon II, she has everything to lose. 

The trailer’s coldly ruthless portrayal of Rhaenyra depicts her walking the line between justice and madness in a much more delicate fashion than her descendant. It’s said that when a Targaryen is born, the gods flip a coin: where Rhaenyra’s coin falls will be one of the biggest questions on House of the Dragon.

Aegon Targaryen II (Tom Glynn-Carney?)

As the other main contender for ruler of Westeros, Rhaenyra’s half-brother Aegon II is certainly a player to watch. But the show’s creators are keeping his appearance mysteriously under wraps. There are reports that Tom Glynn-Carney will play Aegon II, but no one will know for sure until the show airs. (The image above is Tom Glynn-Carney in Dunkirk). Given that Aegon has all of Daenerys’s determination — but very little of her kindness — he seems like a real threat. Rhaenyra may have been raised right in the Iron Throne’s shadow, but Aegon grew up right alongside her. And once the throne is up for grabs, it’s a good bet his simmering resentment will boil over. As eldest son turns against eldest daughter and the entire realm is forced to take sides, House of the Dragon looks to answer the question: What happens when you fight dragon fire with dragon fire?

Our Guide to the House of the Dragon characters continues…

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