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In a series that spins from the thorns of Game of Thrones, there’s no surprise that a charismatic character is hard to come by because of the selfish nature of Westeros’ inhabitants. However, House of the Dragon has a high caliber of fascinating and charismatic individuals, all of whom could yet prove themselves.
7 Otto Hightower
There is something admirable and enthralling about high intellect, and Otto Hightower certainly has just that. As the Hand of the King, Otto Hightower has made it his duty to ensure he knows everything in Westeros before the very king that he serves. Otto has his plans for the kingdom, and the iron throne, and due to his intelligence audiences can’t help but to want him to see them through.
His charisma comes from the way he converses, and the power he exhorts over his peers. Otto Hightower is also not afraid to speak his mind to King Viserys, an act that commands respect in itself, for battling his tongue with the king might not end so well.
6 Ser Harrold Westerling
Through the introduction of Harrold Westerling, audiences become comforted by his presence. His friendly personality, and the sworn act of duty to Rhaenrya, make him a likable and charismatic character. He’s not shy to crack a joke to the royalty he protects, as long as it’s in good taste and unoffensive.
Ser Harrold Westerling is one of the few characters in House of the Dragon that can be seen as good. His motives are to serve the kingdom, rather than himself, and that adds to his charisma. He’s certainly someone that audiences would want as a royal protector.
5 Ser Criston Cole
Ser Criston Cole’s charm goes beyond his handsome features. His charisma is of a young man of conflict for duty and love. Ser Criston Cole is one of the youngest members of the Kingsguard, and as members of the Kingsguard, they must swear an oath to chastity. Criston Cole broke his oath to the very woman he was protecting, Princess Rhaenrya Targaryen, next in line for the iron throne.
Criston Cole feels disgraced for his affairs and has been on a long road to redeem himself for what he sees as immoral and criminal actions. He is entirely just, and respectable for how he views his role in society and deems to keep it.
4 Rhaenrya Targaryen
As the daughter of King Viserys Targaryen, and next in line for the iron throne, Rhaenerya Targaryen has a long and dangerous road ahead of her. Allies are hard to come by in Westeros, and if this Game of Thrones prequel series has taught audiences anything, it is that allies are even more scarce when it comes to the aid of women.
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Despite the odds against her, Rhaenerya has proved herself on multiple occasions as a worthy Queen, and as someone who sees the broken political wheel, and seeks to bring forth a new order in her reign. She can be manipulative, intelligent, and all in proving that she is playing the game just as the rest of the kingdom is.
3 Lord Corlys Velaryon
Much can be said for the Sea Snake, Lord Corlys Velaryon. He is the dutiful husband to Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, the Queen that never was. Through it all, Corlys has stuck by his wife, and his rule as Lord of the Tides has grown ever stronger, and far prouder, bolstering wealth and fame that the Targaryen dynasty could only hope to partner with.
Through his cunning, Corlys Velaryon sees an opportunity in having his son wed to the queen, for the Velaryon bloodline will one day rule the iron throne. His charisma comes from his battle prowess, as well as his respect and love for family.
2 Laenor Velaryon
As the only son of Corlys Velaryon, Laenor has quite the name to live up to. He is the heir to Driftmark, and the husband to Rhaenerya Targaryen, heir to the iron throne. Laenor’s charisma comes out of the respect for his wife’s wishes, as the two agree that their wedding is only a political one, and they are free to love whomever they please.
In this love, audiences discover that Laenor is gay, and his attraction to men is one that only Rhaenerya seems to notice. Laenor seems to want nothing more than adventure, with the hope of finding war to find himself. He’s charming, and his youthful ignorance of the world leaves much room for his character to grow.
1 Daemon Targaryen
Audiences love a bad boy, and Daemon Targaryen seems to be the epitome of an angsty emo boy. He’s theatrical, witty, and often diabolical, but audiences can’t help but love him for it. Part of his charisma indeed comes from the talent of Matt Smith, but the character himself has some great scenes and lines that just make him stand out from the rest.
Whether it’s taking on an entire army of the Crab Feeder’s for petty vanity and pride, or despising his wife, Daemon, by all means, should be entirely hated, but he just isn’t. His skills as a warrior demand respect, his entitlement to the throne demands attention, and his lack of love for anyone but himself is all but clear.
House of the Dragon airs Sundays at 9 PM EST on HBO and HBO Max.
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