In April 2012, Martin read a Tyrion chapter from his forthcoming "The Winds of Winter" at Eastercon; a second Tyrion chapter was read at Worldcon in August 2013 and later released in the official "A World of Ice and Fire" iOS application on March 20, 2014. In 2013, Bantam Books published "The Wit & Wisdom of Tyrion Lannister", an illustrated collection of Tyrion quotes from the novels.
Creation and overview
Tyrion Lannister
Tyrion Lannister | Creation and overview
George R. R. Martin American author George R. R. Martin George R. R. Martin. George R. R. Martin
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A fictional character in the "A Song of Ice and Fire".
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Tyrion Lannister, also known by the nickname the Halfman or the Imp and later by the alias Hugor Hill, is a fictional character in the "A Song of Ice and Fire" series of epic fantasy novels by American author George R. R. Martin, and its television adaptation "Game of Thrones". He is a prominent point of view character in the series, having the most viewpoint chapters (49 chapters) in the first five published novels. Based on an idea that came to Martin while writing the 1981 novel "Windhaven", Tyrion has been called one of the author's finest creations and most popular characters by "The New York Times".
Tyrion Lannister | Introduction
Tyrion Lannister is the younger brother of Cersei and Jaime Lannister, and serves as a third-person narrator for 47 chapters in "A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords" and "A Dance With Dragons". He is the narrator with the most chapters in the books. In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Peter Dinklage.
List of A Song of Ice and Fire characters | Tyrion Lannister
Tyrion Lannister portrayed by Peter Dinklage. Nicknamed "the Imp" or "Halfman", Tyrion Lannister of House Lannister is the younger brother of Cersei and Jaime Lannister. He is a dwarf; and his mother died during his birth, for which his father, Tywin Lannister, blames him. While not physically powerful, Tyrion has a cunning mind and often uses to his advantage the fact that others constantly underestimate him.
List of Game of Thrones characters | Tyrion Lannister
In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Charles Dance.
List of A Song of Ice and Fire characters | Tywin Lannister
Jaime Lannister is a fictional character in the "A Song of Ice and Fire" series of fantasy novels by American author George R. R. Martin and its television adaptation "Game of Thrones". He becomes a prominent point of view character in the novels beginning with "A Storm of Swords" (2000). Introduced in "A Game of Thrones" (1996), Jaime is a knight of the Kingsguard and a member of House Lannister, the wealthiest and one of the most powerful families in the kingdom of Westeros. He is the elder son of Tywin Lannister and the brother of both his twin sister, Cersei, with whom he has a longstanding incestuous relationship, and his brother Tyrion.
Jaime Lannister | Introduction
Dan Kois of "The New York Times" also noted in 2012 that "for fans of the novels, Tyrion is among the most beloved among the scores of kings, warriors, wenches, slaves, queens and monsters that populate George R. R. Martin's world". Martin said, "My readers identify with the outcast, with the underdog, with the person who's struggling rather than the golden boy". Martin himself has singled out Tyrion as his favorite character in the series. Asked why, Martin said in a 2000 interview: Tyrion appears first in "A Game of Thrones" (1996), and then in "A Clash of Kings" (1998) and "A Storm of Swords" (2000).
Tyrion Lannister | Creation and overview
Threezero released a 1/6 scale 8 5/8 inch figure, and Dark Horse produced both a 6-inch figurine, and a 10 inch high-end statue for which the series' producers chose Tyrion as the subject.
Tyrion Lannister | Merchandising
He is one of a handful of "sorely missed" major characters that do not appear in 2005's "A Feast for Crows", but on his website in 2006 Martin released a sample chapter featuring Tyrion from his next novel "A Dance with Dragons". In advance of the publication of "A Dance with Dragons" in 2011, Martin confirmed Tyrion's presence in the novel and called him one of "the characters people have been waiting for". Grossman concurred, writing of "A Dance with Dragons", "Now the camera has swung back to the main characters: Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen and Tyrion Lannister." James Poniewozik of "Time" added that the return of these "favorite characters" gave "A Dance with Dragons" a "narrative edge" over "A Feast for Crows".
Tyrion Lannister | Creation and overview
In 1981, Martin was collaborating with Lisa Tuttle on a trio of novellas that would be published as the novel "Windhaven": Tyrion is a prominent point of view character in the novels, and both David Orr of "The New York Times" and Lev Grossman of "Time" called him one of Martin's "finest creations." Noting the character to be one of Martin's most popular, Dana Jennings of "The New York Times" called Tyrion "a bitter but brilliant dwarf whose humor, swagger and utter humanity make him the (often drunken) star of the series". Thomas M. Wagner wrote in 2001 that the character "may very well be the strongest antihero in all of contemporary fantasy".
Tyrion Lannister | Creation and overview
Doran Martell is the Prince of Dorne and the Lord of Sunspear. He is the father of Arianne, Quentyn, and Trystane. By "A Game of Thrones", he is in his fifties, and his gout leaves him barely able to walk and dependent on a wheeled chair. He is a cautious, pensive man who does not display his emotions. He swears loyalty to Joffrey only after Myrcella Baratheon is betrothed to Trystane by Tyrion Lannister, sending her off to Dorne. Tyrion also gives him a position on Joffrey's council. In "A Storm of Swords", Doran sends his brother Oberyn to claim the position.
List of A Song of Ice and Fire characters | Doran Martell
In April 2012, Martin read a Tyrion chapter from his forthcoming "The Winds of Winter" at Eastercon; a second Tyrion chapter was read at Worldcon in August 2013 and later released in the official "A World of Ice and Fire" iOS application on March 20, 2014. In 2013, Bantam Books published "The Wit & Wisdom of Tyrion Lannister", an illustrated collection of Tyrion quotes from the novels.
Tyrion Lannister | Creation and overview
Martin has named the character as his favorite in the series. Introduced in "A Game of Thrones" (1996) and subsequently in "A Clash of Kings" (1998) and "A Storm of Swords" (2000), Tyrion was one of a few prominent characters that were not included in "A Feast for Crows" (2005) but returned in "A Dance with Dragons" (2011), and is confirmed to appear in the forthcoming sixth novel "The Winds of Winter". The popularity of the character led Martin and Bantam Books to publish in 2013 "The Wit & Wisdom of Tyrion Lannister", an illustrated collection of Tyrion quotes from the novels.
Tyrion Lannister | Introduction
Tywin Lannister is a fictional character in the epic fantasy series "A Song of Ice and Fire" by American novelist George R. R. Martin, and its television adaptation "Game of Thrones". Introduced in "A Game of Thrones" (1996) and subsequently appearing in "A Clash of Kings" (1998) and "A Storm of Swords" (2000), Tywin Lannister is the ruthless patriarch of House Lannister of Casterly Rock, and father to Cersei, Jaime and Tyrion Lannister. He is the Warden of the West and the Lord Paramount of Westerlands, the wealthiest region of the Seven Kingdoms, and was twice the Hand of the King, making him one of the most powerful political figures in Westerosi history.
Tywin Lannister | Introduction
Cersei blamed Tyrion for Joanna's death and started to abuse him as a baby. Martin said in "Rolling Stone":
Cersei Lannister | Character background
Jaime Lannister is the twin brother of Cersei and the first son of Tywin Lannister. He serves as the third-person narrator of seventeen chapters throughout "A Storm of Swords", "A Feast for Crows", and "A Dance with Dragons". He was widely considered one of the best swordsmen in all the Seven Kingdoms before having his right hand chopped off by Vargo Hoat. In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Nikolaj Coster-Waldau.
List of A Song of Ice and Fire characters | Jaime Lannister
Grossman describes the character as "a bitter, cynical, high-born dwarf", calling him "Martin's Falstaff". David Orr of "The New York Times" notes Tyrion to be "a cynic, a drinker, an outcast and conspicuously the novels' most intelligent presence". As an outcast, he displays sympathy for other outcasts and the otherwise mistreated; the TV series version of the character commiserates with the illegitimate son of Ned Stark by saying, "All dwarfs are bastards in their father's eyes." Still, he is usually seen for his deformities and vices, rather than his virtues and good deeds. Tom Shippey of the "Wall Street Journal" points out that other characters underestimate Tyrion: "His dwarf-status acts as a kind of protection, because—though he is probably the most intelligent character in the whole cast list—no one takes him seriously." Acknowledging that Tyrion's wit, humor and cunning are his survival mechanism, actor Dinklage told "The New York Times" that "He knows he has no skills with the sword and this is a world that is really deeply violent.
Tyrion Lannister | Description
He said, "This is a character that's been shit upon his whole life. I mean, he comes from great wealth, but he's treated very poorly, so now there's a newfound respect where if somebody calls him a name, he can have them killed. He never had that before. Tyrion definitely enjoys that part and he's trying desperately to hold onto it. He's enjoying it while it lasts 'cause he's not sure it's gonna last very long." As Varys the Spymaster tells Tyrion, power is "a trick, a shadow on the wall ... and a very small man can cast a very large shadow." As Hand of the King, Tyrion attempts to control his cruel and incompetent nephew Joffrey, and defend Kings Landing from Stannis Baratheon, the rival claimant to the Iron Throne.
Tyrion Lannister | Season 2
Military rules. He would not be able to survive in that world, given his own strength. So he beats people to the punchline—he's entertaining."
Tyrion Lannister | Description
In "A Game of Thrones" (1996), Tyrion is introduced as the third and youngest child of wealthy and powerful Tywin Lannister, the former Hand of the King, and Joanna Lannister, who dies giving birth to him. Tyrion's elder sister Cersei is the Queen of Westeros by virtue of her marriage to King Robert Baratheon, and Cersei's male twin Jaime is one of the Kingsguard, the royal bodyguard. Described as an ugly ("for all the world like a gargoyle"), malformed dwarf with different colored eyes, green and black, Tyrion possesses the golden blond hair of a Lannister but has a complicated relationship with the rest of them.
Tyrion Lannister | Description
Tywin's cruelty towards his youngest son Tyrion, whom he has despised since the latter's childhood for being a dwarf, as well as killing his wife in childbirth, is a primary influence on Tyrion's character arc in both the novels and television show. Edward I served as an inspiration for Tywin. Tywin is portrayed by British actor Charles Dance in the HBO television adaptation. Dance has received acclaim from critics for his performance and characterization.
Tywin Lannister | Introduction
Because his efforts to stabilize the kingdom threaten Aegon VI Targaryen's plans to take the throne, Varys murders Kevan. In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Ian Gelder.
List of A Song of Ice and Fire characters | Kevan Lannister
As "A Game of Thrones" begins, Tyrion is a witty, hedonistic curiosity, protected by his family status but still the object of subtle derision. He is perhaps the most intelligent member of his family but is consistently underestimated and marginalized. Tyrion embraces the advantages of being a Lannister but at the same time is all too aware of its negative aspects and his own place as the embarrassment of the family. Initially he is the one Lannister remotely sympathetic to the Starks but he is soon caught in the middle of the conflict between the two Houses. Taken prisoner and put on trial for his life, "all of his skills at conniving must be brought to bear simply to stay alive".
Tyrion Lannister | Development
Benioff and Weiss told Dinklage that the character was "a different kind of fantasy little person," or in the actor's words, "No beard, no pointy shoes, a romantic, real human being." Dinklage signed on to play Tyrion before the meeting was half over, in part because "They told me how popular he was." Martin said of Dinklage's casting, "If he hadn't accepted the part, oh, boy, I don't know what we would have done." Benioff added, "When I read George's books, I decided Tyrion Lannister was one of the great characters in literature. Not just fantasy literature – literature! A brilliant, caustic, horny, drunken, self-flagellating mess of a man.
Tyrion Lannister | TV adaptation
Tyrion is the second son and youngest child of Lord Tywin Lannister of Casterly Rock, the patriarch of House Lannister, one of the wealthiest and most powerful families in the fictional continent of Westeros, and Tywin's beloved first cousin and wife Lady Joanna Lannister. As Tyrion is born a dwarf and his mother died during childbirth, he is resented by Tywin since birth. In the story, Tyrion uses his status as a Lannister to mitigate the prejudice he has received all of his life, even from his own family, especially his father Tywin and sister Cersei. Knowing that no one will ever take him seriously, he soothes his inadequacies with wine, wit and self-indulgence.
Tyrion Lannister | Introduction
Ser Kevan Lannister is Tywin Lannister's younger brother and most trusted captain, known for his reliability and loyalty. He serves as the third-person narrator for the epilogue of "A Dance with Dragons". He is comfortable with carrying out Tywin's wishes and resigned himself to perpetually living in his brother's shadow. In "A Storm of Swords", he is appointed Master of Laws to his great-nephew King Joffrey Baratheon, and after Tywin's death, he is offered the position of Hand of the King in "A Feast for Crows" but refuses to serve under Cersei. After Cersei's imprisonment, the council appoints him Lord Regent to King Tommen Baratheon, and he tries to solve the problems Cersei created.
List of A Song of Ice and Fire characters | Kevan Lannister
Tywin Lannister is not a point of view character in the novels, so his actions are witnessed and interpreted mainly through the eyes of his estranged dwarf son Tyrion Lannister.
Tywin Lannister | Storylines
Oberyn Martell is not a point of view character in the novels, and his actions are witnessed directly and interpreted through the eyes of Tyrion Lannister in the third book, and is later mentioned via the viewpoints of his niece Arianne Martell and the Norvosi captain of his brother Doran's royal guard Areo Hotah in the fourth and fifth books.
Oberyn Martell | Books
The popularity of the Tyrion Lannister character led Martin and Bantam Books to publish "The Wit & Wisdom of Tyrion Lannister" (), an illustrated collection of Tyrion quotes from the novels, in October 2013.
Works based on A Song of Ice and Fire | Compilation
Joffrey Baratheon is a fictional character in the "A Song of Ice and Fire" series of epic fantasy novels by American author George R. R. Martin, and its television adaptation "Game of Thrones". Introduced in 1996's "A Game of Thrones", Joffrey is the eldest son of Cersei Lannister from the continent of Westeros. He subsequently appeared in Martin's "A Clash of Kings" (1998) and "A Storm of Swords" (2000). He is characterized as a spoiled, sadistic bully and is a frequent abuser of Sansa Stark, to whom he becomes engaged in the first novel, and his uncle Tyrion, whom he enjoys ridiculing.
Joffrey Baratheon | Introduction
However, according to Martin, Tyrion Lannister is the most morally neutral main character in the book, which, along with his cynicism, is what makes him his favorite character.
Themes in A Song of Ice and Fire | Moral ambiguity
Since Myrcella Baratheon is not a point of view character in "A Song of Ice and Fire", the reader learns about her through other characters' perspectives, such as her uncle Tyrion Lannister. She is a background character in the books.
Myrcella Baratheon | Character
Ser Balon Swann is the second son of Lord Gulian Swann. He is said to be skilled with the lance, Morningstar, and bow and arrow. He is made a Kingsguard after the death of Ser Preston Greenfield, which Tyrion Lannister approves of. During the Battle of the Blackwater, he fights valiantly against the forces of Stannis Baratheon. In "A Feast For Crows", Cersei Lannister sends him to Dorne with the skull of Gregor Clegane, which he gives to Doran Martell. Doran later informs the Sand Snakes and Arianne Martell of Balon's involvement in a plan by Cersei to kill Trystane Martell and frame Tyrion.
List of A Song of Ice and Fire characters | Balon Swann
Thomas M. Wagner calls it a "defining moment" when Tyrion comments that he is all that keeps chaos from overwhelming the family and population who both despise him. Roberta Johnson of "Booklist" likens Tyrion to the calculating title character of Robert Graves' "I, Claudius". In "A Storm of Swords", Tywin reclaims the office of Hand of the King and gives Tyrion the seemingly-impossible task of reforming the royal finances. Tyrion's previous efforts, crucial in keeping Joffrey in power and saving King's Landing from invasion are all but forgotten. Joffrey, emboldened by Tywin's return, publicly humiliates Tyrion; when Joffrey is murdered, everyone eagerly points the finger at Tyrion.
Tyrion Lannister | Development
Joffrey is the eldest of Queen Cersei Lannister's children. Though a Baratheon in name, Joffrey is actually a product of incest between Cersei and Jaime Lannister, but unaware of his true parentage. He is described as a strong-willed child with a vicious temper and a sadistic streak. In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Jack Gleeson.
List of A Song of Ice and Fire characters | Joffrey Baratheon
He then forces Varys into helping Tyrion escape, confessing to Tyrion that he owed him a debt for his role in Tysha's fate. Outraged, Tyrion spitefully reveals to Jaime Cersei's affairs during his imprisonment, swears vengeance on Jaime and the rest of House Lannister, and lies that he did indeed kill Joffrey, before killing Tywin.
Jaime Lannister | "A Storm of Swords"
Calling the character the "black sheep" of the Lannister family, "TV Guide" wrote as the show premiered in 2011 that "Tyrion sees through all the chicanery and decides the best option is to drink and bed his way through the Seven Kingdoms." "The Boston Globe" added that he is "a hedonistic intellectual who can talk his way out of anything." According to the "Los Angeles Times", "brilliant but low-living" Tyrion is "so well acquainted with the workings of the world he can hardly bear it, the Imp is ... debauched, perhaps, but a truth-teller nonetheless, fighting for his own survival with as much mercy as he can spare." "The New York Times" went as far as to name Tyrion "the closest thing to a hero" in the HBO series.
Tyrion Lannister | Season 1
While at the camp, Tyrion beds a camp follower named Shae and takes her with him to the capital.
Tyrion Lannister | "A Game of Thrones"
Executive producers/writers David Benioff and D. B. Weiss had pitched the idea of adapting Martin's series for television to HBO in March 2006, and the network secured the rights in January 2007. The first actor cast was Peter Dinklage as Tyrion in May 2009. Benioff and Weiss later noted that the funny and "incredibly smart" Dinklage was their first choice for the role, as the actor's "core of humanity, covered by a shell of sardonic dry wit, is pretty well in keeping with the character." Unfamiliar with the source material, Dinklage was cautious in his first meeting with the producers; as a dwarf, "he wouldn't play elves or leprechauns" and – choosy about genre roles – he had just come from portraying the dwarf Trumpkin in 2008's "".
Tyrion Lannister | TV adaptation
When his wife gives birth, he names his stepson Tyrion in dubious honor of his former employer. Shortly afterwards, Bronn becomes the head of House Stokeworth after all members ahead of Lollys die under mysterious circumstances. Cersei also worries that he is still in league with Tyrion. In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Jerome Flynn.
List of A Song of Ice and Fire characters | Bronn
While he is afforded the privilege and luxuries of his family, he is treated as a "second class noble" because of his stature. Tyrion's mother Joanna died giving birth to him and Tywin and Cersei loathe him because they blame him for her death. While Tywin bears no affection for Tyrion, he nevertheless feels a sense of duty to his son, raising him in the Lannister fold and extending Tyrion a share of the family wealth. In contrast to Tywin and Cersei, Jaime has great affection for Tyrion and treats him with kindness, respect, friendship and love. Lev Grossman of "Time" wrote in 2011: Tyrion is intelligent, witty, well-read, and shares his father's skill for business and political maneuvering.
Tyrion Lannister | Description
Podrick Payne, Pod for short, is a squire to Tyrion Lannister toward the end of "A Game of Thrones". Despite being painfully shy and insecure, he proves himself to be a loyal and capable squire. In "A Clash of Kings", he rescues Tyrion from an assassination attempt. He continues his duties through "A Storm of Swords" until Tyrion vanishes in "A Feast for Crows". He follows Brienne of Tarth, knowing that she was searching for Tyrion's wife Sansa Stark. He becomes Brienne's squire and serves her as faithfully as he did Tyrion. He and Brienne are captured by the Brotherhood Without Banners, and Podrick is sentenced to be hanged for serving as Tyrion's squire.
List of A Song of Ice and Fire characters | Podrick Payne
Tycho Nestoris is a representative of the Iron Bank of Braavos. Tycho is sent to the Wall to negotiate payment of the debt of the Iron Throne with King Stannis Baratheon. Jon Snow negotiates with him for the use of his ships for a voyage and a loan to purchase food for the winter while the Night's Watch provides him guides to reach Stannis, who has left Castle Black. In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Mark Gatiss.
List of A Song of Ice and Fire characters | Tycho Nestoris
Cersei Lannister is the twin sister of Jaime, (the elder of the two), and the only daughter of Tywin Lannister. She serves as the third-person narrator of twelve chapters in "A Feast for Crows" and "A Dance with Dragons". She became queen by marrying Robert Baratheon. She has three children (all of whom are in actuality fathered by her twin brother) and two of whom eventually become king after Robert's death. In the HBO television adaptation, she is portrayed by Lena Headey.
List of A Song of Ice and Fire characters | Cersei Lannister
Tywin Lannister is Lord of Casterly Rock, Shield of Lannisport, and Warden of the West. He is a calculating, ruthless, and controlling man. In his youth, he witnessed his father grow old and weak. Eventually several nobles revolted against Lannister rule. Disgusted with his father's inaction, Tywin personally led the Lannister army and utterly destroyed the rebellious vassals, placing the bodies of their entire families on display at Casterly Rock. Impressed with his decisive actions in putting down the rebellion, Aerys II Targaryen appointed the young Tywin Hand of the King. Tywin proved himself a ruthless but capable leader and his tenure was marked by peace and prosperity.
List of A Song of Ice and Fire characters | Tywin Lannister
Yoren is a recruiter of the Night's Watch. In "A Game of Thrones" Yoren travels with Tyrion Lannister from the Wall to King's Landing, and is present when Tyrion is arrested by Catelyn Stark. He then races to King's Landing to inform Eddard Stark. During Lord Eddard's execution, he finds Arya Stark and shields her from seeing her father's death. In "A Clash of Kings" he disguises Arya as a boy recruit to smuggle her to Winterfell, but is killed by Lannister soldiers. In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Francis Magee.
List of A Song of Ice and Fire characters | Yoren
Tywin Lannister (seasons 1–5) portrayed by Charles Dance. Lord of Casterly Rock, Shield of Lannisport and Warden of the West, Tywin of House Lannister is a calculating, ruthless, and controlling man. He is also the former Hand of King Aerys II. He is the father of Cersei, Jaime, and Tyrion. After Eddard Stark's arrest, Joffrey names him Hand of the King once more, but after Jaime is taken captive by the Starks, Eddard is unexpectedly executed by Joffrey, and Renly and Stannis Baratheon challenge Joffrey's claim to the throne; Tywin elects to remain in the field commanding his forces until he wins his war, and in the meantime gives the position of Hand of the King to Tyrion.
List of Game of Thrones characters | Tywin Lannister
He has received several other award nominations for his performance in the series, including the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 2012 and 2016; the Satellite Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries or Television Film in 2012, 2015, and 2016; the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series in 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017; the TCA Award for Individual Achievement in Drama in 2011 and 2012; and in 2011 both the IGN Award and the IGN People's Choice Award for Best TV Actor.
Tyrion Lannister | Recognition and awards
Joffrey Baratheon is not a point of view character in the novels, so his actions are witnessed and interpreted through the eyes of other people, such as his uncle Tyrion Lannister and his one-time fiancée Sansa Stark. He inherits his mother's traditional Lannister looks, and has blond hair and green eyes, and is believed by many to be very handsome.
Joffrey Baratheon | Overview
When she died giving birth to their dwarf son Tyrion, it is said that "the best part of Tywin died with her". He never remarried. Tywin holds Tyrion responsible for Joanna's death. When Tywin discovered that the young Tyrion had secretly eloped and married Tysha, a peasant's daughter, he had Tyrion's marriage forcefully annulled, telling him that the entire love affair was a plot by Jaime to get Tyrion to lose his virginity, his love being nothing more than a hired prostitute. Tywin then had his personal guards gang-rape Tysha in front of Tyrion and later forced Tyrion to rape her last.
Tywin Lannister | Character description
Varys is not a point of view character in the novels, so his actions are witnessed and interpreted through the eyes of other people, such as Ned Stark, Tyrion and Cersei Lannister.
Varys | Character overview
Cersei is the only daughter and the eldest child of Tywin Lannister and his wife, Joanna; her twin brother, Jaime, was born soon after Cersei. Cersei and Jaime looked so similar as children that Cersei occasionally wore Jaime's clothes and was mistaken for him. The twins experimented sexually at an early age but were discovered by a servant, who informed their mother. Joanna tasked a guard to keep the twins separated and kept the matter a secret from their father, threatening the twins that she would inform him if they ever repeated it. Soon afterward, Joanna died giving birth to the twins' younger dwarf brother, Tyrion.
Cersei Lannister | Character background
Seasons 1 and 2 (2011–12) follow the events of "A Game of Thrones" and "A Clash of Kings", respectively. The plot of "A Storm of Swords" was split into seasons 3 and 4 (2013–14). Both season 5 and season 6 adapt material from "A Feast for Crows" and "A Dance with Dragons", novels whose plots run concurrently and each contain different characters. Though the HBO series has alternately extended, abbreviated, conflated and diverged from the novels' plot lines, Tyrion's character and story arc have remained mostly consistent with Martin's writing.
Tyrion Lannister | Storylines
Prince Tommen Baratheon is the younger brother of Prince Joffrey and Princess Myrcella and is second in line for the throne. Tommen is Queen Cersei Lannister's youngest child and, like his siblings, he is also the son of Cersei's brother Jaime Lannister, but he is unaware of this, as he believes Robert Baratheon to be his father. Like his sister, he shares none of his mother's ruthlessness, and is in fact, mild-mannered, courteous, and kind-hearted. In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Callum Wharry in seasons one and two, and Dean-Charles Chapman from season four onwards.
List of A Song of Ice and Fire characters | Tommen Baratheon
During the second season, Neil Genzlinger of "The New York Times" wrote that "Tyrion is just about the only character developing any complexity. Maybe even a glimmer of a conscience." Emily Nussbaum of "The New Yorker" noted, "If the show has a hero, it's Tyrion (Dinklage), who is capable of cruelty but also possesses insight and empathy, concealed beneath a carapace of Wildean wit." "The Hollywood Reporter" called Tyrion "the one to watch, as he's the smartest Lannister and knows that having a brat for a king – who mistreats all those around him – could cause major backlash." Willa Paskin of "Salon" called the character's increased prominence in Season 2 "a trade up in entertainment value, and a trade-off in morality." She added, "Tyrion is more cynical, more manipulative and much better suited to surviving.
Tyrion Lannister | Season 2
Tyrion escapes death again but at great cost and in fleeing Westeros finds himself in even more danger and without his usual Lannister resources.
Tyrion Lannister | Introduction
Peter Hayden Dinklage (; born June 11, 1969) is an American actor and producer. He received acclaim for portraying Tyrion Lannister on the HBO television series "Game of Thrones" from 2011 to 2019, for which he won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series a record four times. He also received a Golden Globe for the role in 2011 as well as a Screen Actors Guild Award in 2020. Born in Mendham Township, New Jersey, and raised in Brookside, Dinklage is a dwarf (achondroplasia) and stands tall. He studied acting at Bennington College while working at a local guitar shop, starring in a number of amateur stage productions.
Peter Dinklage | Introduction
Pycelle is an elderly Maester, who for decades has served many kings as Grand Maester, the personal healer and scholar of the king. Although he is intelligent and highly educated, his effectiveness as an officer of the court has been dulled by his age. He is secretly an agent of influence for House Lannister: he convinced King Aerys II Targaryen to open the gates for Tywin Lannister during Robert's rebellion, he allowed Jon Arryn to die to keep the true parentage of Cersei Lannister's children secret, and would have killed King Robert Baratheon upon Cersei's command. Upon learning this, Tyrion Lannister has Pycelle removed from office and imprisoned.
List of A Song of Ice and Fire characters | Pycelle
Lancel Lannister is the oldest son of Kevan Lannister and serves as squire to King Robert Baratheon at King's Landing, in "A Game of Thrones". He helps Queen Cersei kill Robert. In "A Clash of Kings", Cersei knights him for his part in Robert's death. After Cersei takes Lancel as a lover, Tyrion discovers the affair and blackmails Lancel into spying for him. During an attack on King's Landing, Lancel guards Cersei's son King Joffrey Baratheon and is seriously wounded in the fighting. During his recovery in "A Storm of Swords", he experiences a spiritual awakening and spends much of his time atoning for his sins.
List of A Song of Ice and Fire characters | Lancel Lannister
Tommen Baratheon (seasons 1–2, 4–6) portrayed by Callum Wharry in seasons 1 and 2, and by Dean-Charles Chapman from season 4 onwards. Tommen Baratheon of House Baratheon is the prince presented as the youngest son of King Robert Baratheon and Queen Cersei Lannister. Like his older siblings Joffrey and Myrcella his actual father is his uncle Ser Jaime Lannister. Like his sister he is good-natured and passive in contrast to his brother Joffrey and is fond of his uncle Tyrion.
List of Game of Thrones characters | Tommen Baratheon
Despite Eddard Stark's animosity against him for forsaking his oath to protect the King during Robert's Rebellion, Jaime has great respect for Eddard, whom he considers a great warrior and his equal. Unlike his father and sister, Jaime cares deeply about his younger brother Tyrion.
List of Game of Thrones characters | Jaime Lannister
Dinklage's performance was praised; "The Boston Globe" called his Tyrion one of the show's "highlights", adding that Dinklage "gives a winning performance that is charming, morally ambiguous, and self-aware." Matt Roush of "TV Guide" told viewers to "rejoice in the scene-stealing bravado of Peter Dinklage as the wry 'imp' Tyrion Lannister." The "Los Angeles Times" wrote "In many ways, "Game of Thrones" belongs to Dinklage" even before, in Season 2, the "scene-stealing actor's" character became the series' most central figure. "The New York Times" noted that as beloved as the character of Tyrion is to the novels' fans, "Dinklage's sly performance has made Tyrion all the more popular." "The Huffington Post" called Tyrion the "most quotable" character on the HBO series, as well as one of the most beloved.
Tyrion Lannister | Recognition and awards
As Nigel left no issue by his wife Mathilda or Maud, daughter of Roger de Camvile, he was succeeded as sixth baron Mowbray by his brother Roger II, who only came of age in 1240, and died in 1266. This Roger's son, Roger III, was seventh baron (1266–1298) and father of John I de Mowbray, eighth baron. There has been some speculation that Mowbray was the inspiration for the character of Tyrion Lannister in "Game of Thrones".
William de Mowbray | Benefactor, marriage and succession
Bronn is a skilled sellsword of low birth. He is described as having a sardonic sense of humor and a pragmatic, amoral philosophy. He helps Catelyn take Tyrion to the Eyrie, where he befriends Tyrion. Recognizing he will gain more helping House Lannister, Bronn offers to champion for Tyrion in a trial by combat and wins the duel, serving as his bodyguard in Tywin's host and later King's Landing. After fighting in the Battle of Blackwater, he is knighted and takes a burning green chain as his sigil, though continues serving Tyrion. During his trial for murdering Joffrey, Bronn refuses to champion for him again, instead taking an offer from Cersei to be married to the pregnant Lollys Stokeworth.
List of A Song of Ice and Fire characters | Bronn
Tywin Lannister is Lord of Casterly Rock, Shield of Lannisport, and Warden of the West. Born heir apparent to Lord Tytos Lannister, who was perceived as a weak and ineffectual leader and often ridiculed by his bannermen, Tywin developed an early distrust of mockery and laughter. When the Lannister bannermen of Houses Reyne and Tarbeck eventually revolted against the Lannisters' rule, the then 19-year-old Tywin personally led the Lannister army in defeating the rebellious vassals by completely exterminating their Houses. The song The Rains of Castamere was written as a tribute to the event. Tywin eventually married his first cousin Joanna.
Tywin Lannister | Character description
Cersei names the virtually undefeatable Gregor Clegane as her champion. Tyrion is defended by Oberyn Martell, who believes that his sister, niece, and nephew were murdered by Gregor. Oberyn is nearly victorious, but his refusal to kill Gregor without obtaining a confession gives Gregor the opportunity to kill him, and Tyrion is sentenced to death. Before his execution, Tyrion is released by Jaime to be smuggled out of Westeros by Varys. Tyrion decides to confront Tywin before his flight, and finds Shae in his father's bed. Tyrion strangles her to death, and then confronts Tywin on the privy. Tyrion kills his father with a crossbow bolt, and then leaves for Pentos with Varys.
Tyrion Lannister | Season 4
During the return trip, Connington contracts Greyscale Plague when saving Tyrion. The group lands in the Stormlands and captures several castles, including Griffin's Roost. Aegon plans to lead the attack on Storm's End, the next target.
List of A Song of Ice and Fire characters | Jon Connington
"The Pointy End" includes the first appearance of two significant recurring characters in the book series: Clive Mantle as the Northern bannerman Lord Jon Umber, known as the Greatjon due to his size, and Ian Gelder as Lord Tywin's brother and right-hand man Ser Kevan Lannister.
The Pointy End | Casting
Tywin gifts Jaime a Valyrian steel sword forged from House Stark's ancestral sword, Ice, and asks him to resign from the Kingsguard and rule Casterly Rock, disowning him when he refuses. Qyburn fits Jaime with a gilded steel hand, while Tyrion arranges for Jaime to have sword lessons with his bodyguard Bronn. After their son Joffrey is poisoned at his own wedding, Cersei initially refuses to resume their relationship. The two later proceed to having angry sex in front of Joffrey's body. Jaime gifts Tywin's sword to Brienne, as well as the services of Tyrion's squire Podrick Payne. Jaime tasks her to find and protect Sansa Stark.
Jaime Lannister | Season 4
Tommen Baratheon is a fictional character in the "A Song of Ice and Fire" series of fantasy novels by American author George R. R. Martin, and its television adaptation "Game of Thrones". Introduced in 1996's "A Game of Thrones", Tommen Baratheon is the youngest son of Cersei Lannister from the kingdom of Westeros. He subsequently appeared in Martin's "A Clash of Kings" (1998), "A Storm of Swords" (2000), "A Feast for Crows" (2005) and "A Dance with Dragons" (2011). After the unexpected death of his brother Joffrey Baratheon, he is crowned King of the Seven Kingdoms, although he soon falls under the warring influences of his mother Cersei and wife Margaery.
Tommen Baratheon | Introduction
Aegon Targaryen is the only known son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Elia Martell. Fifteen years before the events of the series, the infant Aegon was reported to have been killed along with his mother and sister by Gregor Clegane. In "A Dance with Dragons", Varys claims to have switched Aegon with another, lowborn infant (known as the "Pisswater prince") and smuggled Aegon out of King's Landing prior to the capital's fall. During his exile in Essos, Tyrion Lannister (under the alias Hugor Hill) meets Young Griff, a well-trained teenage boy endorsed by Varys's associate Illyrio Mopatis, who claims to be the surviving Aegon and is under the guardianship of Rhaegar's close friend Jon Connington (under alias of Griff).
List of A Song of Ice and Fire characters | Young Griff/Aegon VI Targaryen
In a meeting of their officers where the Yunkish commander demands they reinforce a trebuchet under attack by Daenerys' Unsullied, Jorah kills the Yunkish messenger, and Ben Plumm declares the Second Sons will rejoin Daenerys.
Tyrion Lannister | "The Winds of Winter"
Tommen Baratheon is not a point of view character in the novels, so his actions are witnessed and interpreted through the eyes of other people, such as his mother Cersei Lannister, his uncle Tyrion Lannister, and Sansa Stark. Tommen is mostly a background character in the novels.
Tommen Baratheon | Character description
Tyrion is accidentally knocked unconscious as the battle begins. Tywin sends Tyrion to King's Landing to act as Hand of the King. Disobeying Tywin's orders, Tyrion takes the prostitute Shae with him.
Tyrion Lannister | Season 1
Robert Baratheon is not a point of view character in the novels, so his actions are mainly witnessed and interpreted through the eyes of Ned Stark. He only appears in the first book of the series "A Game of Thrones", though he is mentioned numerous times in the later books by characters such as Cersei Lannister.
Robert Baratheon | Storylines
Some recurring characters were recast over the years; for example, Gregor Clegane was played by three different actors, while Dean-Charles Chapman played both Tommen Baratheon and a minor Lannister character.
Game of Thrones | Casting
After strangling her in a rage, Tyrion confronts and corners Tywin on the privy with a crossbow. When Tywin speaks ill of Tysha, Tyrion fatally shoots his father before fleeing Westeros in a ship organized by Varys.
Tyrion Lannister | "A Storm of Swords"
He's not so keen to be made into meat, and that makes him the kind of man characters in the show and audience members alike should be investing in." Praising Dinklage, Dan Kois of "The New York Times" wrote, "He plays Tyrion as the only modern man in a muddy, violent, primal world. He loves good food, good conversation and a good book. Unlike the warmongering lords and knights of Westeros, but like most HBO subscribers, he would prefer to stay out of battle." Kois adds that, "Dinklage's bravado masks Tyrion's deep well of melancholy." Of the Season 2 storyline, Dinklage noted that Tyrion enjoys not only his foray into battle, but also his new and unprecedented power at court.
Tyrion Lannister | Season 2
Tyrion accompanies King Robert Baratheon's entourage to visit the Stark stronghold of Winterfell, and disciplines his nephew Prince Joffrey when the latter refuses to pay respect to the recently crippled Bran Stark. He then opts to visit the Wall with a Night's Watch convoy, and befriends Ned Stark's bastard son Jon Snow at Castle Black. For his friendship with Jon, Tyrion visits Winterfell again on the return and designs with a specialized saddle to help Bran ride a horse. However at the Crossroad Inn, Tyrion encounters Ned's wife Catelyn, who accuses him of hiring an assassin to kill Bran and arrests him by enlisting nearby men-at-arms.
Tyrion Lannister | "A Game of Thrones"
The song sung by the Lannister soldiers before the battle and played over the end credits, "The Rains of Castamere", was adapted from the "A Song of Ice and Fire" novels by the series's composer Ramin Djawadi. The end credits version was performed by the American indie rock band The National, and sung by their vocalist Matt Berninger. The song also appeared in at least two earlier episodes, in which Tyrion can be heard whistling the melody. According to the novels, the song is about Tywin Lannister's victory over vassals led by House Reyne of Castamere, who had rebelled against House Lannister, about 40 years before the events of the novels.
Blackwater (Game of Thrones) | Music
"The Ghost of Harrenhal" is the fifth episode of the second season written by the two showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, and the fifteenth in the whole series. The script is based on the chapters Daenerys II, Arya VII, Catelyn IV, Jon IV, Bran V, Catelyn V, and Jon V (28, 31, 34, 35, 36, 40, and 44) from George R. R. Martin's "A Clash of Kings". Tyrion's scenes with the Pyromancers and Cersei are taken from the chapters Tyrion V and Tyrion VIII (21 and 37). There are numerous divergences from the source material: in the books Lord Baelish is sent by the Council to negotiate with the Tyrells only after Renly is dead; Theon's departure from Pyke is not shown, and Dagmer Cleftjaw is a scarred old master-at-arms who is fond of Theon because Cleftjaw trained him when Theon was a boy; Arya is a scullion instead of a cupbearer and is not able to interact with Lord Tywin; and the character of Xaro Xhoan Daxos has been drastically changed making him a black heterosexual of humble origins and giving him a vault that is never mentioned in the books.
The Ghost of Harrenhal | Writing
Instead, character names reflect the naming systems in various European family histories, where particular names were associated with specific royal houses and where even the secondary families assigned the same names repeatedly. The story of "A Song of Ice and Fire" therefore has children called "Robert" in honor of King Robert of House Baratheon, a "Brandon" in every other generation of the Starks in commemoration of Brandon the Builder (of the Wall), and the syllable "Ty" commonly occurring in given names of House Lannister. Confident that readers would pay attention, Martin distinguished people sharing a given name by adding numbers or locations to their given names (e.g.
A Song of Ice and Fire | Character development
He aids Daenerys in "A Clash of Kings" by sending her three ships and a disguised Barristan Selmy. He also smuggles Tyrion Lannister out of Westeros in "A Dance with Dragons" and sends him to accompany Aegon on his journey to aid Daenerys. In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Roger Allam.
List of A Song of Ice and Fire characters | Illyrio Mopatis
Henry V of England). The family names were designed in association with ethnic groups (see backstory): the First Men in the North of Westeros had very simply descriptive names like Stark and Strong, whereas the descendants of the Andal invaders in the South have more elaborate, undescriptive house names like Lannister or Arryn, and the Targaryens and Valyrians from the Eastern continent have the most exotic names with the letter Y. All characters are designed to speak with their own internal voices to capture their views of the world. "The Atlantic" pondered whether Martin ultimately intended the readers to sympathize with characters on both sides of the Lannister–Stark feud long before plot developments force them to make their emotional choices.
A Song of Ice and Fire | Character development
In 2017, Dinklage became one of the highest paid actors on television and will earn £2 million per episode for the show.
Tyrion Lannister | TV adaptation
As the peaceful rule of King Robert Baratheon begins to decay, Tyrion sees how ill-equipped his family is at holding everything together. He first saves his own neck from the vengeful Catelyn Stark and her sister Lysa Arryn, and then is sent by his father Tywin to impose order on the capital of King's Landing, as well as his nephew Joffrey, the new king, as the civil war begins. Tyrion struggles to strengthen and protect the city and family who hate him and refuse to see the peril they are in; when his father returns, Tyrion becomes vulnerable to the wrath and machinations of the self-serving courtiers who surround Joffrey, including Tyrion's own scheming sister Cersei.
Tyrion Lannister | Introduction
Nestor is a cousin of Yohn Royce, from a lesser branch of House Royce. He ruled the Eyrie as High Steward of the Vale during Jon Arryn's absence and acted as Keeper of the Gates of the Moon and feels he is owed for his years of service. Littlefinger later makes him the hereditary Lord of the Gates of the Moon to keep him loyal, signing the paper declaring this so Nestor holding the Gates depends on Baelish' power.
List of A Song of Ice and Fire characters | Nestor Royce
Janos Slynt was a former Commander of the City Watch in King's Landing and a brother in the Night's Watch. He first appears in "A Game of Thrones" as commander of the City Watch. Slynt is known for his corruption, but Robert was persuaded not to remove him on the grounds the next commander might be worse. After Robert's death, when Ned intends to depose Joffrey, Slynt orders his men to arrest Ned. For this, Janos Slynt was made a lord and given Harrenhal. In "A Clash of Kings", Tyrion Lannister exiles Slynt to the Night's Watch as he cannot be trusted.
List of A Song of Ice and Fire characters | Janos Slynt
Ser Jorah Mormont is the exiled Lord of Bear Island in the North, which he inherited after his father Jeor Mormont joined the Night's Watch. His wife's lavish lifestyle led to debts, which led Jorah to engage in selling slaves. Escaping justice, he fled to Essos and eventually joined the service of Daenerys Targaryen, becoming one of her chief advisors. In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by Iain Glen.
List of A Song of Ice and Fire characters | Jorah Mormont
He subsequently sends his grandchild to bed and promises to teach his the realities of ruling before his time is done, before reminding Tyrion of the realities of Joffrey's limited power and - less welcome - of his husbandly duty to impregnate Sansa, and again insists that a man who puts family first will always triumph. When Tyrion asks his father whether he has ever put the family's interests ahead of his own, Tywin retorts by stating his desire to euthanise Tyrion at birth out of rage and grief, but instead let Tyrion live and ended up raising him "as my son", showing that he has disowned his parentage of Tyrion as well.
Tywin Lannister | Season 3
And love is in his life [with Shae], and that causes a tremendous amount of damage – because he's vulnerable and he doesn't like to be vulnerable. He's completely stripped of his defense mechanisms." Of Tyrion's relationship with his brother Jaime, Dinklage said, "If you're raised together, you have an unspoken dialogue many times, and it's very easy, especially between Jaime and Tyrion. They have a real friendship, a good brotherhood. They look after each other." As in the novels, Tyrion is (unfairly) found guilty of Joffrey's murder and condemned to death; the HBO series does not use the reveal that his first wife was not really a prostitute to motivate Tyrion to kill his father, and he does not lie to Jaime that he is guilty of killing Joffrey.
Tyrion Lannister | Season 4
Aegon Targaryen refers to multiple characters in George R. R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" fantasy franchise:
Aegon Targaryen | Introduction
Upon his recovery from the injury sustained at Blackwater, Tyrion finds that he has lost most of his nose, and a returned Tywin has assumed the position of Hand himself and removed Tyrion from power. Tyrion is then appointed Master of Coin as a "reward" for his successful leadership (which is really the burden of fixing the Crown's fiscal mess). After learning of the Tyrell plot to claim Winterfell through marriage to Sansa, Tywin forces Tyrion to marry her instead. Sympathetic to Sansa's situation, Tyrion leaves their marriage unconsummated, despite his father's orders to conceive a child with her as soon as possible.
Tyrion Lannister | "A Storm of Swords"
When Tywin repeatedly and scornfully dismisses Tysha as a "whore," Tyrion fatally shoots him with the crossbow and leaves him dead. As Tywin's bowels loosens upon death, Tyrion remarks to himself that the claim that his father shits gold is, after all, a myth.
Tywin Lannister | "A Storm of Swords"
"Game of Thrones" creators D. B. Weiss and David Benioff described Daenerys as a combination of Joan of Arc, Lawrence of Arabia, and Napoleon.
Daenerys Targaryen | Background
With Tyrion accused of Joffrey's murder, Jaime refuses to believe his brother is guilty. Jaime convinces Tywin to spare Tyrion in return for leaving the Kingsguard, though Tyrion later chooses trial by combat. Tyrion loses the trial and is sentenced to death, but Jaime releases him from his cell and helps him escape to Essos.
Jaime Lannister | Season 4
Randyll Tarly is the head of House Tarly, bannerman of House Tyrell, and considered to be one of the finest military commanders in Westeros. He is also the father of Samwell Tarly. When word of the imprisonment of Margaery Tyrell reaches Randyll, he marches his army to King's Landing where Kevan Lannister makes him the new master of laws. In the HBO television adaptation, he is portrayed by James Faulkner.
List of A Song of Ice and Fire characters | Randyll Tarly
Bronn portrayed by Jerome Flynn. Bronn is a sellsword with a sardonic sense of humor. He initially serves under Catelyn Stark and aids her in arresting Tyrion Lannister and taking him to the Vale to stand trial for the murder of Jon Arryn and attempted murder of Bran Stark. During the trial, Bronn realises that Tyrion will most likely be executed by the insane Lysa Arryn despite the impossibility of his guilt, and volunteers to fight for Tyrion when he demands a trial by combat. Bronn defeats Lysa Arryn's champion and becomes Tyrion's companion and protector, accompanying him back to King's Landing.
List of Game of Thrones characters | Bronn
Following the plot of "A Game of Thrones", in the first season Jon, the bastard son of Ned Stark, joins the Night's Watch. He arrives at the Wall with his direwolf Ghost to find that the order is a shadow of its former self. Raised to be a skilled fighter with a strong sense of justice and honor, Jon is initially contemptuous of his fellow recruits, who are mostly lowborn, untrained fighters who are criminals and exiles. He is persuaded by Tyrion Lannister to put aside his prejudices and help train the others in combat. Jon befriends Samwell Tarly, an overweight, fearful boy who is more an intellectual than a fighter.
Jon Snow (character) | Season 1
Between 2011 and 2019, Dinklage portrayed Tyrion Lannister in HBO's fantasy drama "Game of Thrones", an adaptation of author George R. R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" novels. "Game of Thrones" takes place on the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos and chronicles the power struggles among noble families as they fight for control of the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms. Tyrion is a member of House Lannister, one of the wealthiest and most powerful families in Westeros, and uses his status as a Lannister to mitigate the impact of the marginalization and derision he has received all of his life.
Peter Dinklage | Mainstream and critical success (2011–present)
Tywin has always taught his son that you must follow through on your threats if you are defied, so when he fails to heed Tyrion's warning, the dwarf kills him. "And it will haunt him. Tywin was his father and that will continue to haunt him, probably for the rest of his life," says the author. To Martin, Shae's murder is something else:
Tyrion Lannister | Development