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House of the Dragon, the thrilling prequel to Game of Thrones, has captivated audiences with its intricate plots, rich character development, and intense political intrigue. Set in the fiery world of Westeros, the series delves into the tumultuous history of the Targaryen dynasty, bringing to life the power struggles and dark deeds that shaped the realm.
As with its predecessor, House of the Dragon features a host of characters whose actions and motivations elicit strong reactions from viewers, often sparking heated debates about their moral alignments.
Among the vast array of characters, some stand out not for their heroism or virtue but for their capacity to incite intense dislike, like Otto Hightower, Alicent Hightower, and more. These characters, through their manipulative schemes, ruthless actions, and unrelenting ambition, have carved out a special place in the hearts of fans as the most hated figures in the series.
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Which are the 10 most hated characters on House of the Dragon?
1) Otto Hightower
Otto Hightower played by Rhys Ifans is the Hand of the King, is widely reviled for his manipulative and self-serving nature. Otto’s relentless ambition to see his bloodline on the Iron Throne leads him to orchestrate schemes that often put the realm in peril.
His cold, calculated moves to undermine Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and elevate his daughter Alicent’s children to power mark him as a primary antagonist, making him a figure of disdain among fans.
2) Alicent Hightower
Alicent Hightower, who happens to be Queen but also Otto’s daughter, is another character loathed by audiences for playing brutal politics that are unimaginable within Westerosi realms and is played by Olivia Cooke.
Her character began with her being portrayed as a friend to Rhaenyra but has since been transformed into a very mean competitor who will do whatever it takes to secure her children’s future. Her betrayal of Rhaenyra allows the audience to continue hating her.
3) Ser Criston Cole
Ser Criston Cole was once an honorable and faithful member of the Kingsguard, but his subsequent actions were both extreme and unsettling. Consequently, he did not have any warm feelings for Rhaenyra after their love affair came to an end, pushing him toward inhumane acts and is played by Fabien Frankel.
His brutal murder of Lord Beesbury and unyielding support for Alicent make him one of the most hated figures in the series.
4) Larys Strong
Larys Strong is known as a covert figure at court and probably one of the most reviled due to his underhanded operations and merciless strategies. The hunger for power that Larys had, being Lyonel Strongs illegitimate son knew no bounds.
Numerous evil plots, such as the Harrenhal fire in which he was involved and his willingness to betray others for his gain, have made him a character loathed by all and is played by Matthew Needham.
5) Aemond Targaryen
A violent temper and insatiable ambition have made Aemond Targaryen, the one-eyed prince infamous in House of the Dragon. He further worsened his already negative reputation through his aggressive nature and his killing of Lucerys Velaryon.
Aemond yearns for recognition hoping that he can establish himself among Targaryens’ which turns out disastrous thus making people hate this character even more and is played by Ewan Mitchell.
6) Vaemond Velaryon
Vaemond Velaryon in House of the Dragon is constantly challenging if Rhaenyra's kids are legitimate; thus he is despised by the readers. The character of Vaemond is defined by his continuous scheming to advance his own family’s position in society and his abrasive nature. These reasons make him a character that many people love to hate and is played by Wil Johnson.
7) Aegon Targaryen
Aegon Targaryen in House of the Dragon is widely hated for his self-indulgent and careless attitudes, as the eldest son of Viserys I and Alicent. His behavior is characterized as arrogant, as he carries himself in a position laden with the profound implication that he might become a ruler.
He is selfish and does not care about the welfare of the realm and is played by Tom Glynn-Carney.
8) Blood and Cheese Assassins
Blood and Cheese are notorious assassins in House of the Dragon who are despised for their horrible revenge act. They were contracted to murder Aemond Targaryen, instead, they killed a young child right before her mother's eyes.
These two represent all the worst characteristics of violent power play in Westeros which made them some of the most hated individuals in this book and is played by Actors Sam C. Wilson and Mark Stobbart.
9) King Viserys I Targaryen
Initially depicted as an innocent leader in House of the Dragon, King Viserys I soon receives much hatred from many viewers due to his indecisiveness and lack of intervention in family feuds that explode rapidly during his reign over Westeros. This causes him to be blamed for heightened tensions among clans leading to great unrest across the kingdom and is played by Paddy Considine.
10) Daemon Targaryen
Daemon Targaryen, The Rogue Prince in House of the Dragon, is popular yet hated at the same time because he has an unpredictable character and ruthless methods of dealing with opponents.
Others appreciate his charm or mastery in fighting styles too, however, his using forceful means such as capturing Dragonstone. His disregard for the lives of his enemies renders him a controversial and often detested figure and is played by Matt Smith.
House of the Dragon season 2 is currently streaming on HBO Max.
