All the characters taking centre screen in House Of The Dragon

One of the key elements to Game of Thrones’ success was the characters – and a host of fresh faces in House Of The Dragon look equally as exciting.

Game of Thrones introduced us to some of the most beloved TV personalities of all time, from the quick-witted Tyrion Lannister to the ball-breaking Daenerys Targaryen.

But a new cohort of characters within the same universe are set to burst on to screens with the upcoming premiere of the GoT prequel, House Of The Dragon, based off George R.R Martin’s companion book, Fire & Blood.

While detail surrounding the plot is under lock and key, with the show premiering in Australia on Binge and Foxtel at 11am today, Monday August 22, we’ve gathered as much information about the fresh faces who are shaping this exciting new chapter.

These are the key players in House Of The Dragon:

King Viserys Targaryen, Paddy Considine

Paddy Considine is King Viserys Targaryen. Picture: HBO

King Viserys Targaryen is the ruler of the Seven Kingdoms.

He is a good man and his rule largely proves to be a period of peace and prosperity in Westeros.

In a statement, HBO gave a brief character detail of him.

“Viserys was chosen by the lords of Westeros to succeed the Old King, Jaehaerys Targaryen, at the Great Council at Harrenhal. A warm, kind, and decent man, Viserys only wishes to carry forward his grandfather’s legacy, but as we’ve learned from Game of Thrones, good men do not necessarily make for great kings.”

Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, Emma D’Arcy

Emma D'Arcy stars as Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen. Picture: HBO

Rhaenyra is the firstborn child of Viserys and the rightful heir to the throne. However, this initially isn’t considered due to the fact she’s a woman.

HBO said of Rhaenyra: “The king’s firstborn child. She is of pure Valyrian blood, and she is a dragonrider. Many would say that Rhaenyra was born with everything … but she was not born a man.”

In the books, she is described as the most beautiful maiden in the Seven Kingdoms.

Alicent Hightower, Olivia Cooke

Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower. Picture: HBO

Alicent is a member of the powerful House Hightower, who later in the series will become the second wife to King Viserys, per the books.

Alicent develops a rivalry with her childhood best friend-turned-stepdaughter, Rhaenyra, as both women want to be first lady of the realm.

“She’s the daughter of Otto Hightower, the Hand of the King, and the most comely woman in the Seven Kingdoms. She was raised in the Red Keep, close to the king and his innermost circle; she possesses both a courtly grace and a keen political acumen,” HBO said in a statement.

Prince Daemon Targaryen, Matt Smith

Matt Smith stars as Prince Daemon Targaryen. Picture: HBO

Daemon is going to be the one who really spices things up in the series.

A member of House Targaryen, he is the “rogue” brother of King Viserys.

Considered the most elite warrior in the Seven Kingdoms, Daemon is the preferable heir given he’s male.

“The younger brother to King Viserys and heir to the throne. A peerless warrior and a dragonrider, Daemon possesses the true blood of the dragon. But it is said that whenever a Targaryen is born, the gods toss a coin in the air.”

Otto Hightower, Rhys Ifans

Rhys Ifans as Otto Hightower. Picture: HBO

Ser Otto is the father of Alicent, who has served as Hand to three kings, including King Viserys.

In the book, Otto’s greatest rival is Daemon Targaryen.

An official description from HBO reads: “The Hand of the King, Ser Otto loyally and faithfully serves both his king and his realm. As the Hand sees it, the greatest threat to the realm is the king‘s brother, Daemon, and his position as heir to the throne.”

Corlys Velaryon/Sea Snake, Steve Toussaint 

Steve Toussaint plays Sea Snake. Picture: HBO

Corlys, affectionally known as ‘Sea Snake’ is lauded as the wealthiest man in Westeros and one of the greatest sailors in the Seven Kingdoms.

He is married to Princess Rhaenys Targaryen.

“The lord of House Velaryon, a Valyrian bloodline as old as House Targaryen. As the ‘Sea Snake,’ the most famed nautical adventurer in the history of Westeros, Lord Corlys built his house into a powerful seat that is even richer than the Lannisters and that claims the largest navy in the world.”

Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, Eve Best

Eve Best plays Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, pictured here with Steve Toussaint (Corlys Velaryon). Picture: HBO

Rhaenys is the first cousin of Viserys and Daemon Targaryen, and is married to Corlys.

She was the heir to the Iron Throne ahead of Viserys, however, because she is a woman, was overlooked.

“A dragonrider and wife to Lord Corlys Velaryon, ‘The Queen Who Never Was’ was passed over as heir to the throne at the Great Council because the realm favoured her cousin, Viserys, simply for being male.”

Mysaria, Sonoya Mizuno

Sonoyo Mizuno as Mysaria. Picture: HBO

Mysaria is a former prostitute who lives in Westeros, and develops a close bond with Daemon – the two becoming allies.

She works her way up the ranks from slave, to a force within the criminal underbelly of King’s Landing.

“She came to Westeros with nothing, sold more times than she can recall, and she could have wilted … but instead she rose to become the most trusted – and most unlikely – ally of Prince Daemon Targaryen, the heir to the throne.”

Ser Criston Cole, Fabien Frankel

Fabien Frankel as Ser Criston Cole. Picture: HBO

Ser Criston Cole is a knight of House Cole.

“Of Dornish descent, Ser Criston is the common-born son of the steward to the Lord of Blackhaven. He has no claim to land or titles; all he has to his name is his honour and his preternatural skill with a sword.”

Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen (young), Milly Alcock

Milly Alcock will play a young Rhaenyra.

Australian actress Milly Alcock will portray a younger version of the show’s lead female, Rhaenyra, in the earlier episodes.

She is the only living child of King Viserys and his first wife and began as a dragonrider at the age of seven.

House of the Dragon will premiere on Monday, August 22, at the same time as the US, streaming on Binge. The series will also be available to watch on Foxtel in 4K Ultra HD.

*Foxtel and Binge are majority-owned by News Corp, publisher of this website.