Who is Ser Criston Cole and who is actor Fabien Frankel?
Is he a knight in shining armour? **WARNING: May contain spoilers for House of the Dragon**
Knights are fairly well-regarded in the Game of Thrones franchise, with Ser Jorah Mormont (Iain Glen) and Ser Brienne of Tarth (Gwendoline Christie) both proving to be fan-favourites among others.
It will be interesting to see how people react to House of the Dragon's new knight in shining armour, Ser Criston Cole (played by Fabien Frankel).
With his changing allegiances that have the potential to cause devastation among his admirers, is he the noble knight we expect?
Read on to find out more about Ser Criston Cole, who he supports, and how he has the potential to cause drama in House of the Dragon.
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Who is Ser Criston Cole in House of the Dragon?
An accomplished knight from House Cole, Ser Criston is originally of Dornish descent (one very notable Dornishman from Game of Thrones is Prince Oberyn Martell).
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Frankel describes him to Variety, saying: "He's the common-born soldier from Dorne, son of a steward in Blackhaven. We describe him as a solitary man, and one who doesn't come from this world, this world of excess, and this world of greed and money. He's principled, a soldier who fought in the Dornish marches."
Criston's fame levels rose when he competed in a tourney to celebrate King Viserys I Targaryen's (Paddy Considine) heir and he defeated the confident and accomplished Prince Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) by knocking the sword Dark Sister out of his hands.
He was being watched by an enamoured Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen (Milly Alcock, Emma D'Arcy) and he asked her for her favour afterwards.
Ser Criston was later to be made Rhaenyra's sworn shield as a member of the Kingsguard, her personal protector, and he grows close to her in the third episode of House of the Dragon when they journey through the Kingswood together.
In the fourth episode of House of the Dragon, Criston and Rhaenyra are shown to consummate a romance after the Princess initiates a sexual encounter. Criston was torn as he had sworn a vow of chastity in the Kingsguard but their desires proved too strong to resist.
In the aftermath, it appears that an affair has begun between the pair, but with Rhaenyra set to marry Ser Laenor Velaryon, this left Ser Criston devastated.
Despite asking Rhaenyra to run away with him and marry, Ser Criston was left rejected and furious.
After confessing his behaviour to Queen Alicent, Ser Criston later beat Ser Joffrey Lonmouth to death at the wedding.
Later contemplating suicide, Ser Criston was stopped by Alicent at the last moment.
Who is Fabien Frankel?
Frankel had a small role in Last Christmas, opposite Game of Thrones alumn Emilia Clarke, in 2019.
He's perhaps best known for his role in the 2021 drama The Serpent, where he played Dominique Renelleau alongside Jenna Coleman.
His latest film, Venice at Dawn, is expected to be released later this year. He plays Dixon in the remake of the British stage farce.
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House of the Dragon airs on Mondays on Sky Atlantic and NOW. Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide to see what's on tonight.
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