Criston Cole

Ser Criston Cole begins as a common-born knight who rises to the Kingsguard through martial prowess, catching the eye of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen. Their brief sexual relationship ends disastrously when Rhaenyra refuses his proposal to abandon their respective duties and elope. Criston's wounded pride transforms him from Rhaenyra's sworn protector into her bitterest enemy — a turn driven not by political conviction but by personal rejection.

Criston becomes Alicent Hightower's closest confidant, protector, and eventual lover, channeling his resentment of Rhaenyra into unwavering support for the Green faction. His transformation from honorable knight to vindictive partisan illustrates how personal grievances can fuel political catastrophes. He is instrumental in training Alicent's sons and fostering their hostility toward Rhaenyra's children.

In Season 2, Criston is elevated to Hand of the King by Aegon II and becomes the commander of the Green armies. His military overconfidence and desire to prove himself lead to disastrous strategic decisions. Known as "the Kingmaker" for his role in crowning Aegon II, Criston Cole embodies the danger of placing personal vendetta above duty — a knight who broke his most sacred vows and spent the rest of his life trying to justify that betrayal through increasingly extreme loyalty to the wrong cause.