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.
Key Episodes
S1 E4
King of the Narrow Sea
Criston sleeps with Rhaenyra after her encounter with Daemon, beginning their doomed relationship.
S1 E5
We Light the Way
Rhaenyra rejects Criston's proposal to run away together, leading to his violent breakdown and alliance with Alicent.
S1 E9
The Green Council
Criston personally crowns Aegon II, earning the title "Kingmaker" and cementing his role in the Green faction.
S2 E4
The Red Dragon and the Gold
Criston leads the Green army and orchestrates the trap at Rook's Rest, resulting in devastating casualties on both sides.
"I am a knight of the Kingsguard. My honor is all I have."
— Criston Cole, Season 1, Episode 4 - King of the Narrow Sea
"I did what I had to do. I would do it again."
— Criston Cole, Season 1, Episode 5 - We Light the Way
"The queen has my sword. As she always has."
— Criston Cole, Season 2, Episode 1 - A Son for a Son
"I have nothing left but loyalty."
— Criston Cole, Season 1, Episode 6 - The Princess and the Queen
Trivia & Fun Facts
Criston Cole is a common-born knight from the Stormlands who won a place on the Kingsguard through tournament prowess.
He and Rhaenyra have a secret affair early in the series; when she refuses to run away with him, his love curdles into a hatred that drives him to become her most dedicated enemy.
He murders Joffrey Lonmouth, Laenor Velaryon's lover, in broad daylight at Rhaenyra and Laenor's wedding feast — an impulsive act of violence that goes unpunished.
By the events of the Dance of Dragons, Cole has risen to become Lord Commander of the Kingsguard under Aegon II.
Character Analysis & Cultural Significance
Criston Cole is one of the central figures in House of the Dragon, a fantasy/drama series that aired on HBO from 2022–present. Within the narrative of House of the Dragon, Criston Cole serves as a pivotal character whose decisions and relationships drive key story arcs throughout Seasons 1–2. The character's journey has been central to many of the show's most memorable and discussed moments.
Portrayed by Fabien Frankel, Criston Cole has become one of the most recognizable characters in modern television. Fabien Frankel's performance brings nuance and depth to the role, creating a character that resonates with audiences on both intellectual and emotional levels. The casting of Fabien Frankel has been widely praised by both critics and fans as essential to the character's impact and the show's success.
Criston Cole holds a Fan Heat Index of 80 out of 100 on TVCeleb, reflecting strong and sustained fan engagement. The character has achieved significant memetic presence online, with fan-created content and references circulating widely across social media platforms. Fan engagement metrics show exceptional interaction with content related to Criston Cole, from detailed character analyses to creative fan works. This level of audience investment speaks to the compelling writing and performance that have made Criston Cole a standout figure in the House of the Dragon fan community.
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? Frequently Asked Questions
Fabien Frankel plays Ser Criston Cole in House of the Dragon. Frankel's portrayal of the bitter, self-righteous knight has made Criston one of the show's most discussed and divisive characters.
Criston's hatred stems from Rhaenyra's rejection of his proposal to abandon their duties and elope together after they slept together. His wounded pride and shame over breaking his Kingsguard vows of celibacy transformed into deep resentment that he channeled into supporting the Green faction.
Criston Cole earned the title "Kingmaker" for personally placing the crown on Aegon II's head during the Green coup, defying Rhaenyra's claim to the throne and cementing the beginning of the Dance of the Dragons.
