A HotD Problem: The Show's Main Antagonist Is More Likable Than He Probably Should Be

Summary

• On GoT and HotD, there are no clear protagonists and antagonists.
• House of the Dragon is full of violent people, but they are not as despicable as the man who caused the civil war.
• Despite his crimes, he turns out to be a pretty nice and deep character.

In George R.R. Martin's fan-favorite fictional world, there are no real villains or heroes. The cruelty and violence of his world ensures that all of its inhabitants are equally repulsive and morally corrupt.

On the one hand, Game of Thrones had the Starks and Jon Snow, who were the epitome of goodness and high morals. On the other hand, the world of GoT was full of cruel and villainous characters like Cersei Lannister. To make matters worse, even fan favorites Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen proved not to be all righteousness and honor when she went mad and tried to burn down King's Landing and he stabbed her in the back.

This is also true of the Game of Thrones spin-off, House of the Dragon, which features many morally questionable characters. But what's even more remarkable is that the main antagonist of the prequel is somehow quite likable.

The Mastermind Villain

Like its predecessor, House of the Dragon has many shady characters on both sides of the impending civil war between the Greens and the Blacks. Daemon Targaryen, who is responsible for the murder of little Prince Jaehaerys, and Aemond Targaryen, who killed Prince Lucerys, albeit unwillingly, are the first names that come to mind when you think of HotD's villains. But while both are bloodthirsty and violent, neither has as much blood on his hands as Ser Otto Hightower.

The Hand of King Viserys and grandfather of King Aegon II is perhaps the sole author of the war, as it was his machinations that put Aegon on the Iron Throne, bypassing Rhaenyra. And Otto Hightower had several motives. First and foremost, he wanted to elevate his family. But just as importantly, he wanted to end the incessant wars by putting a monarch on the throne whom he could guide and control.

The Nicest of the Bad Guys

Along the way, Ser Otto did many despicable things and made many enemies. And when Aegon dismissed him from his position as Hand of the King, Otto's sacrifices proved to be in vain, and the old man felt the guilt for his wrongdoings.

It was also in this scene that Otto Hightower proved very likable, showing the extent of his moral clarity. He knew he was wrong, the whole of Team Green was wrong. He knew that Aegon had no moral claim to the throne and was a usurper. And that honesty with himself made the former Hand a very appealing character, despite his past crimes.

To top it off, Otto is also a very good statesman and strategist who doesn't let his emotions get in the way of his decisions. He doesn't want to shed blood and values human life, which shows his underlying humanity.

Episode 3 of the second season of House of the Dragon will be released on June 30.