Gwayne Hightower

Ser Gwayne Hightower is a knight from House Hightower, the son of Otto Hightower, and the older brother of Queen Alicent Hightower in House of the Dragon, played by Freddie Fox. He is known for his arrogance, sarcasm, and loyalty to his family, often clashing with Ser Criston Cole, though he is also a capable leader in battle who ultimately dies during the Dance of the Dragons. Key characteristics and role Family: Son of Otto Hightower and brother to Alicent. Personality: Arrogant, sarcastic, and outspoken, but deeply cares for his family. Conflict with Criston Cole: Frequently mocked Cole due to his parentage, but was saved by him from a dragon attack, leading to a grudging respect. Role in the Dance of the Dragons: Served in the City Watch and was part of the delegation to Dragonstone; he was killed by Luthor Largent when King's Landing fell to the Blacks.

Gwayne came to court at the Red Keep in King's Landing in 101 AC with his sister alicent and mother when his father, Ser Otto Hightower, was named Hand of the King by King Jaehaerys I Targaryen.[3]

HOUSE(S) Hightower AFFILIATION(S) Greens TITLE(S) Ser PERSONAL INFORMATION CULTURE Men of the Reach FATHER {Otto Hightower}[1] MOTHER {Alyrie Florent}[1] SIBLING(S) Alicent Hightower

Gwayne is arrogant,[8] sarcastic, and outspoken. Gwayne also disrespects Criston Cole due to being the son of a steward, constantly mocking him despite having become Hand of the King.[2] He is a capable leader in battle.[4] Gwayne knows that Alicent is their father's favourite but does not resent her for it. He instead tries to reach out to her and is shown to deeply care for his family.

Despite his arrogance, Gwayne holds the value of being a knight in high degree. When he witnesses one of his men sexually assaulting a woman, he insists to Cole that they must sentence that man to death for such behavior, strongly believing that they, as knights, should behave in a dignified way.[9] His time around with Cole and all they face during the war, including suffering lack of resources, reinforcement and the loss of many of their men while traveling makes Gwayne change his behavior and start seeing Criston with different eyes, considering him a valuable knight and a very loyal man, offering him to serve House Hightower, Gwayne even calls him his friend

sporting a polished, aristocratic look with expressive facial expressions, classic medieval armor, and a neat, period-appropriate hairstyle.Appearance and Style

Facial Features: Sharp, expressive features, well-known for dry side-eyes and witty expressions. Blue eyes. Hair: Styled in neat, gentlemanly waves fitting a high-born lord from, an auburn color Oldtown. Attire: Wears polished knightly armor, tunics, and cloaks bearing the subtle aesthetic of House Hightower when riding out or serving in the field.

Ser Gwayne Hightower’s armor in House of the Dragon is one of the most ornate suits worn by any knight in the series. It reflects both House Hightower’s immense wealth and its close ties to the Faith of the Seven.

Main colors:

• Polished silver steel – the primary color of the plate armor.
• Deep Hightower green – seen in his cloak, surcoat, horse barding, and the fabric beneath the armor, representing House Hightower and Team Green.
• Black accents – leather belts, straps, gloves, and some cloth details.
• White – incorporated through House Hightower’s sigil (the white tower with the green flame) on banners and heraldry rather than dominating the armor itself.

House Hightower:

House Hightower is one of the oldest, richest, and most influential noble houses in Westeros. Their seat is the Hightower, an enormous lighthouse-fortress that towers over the city of Oldtown, the second-largest city in the Seven Kingdoms and home to both the Citadel (where maesters are trained) and, for centuries, the center of the Faith of the Seven.

Their house words are “We Light the Way.” Their sigil is a white stone tower crowned with fire on a smoke-grey field, symbolizing the great beacon atop the Hightower that guides ships safely into Oldtown’s harbor. In times of war, the beacon is said to burn green, which is why green became so closely associated with the Hightowers in House of the Dragon.

Unlike many powerful houses that built their reputations through conquest, the Hightowers gained influence through wealth, trade, diplomacy, religion, and learning. They control one of the busiest ports in Westeros, giving them immense economic power, and they have long maintained close relationships with the Faith and the Citadel.

During the Dance of the Dragons, House Hightower becomes the driving force behind Team Green. Ser Otto Hightower serves as Hand of the King, his daughter Alicent Hightower becomes queen, and much of the family’s influence is devoted to placing Aegon II Targaryen on the Iron Throne instead of Princess Rhaenyra.

The Hightowers are known for:

• Ancient lineage dating back to the Dawn Age.
• Enormous wealth and political influence.
• Strong devotion to the Faith of the Seven.
• Refined, disciplined, and courtly traditions.
• Green, white, grey, and gold as the colors most associated with the family in House of the Dragon.
• A reputation for pride, ambition, and careful political maneuvering rather than reckless warfare.