Introduction
Criston Cole is a character in the series House of the Dragon and is played by Fabien Frankel; he is a key figure whose decisions directly shape the plot of the Targaryen civil war called the Dance of the Dragons. The article focuses on the character, his or her purpose, and the actor who portrays the role.
Early Life and Background
Humble Beginnings
Criston Cole is a member of the second-tier noble family House Cole of the Dornish Marches sworn to House Dondarrion. While Criston was born a Targaryen, his childhood was not one of luxury and privilege like many of his relatives, as his father was a steward. His upbringing as an illegitimate child of a Dornish noblewoman and his lack of noble birth made him different from other noble-born characters in the series and influenced his perception of the world and his goals.
Rise to Prominence
Criston’s journey to power starts with his competency in combat that makes him a member of the Kingsguard, the most honorable order of knights who are devoted to the protection of the king and his loved ones. His fighting skills and loyalty are instrumental in his rise to the status of a trusted and well-regarded knight in the Targaryen court.
Relationship with Rhaenyra Targaryen
Initial Bond
One of the most ambiguous bonds in the «House of the Dragon» is the one between Criston Cole and Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen; Criston stands as her bodyguard and friend, and there are whispers of more between them. The relationship between Criston and Rhaenyra starts off as a professional one with Criston admiring Rhaenyra for her courage and Rhaenyra respecting Criston for his skills.
Betrayal and Conflict
When political conflicts intensify, Criston remains a devoted follower of Rhaenyra but he decides to support Queen Alicent Hightower and her group the Greens. This betrayal not only fortified the enmity between the two factions but also gave insight into the development of Criston as a character and the ruthlessness of the Targaryen family.
Motivations and Loyalties
Sense of Honor and Duty
Criston Cole has personal motives that stem from his honor and responsibilities. His main character aspect is that he was initially loyal to the Targaryen family and was a knight. However, as the series progresses, his motivations are not solely for justice but is also given by personal vendettas and political aspirations.
Shift in Allegiance
The character arc of Criston Cole is a very dynamic one and one of the moments that mark a significant change is when he betrays Rhaenyra and joins the Greens led by Queen Alicent Hightower. This change is motivated by anger and perceived injustice, power and self-interest, and the rightful heir ideology on behalf of Alicent’s son, Aegon II.
Role in the Targaryen Civil War
The Kingmaker
Criston Cole has a major part to play in events of the Targaryen civil war called the Dance of the Dragons. He actively participates in the events of the war, which places him at the epicenter of the power struggle between the opposing branches of the Targaryen dynasty. Criston, whom is referred to as the ‘Kingmaker,’ is responsible for placing Aegon II on the Iron Throne, thus standing firmly against Rhaenyra’s right to the throne.
Military and Political Strategies
As one of the major backers of the Greens, Criston Cole is heavily involved in the faction’s military and political machinations. His experience as a knight and his understanding of the Targaryen politics are beneficial for Alicent and her allies. Criston is a brave and cold-blooded man who is not afraid to kill anyone during the civil war to ensure that the Greens emerge victorious.
Character Development
From Honorable Knight to Key Player
The character of Criston Cole in the series experiences a lot of growth from the start to the end. From a faithful and noble knight to a main character in the cruel and violent war that surrounds the Targaryen dynasty. His decisions, which stem from a combination of his devotion to his friend, his desire for promotion, and his desire for revenge for his friend’s death, have significant effects on the characters and the plot.
Moral Ambiguity
Criston is a brave and skilled warrior, but he also experiences betrayal and questions his own morality. He is one of the main characters of the series and his intentions and allegiances are closely connected with the development of the drama and the impact of the events on the characters and the series as a whole. Criston Cole is one of the most interesting characters in the series and the Targaryen saga because he represents one of the major themes of the series: loyalty, power, and the nature of humanity.
Fabien Frankel: The Actor Behind Criston Cole
Background and Training
The talented man who portrays Criston Cole is Fabien Frankel, and he was born in London, England, on 6th of April 1994. He is the son of the late actor Mark Frankel and Caroline Besson. Fabien was trained at Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and he completed his education from London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) where he did his BA (Hons) in Professional Acting.
Career Highlights
Frankel’s previous film appearances include a minor role in the 2019 romantic comedy “Last Christmas” and the Frenchman Dominique Renelleau in the 2021 drama “The Serpent.” However, his work as Criston Cole in “House of the Dragon” has proven to be a career-defining role, as he proved that he can handle a character with many layers and facets.
Conclusion
Criston Cole is an example of a complex character whose actions are instrumental in the events of “House of the Dragon.” A knight who starts as a loyal servant of the Targaryen family and ends up as one of the key players in the Targaryen civil war, he has his fair share of heroism, treachery, and moral ambiguity. The TV series gives a unique perspective to the character of Criston Cole through the portrayal of Fabien Frankel, which makes him one of the most interesting characters of the Targaryen era.
