Alicent Hightower

[FP1997]

Alicent Hightower in House of the Dragon

• Status: Queen Alicent of the House Targaryen. Serving as Queen Consort of the Seven Kingdoms.  

• Traits: Ambitious and intelligent, with a fierce loyalty to her family.  

• Famous quote: “How sweetly the fox speaks when its being concerned by the hound.” 

• Family: Second wife of King Viserys Targaryen; Daughter of Otto Hightower; Mother to several children, including Aegon II, Aemond, Helaena and Daeron Targaryen.  

Married into the Royal Court of Kings Landing, Alicent Hightower is the second wife of King Viserys Targaryen, obtaining a legacy of privilege and expectation. Alicent was born into House Hightower, living in the Red Keep, resulting in a childhood influenced by aristocracy and manipulation. With ambitions as grand as her lineage, she sees herself more than just a consort, aiming to shape the destiny of the realm itself.  

As the only child of Otto Hightower, the hand of the king, they share a close relationship with her father having a notable influence on her life decisions. Otto’s determination for their family to secure power by the marriage of his daughter to King Viserys I depicts all. Alicent often finds herself in a crossroads of being a dutiful daughter yet a political pawn passively accepting her father guidance but growing awareness of the political landscapes she is introduced too.  

Queen vs Princess  

Once a friendship turned enemies. Alicent Hightower and Rhaenyra Targaryen's relationship plays a pivotal part towards the fight for the iron throne. The two initially share a warm relationship, with Alicent embodying a sisterly figure, often accompanying Rhaenyra during court activities such as the Heirs Tournament. Tensions began to surface after the death of Rhaenyra’s mother, Aemma Arryn with Viserys I remarrying to Alicent, her new roles of both queen and stepmother create a natural barrier between the two. Rhaenyra feels betrayed by Alicent’s acceptance of her father’s proposal, as it seems to undermine their friendship and threaten Rhaenyra’s position to heir.  

Their relationship is characterized by a cold political rivalry, with both women preparing for the impending struggle for power. The transformation from friends to foes is complete, as both Alicent and Rhaenyra are embedded in their respective roles not only within their families but also within the larger dynastic struggles for control of the iron throne. 

Battle of the Heirs  

As Alicent bears children to Viserys; Aegon II, Helaena and Aemond Targaryen, the political implications of their claims to the throne in relation to Rhaenyra’s position as the named heir, becomes increasing apparent creating a division. The birth of Aegon Targaryen being especially significant as it introduces the first male heir to the Targaryen lineage, challenging Rhaenyra’s position as the designated heir. Both Alicent and Rhaenyra find themselves at the head of opposing camps, Alicent supporting her son Aegon’s claim to the throne, believing that to be of best interest for the realm and Rhaenyra defending oneself.  

Moments of confrontation clarify the irreparable state of Alicent and Rhaenyra’s relationship, the tournament celebrating the birth of Aegon Targaryen, becomes a symbolic battleground for their rivalry. Alicent’s appearance in a green gown publicly marks the formation of the Green party, opening opposing Rhaenyra, sporting black attire solidifying the different factions. 

 This is further illustrated during the feast, an argument accumulates when Aemond insults Rhaenyra’s children of being born into non-marriage, this lead to a physical altercation with Lucerys Velaryon slashing Aemond’s face, causing him an eye. In a fury, Alicent demands eye-for-an-eye, attempting to attack Lucerys with a knife but instead harming Rhaenyra. 

Dance of the Dragons  

As both Queen and wife of Visery’s Targaryen, Alicent hold significant influence at court shaping both the opinions and loyalties of the members. Following Visery’s death, she quickly moves to secure Aegon II's coronation before the news can reach Rhaenyra in Dragonstone. She illustrates advocacy for her son and galvanises those who are wary of breaking precedent by crowning a queen. 

Throughout the conflict, Alicent works behind to strengthen her son's position by navigating the complex web of Westerious politics to build alliances, these alliances favouring a traditional male succession further alienating Rhaenyra. A significant involvement being with Larys Strong, who had been orchestrating dark deeds, such as the death of both Harwin Strong and his father Lord Lyonel Strong to gain favour with her.  

Who plays Alicent Hightower?  

• Young Alicent is portrayed by Emily Carey; an English actress making their debut in the Warner Brother’s Wonder Woman, swiftly making the move into the role of young Lara Croft in Tomb Raider. Carey’s portrayal of Alicent was described as both impressive and establish, received in a very positive manner.  

• Adult Alicent is portrayed by Olivia Cooke; a Manchester-born actress known for her breakout role as Emma Decody, in the series Bates Motel. Her film credits include Ouija, Me and Earl and the Dying girl and the Good Mother.