Otto Hightower

[FP1997]

Otto Hightower in House of the Dragon

• Status: Ser, Hand of the King

• Traits: Cunning, scheming, proud,

• Famous quote: “We play an ugly game. And now, for the first time, I see that you have the determination to win it.”

• Family: Father to Alicent Hightower and Brother to Hobert Hightower.

As Hand of the King, Otto Hightower was the closest advisor to the King, and the highest-ranking member of the council.

In his time with King Viserys, Otto became well acquainted and furthermore, developed a hatred for the King’s brother, Daemon Targaryen. He was afraid of what Daemon would be capable of if he was to be crowned King after Viserys’ death, and so convinced the King to remove Daemon’s titles and responsibilities. This fear of Daemon’s rule meant Otto was very favourable to the idea of Rhaenyra Targaryen becoming Queen.

Political moves and strategy:

Otto made tactical decisions to ensure that his daughter would rise to a powerful position within the court and solidify the Green’s influence on the throne. After the death of King Viserys’ wife Aemma Arryn, Otto suggested that Alicent comfort the King. His efforts did not fail as when the time came to pick a new bride, Viserys chose Alicent Hightower.

With the promise that his daughter would be the Queen in consort, Otto took it upon himself to comment on Rhaenyra’s behavior and voice his opinion on her choices to King Viserys. This was in attempt to show that Rhaenyra is not fit to rule, which later shows in his plot to ascend Alicent’s first-born son to the throne.

This mistrust and plotting caused the King to dismiss Otto as his Hand, leading him to flee from Kings Landing, but not before advising Alicent that she must either make a loyal friend of Rhaenyra or to be prepared to do what it takes to get her son on the Iron Throne.

After the death of Lyonel Strong, Otto was reinstated as Hand of the King, which helped his influence and would allow him to secure Aegon II as King.

Dance of the Dragons:

As Aegon II is crowned as King, Otto’s vision and plot becomes a reality. He becomes Hand of  the King once more, with his grandson crowned and King Viserys dead; the Greens have full control of the Iron Throne.

Otto has an active role in establishing the Green’s power, even taking to Dragonstone to personally deliver a message to Rhaenyra. He relayed King Aegon II’s offer to pardon anyone who didn’t support Aegon’s rise to power, and the offer to give Rhaenyra and Daemon’s children high positions in the court and council, if they accept Aegon’s reign.

Continuing his efforts to secure his Grandson’s rule, Otto used skills and connections to help with their preparation for war with the Blacks.

Who plays Otto Hightower?

• Otto is portrayed by Rhys Ifans, a Welsh actor, best known for his roles in Notting Hill, The Amazing Spider-Man and Harry Potter. The well-established actor enjoyed his time in House of the Dragon, even having to be removed from set for making the other actors laugh too much.