Benjamin Evan Ainsworth discusses Daeron Targaryen's character growth and the absurdity of his first assassination attempt in 'House of the Dragon' Season 3.
Ormund HightowerDaeron TargaryenRhaenyraBenjamin Evan AinsworthJames NortonGwayne HightowerRyan CondalSer Gwayne HightowerHBO

Benjamin Evan Ainsworth discusses Daeron Targaryen's character growth and the absurdity of his first assassination attempt in 'House of the Dragon' Season 3.

In the latest episode of 'House of the Dragon' Season 3, Benjamin Evan Ainsworth explores Daeron Targaryen's character growth amid a failed assassination attempt orchestrated by his half-sister, Queen Rhaenyra. The young prince grapples with power dynamics and his uncertain future on the Iron Throne.

TVLine TVLine+3 sources27 July 2026 · 10:30 UTC
CuriousCats Full Story

In the latest episode of 'House of the Dragon' Season 3, Daeron Targaryen faces his first assassination attempt, revealing his character growth amidst treacherous family dynamics.1

The attack, ordered by his half-sister Queen Rhaenyra, occurs while Daeron dines with Ormund and Gwayne Hightower in Tumbleton.2

“This is an escalation he wouldn’t have ever expected,” Ainsworth remarked, highlighting the shifting power dynamics between Daeron and Ormund.

Despite the failed attempt, which resulted in a few deaths and Ormund's dramatic reaction, Daeron's internal struggle intensifies.

“I think he’s still kind of grappling with the shock of it as well as questioning himself,” Ainsworth noted, emphasizing Daeron's uncertainty about his future on the Iron Throne.7

As the season nears its conclusion, the tension between the Blacks and the Greens escalates, setting the stage for a dramatic finish in Tumbleton.5

“The power dynamics are really kind of teetering and getting closer to switching the other way,” Ainsworth added, hinting at the potential for Daeron's character to evolve further.

With only two episodes left, viewers are left to ponder Daeron's fate as he navigates the dangerous waters of Westerosi politics.

Key Insight
“Ainsworth notes that Daeron's relationship with Ormund Hightower is both controlling and rooted in love, complicating his path to power. As tensions rise, Daeron grapples with the reality of his unlikely chances of becoming king, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion in Tumbleton.”
CuriousCats studied:
1
TVLineTVLine
“It was the most "Game of Thrones" day I've ever had.”
TVLine →
2
VultureVulture
“Tessarion chained in the sept in Tumbleton feels quite emblematic of his own internal experience.”
Vulture →
3
VarietyVariety
“Daeron Targaryen () is growing up: On this week’s episode of “House of the Dragon” Season 3, the youngest (and least blonde) child of Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) and Viserys Targaryen (Paddy Considine) experienced his very first assassination attempt!”
Variety →
4
DeadlineDeadline
“With only two episodes left of the third season of HBO’s House of the Dragon, the pieces are falling in to place for Ormund Hightower (James Norton) as Daeron Targaryen () watches in the wings.”
Deadline →
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