Game of Thrones Season 2 significantly expanded the sprawling cast of characters, introducing beloved faces and deepening existing storylines. This guide delves into the key players of Season 2, exploring their roles and contributions to the season's dramatic arc.
Main Cast Returning from Season 1
Season 2 retained the core cast from the first season, building upon their established arcs and relationships. Key returning players included:
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Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister: The witty and cunning Imp remained central to the narrative, navigating complex political landscapes and facing personal challenges. His strategic brilliance and morally grey actions continued to captivate audiences.
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Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen: Daenerys's journey continued its meteoric rise in Season 2. Her growing power and influence, alongside the hatching of her dragons, cemented her as a pivotal figure in the larger Game of Thrones saga.
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Kit Harington as Jon Snow: Jon's experiences at the Wall deepened, testing his loyalty and forcing him to make difficult choices within the Night's Watch. His storyline became increasingly intertwined with the looming threat of the wildlings.
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Sophie Turner as Sansa Stark: Sansa's experience in King's Landing continued to be marked by manipulation and uncertainty. Her journey in this season heavily focused on survival and navigating the treacherous political landscape of the Lannister court.
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Maisie Williams as Arya Stark: Arya's relentless pursuit of revenge and her journey beyond Winterfell propelled her storyline in compelling directions. Her experiences honed her skills and hardened her resolve.
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Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as Jaime Lannister: Jaime's capture and subsequent imprisonment drastically altered his perspective and provided opportunities for character development. This season explored his complexities and vulnerabilities in new ways.
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Lena Headey as Cersei Lannister: Cersei's ruthless ambition and machinations drove several key conflicts in Season 2. Her struggles for power and the maintenance of her family's influence remained a constant source of tension.
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Mark Addy as Robert Baratheon: While not a prominent presence throughout the entirety of Season 2, Robert Baratheon's early death set the stage for many subsequent conflicts.
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Sean Bean as Eddard Stark (deceased): While physically absent after his execution in Season 1, the repercussions of Ned Stark's death resonate throughout Season 2, shaping the actions and motivations of other characters.
Notable New Additions to the Cast in Season 2
Season 2 introduced several characters who quickly became fan favorites and played significant roles in the unfolding story. These included:
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Carice van Houten as Melisandre: The enigmatic Red Priestess brought a mystical and potentially dangerous element to the narrative, further complicating the ongoing power struggles.
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Stephen Dillane as Stannis Baratheon: Stannis's emergence as a potential claimant to the Iron Throne added a new layer of conflict and intrigue to the political machinations.
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Rory McCann as Sandor "The Hound" Clegane: The Hound's brutal nature and unexpected moments of vulnerability made him a compelling antagonist and a memorable character.
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Michelle Fairley as Catelyn Stark: Catelyn's unwavering dedication to her family and her cunning strategies drove much of the season's action.
Many other actors joined the ensemble, enriching the world of Westeros with diverse characters and intricate plots. This broad cast contributed to the season's richness and complexity.
Who are the main characters in Game of Thrones Season 2?
The main characters in Game of Thrones Season 2 are arguably those whose storylines directly drive the major plot points. These would include Daenerys Targaryen, Tyrion Lannister, Jon Snow, Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, Catelyn Stark, and the newly introduced characters like Stannis Baratheon and Melisandre. While other characters are incredibly important, these figures are central to the core conflicts and power struggles of the season.
What new characters are introduced in Game of Thrones Season 2?
Season 2 marks the introduction of many pivotal characters, including Melisandre, Stannis Baratheon, and Brienne of Tarth (Gwendoline Christie), to name a few. The arrival of these characters significantly altered the balance of power and added complexity to the ongoing narratives.
How many characters are in Game of Thrones Season 2?
Precisely counting all the characters across Season 2 is difficult, as many have minor roles or only appear briefly. However, the main and supporting casts numbered in the dozens, with a significant expansion from the first season. The show's large ensemble cast is a hallmark of its storytelling.
This expanded cast propelled the narrative forward, laying the groundwork for the even more complex storylines that unfolded in subsequent seasons. The diverse and memorable characters of Season 2 continue to be among the most beloved in the entire series.
