What is Emilia Clarke’s Game of Thrones character?

There’s always that one life-changing project in an actor’s career that changes its entire trajectory. The British actress Emilia Clarke was pretty unknown before landing the incredible lead role in HBO’s Game of Thrones. Even before release, the show was a big deal since the books had been more successful than anyone anticipated. The show changed Clarke’s standing in the industry completely, making her a massive star overnight.

When the reviews for the show started pouring in, nobody forgot to praise Clarke for her exceptional acting and the range of emotions she brought to the role. Game of Thrones turned Clarke’s career around, paving the way for more diverse roles in massive franchises such as Marvel and Star Wars.

Quick answer: Emilia Clarke plays Daenerys Stormborn Targaryen in the HBO show Game of Thrones.

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Emilia Clarke’s character in Game of Thrones

Credits: HBO

Emilia Clarke takes on the role of Daenerys, the last living Targaryen who believes that she is the legitimate heir to the Iron Throne. After Robert Baratheon and Eddard Stark rebel against King Aerys aka the Mad King and dethrones him, Robert establishes rule by claiming the throne. All the other houses rally against the Targaryens for their cruel and unjust rule. The Dragonriders, once believed to be fair and worthy of the crown, dwindle out of public focus. In the end, only Daenerys and her brother Viserys are left alive.

Her first screen appearance is fully nude as the scene had to reflect the kind of humiliation and degradation Daenerys faces. From the meek and innocent youngling we see in season 1, Daenerys goes on to become a fearsome foe in all of Westeros. She suffers abuse at the hands of the Dothraki, insults by her brother, and even gives up all hope of a dignified life.

It is only after her dragon is born and she withstands fire that she realizes the potential she holds. Eventually, Daenerys comes to see how she is worthy of the Iron Throne and puts in all efforts to claim what is rightfully hers. Thus, began the 8-season-long journey that witnessed Daenerys rising to power with confidence.

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Daenerys in the Targaryen Family Tree

Credits: HBO

Daughter of King Aerys (Mad King) and Queen Rhaella: It would have been nice to see Daenerys interact with her parents. She is keen to take their legacy ahead, but we don’t see the Silver Queen share the screen with either of them. This is also because both her parents die shortly after she is born.

Sister of Prince Rhaegar and Prince Viserys: While it is believed that Prince Rhaegar was sweet to his sister, we all see how Prince Viserys treats Daenerys. We don’t see Rhaegar and Daenerys share screen since Rhaegar died before the show’s events began.

Aunt of Jon Snow aka Aegon Targaryen: Daenerys falls for Jon Snow because of his honor and esteemed standing in society. His commitment to helping his people and always being there for help are qualities that attract Daenerys. However, it all comes crashing down when Daenerys learns that Jon Snow is her brother Prince Rhaegar’s son.

Also Read: Who are Jon Snow’s parents? Is Jon Snow a Targaryen?

How does Daenerys die?

Credits: HBO

Even after sacking King’s Landing and leaving everything burnt to a crisp, Daenerys’s anger was nowhere near flickering. On the back of her dragon Drogon, Daenerys sees the land burn and many people and soldiers with it. Eventually, the Targaryen madness catches up to her as no amount of power sedates her desire for destruction. Deanerys’s death is brought on by her beloved Jon Snow.

He is unable to tolerate seeing Daenerys perform such atrocities and decides to take matters into his own hands. As Daenerys enters the Throne room, Jon stabs her with a dagger. Witnessing her mother’s death, Drogon burns the Iron Throne as well.

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