Game of Thrones features many characters throughout its eight seasons, but one of the HBO show's introductions stands out as the biggest – and it's really not close. It makes sense that a sprawling fantasy series like Game of Thrones It has a huge cast. Even the supporting players have deeper motivations and more detailed backstories. George RR Martin's books have even more characters to follow, so it's crucial that both versions of the story make memorable impressions on its most important characters.
AND Game of Thrones succeeds on that front, especially when it comes to one of the series' most influential characters. While Tyrion shows off his intelligence during his first scene, and characters like Ned Stark and Jaime Lannister reveal what kind of people they are, Tywin Lannister has the best Game of Thrones general introduction. Tywin makes his entrance Game of Thrones season 1, episode 7, 'You Win or You Die', and it's immediately clear what a great character he's going to be.
Why Tywin Lannister Has a Perfect Game Of Thrones Introduction
Charles Dance conveys the character's power and influence instantly
“You Win or You Die” introduces Tywin during its opening scene, which features a conversation between the Lannister patriarch and Jaime. It's a perfect introduction to the character, as Charles Dance has a powerful presence and instantly conveys who Tywin is. Tywin commands a respect that few other characters in Westeros have, and his first scene demonstrates why. He is fierce and unforgiving, even in arguments with his own son. As Tywin chastises Jaime for attacking Ned and then not killing him, viewers understand why he is so feared among the Great Houses.
Tywin obviously knows how to play the game and has the power and influence to do so.
Tywin's introduction also sheds light on why the Lannisters have reached such heights. He has strong opinions about what it means to be a Lannistertelling Jaime that “The lion doesn't care about the opinion of the sheep.” It is clear that he is not afraid of other lords, but he also insists on defending the Lannister reputation. He's even willing to go to war for Tyrion's sake if it means his family name commands respect. Tywin obviously knows how to play the game and has the power and influence to do so. All of this is conveyed during a single scene.
Tywin's introduction included some clever foreshadowing
Hinted at Robert Baratheon's fate before it happened
In addition to giving a clear indication of who Tywin is, the character's first Game of Thrones scene features brilliant foreshadowing. Tywin's conversation with Jaime takes place while Tywin is skinning a deer, a task he performs with the same competence and authority he demonstrates politically. The inclusion of the deer has a deeper meaning, as the animal is the sigil of House Baratheon. It is no coincidence that Tywin is seen skinning a deer just before Cersei Lannister orchestrates Robert Baratheon's death via “hunting accident” in “You Win or You Die.”
The dead deer at the beginning of the episode alludes to Robert's fate, and the fact that Tywin is the one who skins him is relevant. This suggests that the Lannisters will surpass the Baratheonssomething that happens almost immediately after Tywin's introduction. It is thanks to Tywin's commanding presence and political knowledge that they are able to maintain power for so long in Game of Thrones. And this is completely believable thanks to the character's introduction in the series.
Tywin was one of the most important characters in Game Of Thrones
It's fitting that Tywin Lannister has such a strong introduction, as he is one of the most important characters Game of Thrones. He is obviously instrumental in defending the power structure in Westeros and specifically in King's Landing. Things fall apart quickly after Tywin's death, especially for the Lannisters. The family loses control over the other Great Houses, and the High Sparrow becomes bold enough to act against them. One gets the feeling that later seasons wouldn't have happened if Tywin had been there to forge alliances and stoke fear in his enemies.
Tywin's importance in Game of Thrones it goes beyond the actual story too, extending to the feel of the show. His absence is palpable after Tyrion kills him in Season 4, with Game of Thrones taking on a very different tone. Part of this has to do with the showrunners leaving the books and the central conflict turning to the Starks and Targaryens. But it's definitely missing something without Dance's appearances, proving just how influential Tywin was off-screen as well.