Character from House of the Dragon by George R.R. Martin
The Kingmaker — Lord Commander of the Kingsguard who crowned Aegon II and commands the Green armies, a man whose bitter rejection by Rhaenyra curdled chivalry into fanaticism.
Criston Cole was once a dashing young knight who won Rhaenyra's favor at a tourney, and what happened between them — seduction, rejection, or something in between — transformed him into the implacable enemy of everything she represents. He is the man who placed the Conqueror's crown on Aegon's head, the Lord Commander who broke his most sacred vow to defend the rightful succession, and he did it with the absolute conviction of someone who believes he is the hero of his own story. His hatred of Rhaenyra is personal in a way that transcends politics — it is the bitter fury of a man who offered everything and was discarded. He is a superb military commander, disciplined and tactical, but his judgment is poisoned by spite. He champions Aegon not because he believes in Aegon but because crowning Aegon is the ultimate repudiation of Rhaenyra. His piety is performative, his honor selective, and his courage genuine.
Tall and powerfully built, still formidable despite his years. Dark hair streaked with grey, a strong jaw and cold dark eyes. Wears the white cloak and armor of the Kingsguard with a zealot's reverence for the office. Handsome in a severe, martial way — the kind of beauty that has hardened into something unapproachable. His face is a mask of pious disapproval, rarely showing warmth.
Also known as: Criston, Ser Criston, Cole, The Kingmaker