12 Most Epic Character Introductions In TV History

8. Tywin Lannister €“- Game Of Thrones

The tyrannical head of the Lannister family has to be one of the biggest successes on Game Of Thrones. A relatively background character who never had his own P.O.V chapters, Tywin became a major player in the show in no small part due to the mesmerising performance of Charles Dance and the scenes written for his character that have expanded heavily from the books.

Dance made his mark from his very first scene late in season one, where we were introduced to the former hand of the king through his son Jaime Lannister. Up to this point, no one had the edge on Jaime, the cocky, self-assured Kingsguard and kingslayer. He had skill and power and not even the noble Ned Stark could stand against him. Enter Tywin Lannister, calmly skinning a deer as he talks about war and responsibility, controlling every moment of the scene.

Dance is mesmerising. It's as much about his actions as the way he speaks, slicing opening the animal, ripping out its guts, addressing Jaime without even looking at him. Calling up Jaime's trademark wit, asking him to say something clever, Tywin is able to show disdain and coolness and cut through his son's facade. With his retort "a lion doesn't concern himself with the opinions of a sheep", we know immediately that this is a man who is confident in his power and strength. He views House Lannister as a house to be respected and we the audience knew there was nothing in Tywin's demeanour to suggest otherwise. Plus, he's skinning a deer. Symbolism alert.