Jaime Lannister is perhaps Game of Thrones’ most complex character and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau’s performance brings many aspects of the books to life.
Daemon Targaryen has emerged as one of the most popular characters on House of the Dragon as well as one of its most complicated. While fans are appalled by some of the things he does, they also can’t help but cheer for him at other times. It is not hard to see similarities between him and Jaime Lannister, the antihero of Game of Thrones.
George R.R. Martin’s novels created this fascinating arc for Jaime, but it was Nikolaj Coster-Waldau who brings the character to life. His performance captured the elements from the books, from the good to the bad to the many grey areas, that make Jaime Lannister one of the best characters on Game of Thrones.
His Arrogance
Jaime Lannister with a sword over his shoulder in Game of Thrones
When Jaime had two hands, he was seen as possibly the best swordsman in Westeros. And Jaime himself would be the first to make that claim. With his inner monologue in the books, it is clear the high opinion Jaime has of himself as a knight.
Coster-Waldau plays Jaime’s arrogance expertly in the early seasons. He strikes a balance between being pompous and being impressive. Even as a captive of Robb Stark, he makes it seem like Jaime is the one who is truly in charge.
His Insecurity
Even though Jaime has plenty of confidence as a swordsman, he still has a lot of insecurity as well. Defined by his nickname of “Kingslayer,” it deeply bothers Jaime that this is the way the world sees him.
It is especially interesting to rewatch earlier episodes of Game of Thrones before the truth about his crimes is revealed. Coster-Waldau shows frustration and pain when others look down on him. This can best be seen when Jaime attempts to convince Ned Stark that killing King Aerys was the right thing to do only to be insulted and called dishonorable.
His Feeling Of Loss
It is impressive that Jaime is able to maintain his confidence while a prisoner, but losing his hand changes everything for him. The novels give his dark inner thoughts about how this loss has altered his life and robbed him of so much of his power.
Coster-Waldau plays this drastic switch in Jaime very well in the show as well. It is quite a shock to see a character who seemed unflappable lose all hope. It is always a turning point for the audience as his performance actually makes the audience feel sorry for Jaime.
His Focus on His Reputation
Spurred by how the world perceives him, Jaime’s motivations in the later books turn to improve his reputation. From tasking Brienne with protecting Catelyn Stark’s daughters to seeking to end the siege of Riverrun peacefully, he wants to be seen as an honorable knight.
This is seen in the show as well with Coster-Waldau playing this distinct change in Jaime. A key scene that exemplifies this is as he examines the book of the Kingsguard and promises to fill the pages with his accomplishments before he dies.
His Conflict With Cersei
The character with the most significant connection to Jaime is obviously Cersei. Though he wouldn’t admit it to anyone else, the books make it clear Cersei is the only thing Jaime cares about in the world. However, it also shows that he recognizes she might be detrimental to his attempts at redemption.
A lot of Jaime’s conflict in this relationship comes out in Coster-Waldau’s performance. Jaime is shown to realize the type of person Cersei is but is unable to change how much he loves her.
His Connection To Tyrion
Jaime’s connection to Cersei is clearly the strongest, but he also shares a lot of love for his brother. Both Jaime and Tyrion recognize in the books that Jaime is the only one looking out for his brother. He is protective of him and even feels guilt over the way he is treated.
Jamie and Tyrion get a lot more time together in the show and their connection is clear. Coster-Waldau shares a lot of chemistry with Peter Dinklage, making their bond as brothers evident even if they have disagreements at times. It shows that despite Jaime’s fault there are members of House Lannister eviler than him.
His Respect For Brienne
Likely the character who influences Jaime’s redemptive path the most in Brienne of Tarth. Though they start off not liking each other at all, Jaime grows to admire Brienne as a knight and is inspired by her dedication to honor and duty.
Jaime and Brienne’s relationship in Game of Thrones embraces the romantic aspects but it doesn’t lose those feelings of respect. This
is most evident when Jaime requests to fight under Brienne’s command in the Battle of Winterfell, something he’d likely not do for anyone else.
His Respect For Enemies
Jaime may have initially seemed like a pompous warrior when facing his enemies, but he had more respect for his enemies than he let on. When facing off with people like Blackfish Tully, Jaime sees him as a warrior of intelligence and power.
Jaime has all the same arrogance in the show but also admits when he is impressed with his enemies. He acknowledges the skill and strategy of Robb Stark as a commander and treats Olenna Tyrell with honor even as he defeats her.
His Lack Of Interest In Power
With his abilities as a fighter and his family status, Jaime could have been one of the most powerful characters on Game of Thrones. But the books make it clear that he has no such ambitions. As the rest of his family fights for power, Jaime doesn’t really care who sits on the Iron Throne.
He holds the same attitude in the show as well, only concerned with carrying out his duties as a knight. Even after losing his hand, he rejects his father’s pressure to take his place as the lord of Casterly Rock.
His Viciousness
While Jaime sets himself on a path of redemption, it doesn’t mean that he isn’t still capable of terrible things. Just like he pushes Bran out of the window, Jaime will do just about anything necessary to ensure he gets what he wants.
One scene in the show that is a great reminder of this is Jaime’s talk with Edmure Tully. Though Jaime is much more likable at this point in the show, he proves he still has that dark side as he makes terrifying threats to Edmure while being completely believable.
