Tommen Baratheon

Tommen Baratheon is the youngest child of Queen Cersei Lannister and her twin brother Jaime Lannister, though the realm believes him to be the son of the late King Robert Baratheon. Born in King's Landing, he grew up in the Red Keep alongside his older siblings Joffrey and Myrcella. From an early age, Tommen displayed a gentle and affectionate temperament, a stark contrast to Joffrey's cruelty. He was particularly close to Myrcella, with whom he shared a warm bond. His childhood was largely sheltered from the brutal politics of the court, though he witnessed the growing tensions between his mother and the Stark family. Ned Stark's discovery of Tommen's true parentage set in motion the events that led to the War of the Five Kings, though Tommen himself remained a minor figure in the early conflict, often seen playing with his kittens or practicing falconry under the tutelage of the master of horse. [edit]

Tommen is defined by his innate kindness, gentleness, and a desire to please those around him. Unlike his brother Joffrey, he takes no pleasure in cruelty and shows genuine concern for the well-being of others, including smallfolk and animals. He is easily influenced and lacks the assertiveness needed to rule independently, often deferring to stronger personalities. His piety emerges after his marriage to Margaery, as he becomes deeply invested in the Faith of the Seven, attending sermons regularly and seeking spiritual guidance. Tommen's innocence and naivety make him vulnerable to manipulation, but his intentions remain consistently good-hearted even as he is pulled between the competing agendas of his mother and wife. [edit]

Tommen's story begins as a background figure, a sweet child overshadowed by his monstrous brother. After Joffrey's poisoning at his wedding feast, Tommen is crowned king at a young age. Initially a pawn of his grandfather Tywin Lannister and later his mother Cersei, Tommen's marriage to Margaery Tyrell introduces a new influence. Margaery skillfully encourages him to assert some independence, such as allowing Loras Tyrell to join the Kingsguard and sending Cersei back to Casterly Rock. Tommen's growing affection for Margaery leads him to embrace the Faith of the Seven, which Margaery uses to gain leverage. However, the re-emergence of the Faith Militant and Cersei's machinations spiral out of control. Tommen's attempts to protect Margaery by forbidding her trial by combat fail to prevent the High Sparrow's grip. When Cersei destroys the Great Sept of Baelor with wildfire, killing Margaery, the High Sparrow, and many others, Tommen is devastated. Overcome with grief and guilt, he removes his crown and leaps from a window in the Red Keep, ending his life and extinguishing the Baratheon dynasty in the male line.[edit]

Tommen Baratheon is often cited by fans and critics as a tragic figure who embodies the dangers of placing power in the hands of someone unequipped to wield it. His death in the television series is remembered as one of the show's most shocking and poignant moments, symbolizing the collapse of the Baratheon-Lannister dynasty. Dean-Charles Chapman's performance was widely praised for capturing Tommen's innocence and vulnerability, particularly in the final season. While a minor character in the novels, Tommen's television arc elevated him to a more significant role, and his gentle nature served as a stark contrast to the brutality around him. He ranks 4,290 in overall character popularity with a score of 3.12, and 169th among characters of his type.[edit]