Dexter Sol Ansell has opened up about what drives his character Egg to commit to serving Ser Duncan the Tall in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, despite the hedge knight being far from the obvious choice. In a behind-the-scenes segment shared by Game of Thrones social media, the young actor breaks down Egg’s journey from hesitation to devotion, revealing the logic—and self-doubt—that underpins one of the series’ central relationships.
Quick read:
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Egg is ambitious but hesitates when meeting Dunk, doubting if a rope-belted hedge knight deserves his service.
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Egg realizes strength matters less than genuine commitment in squiredom, making Dunk the perfect knight for him.
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Ansell describes shaving his head as transformative and liberating, mirroring Egg’s own leap of faith.
A Cheeky Child Torn Between Ambition and Logic
Ansell begins by introducing Egg’s core personality. “The character of Egg, he’s very cheeky,” he explains, setting up the mischievous spirit that defines the boy. But beneath that cheekiness lies a serious ambition. “Egg really wants to be a squire,” Ansell says, establishing the character’s core motivation.
However, when Egg encounters Dunk on the road, his certainty wavers. “But then he sees Dunk, so he’s like, ‘Should I?’” Ansell says, capturing the internal conflict perfectly. The problem is immediately apparent: Dunk doesn’t exactly look like knight material. “Your belt’s made of rope. You don’t look like a very good knight,” Egg observes with the blunt assessment only a child can deliver.
Strength Isn’t Required When You’re Willing to Help
Adding to Egg’s uncertainty is the practical reality of the squire’s role. “All the other squires… they’re ten times bigger than Egg. They’re massive, strong men. He’s just a little child,” Ansell notes, highlighting the physical disadvantage his character faces compared to other squires who follow noble knights with established houses and resources. Every logical indicator suggests Egg should look elsewhere. Yet something about Dunk speaks to him.
Peter Claffey and Dexter Sol Ansell in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms on HBO
Egg makes a choice that defies practical logic, and according to Ansell, the turning point comes when Egg realizes something fundamental about the role itself. “But Egg realizes you don’t actually need to be strong. As long as you’re a helping hand to your knight,” he explains, revealing the emotional and philosophical core of Egg’s decision.
In that moment, Egg’s disadvantages transform into advantages. He can’t outmuscle other squires, but he can be present. He can help. He can serve with genuine commitment. And perhaps most importantly, “This could be the only knight I could squire for,” Ansell says, capturing the pragmatism beneath Egg’s choice—Dunk, a knight with a rope belt and questionable credentials, might be the only one willing to accept a small, bald boy.
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