Episode 4 of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms gave fans one of the most emotional sequences yet: Dunk and Egg locked in a cell, stripped of armor and titles, forced to confront their bond in silence. But for Dexter Sol Ansell, the highlight wasn’t the tears or the tension — it was a rat. In a TV Insider interview, Ansell revealed that his favorite character in the entire episode was “Cheese,” one of the rodents perched on the prison window.
Quick Read
- Dexter Sol Ansell says his favorite character was a rat named “Cheese.”
- The prison scene featured two rats, but only one was named.
- Peter Claffey praised the animal performances, channeling Dunk’s love for creatures.
Cheese steals the spotlight in the cell
Ansell explained with a grin: “When Dunk was with the rat on the window, when we met him there were two of them, one was called Cheese and the other one wasn’t named. My favorite character of the whole thing has to be the rat.” It’s a wonderfully childlike answer that shows how even in the darkest corners of Westeros, small details can capture the imagination.
The prison scene was designed to showcase Dunk and Egg’s vulnerability, but Ansell’s affection for Cheese adds levity. It’s a reminder that A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms balances grit with charm, and that even a rat can become a fan‑favorite when given a name.
Claffey channels Dunk’s love for animals
Peter Claffey joined in the fun, praising the rodent’s performance: “Yeah, great performance by Cheese. Brilliant performance by animals in this show.” His comment wasn’t just playful — it reflects Dunk’s character. In George R.R. Martin’s novellas, Dunk is consistently kind to animals, from his horses to the smallest creatures he encounters. Claffey’s appreciation for Cheese mirrors that trait, grounding his portrayal in Dunk’s empathy and gentle strength.
Fans picked up on the resonance immediately. Dunk’s bond with animals has always been part of his mythos, and Claffey’s off‑screen admiration shows how deeply he’s channeling the hedge knight’s spirit. It’s the kind of detail that makes the series feel authentic — not just swords and crowns, but rats named Cheese stealing the spotlight.
