In A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, Lyonel Baratheon’s flamboyant bravado collides with his bruised ego when Dunk chooses Egg instead of him. Actor Daniel Ings revealed that the Laughing Storm’s reaction would be equal parts comic and volatile — a mix of wounded pride and playful theatrics.
Quick Read
- Daniel Ings says Lyonel’s pride is bruised when Dunk chooses Egg.
- Lyonel’s mercurial personality makes his reaction unpredictable.
- Ings jokes Lyonel might throw a “little hissy fit.”
Lyonel’s ego: why Dunk’s choice of Egg sparks wounded pride and comic theatrics
Ings explained that Lyonel’s flamboyant nature makes rejection sting more sharply. He emphasized that Dunk’s decision to side with Egg instead of Lyonel would provoke a mix of admiration and irritation. Before sharing his thoughts, Ings highlighted Lyonel’s mercurial personality and tendency toward dramatic reactions in a chat with TV Insider:
“He’d probably be like, ‘Wow, you’ve got some balls. I offered you this amazing opportunity, and you went off with this little bald kid.’ That would be as interesting to him as any other aspect of Dunk. Lyonel’s a mercurial guy. He might have a little hissy fit about it, and then quite quickly suggest they go and have a drink and dance on some tables and slap each other.”
This blend of wounded pride and comic volatility makes Lyonel both dangerous and entertaining — a character who can turn rejection into revelry.
Image: HBO
The Laughing Storm: comic volatility and the humor of wounded Baratheon pride
Ings further noted that Lyonel’s mercurial nature means his “hissy fit” wouldn’t last long. He stressed that Lyonel’s flamboyant personality lends itself to over‑the‑top theatrics, quickly shifting from anger to camaraderie. Before elaborating, Ings underscored the humor in Lyonel’s unpredictable reactions:
“Lyonel’s a mercurial guy. He might have a little hissy fit about it, and then quite quickly suggest they go and have a drink and dance on some tables and slap each other.”
This comic volatility adds depth to Lyonel’s character, making him a scene‑stealer whose pride and humor embody the Baratheon spirit.
Read next: Why Lyonel Baratheon sided with Dunk in the Trial of Seven
